PET Project
Personal Energy Transportation

The P.E.T. Project Mission
The Personal Energy Transportation (PET) Project's mission is to provide appropriate mobility for all of God's children in need. We seek to provide mobility first for those in greatest need and with the least resources in poor or underdeveloped countries. The PET Project is a part of the ministry of Jesus Christ, whose disciples said, “In the name of Jesus Christ, arise and walk.” (Acts 3:6).

What is a P.E.T. ?
PET stands for Personal Energy Transportation.  It is a sturdy, reliable vehicle designed to bring mobility to those in impoverished and war-torn areas who have the inability to walk.  Many people have lost the use of their legs due to landmine injury, polio, leprosy, birth defects.  This hand-cranked wheelchair provides an effective way to get around.  The PET has been produced in various models including adults and children sizes.

Responding to a clear human need
This Columbia, Missouri based ministry began in 1995 when Rev. Larry Hills, a missionary in Zaire, told Rev. Mel West of the great need for some sort of personal transportation vehicle for victims of landmines and leg handicapping diseases.  Mel contacted his friend and product designer, Earl Miner, who developed the prototype.  Field tests in Zaire were overwhelmingly successful and production began.

Built Locally & Distributed Globally
Production first began in the humble settings of Mel West's garage and a room in Community United Methodist Church in Columbia.  The great need for more PETs and the great generousity of many people has caused production to expand to much larger facilities in Columbia.  As word spread people from across the country got invovled.  PETs are now also built in Aurora, MO as well as in states such as Florida, Texas, Tennesse, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michican, and New York.  From these places, PETs have been distrubted in the Congo/Zambia, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Nicaragua, Thailand, Vietnam, the West Bank, Zambabwe, Costa Rica, Bosnia, Bolivia, Bosnia, Cambodia, and may other countries whre there is great need.

Lots of Ways to Help
A PET costs about $250 to produce.  Church groups can cut the parts from blueprints.  The parts are assembled can be assembled in Columbia and the finished products shipped out.  Cash donations are greatly needed to help with shipping costs.  Businesses can contribute parts needed (wheels, metal, etc).  Here at Wesley UMC we have cut and shapped wooden parts, raised donations through VBS, Sunday School, special donations, and most recently through our Mystery Dinner Theatre.

More Information
PET MO - Colmbia
1908 Heriford Road
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: (573) 886-7877
Website: www.giftofmobility.org  and  Email: petproject@giftofmobility.org
UM Church Advance Special #982665-5