"We Need To Show Another Way”

At a recent online event Jonathan Bryan, who communicates by using eye movements only, encouraged us all that, “As a church community we need to show another way from the norms of society, where disability is often begrudgingly accommodated.”

Jonathan communicated every word of his powerful presentation, although it was physically read by his friend, you can watch it by following this link.

At the event, hosted by Christian disability charity, Through the Roof, Jonathan shared some of his incredible journey from being unable to communicate to being freed to express his innermost thoughts and perspectives on life and faith, using eye movements alone to communicate via a specially designed spelling board.

He is used to the many disabling factors in society, and church life, that limit his full participation as part of God’s family – although his own church and youth leader intentionally involve him in the planning and decision-making of activities which affect him.

Still only aged 15, he has published a book, ‘Eye Can Write’ and established a charity, ‘Teach Us Too’ calling for all children to be given the opportunity to read and write, regardless of their perceived ability.
One delegate enthused: "Jonathan showed us that although he is profoundly disabled, he is also profoundly able."

Through the Roof CEO, Tim Wood said, “Jonathan’s presentation is highly recommended viewing for those committed to enabling disabled people to be part of church life, and absolutely essential for those who aren’t!”

Eye Can Make a Difference - Online Event

An online event with disabled teenage author, Jonathan Bryan

Join us on Zoom on October 16th for a wonderful opportunity to hear from Jonathan.

Follow this link to register and join us on the day.

Jonathan is the author of a highly-acclaimed book, ‘Eye Can Write’, which tells his powerful story of communicating through eye movements only. Jonathan, who has profound and multiple disabilities, shares how his life is fulfilled through his Christian faith, his family and friends. He is a disability activist and founded ‘Teach Us Too’ - a charity advocating for all children to be taught literacy, regardless of their label. Find out more at www.eyecantalk.net.

We are thrilled to have Jonathan joining us for this event. Come along to be inspired and encouraged by what he has to share.
There will also be opportunity for some questions and answers, and time in smaller breakout rooms too.

This event is free of charge and open to everyone. Follow this link to register, email us on info@throughtheroof.org, or message us on FB to find out more

Eye Can Make A Difference

** News Release **

Young author, and Christian, Jonathan Bryan, who wrote his book, ‘Eye Can Write’, entirely through eye movements because of his experience of disability, will share some of his story at a free online event, open to all, hosted by Christian disability charity, Through the Roof (www.throughtheroof.org).

Jonathan’s book tells of his incredible journey from being unable to communicate to being freed to express his innermost thoughts and perspectives on life and faith, using eye movements alone to communicate via a specially designed spelling board. Still only aged 15, and not content with publishing his memoirs, Jonathan has now established a charity. ‘Teach Us Too’ http://www.teachustoo.org.uk/ seeks to make a difference by calling for all children to be given the opportunity to read and write, regardless of their perceived ability.

This remarkable young man is unable to speak but through his writing he is becoming a voice for the voiceless. On Saturday 16th October, Jonathan will be keynote presenter for Through the Roof, at their Zoom event. He will encourage and inspire the charity’s volunteer Roofbreakers (Disability Champions in churches) of which there are now 400 across the UK, as well as others who would like to benefit from his wisdom and insights. The event is free to attend, but pre-booking is essential. To guarantee your place please book via this link - https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrcO6orT0iHNxvzgP-uYhlm1mDiXDR0Vsi

Wheels in Kenya 2021 - Blog 4

Reporting from our supported wheelchair distribution in Elburgon, Kenya. A local team fit wheelchairs and other mobility aids for disabled people from August to early September, ably assisted remotely by a UK team of therapists and specialists. We'll bring you reports from the in-country Kenyan team as often as communications allow. The distribution finished on the 5th September, with many people and families receiving life-changing mobility aids. Thank you for your support! We may have a few other posts over the next couple of weeks, catching up with the details from all the days of the distribution.

DAY 6 : 27TH AUGUST 2021

The breaking of the day with promising rays of the beautiful sunrise and sweet melodies of birds of the air penetrating through the windows of our Supported Distribution centre seemingly to welcome a day of great blessings to many disabled people, and more so to a young boy who since birth had not ever seen nor sat on a wheelchair. This actually happened right here where the UK team and the local team were motivated by the desire to see these smart faces empowered and transformed with new enablement and elements of hopeful brilliant future of the beneficiaries and their parents/guardians.

