By MEO Staff
From time to time, there comes a miracle in life that will not only reduce most of us to tears, but will also remind that we should not take anything for granted…such as being able to walk, run, jump and dance, for instance.For those who are not familiar with Joshua Gidado, he is the personification of this miracle.
For the past forty years, he has not been able to feel the simple joy of walking on his own two feet, or being able to hold something in his hands. However, he is beloved to all who know him because of three things: he has a deep faith in God, is an avid reader and a proud coach of a soccer team – composed of neighborhood boys and has competed in state matches. While reading may not be very awe-inspiring, take note that he not only taught himself how to read, he cannot even hold a book by himself!
Gidado was born with a rare disease called Osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bones disease. His case was so severe that almost from birth, the bones in his arms and legs began breaking. No matter what precautions and medical attention his family gave him, the disease became more and more severe; causing further degeneration in his bone structure. His bones shrank and broke to the point that his extremities nearly became useless, rendering him unable to walk or sit.
It was only after someone came up with the idea of providing Gidado with a handcrafted wooden wagon (measuring around four feet) to get around in that Gidado started to rise above his pain and misery. With the help of his family and friends who take Gidado where he needs to go, he has certainly made something of his life. Today, he coaches his team, attends church, reads books from a custom-made stand on his wagon and basically lives a “normal” life.
His mother and brothers have had to work extra hard to keep Gidado healthy throughout his forty years of life. Despite coming down with many serious illnesses such as malaria and pneumonia, Gidado is still experiencing good health. Aside from his family, others have also helped Gidado live a more comfortable life. For example, students from Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria donated their time and effort in creating an extra room in the family’s small house in order to give Gidado more room.
Tripp Johnson, author of the touching novel “Half a Body, Giant of a Man”, wrote about his life-changing encounter with Gidado when he went on a missions visit to Nigeria. He wrote about attending a meeting for 200 Christian leaders concerning an ongoing sports program, where Gidado was one of the first to arrive. Johnson was amazed to see Gidado getting about on his wagon.
He wrote of his heart wrenching experience about seeing Gidado, limbless and deformed, for the first time. However, he was deeply touched when he experienced the love and devotion that the young teenage boys who pulled Gidado’s wagon showed towards the man. They gave him assistance and mobility, going so far as to wipe the sweat off his brow and to hold the Bible up to his eyes so that he could read it.
Amazed by what he saw, Johnson immediately took it upon himself to interview Gidado about his life, and the lives of the teenage boys around him. He learned that Gidado was head of a sports program called Joshua’s Soccer Academy, where boys, aged 8-15, are taken under his wing and taught lessons in playing soccer. Gidado also hired an able-bodied coach and all the older boys from his neighborhood to teach the younger boys about soccer. At the end of each practice, he would gather all the boys around him and teach them about the word of God. He taught them about the love and purpose that Jesus can bring into their lives.
Johnson and a friend were able to watch a practice session between Gidado and his beloved team. After hearing a message about love and compassion from Gidado, the boys gathered around him and presented him with a new soccer ball. Even the younger boys (those too small and young to be on Gidado’s team) crowded around him and held his hands to show their love and affection for him.
Through Gidado’s story, Johnson was able to let go of his own fears and doubts when it came to his missionary work. Before meeting Gidado, Johnson was scared, confused and hesitant to leave his family behind (He has three teenage children) to go to a strange land to help spread the Word of God. When he met Gidado, however, he saw that the depth of passion and love in serving others and bringing the Word of God into their lives could overcome whatever personal trials and fears a person faces. Imagine a limbless, once illiterate person being able to coach a soccer team, and read a Bible, all in the name of letting people know that God loves them, and that their lives have a purpose under His great plan.
Johnson watched Gidado, sitting immobile in his wagon, speaking clearly and loudly for everyone to hear. Gidado spoke about how God’s love can bring everyone closer together, and how they can work together to make a stronger, more loving community where everyone can uplift one another and bring God’s message of love and peace to other’s lives. There, Johnson saw how a mere physical shell could never stop a truly indomitable spirit from answering the call of God.
(Picture of Joshua's family house after heavy rains destroyed the wall of his room in 2008).
Gidado life is a testament to his faith – something we all should strive for. He touches the lives of all those around him. Johnson’s book title could not be more appropriate. Gidado may have only half a body, but he is a certainly a giant of a man!
To speak to Joshua or assist in anyway, call him directly at (011) 234-806-954-1947.
(Photos by Hilary Shirsha, Jos, Nigeria and Dr. Mike Blyth).
