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

Alternative Gift Cards from Through the Roof

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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• As above, there is the new-design PDF with alt text and adjusted reading order
• Or read Vital Link onscreen with the Joomag viewer below:

News release: Anxiety levels soar among disabled people!

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

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

David lives in Hampshire and was a physiotherapist for 40 years, in both the army and the NHS.

Just before his 60^th 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

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. And were thrilled to have run another training in Gosport in April 2025.

This was a Know and Grow Makaton Training Day - an in-person training which cost £40 per person. Everyone had great fun and learned well over 100 Makaton signs, including Christian vocabulary and Makaton for everyday use.
The event was 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, follow this link.

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

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

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.

• Or try the new-design PDF with alt text and adjusted reading order
• Or read Vital Link onscreen with the Joomag viewer below:

News release: Free online event with Christian social media stars

Spring Harvest speakers with over 1 million ‘followers’, Jade and John Reynolds, are on a mission to normalise their faith and disability. They will share at a free, online event on 'the power of your story' with Christian disability charity Through the Roof on Saturday 28th September.

Jade has been paralyzed since the age of 12 and, teaming up with her husband John (who like Jade is a Theology graduate), they are seeking to dispel the stigma surrounding disability.

Normalising disability

In church and society today, there is still some fear and stigma surrounding people who experience disability. How can we normalise issues that many disabled people face every day? How can we encourage everyone, especially Christians in churches, to see disability through God’s eyes?

• In the UK, 2 out of every 3 people surveyed felt ‘uncomfortable’ speaking with disabled people (Scope).
• 72% of disabled children’s families experience isolation (Contact-a-family).
• 66% of churches say they need ideas for how to include disabled people in church activities (ComRes survey).

Join Through the Roof for this free online event, to learn together how to dispel the stigma of disability. Podcast hosts and authors Jade and John Reynolds who have personal experience of disability will share their testimony and life experience using humour and honesty. They will also encourage you to get to know the power of your own story.

Don't miss this free, key event

Disability is a hot topic currently with the Paralympics just finished and Disability Awareness Week 15–22 September. So, this is an online event not to be missed!

At Spring Harvest 2024, when asked about sharing their lives on social media, Jade Reynolds said: “We get messages just going ‘I don’t share your faith, but you’re really normal and you’re funny!’ That kind of normalising of our faith and disability is the thing that makes it worthwhile to me. … People are more open if they know that you’re just speaking honestly from your life experience.” John added “People can reject your theories but they can’t reject your story because it’s your story.”

Katie Budd, Roofbreaker Teamleader at Through the Roof and a wheelchair user, says:
“It’s fantastic that so many people are following Jade and John on social media and thinking about disability and faith. Their new book ‘Able to Laugh’ is an honest, relatable and fun take on everyday life with a disability which is realistic about the challenges but also infused with hope and laughter.”

Join Jade and John, with Through the Roof, on Zoom on Sat 28th Sept 10.30am – 12.00 noon.

Registration is free, but register before the day at https://bit.ly/JadeAndJohn_28Sept24

Full information is at this link: https://bit.ly/28Sept24_JadeAndJohnEvent

Contact: For information about the event itself: janet@throughtheroof.org 
For information about the news item and communications/publicity: annette@throughtheroof.org  
Tel. (main office): 01372 749955 www.throughtheroof.org

Wheels for the World in Rwanda

Wheels for the World enables the distribution of life-changing mobility aids to many disabled people: on this mission, it was in Nyagatare and Kayonza in Rwanda.

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. 

Here, our correspondent Peter and photographer Jan share stories and news from the Rwanda mission in 2024. A team of trained local and UK volunteers have been transforming lives with gifts of wheelchairs and mobility aids to disabled people who need them...

Blog 1: Arrival and preparation 

And so we came together: united, yet a long way from the places we each called ‘home’. Our journeys brought us as volunteers from many countries.

Hearts brimming with belief in our mission with Wheels for the World in Rwanda. We were assured of our God’s guidance for what lay ahead in service of many others far less fortunate than ourselves. 

Rwanda is a country which experienced one of the most horrific genocidal conflicts ever witnessed yet, today, represents one of the most remarkable ‘rebirths’ of any country in human history. One might justifiably use the term ‘resurrection’. 

It is this kind of spirit and resilience which made such a rebirth possible, so we felt certain of seeing it living in the hearts and minds of those we meet on this mission with Wheels for the World in Rwanda.

Stepping out in faith

As we often experience when carrying out God’s work, challenges emerged with unforeseen delays in the arrival of our large shipment of wheelchairs and other disability aids. 

