The PET Project began in 1995 as a ministry for those in greatest need of mobility. The PET Project ministry continues growing to serve the overwhelming needs in some of the most desperate places in the world. The majority of the gifts of mobility have been the three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs now affectionately called "PETs".

1995

Missionaries Larry and Laura Hills, in Zaire (now Congo), Africa, told Reverend Mel West of the great need for three-wheeled, hand-cranked wheelchairs for victims of polio and landmines. Mel contacted Earl Miner, product designer and long-time friend and mission partner; and the process of the prototype design began. The Hills then took the latest prototype to Zaire for field testing.

1996

After some modifications, four were shipped to the Hills with the instructions to "put these in the worst place you can find, and see if they pass the test." Larry did, and the PETs did. Shipments began to Zaire, where Larry had set up a place to receive the frames, build the wooden beds, and distribute them.

1996

Rodney Miner in Darby, Montana, began to build and ship PETs and steel frame parts mostly to Congo/Zaire, where they locally add the wooden bed and then distribute the finished PET.

1997

Bishop Machado of Mozambique saw the PET and requested a project there. Others did likewise. With limited funds and operating out of the West's garage, and a room at Community United Methodist Church, the project grew.

1998

Tom Algiere, shop teacher, was sent by the United Methodist Church to Mozambique where he set up two PET production shops.

2000

Reverend Mel West set up a production, receiving and shipping facility in Columbia, Missouri USA. The PET Place facility receives parts made by volunteers and donated by businesses. Then the PETs are assembled and shipped to various areas of need around the world.

2001

Larry and Laura Hills set up a production shop adjacent to Penney Retirement Community located in Penney Farms, Florida USA. This PET Place began by making the complete PET on site but now many parts are received from volunteers across the USA and donated by business enabling the pace of production to grow rapidly.

2001

Reverend Mel West traveled to the country of Georgia in the former Soviet Republics at the request of their leaders and established the foundations for a national PET program there.

2004

Tampa PET Workshop opened and was hosted at Davis Islands Baptist Church at Ballast Point.

2005

In October the workshop was moved to Faith Baptist Church in South Seminole Heights, Tampa

2009

Today the workshop produces 20-25 units a month, hosts various student, corporate and civic groups. Over 40 first time volunteers serve at the PET every month. As of Sept. 20, 2008 we have produced 566 units.