Wheels of Grace: Mission to India 2025

Wheels of Grace: Mission to India 2025

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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 & AnticipationA 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.A young man age 28 in navy blue shorts and T shirt, sat in a wheelchair, smiling broadly!

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

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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

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[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.

An advertising postcard for Through the Roof's Disability Awareness Sunday: on a yellow and purple background, as a close up of a woman with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a green shirt and a colourful scarf, sat in an armchair, holding a mug. A text box reads: '"When my legs wouldn't move, God's image was still in me." Emily Owen, Author'. Below that, a footer reads: 'www.throughtheroof.org 01372 749955 @TTRChangeLives '
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

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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

Alternative Gift Cards from Through the Roof

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Alternative gift cards available online that bring ‘life in all its fullness’ for a disabled person.

Disabled people are the most excluded people-group worldwide and only 5–10% will hear the gospel in their lifetime. You can change that by giving:

  • a wheelchair which brings freedom
  • the gift of a mobility aid which brings possibility
  • or the gift of a print or audio Bible, which brings the Words of life.

When you buy a gift card for family or friends, you can download a full-colour e-card to print or send online to a loved one who will know your gift to them is transforming someone else’s life.

Visit our online shop to purchase an Alternative Gift Card to send to someone and make a difference.

 

What are the different types of Alternative Gifts Cards?

There are four different types of gift cards, each available in two different file formats:

The two different types of cards (with different file formats) are:

  • PDF - for a print-at-home card to deliver by post (mail) or by hand
  • JPEG - an e-Card as an image file, to send online by text or email.

The four different gifts available as cards are:

  • Wheelchair Alternative Gift Card
  • Mobility Aid Alternative Gift Card
  • Audio Bible Alternative Gift Card
  • Bible Alternative Gift Card

 

Why should I buy an Alternative Gift Card? 

Wheelchair Card

Over 80 million disabled people worldwide need a wheelchair but don’t have the money or opportunity to buy one (WHO). That's why our Wheels for the World team in the UK refurbish disused wheelchairs, making them as-new. The chairs are then shipped overseas and volunteer therapists fit them professionally to meet individuals' needs.

Photo of a printed gift card on a purple background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: a wheelchair' Below this is a photo of a man in Rwanda being fitted with a wheelchair. On the right is an image of a smiling young man from Kenya in a wheelchair; he has no arms or legs. Below the image is text saying: 'My gift to you supplies a wheelchair so a disabled person's life is transformed - like Job in Kenya and Emmanuel in Rwanda'. showing two people receiving wheelchairs as gifts in Kenya and Rwanda. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

Photo of a printed Wheelchair gift card

Mobility Aid Card

Many disabled people in developing nations have to endure the indignity of crawling or being carried – or remain house-bound. That's why our Wheels for the World team in the UK collect disused mobility aids and refurbish them. The mobility aids are then shipped overseas and volunteer therapists fit them professionally to meet individuals' needs.

Photo of a printed gift card on a yellow background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: a mobility aid' To the right are two photos of disabled women in Rwanda: one a young woman using shiny aluminium crutches; one an older woman pushing a wheeled walking frame. On the right is some text saying: 'My gift to you supplies a mobility aid so a disabled person's life is transformed - like Jannette and Didancien in Rwanda'. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

Photo of a printed Mobility aid gift card

Audio Bible Card

Often, disabled people in developing countries can’t attend school and learn to read, or cannot see well enough to read the Gospel for themselves. That's why our international missions teams, Wheels for the World and Roofbreakers, provide solar-powered Audio Bibles in their local language to provide access to God's Word.

Photo of a hard copy printed gift card on a dark green background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: an Audio Bible’ To the right are 2 photos: a close-up photo of a solar-powered audio Bible (which looks like a small mobile phone); a smiling young Rwandan man holding an Audio Bible up in the air, as he sits in a wheelchair. Below the images is text saying: 'My gift to you supplies an Audio Bible so a disabled person hears the Word of life in their own language - like this young man in Rwanda. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

A photo of a printed Audio Bible gift card

Bible Card

Disabled people are the most excluded people-group worldwide and only 5–10% will hear the gospel in their lifetime. That's why our international missions teams, Wheels for the World and Roofbreakers, share the gospel and provide Bibles in their local language to disabled people in developing nations.

