From Walking to Wheeling

“Although I have lived with quadriplegia for over half a century, I do not consider myself an expert on dealing with disability, as there are always new challenges. But demanding challenges force me and people like J. D. Kim to lean hard into the grace of God for every need. In his new book, From Walking to Wheeling, my friend poignantly shares how every weakness can become a platform for the power of God’s grace to be displayed.”


—Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center





“In From Walking to Wheeling, J. D. Kim recounts his remarkable and painful adventure of the past eighteen years. I have known Kim since he sustained his spinal cord injury, rendering him a quadriplegic in 2004, and I have witnessed his unfaltering perseverance and hard work, which resulted in numerous scholarships. I am so grateful for Kim’s story, which is a living theology as the result of a lived theology. It has been such an inspiration to me and will be such an encouragement to others.”


—Stephanie Percival, retired director of clinical care management, Craig Hospital





“Not everyone largely paralyzed in a major skiing accident comes back to complete master’s and doctoral degrees and goes on to teach as an adjunct and assistant director at an alma mater. Very few manage to live a life in which they can honestly say they rejoice in their circumstances because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. J. D. Kim has done all of this and writes his story in a very down-to-earth, emotion-packed, and page-turning style. I recommend it to the widest possible cross-section of readers.”


—Craig L. Blomberg, professor emeritus of New Testament, Denver Seminary





“This book is a treasure. J. D. Kim did not waste his sufferings. Instead, he turned wounds into a pearl. He believed in God who writes a drama of reversal through sufferings. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of God’s providence for the broken ones.”


—Choon-min Joshua Kang, author of Deep-Rooted in Christ





“This book is full of divine inspiration, invincible hope, and unquenchable longing for God’s ultimate victory and vindication. J. D. Kim’s testimony is a must-read for anyone that is struggling with pain, suffering, disability, vanity, and meaninglessness in life. This is truly one of the most powerful and amazing stories of healing and restoration available today.”


—Sung Wook Chung, professor of Christian theology, Denver Seminary





“In From Walking to Wheeling, J. D. Kim has given us a deeply personal, honest account of suffering and the loving God who meets us in that suffering. He does not hold back from anything—the pain, the doubts, the fears, the frustrations, the humiliation, the hypocrisy, and the anger of why me!? For those who have wondered about that same question, this is a testimony that will truly inspire.”


—Suzanne Scholte, Seoul Peace Prize laureate





“J. D. Kim writes from the heart and to the heart. His story is a powerful one of grief, loss, pain, suffering, redemption, salvation, recovery, and glory. The way he finds hope even amidst the brokenness of his condition offers inspiration to all of us who would follow in the footsteps of Jesus and offer our lives as living sacrifices. This book is for anyone looking for hope in the midst of hopelessness. Joy in the midst of great suffering. Peace in the midst of anxiety and fear.”


—Doug Resler, senior pastor, Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church





“Life in this complicated, broken world takes from us all it can. In this book, J. D. Kim reflects on his path, and on the amazing provision our God offers to us, divine power which enables ordinary people to thrive amidst the ruts and rocks. Wrapped in wisdom and gratitude, Kim is a godly man finding the stamina and grace to help us all finish well.”


—Brad Strait, senior pastor, Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church





“J. D. Kim tells a heart wrenching story of tragedy, struggle, perseverance, and hope. With his life laid bare, Kim allows the reader to walk inside his life experience and see the love of God in new ways. This book will challenge and inspire you to make the most out of the life you’ve been given.”


—Curt Taylor, senior pastor, Cherry Hills Community Church





“If you are like me and appreciate an honest memoir that tells you not just the story of a life changed, but that also reminds you of our faithful God, then you will enjoy J. D. Kim’s heart moving book.”


—Kelly M. Kapic, author of You’re Only Human





“From Walking to Wheeling recounts an inspirational journey from self-centered to God-centered living, from anxiety to freedom, from sorry to joy. J. D. Kim’s autobiographical account of his tragic snowboarding accident and resulting paralysis poignantly captures intense moments of frustration, fear, and anger as he wrestles with his new reality. Everyone who has faced devastating life-changing circumstances will be uplifted and encouraged by his wise words of grace.”


—Lynn H. Cohick, provost and dean of academic affairs, Northern Seminary





“J. D. Kim knows about suffering, and he knows about loving Jesus. For some, these two things do not go together. But for Kim, his story, described in this book, led him to make a decision to love Jesus that not only reshaped his life in the face of suffering but is impacting all the people that he speaks to, teaches, or anyone who read his words. I am amazed and blessed by his story and his heart for Jesus.”


—Brad Meuli, president and CEO, Denver Rescue Mission





“In this bracingly honest memoir, J. D. Kim shows us the many ways in which acquired quadriplegia challenges both its recipient and the church—without quieting the voice of the God who desires every Christian to be a conduit of his love. A riveting and poignant tale of a journey out of a life oriented by self-centered dreams into a living conversation with a God who gives wholly new and lifegiving dreams.”


—Brian Brock, professor of moral and practical theology, University of Aberdeen





“From Walking to Wheeling is a remarkable story of J. D. Kim’s agonizing journey in finding his purpose in life after a snowboarding accident left him a quadriplegic in constant pain and totally dependent upon others for his care. Kim hit bottom and cried out to God, and he gained confidence and strength in him. Through this painful journey, he found the purpose for his life is to glorify God and not to receive something from him.”


—Steven G. Stirling, president and CEO, MAP International