Gerald, a seven year old boy, was born without lower limbs and one hand. He is a jovial boy, lovely company, and a story-teller. He is energetic and can do some activities with his one hand like writing. He likes schooling very much.

Immediately when his mother arrived at the distribution hall and found her son's name among those to benefit with a wheelchair, she could not control her tears of joy. Everyone in the hall was touched by her actions. She talked continuously giving thanks to God and the team which was supporting the distribution.

Immediately the boy sat on the wheel chair, she was overexcited. Similar joy was expressed by the boy who started wheeling himself around the distribution hall. This was the best day for the child. Gerald said that he saw and sat on a wheelchair one time he went to seek medical attention in the nearby hospital. He is a courageous and daring boy that he even talked with the doctor requesting him to allow him to go home with the wheelchair. The doctor saw the need for the child and he promised him that he will alert the mother in case of any other distribution will be made at Elburgon. Upon the doctor hearing the good news of this distribution, he alerted the caregiver and now the boy has his chair.

The boy was very grateful to the doctor, to the bishop and UK team at large. He says his life will change drastically. He will be in a position to move around and even go to school. Thank you for all your support!

Follow this link to read the first post from the distribution

Wheels in Kenya 2021 - Blog 3

Reporting from our supported wheelchair distribution in Elburgon, Kenya. A local team will be fitting people with wheelchairs for the next 6 to 7 weeks (from mid-August through to September), ably assisted remotely by a UK team of therapists and specialists. Technical problems are making it hard to get blog posts over regularly, but we'll bring you reports from the in-country Kenyan team as often as communications allow. Please keep praying for the team, both in Kenya and the UK. Thank you for your support!

Day 3: 13th AUGUST, 2021

Impact of Through the Roof and Wheels for the World Highly Acknowledged By The Central Government

It was on Friday morning of 13th August 2021 when the star of the Through The Roof, Wheels for the World was destined to shine in Kenya. The news had spread through the media on the great compassion and charity work of TTR in Kenya via SD in Elburgon. On the eve of 12th August, a strange phone call rang from the most senior regional officer. He confirmed with me the work of the Supported Distribution and gave the message that he was to visit to witness what was happening. True to his word, we saw very many government officials in the morning and security agencies coming to prepare for the arrival of the Regional (Provincial) Commissioner. He first inspected our store where he expressed his joy and thanksgiving to Through The Roof (Donors and Partners of Davis) for such massive supply and support to the very needy population. He was surprised to see that such great work has been going for years without much recognition. He also inspected services of basic trade skills training, though with only very few machines. Further he was impressed by our service charter which indicated no cost for all services offered, to him this was divine calling.

In the distribution hall, medical personnel explained how the programme was touching and transforming lives of many people. The hospital officer introduced the OP, and Physios from the hospital working with Davis and said that for many years they have received assistive devices from our centre and thank you. Additionally, the health officer informed the guest that sometimes they watch people helplessly when they cannot provide the devices. The doc thanked Davis for collaboration for several years and thanked him for being chairperson of the Hospital management board for three consecutive terms which ended in 2019.

When the chief guest stood to speak, he truely thanked the donor, Through The Roof Charity for their hospitality and goodwill in supporting the government through the local partner. He noted that at some point, the government has to work with other agencies of goodwill in order to promote or even create hope to the very desperate clients. He thanked the Kenyan team for accepting to work under new technology in communication though challenging in the rural areas. In order to express his gratitude, he promised to table the name of Davis to the cabinet for possible consideration for the award of Head of State Commendation as one of the Heroes in the country. We shall inform you of the outcome at the end of the year. Then the day's distribution was prolonged till around 7.00 pm Kenyan time so as to attend all the clients of the day. The team saw many people, and distributed wheelchairs and other aids, helping many families, including...

Margaret Wambui
AGE: 30 YRS
Margaret was born in good health condition, went to school and completed her high school education. By the age of 22 yrs. after giving birth to her baby, her body joints started aching. Later she was diagnosed suffering from arthritis. The condition deteriorated to severe pains and this led to collapsing of ribs and eventually paralyzed of her both legs.

