If it were possible to gather all the disabled people in the world into one nation, that mythical nation would number 650 million men, women and children. That nation would be the world's third largest country, after China and India. (WHO statistic)

That nation would have a number of unique characteristics. That nation would:

• have the least access to education - because disabled people receive little or no education in developing countries


• have the lowest proportion in the world of its population in employment


• be the poorest nation on earth, because disabled people are the poorest of the poor


• have the least access to any sort of transport - poverty again


• be the least evangelized nation with the lowest proportion involved in a church

Wings for Wheels is ministry for people with mobile disabilities from age 18-60, who are living in their homes 'forgotten' by Latvian society and not getting enough attention from Christian society either.

Wings for Wheels goal is to challenge people with mobile disabilities to come out from their passive lifestyle and to show their abilities to improve their quality of life which can help them integrate into society. Same time trying to get Christian society attention for this field and to challenge them to reach out for these 'hidden' people group.

In 1999, God spoke to Evelyn Apinis and called her to be missionary among people with disabilities. After joining YWAM Latvia and getting married with Kaspars Apinis, God was renewing his call for their family and after some preparation they started to make first steps into are of people with disabilities.

Wings for Wheels started with short summer camp at 2007 August. This was first time YWAM Latvia to step into ministry for mobile disabilities and this camp gave possibility to test our ability in new area. It wasn't easy to start with, but participants, who became our ministry 'brain trust', found it really important and encouraged us to go forward.

First camp showed us need to start in Riga small group ministry for people with mobile disabilities. Most buildings in Latvia are not adapted for people who use wheelchairs. This is also sad truth about churches; there are only few of them with handicap access. Wings for Wheels small group is giving possibility for people who are using wheelchair to join Christian fellowship and learn from God.

Same time Kaspars, who is studying to become a physiotherapist started physiotherapy ministry among people with mobile disabilities. Christianity and challenging can hold some people back, but most of them are open to get free professional physiotherapy, love and friendship. It has opened door to evangelize these people who would not be reached other way.

Summer 2008 Wings for Wheels organized first week-long camp Challenge, what contains a variety of activities which include: seminars, workshops, fellowship, sport, games, rope course, concerts, physiotherapy, massage etc. All of these activities are challenging participants to step out of the comfort zone of their everyday life, yet it takes place in a secure and controlled environment.

July 5-10, 2009 Challenge 2 took place in Talsi Christian School and July 2-8, 2010 will be held in same place Challenge 3. Because there are only two full-time workers in this ministry we are looking for people who would like to join us full-time or partly. Especially we need help during our summer camp(s). We are need for personal assistants, practical workers (kitchen etc), game leaders, worship leaders, but we are also open for new ideas and new talents.