Wheels of Grace: Mission to India 2025

A mission to India with Wheels for the World – a ministry of Through the Roof – has transformed lives with the gifts of mobility and the Word of God.

In March 2025, UK volunteers alongside local partners, pastors and charities worked together to distribute refurbished wheelchairs and mobility aids to people in need.

Mission Snapshots

🧡 Sundasi Devi (the lady in orange), previously crawling, now wheels herself with pride.
😇 Gourab, an 11-year-old boy with a severe disability, beaming a smile in his customised chair.
👣 The boat trip to South Khulna island to share Jesus' love – one mobility aid at a time.

A Message from the Team

As we reflect on our 10-day mission to India, our hearts are full of gratitude. God worked through every team member, every wheelchair fitted, every prayer shared. Over 100 individuals received mobility aids, and with them, new dignity, hope, and freedom—both physically and spiritually.

Thank you for your prayers, your giving, and your encouragement. You were part of this work, and we rejoice in the Lord together with you.
A large group of people in a park in India, outside a block of buildings. There are rows of chairs with people sat, standing, or walking around - men and weomen, old and young, including a man and woman from the UK in grey T shirts.

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Mission Highlights

In every location, along with physical mobility came spiritual encouragement. Bibles were shared. Prayers were spoken. A church service brought joy and unity. Faith inspired local hearts.

Days 1 & 2: Preparation & Anticipation A group photo of 4 UK volunteers in India – one man and three women – stood in front of rows of wheelchairs, lined up for distribution.

Volunteers and local teams travelled to Kolkata, then gathered to sort and match wheelchairs, footplates, crutches, and walking aids. Spirits were high, and prayers were shared as the team prepared for their first day of distribution.

😄 Day 3: Joy Restored

The wheelchair recipients have been full of joy to be gifted wheelchairs and walking aids from Wheels for The World! A dear lady in orange clothing, living in a local charity shelter, who was crawling on her hands, received a wheelchair. Her smile told the story of God’s love in motion.

Day 4: A Day of Rest

On Sunday, our team enjoyed a day off, starting with a church service. Dr. CV, our local partner, shared his inspiring testimony. After lunch, we visited Mother Teresa's House. The day ended with a joyous celebration of Pastor Asis' birthday.

🌟 Day 5: Nakash’s Transformation

28-year-old Nakash, living with polio, arrived with his family, unable to walk. He was lifted into a new chapter of life with a fitted wheelchair. His radiant smile moved the team deeply. Praise the Lord for this joy and transformation!

A young man age 28 in navy blue shorts and T shirt, being lowered into a wicker chair by two volunteers.

Reaching the Islands

Later in the week, the mission extended to South Khulna Island and Jamamtara.
Boat moored by quay, with people walking down to get on to it. An Indian flag is flying on the boat.
It took 2 hours each way to reach South Khulna by car and boat!
Wheelchairs, walking sticks, and crutches were distributed to people with cerebral palsy, amputations, and more. Marie, one of the four UK volunteers, shares her memories:

“The team had transport to South Khulna Island. This region is famous for Bengal Tigers. We did not see any though. As we arrived, we were happily greeted by the people waiting for equipment. At the start, we triaged all who those who had registered. We saw people with various physical disabilities, such as amputees, some children with cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. People with polio, spinal injuries, and injuries from falls. 15 people were successfully given wheelchairs. A smiling elderly Indian man, sat in a wheelchair, being pushed by another man, as a further volunteer checks he is comfortable.

We were delighted to see a couple of other disabled people who were not initially registered and saw an 11 year old boy who received a self-propelled child's wheelchair. The boy had been patiently waiting until the end and was very happy. We gave out three lots of crutches and walking sticks. The day was filled with much excitement, noise, help from local pastors, great teamwork, kindness, care, and happiness.”

In Jamamtara, we were welcomed with songs by children from the Brethren Bible College. Some children with complex needs were measured for chairs we’d send on later. Marie recalls:

“The team & local pastors travelled to a village called Jamamtara. This is a very dry area as water resources are low. The round trip was 12 hours. We had a small selection of wheelchairs and walking aids. We met at the Brethren Bible College and school. We had a great welcome from the local school children and staff team. The children sang two beautiful songs. On the trip, we learned that "thank you" in Bengali is ‘Dhanyawad.’"

❤️ Final Day: A Mother's Joyful Tears, A Boy’s Smile

On Day 10, Gourab, an 11-year-old boy with a severe disability, was fitted with a specialised wheelchair. His mother’s eyes welled with relief as she saw her son seated safely and comfortably. It was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Marie shares:

"We are so grateful for the strength, energy, and love that flowed through each person involved, from our team to the caregivers and the local partners.

