Love in action

Richmond, VA >> A church—and community—demonstrate practical love to a family with two disabled children needing a dual wheelchair-equipped van.

God's abundant and specific provision
Maya Brewer, KingsWay Community Church

When Marcus and Penny Hopper's second child, John-Mark, didn't begin walking until he was 18 months old things didn't seem quite right. Hannah, their oldest daughter, exhibited the signs of normal infant growth and development but John-Mark was different. Then there was the gait walk, the enlarged calf muscles, and the falling that began happening when he was five. "We just thought that he was clumsy," said Penny Hopper, "We had no idea that anything was really wrong... but then John-Mark's legs began to hurt."

By now the couple from Richmond had four children, Hannah, John-Mark, Samuel, and Timothy. At 18 months old, the youngest son, Timothy, also started showing some of the same physical problems as his oldest brother. The Hoppers by now knew something was very wrong. After several trips to the doctor and many people praying for clarity, a blood test confirmed both John-Mark and Timothy have an incurable degenerative condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It was also confirmed that their daughter is a carrier.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy primarily affects boys. Within the muscle fiber a vital protein is missing, causing the muscles to weaken. When the child is young it progresses rapidly and leaves them unable to walk by age 12. Usually by 20 years of age, these individuals need a respirator for breathing assistance.

Since receiving the difficult news in 1998, the Hoppers have had a major change in lifestyle and how they consider the future needs of their children. It's meant believing that whatever God has planned for their family is for good in the midst of impending trials.

If you knew the Hoppers you would see a family that shines the love of the Savior. There is always a smile on each of their faces. There's plenty of laughter and jokes to share. Whether it's surprising a family in need for Christmas or Marcus offering his electrician skills, the Hoppers are always seeking someone to serve or to befriend. They excel in their commitment to each other and to their local church, Kingsway Community Church. They are a family which is consistently characterized by hope.

"One thing that I've always noticed about Marcus and Penny is that even after they've shared about some of the difficulties they encounter, they always say but we know that each family has their own struggles that they face," said Vanessa Fernandez, a friend who also attends Kingsway Community Church. "They really do think of others. Their concern for others is really genuine."

The Hopper children, now 13, 10, and 8, have witnessed their 12-year-old brother's loss of mobility. Three years ago John-Mark asked if he could have a wheelchair because of the pain and difficulty in walking. Three and a half years ago the family moved from a two-story home to a one-story rancher. Just recently, God made yet another huge provision on their behalf – a 2002 Ford E250 with an under vehicle lift (UVL).

For the past 3 years the Hoppers have needed a van but they weren't quite sure what they needed or how to pay for it. Marcus thought often of working two or three jobs so that he could try to meet the need but he realized that it would have been trying in his own strength to make it happen. The cost of time away from his wife and family would also have been detrimental.

"I felt like I needed to do something," said Marcus, an electrician for Tate & Hill, Inc. "It seemed that even when we tried to speed things up we couldn't. We kept praying for God's direction but we felt stuck."

All the Hoppers knew was that they needed to plan for a van that could accommodate two wheelchairs. They also realized that they needed a special lift that would provide enough space inside the vehicle so that the family of six could ride together.

"We went through a long process of figuring out what we needed," said Marcus. "We had never done this before. It was all new to us. What kind of van would suit us? We had no direction and we were trying to do a lot of research."

The other pending factor in the situation was the 12-year-old family van was still being paid off and its life expectancy was uncertain. As they waited on God they accommodated John-Mark's needs with a portable ramp that Penny set up for each of her son's outings. Each transfer into the vehicle meant Penny needed to lift John-Mark's deadweight of 50 to 60lbs into the van, get him seated as comfortably as possible and then lift his 200-pound electric wheelchair into the van. Upon arriving at the destination, Penny would pull out the portable ramp, lean it against the van's exterior, lift John-Mark into his wheelchair and let him roll down the ramp. The ramp was then folded up and hoisted onto the floor of the van's interior. Six transfers were made for each outing.