Her mother says that during those eight years her daughter is in that condition, it has not been easy. She empathizes with her due to pain most of the time. She is required to be taken outside and bask during morning hours and this does not take place more often because lifting her is a great task. She says she had been wishing to have a wheelchair but due to lack of funds her desire remained void.

The mother appreciates very much for the support because her daughter will no longer be staying indoor all the time. Also less energy will be used to relocate her from one place to another. May God bless you abundantly for the wonderful job you are doing to give hope to the less fortunate.

Follow this link to read the next post from the distribution
Follow this link to read the first post from the distribution

Wheels in Kenya 2021 - Blog 2

Day 2: 9th AUGUST, 2021

The Kenyan team assembled as usual but a few arrived late due to heavy rains in the morning. The clients started arriving one hour late due to rains. All village pathways are earthen and with no maintained roads. Some terrains are difficult to go through when it rains due to mud which make movement very challenging. As you may be aware, some of the clients are carried on guardian’s backs on the heavy one on plastic chairs, while those coming from deep in the rural areas may be carried on homemade mats from their houses to the main feeder roads.

When the distribution started, the communication with our UK team was interrupted by noise from the roof rains, the electricity went off and thus the poor visibility of the UK team. To improve communication, both pictures and assessment forms were frequently sent to our UK teams for easy understanding of the nature of the client’s disability condition. The network signal was constant with help of powerful 4G gadgets which sustain the network 85 % during the day. Besides all the day’s challenges, the UK team and Kenyan team worked very hard. Gradually communication between the teams improved and the afternoon session opened better communication. A few interesting stories were of the clients were recorded, including the story of Mitshel, a 12 year old girl.

MITSHEL-CHEROTICH-small Mitshel was born with disability due to cerebral palsy. She cannot stand, nor walk or support herself well. Throughout her life she wholly depends on her mother.

The mother could not control her tears of joy after receiving the wheelchair. She says that she has lived wishing to have a wheelchair but due to financial challenges she could not afford one and today her dream comes true. Her touching words were that “What an amazing wonder that I have been given a wheelchair for free by someone who is not even a family member or even a government personnel surely God makes a way where seem to be no way”

The mother says that, the life of her daughter will change drastically since she will be able to go with her everywhere very easily e.g. during their fellowship, going to hospital. She adds that she has been leaving her at bed and locking the house; a situation that she was feeling was very unsafe.

Her prayer is that God will increase every person involved in this noble job to be uplifted higher and higher beyond their imagination.

Follow this link to read the next post from the distribution

Follow this link to read the first post from the distribution

Wheels in Kenya 2021 - Blog 1

Reporting from our supported wheelchair distribution in Elburgon, Kenya. A local team will be fitting people with wheelchairs for the next 6 to 7 weeks (from mid-August through to September), ably assisted remotely by a UK team of therapists and specialists. We'll bring you reports from the in-country Kenyan team as often as communications allow. Please keep praying for the team, both in Kenya and the UK. Thank you for your support!

DAY ONE : 06.08.2021

The day of distribution was highly awaited by all of us with some anxiety especially from the Kenyan team. Most people from Kenya were wondering on how the technology was going to work with our UK team approximately 6000 miles away. The physiotherapist arrived about 30 minutes late since most of them had to report at station of work first. The weather was promising and quite good.

Distribution began with Pastor Davis connecting with the UK team and with prayer, then introduction of both teams.

Many people were helped, and given wheelchairs and other aids. Among them was Julia age 13 years. She had some severe Cerebral Palsy. When she was first seated on the wheelchair, her mother said that “Truly this is the day that God comes by Himself using the donors of this wheelchair, our car. My daughter has never walked nor moved herself from one point to the other, has been forever grounded and restricted. In fact she seem more burden to me and the entire family. Most of the time, I cry and ask questions with no answer. But today a big answer has come. My daughter is enabled to move freely with less support, she will now enjoy sunshine and view of the environment and its beauty. Julia looks happier than ever before. God Bless you servants of God for creating hope in my family. Now, stress is reduced and God will be reigning in my family. Davis, thank you and send my heartfelt thanksgiving to our friends, brothers and sisters in UK.”

