Carina Phillips
From a young age, I have dreamed of becoming a physical therapist and
using that calling to share the HOPE of Jesus with children with
disabilities around the world. It has been amazing to watch God take me
on a journey toward this dream, opening each door along the way. He has
provided for me every step of the journey—from getting into university,
to housing during school, to graduating with my Doctorate in Physical
Therapy.
During physical therapy school, I woke up one day and within a few hours
was completely paralyzed from the chest down. I spent a month in the
hospital unable to move. God performed a miracle, and I am so thankful
to be walking again. Sadly, I was left with a diagnosis of Multiple
Sclerosis and continue to experience symptoms that affect me every day.
This part of my story has given me a deeper compassion for the patients
I will work with. It has also taught me how to live with both joy and
grief each day, while holding on to HOPE for the future.
After graduation, I spent some time in Thailand, where God has opened
many opportunities for me to serve people with disabilities. Please pray
for this next season as I raise support and prepare to return to
Thailand full time. I am so excited to come alongside a ministry called
the Wheelchair Project (a partner of Joni and Friends), where I will
have the opportunity to share the HOPE of Jesus through physical
therapy.