"To take him to school, which is only a minute down the road, would take fifteen minutes to load and fifteen minutes to unload each way," said Penny. "Anytime I went somewhere, I'd try to make it count."

"I'm sure it wasn't legal for her to be riding around with a ramp bouncing around in the van," said Marcus grimacing.

"I would always make sure I parked far away from the other parked cars too because the ramp had a sharp incline and John-Mark would come down fast," added Penny. "We didn't want him to hit any of the other cars when he came rolling down."

"Remember that time I almost rolled off the side," added John-Mark with a giggle.

"Yes! That scared me..." added Penny.

While Marcus and Penny were praying and seeking information little did they realize that others were watching and wondering how they could help. Kathy Conrad, the boys' physical therapist from the Chesterfield County Public School System, had always been a great support for the family and in particular John-Mark. On many occasions the school's secretary also noticed Penny's effort in putting John-Mark into the van. She would promptly send out the custodians to help pick up the wheelchair and place it into the van for Penny.

"I didn't realize that people were watching me," said Penny. "I didn't realize that people noticed or cared. I was just doing what needed to be done, what I do every day... (but) They were talking about our needs. People were voicing concerns on our behalf."

Kathy Conrad formed a committee to gather all the interested individuals from the school community together to help. The principal and the assistant principal called the family about being featured on a television community outreach segment on the Richmond station WWBT-12. A year earlier when Marcus had been asked about being featured on Channel 12 he had turned the option down.

"Last year, I said no because of pride," admitted Marcus. "In my pride, I did not want to appear needy or not able to provide for my family... but the second time around I said yes because I needed to lay down my pride."

The Channel 12 feature aired in December 2004, a few days before Christmas, with a call for donations to assist the Hoppers with the purchase of a van with a wheelchair lift. Then an article was written in the Richmond Times Dispatch newspaper with the same request.

In the meantime, Marcus and Penny continued to research and to pursue their options. It seemed that in each attempt on Marcus' part to get a loan to buy what he thought they needed he was stopped. And then there was the waiting that took so long.

"I kept asking my care group leader if I was dragging my feet," said Marcus. "I can tend to wait out on things longer than I should. I would tend to be hopeful of something happening soon. I'm kinda like Gilligan on 'Gilligan's Island' who was still saying that help was coming soon even after seven years."

"I was getting weary of the whole process," admitted Penny.

The Hopper's caregroup leader, John Robertson, asked them often how the church could help but Marcus was never sure what to tell anyone. Gradually God began to lead them to helpful resources and they soon learned that a new van properly equipped would cost over $50,000. The type of van they desired was a full-size Ford E-250 because it has more clearance underneath for an under vehicle lift.

After the news reports, donations began trickling in steadily from the community, Marcus' employer, Tate & Hill, Inc., and the church. The school committee also continued their efforts in developing community awareness.

Besides money, the Hoppers also received three calls from companies and individuals who offered to give them 15-passenger vans. Some were in need of repair; some were ready with modifications to be converted to work for their family. Marcus was still uncertain.

"I kept wondering what will serve my wife? Will this (15-passenger van) serve my wife? Will it really be good for our family for years to come? Is this what God wants for us?" said Marcus. "The length of the van was very much a concern for us. And because we know the disease is so long lasting we wanted the vehicle to be long lasting."

During this process, the Hoppers were faced with being misunderstood as they waited for what God had for them. In a couple of incidents they were accused of being too picky and ungrateful for the vans that people were offering.

"We had to do a lot of soul-searching and checking our hearts," said Marcus. "I called John (my care group leader) and asked, "Am I being picky? Am I resisting what God has for me? Am I missing God here?"

The Hoppers talked to their care group to see if their hearts were in the right place. They wanted to make sure they were considering things with an open heart towards God. They also wanted the insight of others regarding the safety of a larger van.

"It wasn't like we were against a 15-passenger van, but I was just trying to look out for my wife... Backing in and out is much more dangerous. I just wasn't sure about it. I wasn't sure if that's what God had for us," said Marcus.

With each of the three vans that were passed by, the Hoppers wondered if they had missed God.

"It was up and down like a rollercoaster," said Penny.

