When Heidy’s story was shared six years ago, thousands were moved by her honesty and courage. Born with spina bifida and surrounded by medical appointments and surgeries from a young age, she opened up about feeling hopeless and unsure of her purpose in her adult years. But her story didn’t end in despair; it was just beginning.
Since that video was filmed, Heidy’s journey has continued to unfold in powerful and unexpected ways. Today, she serves as an Online Missionary to the world without ever leaving her nursing facility.
From Joyful Childhood to Searching Young Adult
While her diagnosis brought pain and limitation, Heidy is quick to clarify: her childhood was also filled with joy. She remembers laughter, friends, and moments of deep happiness growing up in Ohio. It wasn’t until later in life, especially as her health declined in her 20s, that emotional and spiritual struggles began to surface.
As a teenager, Heidy was curious about God but also concerned that her best friend’s beliefs in Jesus might be holding her back from truly living. One day during study hall in their sophomore year, Heidy asked her what she believed. Her friend simply said, “I believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.” To her own surprise, Heidy replied, “I think I can believe that.” That moment planted a seed.
Sometime after, Heidy Googled: “How do I become a Christian?” That search led her to Global Media Outreach.
“I could be real with my Online Missionary,” Heidy shared. “I didn’t have to hide. I just said, ‘Can you help me?’ And they did.”
She gave her life to Jesus in 2006, was later baptized in 2013, and felt a call to ministry, though she didn’t yet know what that would look like. “I know I can’t get through my physical pain and medical challenges without Jesus, and if I hadn’t found GMO, I don’t know if I’d have finalized my decision to follow Him,” Heidy reflects.
Ministry from a Nursing Home
Today, Heidy lives in a care facility in Ohio. She’s endured multiple surgeries, lost mobility, and experienced profound health setbacks. But even on the hardest days, Heidy wakes up with purpose: to reach others with the hope of Christ.
Every time she logs in as an Online Missionary, Heidy engages in Gospel conversations with people worldwide, many of whom feel as isolated and lost as she once did.
“I’ve always wanted to go on a mission trip,” she says. “Now, every time I log in, I feel like I’m on one. I just don’t have to leave my room.”
A Message to the Disability Community
Heidy’s story carries a clear message to anyone in the disability community: you are not disqualified from ministry. In fact, you’re uniquely equipped to serve.
Living with a disability may come with limitations, but it also brings a depth of compassion and resilience the world desperately needs. Heidy speaks candidly about misconceptions she’s faced about dependence, joy, and worth. She reminds us that:
- Not all disabled people are miserable.
- Disabled people can serve powerfully in ministry.
- God doesn’t need physical strength to accomplish spiritual work.
“Serving as an Online Missionary changed my relationship with God forever,” she shares. “Behind a screen, I can connect with people in ways I couldn’t in person. It’s not about ability, it’s about availability.”
Her Growth and Grace Today
Heidy’s ministry continues to stretch and shape her. She’s been open about walking through addiction, wrestling with doubt, and learning to bring her anger and fear honestly before God.
She studies the Bible regularly, finds strength in Christian books like Gentle and Lowly, and has a favorite worship anthem, Avril Lavigne’s “Head Above Water.” She’s also writing a book and dreaming about new ways to share her testimony.
“Even when I feel like I’ve lost everything, I haven’t lost Jesus,” she says. “And that means I haven’t lost my purpose.”
Why Her Story Matters
Heidy represents thousands of volunteers at Global Media Outreach who are proving that missions in the 21st century doesn’t look like it used to. You don’t need a passport, a pulpit, or even the ability to leave your home to share the Gospel.
You just need to say yes.
You Can Be a Missionary Too
Are you part of the disability community and wondering if God can use you? He can. He is. He does.
At Global Media Outreach, our volunteers serve entirely online, responding to messages, encouraging new believers, and pointing seekers to Jesus. If you have a growing relationship with Christ, a desire to serve, and a few hours a week, you can join the mission.
Become an Online Missionary.
No travel. No public speaking. Just your story, your screen, and your heart for others. Learn More and Apply.
Or support the mission financially.
Your gift helps equip volunteers like Heidy with the tools they need to reach others, one message, one prayer, one soul at a time.
“I don’t know how much time I have left,” Heidy shared recently. “But I know I want my life to count for eternity.”
Let’s help more people like Heidy live out their calling and help more seekers around the world find Christ.
