Dear Metropolitan Church Family,

I am so excited to share about an incredible mission opportunity I have! I am wrapping up my semester of Physical Therapy school at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene Texas. Something so special about the DPT program at HSU, and one of the reasons I chose HSU, is that it is the 1st and only Physical Therapy Education program in the world to partner with the world-renowned organization of Joni & Friends http://www.joniandfriends.org/. My program is going to participate in an international “Wheels for the World” trip to Brazil in July of 2024!

Our 2024 mission trip to Brazil will focus on customizing wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and canes for those who either can’t afford a mode of mobility or lack access to these resources. Our patients will range from pediatric patients born with congenital birth defects to the elderly who may have experienced a stroke or a neurological disease. Many of these individuals spend their days in bed because they are unable to sit unsupported at their kitchen table for a family dinner or even leave their homes to attend church services or greet neighbors. They need the “gift of mobility” to integrate back into their community. Our 11-day trip will allow us to serve as the “hands, feet, and heart” of Christ as we serve the least of our brothers and sisters. An integral part of our experience is evangelizing for Christ!

The HSU PT Ministries program has been serving those in need since 2000 from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Haiti, Peru, the Texas border, Thailand, Brazil and Kenya. Many have received physical therapy education, evaluations, and treatment from our student missionaries. The cost of my trip is $3,100, and I would greatly appreciate it if you felt led to partner with me, whether financially or in prayerful support, to help reach my fundraising goal (100% tax deductible) by making a financial donation and/or by praying for the success of our PT Ministries program.

If you do feel led to give, donations can be made through Metropolitan using the link below or a check can be sent to the church office with my name in the memo line. Thank you for your constant support and prayer over the years. I have felt and appreciated the love of this church and cannot wait to share about my trip when I return!

Megan Hooper