Follow this post to read the next story from the distribution

The Future of TTR

Summary of our survey findings

Introduction

As part of our Strategic planning process during 2021, we compiled a 12-question survey. People from within and external to the organisation were invited to complete it. We received 86 responses in total, with excellent representation from across the whole charity including: volunteers from all programmes, prayer supporters, donors, staff, trustees, UK and international partners. A few people who were ‘new’ to the organisation with no prior engagement were also specifically invited to gain ‘first impressions’. Ages ranged from teenagers to 70+. There was significant representation by disabled people.

It is encouraging to note that there was a real sense of ownership by respondents. Many referred to ‘we’ rather than ‘you’. In addition, two respondents who I would refer to as International Partners, both identified themselves as ‘Wheels team-member’ and ‘Roofbreaker’, which confirms that there is a strong sense of togetherness and ‘family’.

To summarise all the feedback, people would say that ‘we are doing a great job, and there are some things that could help us do even better.’

TTR Vision

Our vision is overwhelmingly supported by respondents. 96% (83 respondents) said ‘Yes’ they supported this vision. 1% (1 respondent) said they ‘Mostly’ supported the vision; 1% (1 respondent) said ‘Partly’; and 1% (1 respondent) said ‘No’, they didn’t support the vision

83% of those who answered (68) thought the charity’s activities matched its vision; 13% (11) thought they ‘Mostly’ did; and the remaining 4% (3) felt they ‘Partly’ matched.

Key Insights

10% of respondents (9) made particular reference to ‘empowerment of’, or ‘all contributing’ or the ‘encouragement of the gifts of disabled people, e.g…
“Love how they encourage the gifts of people with disabilities. TTR does try to put its own message into practice and set a good example for others to follow.”

9% (8) acknowledged the Christian focus of the vision, e.g…
“I am excited to see what God has done and continues to do through TTR. I have seen the vision in practice through the ministry of the Roof Breaker network and also the work of Wheels and Churches Inc. I have seen people being given a safe and encouraging place to worship God and use their gifts and being empowered to go out and bless their churches and communities”.

A small but significant number of people, 6% (5), highlighted the need for the vision to be expressed more precisely, e.g…

“It does not speak of the exact nature of the charity.”

“Difficult to disagree with…but…completely unmemorable and doesn’t refer to disabled people” e.g. A CHURCH WITHOUT BARRIERS TO DISABLED PEOPLE”

“Is TTR's central vision really about people 'enjoying life'? Sometimes life is tough…and…'enjoying life' not an option e.g. All people knowing God's love, mutually giving and receiving, as God intended”.

Other perspectives

“This is a precious vision and very much needed”.
“'Roofbreaker' initiative seems a strategically vital part of the work…Imagine hundreds or thousands of local Roofbreakers, all with the same mission purpose, message and support. The more they locally link together the more the work can increase… Each Roofbreaker becomes a local, mini- 'TTR'”.
“Holidays seem to be just catered towards disabled people, but if you want people to be 'enjoying life together...as God intended' you could provide holidays that cater for and welcome families with disabled people, but also families of all abilities and backgrounds, allowing them all to holiday together”.
“Many people within churches across the country don’t even know of the work you do”.

TTR Mission

Our Mission also has overwhelming support from respondents. 97% (83) said ‘Yes’ they fully support the mission; 2% (2) ‘Mostly’ support it; and 1% (1) said ‘No’ they didn’t support it.

83% of those who answered (68) thought the charity’s activities matched its mission; 13% (11) thought they ‘Mostly’ did; and the remaining 4% (3) felt they ‘Partly’ matched.

Key Insights

A very encouraging 23% (20) acknowledged the Christian distinctive of the mission, e.g…

“TTR doesn't hide its Christian ethos and that is to its credit”.

“It is very apparent that Through the Roof is a Christian charity and tries to be Jesus’ hands and feet, voice etc in its work”.

5% (4) emphasised the importance of the mission being ‘with’ disabled people, e.g…

“As a disabled person I have been blessed and challenged beyond anything I could have expected when I signed up for my first mission trip. Thank you TTR for providing a space where I can serve. I believe strongly that Jesus has a plan and purpose for all people and that people with disabilities have unique insights and experiences that can bless and encourage (and where appropriate) challenge the church and bear testimony to the faithfulness of God”.
5% (4) recognised the integral part of church inclusion/accessibility to the mission, e.g…

“It has been really great to work alongside disabled leaders at TTR to create encouraging conversations as well as learning from them how we can do church in a more accessible way”.