Gourab and his mum had returned after an initial visit earlier in the week. With a few adjustments for the chair, he was seated well. His head being supported was the main concern. Gourab found waiting hard, but he left the centre a happy boy and in his new wheelchair!
A smiling Indian mother in a purple and white sari carries her 11 year old son to a wheelchair. He is wearing a red T shirt and blue shorts.
We rejoice in the Lord’s grace and praise Him for all the lives touched by this mission."

🙏 Thank you for your support

All the support received means:
✔ 100+ mobility aids distributed
✔ Dozens of Bibles shared
✔ Countless lives touched by the love of Christ.

We couldn't do this without you. Together, we bring freedom in motion—both physical and spiritual.

"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8

From blessing to curse: disability inclusion in Nigeria

Hear how God is transforming lives through disability inclusion in Nigeria's capital, in the city of Lagos.

Breaking down barriers

Sadly, many churches still hold harmful beliefs about disability. Some see it as a curse or punishment. But Greg’s story from our recent mission to Lagos, Nigeria, shows how lives – and mindsets – can be transformed.

Greg contracted polio, aged 5, and now uses a wheelchair. His father believed Greg’s disability was an attack from the enemy. So he started taking Greg to churches; Greg still has physical scars from them ‘removing the demons’ so that he would walk. At church, children couldn’t play with him. He was isolated because every parent said, ‘I don’t want my child to be like Greg.’ This mentally affected Greg so much that he tried to end his life.

This time, there is a happy ending (read on below). But Greg’s childhood experience is sadly very common – often caused by wrong beliefs, that disability has to be a curse or punishment. Jesus challenged these misconceptions. When asked why a man was born blind, He replied:
“It isn’t because this man sinned… He was born blind so that God’s power could be shown.” (John 9:3, NIrV)

The greatest barriers are often invisible – formed by attitudes, not architecture.

A mission of transformation

Changing lives starts with changing attitudes. Through the Roof leads Roofbreaker events to help churches understand the physical, cultural, and spiritual barriers disabled people face – and how to break them down.

Inspired by the biblical account where friends lowered a paralysed man through a roof to reach Jesus, Roofbreakers are disability champions – individuals or teams in churches who help make inclusion a reality. These International Roofbreaker events often follow Wheels for the World missions, organised by Through the Roof to distribute wheelchairs and Bibles.

In 2025, a UK team including Janet Eardley and Anne Nicholls joined local partners to run a Roofbreaker event in Lagos. 140 people attended – and Greg shared his story publicly.
A Nigerian man sat in a wheelchair, holding a microphone, wearing a colourful shirt
Greg shared that, despite all his negative experiences of churches seeing him as cursed, he was still seeking God.

Through all these challenges, Greg went to university, and tried a nearby church. But to get Greg in his wheelchair into the church they had to lift him, and he was uncomfortable at the attention it brought. So, instead, he went to a very small church. After Greg visited this church once, by the very next Sunday they’d opened a new door and fitted a ramp. From that day, he started attending that church.

After one month, two other people in wheelchairs started coming – word had spread of an accessible church! Then the church welfare people realised it was costing Greg a lot of money to get there. They said “You can’t afford this. We will be taking care of your transport.”

As Greg says, “These are the little, little things that we can do and then we will draw people with disabilities, and they will come and worship.”

Why disability inclusion matters

Roofbreaker events are grounded in the Gospel truth: every person is made in God’s image and deeply valued. A Nigerian boy and his Mum sat in their kitchen. The boy is aged about 10 and is sat in a wheelchair, smiling broadly. Disabled people are often excluded or seen as less able to contribute – but Jesus showed us otherwise.

In the ‘Roofbreaker’ account from Luke 5 / Mark 2:

the friends showed faith and took action
Jesus welcomed the disabled man as a friend
He addressed the man’s spiritual needs first
his healing revealed Jesus’ divine authority
people's hearts and minds were changed
God was glorified.

Disability inclusion isn’t a side issue. It is the Gospel – good news for all, including those living with disabilities. Greg’s life is a testimony to that truth.

On the ground in Lagos

Anne, one of our Roofbreaker volunteers, reports:

“We met Greg and Yemisi, both polio survivors, who shared their personal journeys. We witnessed people receive audio Bibles in their local languages – they were overjoyed! Church leaders responded positively, committing to practical changes like installing ramps. Many hearts were changed as they now regard disabled people as 'made in the image of God', 'adopted in his family'.”

Seeds of change

The mission sparked a lasting impact. A Nigerian man in an orange collarless shirt, holding a pair of glasses and a booklet called 'Be a Roofbreaker' Rev. Moses, a local minister, is now a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in Nigeria, and said of the event:

“It’s been an eye opening and wonderful programme, it’s been enlightening, educative and inspiring. As a matter of fact, it’s been transformational.”

We believe this is just the beginning. Seeds of inclusion have been planted and will continue to grow in Lagos and beyond.