Yet, despite the immense difficulties clearly evident in such a journey from the UK, all praise to God for answering our prayers and clearing the many obstacles to their safe and timely delivery. 

It was indeed a most joyous celebration on seeing our container at the school premises that our local Rwandan partners and host, FH Rwanda, had arranged as one of two mission ‘headquarters’. 

Even then, however, the unsealing and full release of our consignment as we required, we needed to send one of our team, together with our local partners, to the Ugandan border to personally pick up a senior customs official and bring him to officially unseal and release our consignment. 

Preparing and praying

Praise be indeed and with the help of our hosts and a wonderful team of local volunteers, we enthusiastically offloaded, sorted and stored our chairs and other aids and laid out our reception, storage, treatment rooms and pastoral care areas to ensure we were fully prepared to serve and help change many lives the following day. 

And, as we know from our extensive experience in conducting these missions, it is not just the recipient lives that are transformed with the donation of wheelchairs, etc. but importantly their families lives as well. 

For now may we just say that we feel truly blessed to be undertaking this mission to Rwanda and fully prepared now  to succeed in every aspect.

We hope you enjoy reading about the mission to improve the lives of so many disabled men, women and children, achieved with God’s continuing guidance and blessings, and the unwavering help and encouragement of our donors and supporters. 

 

Blog 2: First two days in Nyagatare

With all our efforts on the previous day in preparing our wheelchair storage, registration, technician and treatment areas, our team felt confident about our readiness for the task ahead in Nyagatare. However, a huge storm with torrential rain in the middle of the night before that woke all of us caused real concern as to what effect that may have had on the condition of the Umutara Deaf School grounds and buildings - the first of two locations selected for our mission - and how this might affect the journey our recipients needed to take to reach us. From our experience this could often be lengthy and arduous for those significantly disabled, even at the best of times.

So there was a collective sigh of relief, and much gratitude expressed to our Lord in prayer, when we arrived to find the school relatively unaffected, the sun breaking through and a significant group of people and their families eagerly awaiting our arrival. And what a first day it was !!

As the crowd of people waiting grew it quickly became apparent that many more than the thirty who were actually registered had attended - some arriving prior to their actual registration day and many others who had learnt of our presence and simply arrived in the hope of being treated. This of course placed the team and our local partners, FOH Rwanda, in a very difficult position. It was agreed that our partners prioritise those who were registered and convey this to the crowd. It was a difficult and emotional moment for everyone.

 

Stories of lives transformed

On these kinds of mission trips it is always both impressive and heartwarming to witness the extent of collaboration and teamwork on display between our physiotherapists, the technicians and our interpreters when assessing each recipients' needs and customising the type of aid and equipment each person or child required.

This teamwork was never more evident than with 24 year old Yvonne whose needs proved one of the more complex cases we would encounter. She was born with congenital cerebral palsy, unable to even crawl or feed herself. She won our hearts with her warmth, her immense gratitude and her ever present, beautiful smile that could light up entire rooms. Her family expressed how she could now attend church, reconnect with friends and generally experience a new dimension to her life.

And then there was Joyce who could only 'shuffle' her way to our registration and assessment areas on her hands and knees - the way she had for her entire 23 years due to the way her legs had grown. Hers was the expression of pleading, of hope that this day would be the day her difficult life changed for the better - and change it would, with the wheelchair we provided. Joyce expressed how she looked forward to greater independence but also being able to participate in more family life - a 'win win' outcome !

It was dark and almost 7pm when we finished that day, with us hurriedly searching for light bulbs and, on the lengthy journey back to our hotel, we wearily reflected on the day and what might lay ahead of us tomorrow.

Another busy day

The following day we were unable to start until 11am due to a wonderful Government initiative called Umuganda where, on the last Saturday of each month, every citizen in Rwanda is expected to contribute to tidying up their communities in various ways - something Rwandans take very seriously. Imagine trying to introduce that anywhere in the UK! However, this put considerable added pressure on the team to be able to assess and treat what was an even larger group of men, women and children than the previous day - but in far less time. 

A highlight of the day, however, was the arrival and stirring speech by the Deputy Mayor of the district, Juliette, who announced herself with the biggest, prolonged bear hug Kathy had ever experienced, spoke at length to the crowd and sang the praises of Through the Roof with everyone present applauding warmly.

But it was soon back to the mission where a shocking story presented itself through 45 year old Moses who was the victim of a random shooting five years earlier, whilst on his way to a wedding, which tragically left him quadraplegic due to spinal cord damage. Our therapist, Jill, with the help of our technicians, spent two hours customising a wheelchair for Moses which became the object of great celebration as he left to return home.