Other perspectives

“More punchy…How about SHARING THE WELCOME OF JESUS WITH DISABLED PEOPLE”?
“It’s a Christian statement instead of one that might carry beyond the Christian sphere, which includes the people that Through the Roof wants to share Jesus with”.
“I think there are more opportunities to share the gospel clearly on trips, on holidays and retreats and to support Roofbreakers sharing the gospel with people in their local church context/disability ministries. I think this is so important we need to be asking ourselves when/how to present the gospel. Many people do not really know who Jesus is or why he came. How can their lives be transformed by Jesus if they have not put their faith in him received forgiveness for their sins”?

Values

91% of those who responded (70) said ‘Yes’, the values match the way things are done by Through the Roof. The remaining 9% (7) said they ‘Mostly’ match.

Examples of when TTR has demonstrated its values include…

“Demonstrated by wheelchair distributions in poor nations where the indignity of crawling on the floor through disability is, almost in a moment, turned upside down by the gift of a mobility aid, properly adapted to the user”.

“As a disabled person myself I have been given many opportunities to be involved and I feel my contribution has been valued and appreciated. I have changed as a result of being involved and trust others’ lives have been changed too”.

“My best experiences of these values have been on Churches Inc trips with a team of people that have different disabilities and abilities. Helping each other to cope with the demands of the trip. Christ-centred when we share our testimonies at events or teach from the bible to show that including people with disabilities is on His heart”.

“My sons who both have disabilities were welcomed on a holiday with Through the Roof, after we had bad experiences with other Christian holiday providers”.

Other perspectives

“One of the undeclared values is the importance of every individual as being made in the image of God”.
“Are these the values that shape the way the organisation operates, makes its decisions and choices, sets it priorities and treats its people are they the values it promotes to churches when pursuing its outreach to churches”?

Strategic Aims

97% of respondents who answered (73) said ‘Yes’ it was right to focus on these the two strategic aims; the remaining 3% (2) said ‘Mostly’.

Key Insights

“Please don't change your aims. They are exactly right!”
“The challenge is, how can Through the Roof tap into (a secular) audience to reach disabled people and families whose lives seem incredibly exhausting and limiting from a mental, physical and spiritual perspective?”
“I think the move towards local networks and Roofbreakers in local churches is a very powerful way to meet these aims”.
“I see TTR as being able to provide a place of welcome, connection, understanding and support for disabled people who are feeling isolated and find it difficult to integrate into their local church communities. This, alongside supporting churches to become more inclusive, will hopefully help people know that 'God can prepare a table in the desert'; a rich feast of life, love and spiritual refreshment for those who feel 'outside' the church. Hopefully life-changing too”!
“As a person with a disability and also a church leader, I’m passionate about making church as accessible as we can. Having people with disabilities serving in prominent positions in the church has been a key area, as it communicates to anyone coming into the church that they can get involved despite any obstacles or hindrances they may have. TTR need to keep these two strategic aims at the forefront of all they do”.
“There needs to be some way of empowering Partners to assist in retraining and opening roads to employment. Mobility without a means of being independent and self-sufficient is only doing half a job. For people to feel a useful member of society there has to be more emphasis on working alongside our Partner developing Skills Programmes of useful employment opportunities e.g. cycle repair, tailoring and dress making, carpentry, hair and beauty, computing etc”.
“The way TTR is set up, those needing the equipping see it in action - because you provide opportunities for disabled people to be part of that change”.

Programmes

92% (69) of respondents said ‘Yes’ it was right to focus on these three programmes; the remaining 8% (6) said they ‘Mostly’ agreed.

Key Insights

“I don't feel alone in my mission, even if I am the only one who is remotely bothered about disability inclusion at my church…it's good to feel part of a community of Roofbreakers”.
“Wheels trips are great, but I believe they should include a far greater focus on equipping local people with skills and knowledge to assist disabled people in the future rather than them relying on teams from the UK going out sporadically”.
“In your next phase I believe you need to look like one charity rather than three”.
“Gifts and abilities discovery and development; Leadership development”.
“I'm seeing people talking about Roofbreakers all over the place now - do keep putting out the stories of these champions so I can share them!”

Strengths

Interestingly, no single area dominated the perceived strengths of the charity – either from the perspective of the person’s own context or across the whole organisation.

