For many years Warrensburg Church of the Brethren has supported and participated in the ‘Missouri Festival of Sharing.”
This annual statewide fall event was created and promoted by the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church and was originally called the “Bishop’s Convocation.” Holding a harvest time gathering of crops and goods to share proved to be such a hopeful and helpful denominational event that they opened it up to all. And, renaming it a “Festival” was accurate.
Like many good ideas, the process has changed during the ensuing fifty plus years, but still offers an opportunity for congregations to participate together in assisting their fellow Missourians and others in times of disaster and exceptional need. The impact of the “Missouri Festival of Sharing” has grown to have world-wide significance.
Each fall members at COB choose what avenue our contribution will take. For 2026 Warrensburg Church of the Brethren has committed to providing the gift of mobility through “Mobility Worldwide.” We hope to raise funds to provide three Mobility Carts.
The World Health Organization estimates that 70 million people worldwide need wheelchairs, yet only 5-15% have access. People in developing countries often face barriers of terrain.
The solution? The Mobility Cart. They are designed to go where conventional wheelchairs cannot. They are ideal for indoor use or for outdoor environments, especially in rural areas where roads are non-existent or in disrepair. It is a sturdy three wheeled vehicle propelled by a hand-crank which can be operated by a man, woman, or child who is mobility impaired. There are self propelled and pull carts for those without upper body strength.
A child has the opportunity to go to school! A family provider can find employment or bring products to market. Individuals can travel to local health centers for increased access to needed medical care.
More than 100,000 Mobility Carts have been uniquely designed and distributed world-wide with over 32,000 being built at the shop in Columbia MO since the founding in 1994.
More information and photos are available at their website: www.giftofmobility.org