Photo of a printed gift card on a bright blue background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: a Bible’ Below this is a photo of two female UK volunteers , unpacking Bibles ready to distribute. On the right is an image of a smiling young man from Kenya in a wheelchair; he wears a blue shirt and is holding a paper Bible. Below the image is text saying: 'My gift to you supplies a Bible so a disabled person can read the Word of life in their own language - like Manase in Kenya. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

A photo of a printed Bible gift card

 

 

What is the difference between the two file formats? 

The PDF

The PDF version is a print-at-home card to delivery by post (mail) or by hand.

A print-at-home gift card on a bright blue background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: a Bible’ Below this is a photo of two female UK volunteers , unpacking Bibles ready to distribute. On the right is an image of a smiling young man from Kenya in a wheelchair; he wears a blue shirt and is holding a paper Bible. Below the image is text saying: 'My gift to you supplies a Bible so a disabled person can read the Word of life in their own language - like Manase in Kenya. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

Bible gift card (printable PDF)

When you buy this type of gift card, you will be prompted to download the full-colour PDF gift card to print at home. Here are printing instructions:

  • When you have purchased the gift card, click to download the PDF.
  • Save the file on your computer or device.
  • Open the PDF.
  • Print the PDF: we recommend the 'Fit to page' setting, full colour, on good quality printer paper.
  • Fold the printed card long-ways first, then fold in half again side-ways.
  • The main coloured image should be on the front; the Through the Roof logo should be on the back.
  • Inside the card, the left-side explains what your gift is; the right-side is left blank for your own message.

Print and send the card so that person will know your gift to them is transforming someone’s life.

The JPEG

The JPEG version is an e-Card to send online as an image, as a digital message.

Photo of a JPEG e-gift card on a bright blue background, with text on the left that says: 'A gift that makes a difference: a Bible’ Below this is a photo of two female UK volunteers , unpacking Bibles ready to distribute. On the right is an image of a smiling young man from Kenya in a wheelchair; he wears a blue shirt and is holding a paper Bible. Below the image is text saying: 'My gift to you supplies a Bible so a disabled person can read the Word of life in their own language - like Manase in Kenya. There are logos for Through the Roof www.throughtheroof.org and their project Wheels for the World. There is also a QR code linking to their International Missions page at https://throughtheroof.org/international-mission/

Bible gift card (JPEG e-card)

When you buy this gift, you will be prompted to download the full-colour JPEG e-gift card to send by email or online message.

Attach the JPEG to your message and send the e-card so that person will know your gift to them is transforming someone’s life.

Here is a suggested message to send with your e-gift card:

'I have donated to Through the Roof on your behalf to provide a life-changing gift to a disabled person in a developing nation, bringing freedom, possibility and life in all its fullness.

Through the Roof works together with churches and people across all disabilities to advance the Christian faith globally.'

 

Fundraise for TTR with Alternative Gift Cards

You can also contact Through the Roof if you'd like to sell Alternative Gift Cards on our behalf at an event or church. Contact annette@throughtheroof.org or info@throughtheroof.org 

Karen, a long-standing supporter of Through the Roof, raised almost £300 in one day at a Christmas fair! We'd love to hear from you with any fundraising ideas. Thanks for your support.

 

Spring 2025 Vital Link: "God is in Charge of Making Me"

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Welcome to the Spring 2025 Vital Link newsletter from Through the Roof.

This issue, we begin our 2025 series exploring the Disability Awareness Sunday theme, 'Made in God's Image'. 

Download your PDF copy in this more-accessible format with alt text and reading order.

As creation springs into new life in the UK, we focus on the first word of our 2025 theme: 'Made' by God, our creator.

  • Hear from author Emily Owen about being 'Made in God's image' and access her Disability Awareness Sunday resource
  • Meet John Garrett, a blind singer-songwriter, who has made his 'Life Story' album free online
  • Read life-changing stories from Nigeria on our recent international Roofbreaker mission
  • Check out our accessible holiday at Calvert Trust, booking fast for June 2025!
  • Hear from our new staff member Grace, and new Trustees Matt and Steve
  • Find out about a new online Hope Explored course and plans for sessions in BSL 
  • Last chance to contribute to our Future of Through the Roof survey
  • and more news and views...

