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.