A Journey of Inclusion: Access, Belonging, Commission

Roofbreaker events help churches and communities embrace what we call the ABC journey of inclusion:

Access: Greg’s new church made it physically possible for him to attend by adding a ramp and opening a new door.
Belonging: The church welcomed and valued Greg, taking care of his transport arrangements.
Commission: Greg now shares his story to inspire others and to welcome more disabled people into the Church.

This journey reflects the Great Commission – equipping all believers, including disabled people, to share God’s love.

Join us in making a difference

You can be part of this life-changing work. Whether through volunteering, giving, or praying, your support helps empower disabled people in low-income countries and change perceptions worldwide. Visit our International Roofbreaker page to find out more.

Together, we’re transforming lives – one story at a time.

News release: Disability Awareness Sunday 2025

[News bulletin also available in Welsh]

“My hearing had gone… God’s image was still in me…”

Emily Owen, an award-winning Christian author, lost her hearing overnight at age 21 and now lives with multiple disabilities. Ahead of Deaf Awareness Week: 5-11 May 2025, Emily shares that: “My hearing had gone… my legs wouldn’t move: God’s image was still in me.” Her inspiring story is shared in a new free resource for Disability Awareness Sunday 2025 (suggested date 28 September) from charity Through the Roof. It brings a simple but profound reminder: God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16).

No matter what we face in life one truth remains: we are all ‘wonderfully made’ in the image of God. That’s the heart of the powerful new video in which Emily shows that God has used her experiences and brought her ‘beyond silence’ (the Deaf Awareness Week 2025 theme).

Emily’s video is available now as part of a new church service resource by Emily, prepared for Disability Awareness Sunday 2025 on 28 September. But it can be used at any time, as ‘any Sunday can be Disability Awareness Sunday!’ At disability charity Through the Roof, we encourages all churches to celebrate and involve disabled people in your community.

A free resource for churches

All churches are invited to download the free ‘Made in God’s Image’ resource, including:

Emily’s video testimony
Suggested prayers and songs
Sermon ideas on exploring God’s image in every person, linked to 1 Samuel 16
Free handouts about being ‘Made in God’s image’ to encourage disability inclusion.

The resources are designed to help churches reflect, celebrate, and welcome all – because everyone belongs in the Body of Christ.

Why it matters

Too often, our culture – and sadly sometimes our churches – measure people against worldly ideas of “perfection”. This can lead to unspoken barriers, from physical access to attitudes of discomfort or exclusion. The statistics speak for themselves:

72% of disabled people report negative attitudes in daily life
67% of people feel awkward speaking to a disabled person. (Scope)

These barriers matter. They prevent people from using their God-given gifts and leave parts of the Body unrecognised and unreleased.

Jesus called us to welcome everyone. When churches fully embrace disabled people, we don’t just include them – we are transformed by their presence, perspective, and ministry.

What is Disability Awareness Sunday?

Disability Awareness Sunday 2025 is a chance for churches across the UK to begin or deepen conversations about inclusion of deaf and disabled people. It’s not about fixing things – it’s about opening hearts, listening, and taking the next step together.

Through the Roof encourages every church to appoint a Roofbreaker – a local disability champion who helps guide the church on a journey of Access, Belonging, and Commission.

What others are saying

Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference 2024–25, says in her videos for Disability Awareness Sunday:
“If joining in worship becomes hard because disciples are deaf or blind and no-one makes it accessible, then the story of love and grace is diminished – not by God, but by us.”

Emily Owen, writer of the new resource, says in the latest Methodist Connexion magazine:
“Disability Awareness Sunday is for you… A chance to come together, celebrating each other. Let’s not focus on complicated obstacles, but on simple essentials.”

Join the movement!

Let’s make Disability Awareness Sunday 2025 a turning point for our churches. Celebrate it 28 September or on a Sunday of your choice.

Download the free resources, show Emily’s video, involve disabled people, and take a step toward a church where everyone feels they truly belong.

📥 Get a copy the free resources (in English or Welsh) at:
throughtheroof.org/forchurches/disability-awareness-sunday

🙏 Share your heart for inclusion. Let’s transform lives together.

Grace Bloxham – Roofbreaker Co-ordinator for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England

Grace Bloxham is our Roofbreaker Co-ordinator for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England. In her spare time I love watching films, going on scenic countryside walks, reading, drinking good coffee, and listening to Taylor Swift.

She lived in the North of England her whole life until she moved to study at London School of Theology, where she met her husband Peter, and learned so much about God, the Bible and the Church. Grace grew up with a disabled parent, and was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2021, so providing equal opportunities for disabled people has always been close to her heart.

If you would you like to know more about our Roofbreaker project and how you and your church can be involved then please get in contact with Grace Bloxham grace@throughtheroof.org