Then there was Celestia, an 82 year old farmer who was a double leg amputee who was no longer participating in his family's farm business. His entire demeanour changed dramatically as he contemplated his newly found mobility and the lessening of the burden on his four sons, all made possible by the wheelchair through the generosity of our donors.

And Danier, just 6 years old, whose legs were tragically damaged in a terrible car accident and whose left leg had to be amputated, leaving him only able to crawl everywhere and whose mother could not thank our team enough for the wheelchair he was given. 

All of the people we treat remind us of something that can easily be overlooked - that the help, the expertise and the equipment we provide greatly improves not just the recipients life, but the quality of their families lives as well. There are direct consequences of the greater independence and mobility a wheelchair brings: the lessening of the burden on family members and the improvement in the mindset and demeanor of them and their loved ones.

Over two long days in Nyagatare we treated over one hundred men, women and children - in fact thirty six of them were children.

Yes, we were weary, but what wonderful rewards come from doing God's work! Our weariness was soon forgotten, knowing that, with His abundant blessings and guidance, and the wonderful support and loyalty of our followers and donors, our work will and must continue.

Blog 3: Church... but not as we know it!

At the conclusion of our time in Nyagatare, we had been invited to attend as guests at the local church, The Reformed Baptist Convention in Rwanda, on the following day. It was the first visit to Rwanda for all members of the team so we had no knowledge of what to expect.

Our local partners, FH Rwanda, had advised us that the Government had recently ordered the closure of a large number of churches for failing to meet established standards. For example, their leadership personnel not having appropriate qualifications to lead a church or failing to install sufficient sound proofing in their service areas, as well as other criteria. While we were somewhat surprised at the soundproofing standard, it was soon to become very clear to us as to why an emphasis had been placed on this... The music was very loud!

Dancing in the joy of the Lord!

As we stepped out of our vehicle in the church car park there was the expected keen interest in our presence from those still making their way into the church. However, it was the sights and sounds of what awaited us inside that we all agreed later was an experience that would stay with us forever. As we took our seats in the specially prepared area, a palpable wave of emotion seemed to wash over us at what we were witnessing.

The church was large but already almost full to capacity, partly due to the closure of so many other churches mentioned earlier, and The Reformed Baptist Church had actively welcomed all of those affected to their new spiritual 'home''. This meeting in God's name, and in greater numbers than ever before, together with the renowned African love of music, rhythm and dancing, came together to produce the most amazing service any of us had witnessed, and perhaps never would again.

Such was the sheer scale and depth of the spiritual energy on display, it is difficult to find the words to fully capture the experience. However, think vitality, vigour, fervour, exuberance and a seemingly unquenchable zest for God, as a start! All of these things, together with the raw energy, the stirring music and the dancing, which extended to every corner and aisle of the church, provided a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Blessings abound

There was also a memorable surprise for the team, and therapist Jill in particular, to see that a recipient who Jill had treated just the day before, called Appofie, was in the congregation. Appofie had been unable to attend church for a prolonged period of time but, with the wheelchair we provided, she was there at the first possible opportunity... truly glowing with happiness and delighted to see Jill and the team there as well. However, not only did she attend the entire service, Appofie also joined her old choir onstage and was singing her heart out. What joy!

Throughout the three and a half hour service, we were treated to several of the church choirs singing beautifully as well as an address by Kathy, our leader, on the background, vision and mission of Through the Roof. Finally Nigel, our deputy leader, who was also one of our technicians and our pastoral support person, spoke very well in presenting a reflective pastoral message - both Kathy's and Nigel's talks being wonderfully interpreted into the local language by our local volunteer, Gilbert.

As the service came to a close, there was the expected, somewhat frenetic interest in us as crowds gathered around, both inside and outside the church. When we were eventually able to leave, our wonderful, new experience was the subject of much discussion and reflection throughout the remainder of the day.

Praise the Lord for this most wonderful opportunity to witness, and be part of, such an outpouring of love and devotion for you, your ministry on earth and your guiding hand for the people of Rwanda. 

Blog 4: Final three days in Kayonza

After the team's final day at Nyagatare, our local partners arranged for all of our remaining wheelchairs and other aids to be transported to our second location in Rwanda: The Deaf and Blind School in Kayonza.

Without doubt this was a huge undertaking, so it was with some trepidation that we arrived at the school the following morning. And what a source of delight it turned out to be. Our local partners, had done a truly wonderful job of preparing everything necessary for the days ahead of us.

There were, as usual, a number of people waiting for us to arrive but, thanks to that excellent preparation, we were able to quickly begin registrations whilst the number of people needing our help grew rapidly. 