Alternative formats

Vital Link is available in many different, accessible formats:

  • large print, Word file, braille, audio link, CD.

Contact us on 01372 749955 or email info@throughtheroof.org to request one of the above accessible formats.

News release: Anxiety levels soar among disabled people!

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Proposed cuts to disability benefits are causing rising levels of anxiety among disabled people, according to Through the Roof, the Christian charity that works together with churches and people across all disabilities to advance God’s kingdom.

Lynda, a disabled volunteer with Through the Roof, currently receives disability benefits including Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which are designed to help people with long-term conditions manage daily living tasks. However, under the government's proposed new criteria, Lynda would no longer qualify for the Daily Living component – despite being a full-time wheelchair user and incomplete paraplegic – which leaves her uncertain about the future.

She says “I haven’t met anyone who has said that they don’t want to work. The problem is that many of us have conditions which make the logistics of travelling to work and finding work in suitably adapted premises very difficult. For others, working from home isn’t possible because of fluctuating medical needs e.g. on-going therapy or continence care. Conditions which cause chronic pain make concentration and focusing on work tasks impossible. Others struggle within the workplace due to mental health needs.”

For Lynda, the disability benefits she receives help cover essential costs, including repairs to her stairlift, which has broken down twice this month, and payments for her adapted wheelchair. These funds also help with heating costs, as her condition makes her more vulnerable to the cold.

“Life is hard,” admits Lynda, “but I’m fortunate because I have a working husband. Many disabled people live alone, and I don’t know what will happen to them! While many disabled people do work and find fulfilment in their jobs, we must remember that support and understanding needs to be given to those who have conditions which, through no fault of their own, mean they are unable to work.”

Lynda calls on churches and the wider Christian community to be more attuned to the needs of disabled people and make adjustments that enable everyone to flourish and use their gifts to build others up:
“Let’s listen to one another,” Lynda encourages. “Let’s hear the worries and concerns of those who are struggling. We must be aware of the resources available through organisations that can offer assistance. As a Christian community, we can provide comfort, encouragement, and hope. In Jesus’s name, we are called to offer support and rest, especially in times of distress. As He said in Matthew 11:28, 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.'”

Through the Roof invites churches to nominate their own Roofbreaker (Disability Champion) to reflect on the needs of individuals and ensure disabled people can fully Access the Christian life, Belong together as God’s family, and use their gifts to make disciples, for God’s glory, as part of the Great Commission.

Find out how we can resource your church for the ABC journey of disability inclusion at: https://www.throughtheroof.org/roofbreakers/ or @TTRChangesLives on social media.

Online Easter retreat: Together on Pilgrimage

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We had a wonderful online retreat 'virtual pilgrimage' in March 2025,  journeying together (online) to the Holy Land, following some of Jesus' own journey through the very first Holy Week. 

As in previous  Through the Roof online retreats, we gathered on Zoom on three afternoons during the week, including time to reflect and share together.

We were led by David Smith as we encountered some of the places and the events of Jesus' own journey from Palm Sunday through Holy Week, culminating in the first Easter Sunday. There was opportunity to spend time looking at some particular elements of this journey and to consider and reflect on our own response to what we heard.

About our speaker, David Smith

A smiling man with a grey beard, wearing glasses and a dark blue based-ball cap and a blue body-warmer. He is sat on a bench in a garden with trees and bushes behind him. David lives in Hampshire and was a physiotherapist for 40 years, in both the army and the NHS.

Just before his 60th birthday David had a stroke, causing his retirement. As a previously keen walker and cyclist, he also became interested in pilgrimage. Now less mobile, David looked at other ways of making Bible-based spiritual journeys. This led to the concept of "virtual pilgrimages" to open up the possibility of experiencing 'journeying' together without the need to physically travel. David has led a variety of 'virtual pilgrimages' and we look forward to sharing this 'journey' together.

