Ron Johnson, a member of Mercer Island’s Encounter Church, has seen the tears and celebrations firsthand when he and other volunteers deliver wheelchairs to those in need and their caregivers.

On a mission trip to the Dominican Republic earlier this year, the volunteers distributed about 70 chairs manufactured by Southern California’s Free Wheelchair Mission.

“It’s a great cause,” said Johnson, adding that he experiences emotional and satisfying moments when he helps solve world problems on the missions. “Getting a wheelchair feels like a miracle for them.”

Members from Encounter Church will be playing vital volunteer roles at an upcoming local Free Wheelchair Mission event. The mission will be hosting another Seattle Miracle of Mobility free gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at

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