As is often the case on missions such as this, emotions ran high in every respect. Across three memorable days at Kayonza, in hot conditions, we treated 126 people: each one unique in their life journey and the circumstances surrounding their disability.

Stories of lives transformed in Kayonza

For example, we met 69-year-old Musoni who was a teacher before an accident caused multiple disabilities, after which his wife left him. Despite his many difficulties, he had left home at 5am so that he could reach our centre at 9am, such was his determination to receive our help. And help we did with a wheelchair that Musoni explained was going to greatly improve his quality of life as well as lessen the burden on his four children.

Then there was 16-year-old Theogene who after a sickness was unable to walk and who's father had left his mother some time ago. Theogene's mother then abandoned him - another heart wrenching story. Fortunately, his neighbour, who already had three children of his own, has cared for Theogene ever since. We were able to provide the right wheelchair for his needs and enjoyed hearing that this now made it possible for him to attend school and work towards a better life in the future.

Another person who was brimming with enthusiasm for the huge difference his new chair would make to his life was 15-year-old Sanctrine who had been born without tibia bones in his legs and who had to have both legs amputated at just 9 years old and whose parents were unable to afford prosthetic legs.

We also provided mobility equipment for 37-year-old Claude who's parents were both killed during the horrific genocide of 1994 when he was just 7 years old. So life had already been very difficult for Claude but then an accident whilst he was working in the mines caused him serious spinal injuries which left him unable to walk.

Of course there were so many more stories: far too many to mention here. We can't help but reflect on just where the people we help find the strength, the resilience, to keep going, even when at the lowest point in their lives. We have learnt from the missions we have conducted over the years that the answer for so many is their faith in God which sustains them: His grace, His loving counsel, His heart for the disabled and disadvantaged.

Your prayers and support are vital

None of the support Through the Roof provides. none of the thousands of lives we have been privileged to touch over so many years in carrying out God's work, would be possible if not for the compassion of our donors. So may we once again extend our heartfelt thanks. We hope both our followers and donors alike have enjoyed our reflections, our experiences and our stories from Rwanda.

News release: launch of Disability Awareness Week 2024

Join the launch on Sunday 15 September

The Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference and Moderator of the Free Churches Group, and President of Churches together in England, encourages all churches to celebrate Disability Awareness Week 15-22 September 2024. Helen will share her passion for church disability inclusion by preaching to launch Disability Awareness Week 2024 on 15 September.

How do I access the Disability Awareness Week launch service?

You can hear Revd Helen Cameron preach to launch Disability Awareness Week 2024 in a special launch service – it will be released online by 3pm on Sunday 15 September at: https://valeofstour.org.uk/daw2024

Join us online to explore the Disability Awareness Sunday 2024 theme: ‘Journey with Jesus’. As we travel on the journey of disability inclusion, He is with us in our lives, whatever storms may come. Worship is hosted by the Vale of Stour Circuit in the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury Methodist District, from Brierley Hill Methodist church.

What happens in Disability Awareness Week?

Through the Roof encourages all churches to reach out and meet with disabled people in their community in Disability Awareness Week. This could be through organised church events or through individuals inviting a disabled person they know to meet for a coffee to get to know them.

UCB radio is also helping get disabled Christians voices heard by sharing five ‘disability diaries’ from people with lived experience of disability. On UCB1’s Talking Point programme, 9am–1pm, one disabled person a day will share a reflection on their experience of disability in church and society.

Through the Roof will also be sharing videos from Revd Helen Cameron each day during the week about the ABC of church disability inclusion: Access, Belonging and Commission. There will also be insights posted on social media @TTRChangesLives on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X.  

Why is disability inclusion in church important?

Jesus said disabled people should be included in God’s great banquet: ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the town. Bring in those … who can’t see or walk ... compel them to come in so that my house will be full.’ (Luke 14:23, NIrV)

There are many barriers disabled people can face on their journey to join, or be fully included. Accessibility of church buildings isn’t the only barrier – there are lots of invisible barriers too.

A call to be a justice-seeking and disability-inclusive church

Revd Helen Cameron is clear that the Great Commission is to all and for all. She says:

"If we fail to recognise the call of all disciples, and commission only the able-bodied, then we've abandoned the Gospel ... Those living with disabilities, visible or invisible, need to experience justice, equality and access, as others do."

Join the journey! – mark Disability Awareness Week in your church

Order a free resource pack at https://throughtheroof.org/forchurches/disability-awareness-sunday/

Watch the service to launch of Disability Awareness Week 2024, available after 3pm on 15 Sept at https://valeofstour.org.uk/daw2024