 

Reflections

Here are some insights from the 'virtual pilgrimage' following Jesus' journey through the Holy land at the first Easter.

  • "A privilege to be able to journey virtually to the Holy Land and imagine how it may have been to travel to where Jesus lived while on earth."
  • "This was just what we needed! Some contemplative time to think through the journey Jesus took on our behalf."
  • "Very informative and encouraging, I feel like I've had a little glimpse of the Holy Land now!"

When asked to sum up the retreat in a word or short sentence, people said: 

  • Inspiring
  • Welcoming
  • Thought-provoking and collaborative 

We also asked how the week helped people on their own journey of following Jesus: 

  • "Seeing what Jesus went through on his journey to the cross and his willingness to go ahead & pay the ultimate price for us encouraged me to go on trusting him in everything. Talking this through with others helped too."
  • "Being made so welcome by the group was very comforting and supportive for me. Thank you."

About Through the Roof's groups, retreats and holidays

Through the Roof (TTR) offers accessible, supported retreats and group holidays, as well as online small groups, as times of fellowship for disabled people and for all, in an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. These are opportunities to be refreshed spiritually through reflection, meeting with others and spending time being refreshed.

Find out more about Through the Roof retreats and holidays, visit https://throughtheroof.org/holidays-and-retreats/

Find out more about Through the Roof's regular online afternoon fellowship groups: Together in the Lounge, monthly on Tuesdays; and Together at Home, twice monthly on Thursdays.

If you would like to find out more or join us for any of our other online groups or in-person holidays, please do email us at together@throughtheroof.org 

Know and Grow Makaton training in 2025

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Learn a new skill this year...

Makaton is a communication programme using symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. Many churches use Makaton to support people with learning disabilities to be able to access worship and teaching. It is also widely used to communicate with children before they can speak.

We had a fantastic Know and Grow Makaton training day in Cardiff in November 2024. So we're thrilled to say we have another training in 2025...

Join us in Gosport on 26th April 2025 for a Know and Grow Makaton Training Day - email carol@throughtheroof.org to find out more or book online here.
The event is an in-person training and costs £40 per person. You'll have great fun and learn well over 100 Makaton signs, including Christian vocabulary and Makaton for everyday use.
The event is run by the learning disability charity: Count Everyone In, who developed this course with the Makaton Charity.

Other Know and Grow Makaton courses are taking place in various areas run by Count Everyone In. For details of more Know and Grow Makaton events in 2025, follow this link.

Why not learn a new skill in 2025 and communicate the love of Jesus in Makaton?

Flyer for an event which reads: Know and Grow Makaton Equipping churches in key word signing to be welcoming and accessible to adults with learning disabilities so that they can know Jesus and grow in their faith. Saturday 26th April 2025 9.45am registration. 10am - 4.30pm (bring your own lunch) Solent Evangelical Church 365A Forton Road, Gosport, PO12 3HF Advance booking essential as places are limited - £40 per person Makaton tutor: janneke@counteveryonein.org.uk 07896 675538 Booking: https://bookwhen.com/makatonjannekek Workshop includes: - Makaton use for every day - Makaton Christian vocabulary - Signing in church Registered charity No. 1181852

November 2024 Vital Link: “I don’t need working legs...”

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Welcome to the November 2024 Vital Link newsletter from Through the Roof.

This issue we have a new look! Hope you like the more-accessible purple design.

Download your PDF copy of this story-themed issue to:

  • read about Jade and John Reynolds' quest to dispel the stigma surrounding disability
  • hear what happened in Disability Awareness Week and how you can still join in 
  • meet our latest Luke 5 Award winner, Cate Allen, pioneering an additional needs ministry
  • read life-changing stories from Rwanda, from our recent Wheels for the World mission
  • hear how Roofbreakers are sharing video stories through Kingdom Storytellers workshops 
  • find new ideas for Christmas presents and raise money for TTR with Alternative Gift cards!
  • and many other stories of transformation.

Alternative formats

Vital Link is available in many different, accessible formats:

  • large print Word file, Braille, audio CD.

Contact us on 01372 749955 or email info@throughtheroof.org to request one of the above accessible formats.