In the meantime, the Hoppers made attempts to test-drive a 15-passenger van just to make sure but by God's design there were no such vans on the lots they contacted-another closed door by God. Then a friend, Paul Tumclaire, from Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corporation called offering a few suggestions for the Hoppers.

"Paul was trying to convince us to use a mini-van with a backdoor entrance and with a portable ramp, but by the time we load the family in the van with all the equipment we wouldn't have room for anything else," said Marcus.

The Hoppers still weren't convinced. Since they had only heard about the full-size Ford E-250 they requested to see one at a local dealership. After comparing their options, the Hoppers knew this was the van for their family. Not only did this model have the recommended requirements for the under vehicle lift but it also had a raised roof which made it possible for a rolling cage door. The rolling cage door provides more room to enter and exit so the boys won't have to bend down to avoid hitting their heads as they grow taller. The van looked perfect for their family but its base price was about $45,000 plus another $17,000 for the lift and equipment.

By this time, the end of August, the Hoppers were informed that over $33,000 had been raised on their behalf through community efforts.

They tried once again at Ride-Away Handicap Corporation to search for this particular van.

"According to Paul, the van we wanted was like looking for a needle in a haystack," said Marcus. "He searched his computer but only found 2004 models that all started at $46,000."

Just when Marcus and Penny were beginning to give up the idea of a full-size van they asked if they could search through recent inventory with higher mileage. As Paul searched the computer a full-sized 2002 Ford E-250 with a raised roof, rolling cage doors, an under vehicle lift and tie down retractables came up on the screen. Its price was $33,000 with only 15,000 miles on it.

"It's perfect for you guys but it's sold," said Paul.

Before the Hoppers could even feel disappointed, Paul was calling the dealership in Connecticut to check on its status. As it turned out the deal had previously fallen through. The van was available but another family just ten minutes before their call had expressed interest in purchasing it. Immediately the Hoppers faxed a check to hold the van for them. Two days later they discovered the van was there's if they wanted it. The van was shipped from Connecticut and fully purchased with the help of the community.

"God gave us more than we ever imagined," said Penny. "He met our desires even though we know that He doesn't have to."

As Marcus and Penny recount their journey they say they have learned much about themselves and about God and His ways.

"We're not a one-man show," said Penny. "We've been guilty of self-sufficiency. It's not about us. It was about the many people working with us. We would have preferred not being on television. We would have taken out a loan and quietly bought a van. But we would have missed out on a huge blessing not only for ourselves but for others to be blessed too."

"It's not on our timetable. It's on His," said Marcus. "There are other things and people that are involved in this process. It's causing us to grow in ways that we wouldn't have before. Even when I didn't see anything moving or happening, God tied my hands so that I couldn't do anything. I knew it wasn't for me to try to make this whole thing happen myself."

The Hoppers know that God sees where they're at and that He cares for them specifically. They realize that God is faithful even when we're faithless.

"I know it's important not to charge God, but I went through times wondering if God would be faithful," said Penny. "I would think, 'You gave us children who are disabled and where's the provision?' But I realize that just because it took a long time doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan. He had His perfect timing. He loves and cares for us. It gives me faith for tomorrow because there are increasing challenges in the days ahead. Because He met us here He'll meet us in those places too."

John-Mark has been particularly delighted by his new wheels. The van not only meets his needs but it also has perks like a television and special hydraulics in the lift itself. He likes the fact that he can sit in his own comfortable wheelchair without transferring seats. He feels a lot safer and he enjoys getting out more.

"He (God) just wanted us to wait for just the right time for the van. He wanted us to make friends along the way... and to meet certain people that we wouldn't have met if it (the van) had come sooner," said John-Mark. "I really knew God would provide."

There are so many people out there that have a story," said Penny. "It gave us different eyes to see others because we've been so well cared for."

As a follow-up to the many who donated to the Hopper fund the family is busy writing thank you notes and giving testimony to God's faithfulness through their giving. Included in their notes are invitations to come to church. They are looking forward to what God has in store for the days ahead in the lives of those who they have met along the way.