The following were the top featured areas of strength of TTR as experienced by the respondent in their context…
Prayer/God-centred – 13% (11)
Wheels for the World – 9% (8)
Church training/education/resources – 9% (8)
Roofbreakers – 7% (6)
Holidays/Retreats/Groups – 7% (6)
Staff and leadership/people – 7% (5)

The following were the top featured areas of strength across the whole organisation…
Wheels for the World – 9% (8)
Empower/encourage disabled people in their faith – 8% (7)
Equipping church/promoting inclusion – 8% (7)
Focus on Jesus – 7% (6)
Roofbreakers – 6% (5)

Key Insights

“An organisation is only as good as its people and its culture and in my experience, these are both excellent”.
“I have personally so valued being involved in the holidays and having the opportunity to see the impact of talking about your work to various groups and seeing attitudes change as a result”.
“I'm astonished by what such a small charity achieves - definitely punches above its weight! I have been particularly grateful for the quality of leadership of the (Wheels) Team Leaders. The trips have changed me, opened my eyes, warmed my heart and given an opening of conversation to talk with friends, colleagues and random strangers about disability and God's love”.
“I feel I can recommend and promote TTR in many different situations without any concerns”.
“I have found my experience of working with TTR extremely positive. The staff I have worked with have been very professional, warm, collaborative, and keen to listen to different points of views. It's a real partnership and is a pleasure to work in this way, which I think brings the best out of people”.
“TTR communicates a positive Christian perspective on disability that encourages churches to include and involve disabled people and creates pathways for disabled people to discover Christian faith and encounter Jesus”.
“I know disabled people or those with experience of disability have been part of each step”.

Weaknesses

Encouragingly, the largest response to this question, both from the perspective of the person’s own context and across the whole organisation was that people didn’t answer or reported that they couldn’t think of any. However, the theme of communications and profile of the work and the whole charity was seen as a common weakness by respondents.

The following were the top featured areas of weakness in the context of the respondent…

No answer/None – 56% (48)
Communications/Marketing/Profile – 8% (7)

The following were the top featured areas of weakness across the whole organisation…

No answer/None – 43% (37)
Communications/Marketing/Profile – 16% (8)
Internal communication/crossover between programmes – 3% (3)

Key Insights

“Recognition of TTR in churches is still very low. We do our best to point people to you, but so often have to explain who you are first”.
“The impression I have, is that TTR is not well known throughout the UK's local church network”.
“It needs to invest massively more funds on communication.  On my travels TTR is hardly ever known about by Christian leaders.  What makes this more painful is that people are thrilled to hear about it when I tell them, and the normal response is – Why have I never heard about this before?  Communication is time consuming and expensive, but it is the only way of spreading the word”.

Other Perspectives

“Could a range of different groups meet online with a focus on creating a network of hosts/co-hosts (to include disabled people) offering fellowship and connection?”
“Enable disabled people to discover abilities and gifts and provide suggestions and frameworks for involvement; Develop more disabled leaders not just for the disability Christian community but more widely; analyse what makes church and Christian activity work for disabled people”
“Use its excellent reputation and depth of skills and wisdom to strive for a wholesale transformation of the UK church's understanding of (theology of) disability and inclusion and enabling of disabled people - and 'force multiply' its effort by leadership”.
“Holidays for all abilities/families that are inclusive of but not exclusive for disabled people”.

Where is God at work?

There was encouraging recognition that God is at work in and through the charity…

“Through many testimonies I've heard over the years from disabled people, which show how He is at work in their lives”.
“In its people as they minister to others and selflessly give practical assistance”.
“Countless special moments on holidays - Dalesdown, Treloars..... friendships and connections I have made with people with whom I still have contact.”
“Every holiday, overseas trip and trustee meeting I ever attended.”
“God works through all you lovely people.”   
“How work has multiplied.”
“God is meeting the financial needs of the charity in very difficult times.” 
“Everywhere!!“

Areas to consider for initiation or development

We have drawn together the following themes from the survey findings for further consideration by Trustees, so keep in touch to stay informed of any new developments…

Enabling disabled people into leadership/responsibilities/vocation
International development (short-term mission trips or longer term local development?)
Partnerships (complement and contribute content to other organisations?)
Marketing/Communicating the message/developing online presence
Internal communication/better links and cohesion between programmes
Expansion of number of volunteer roles (including gap year opportunity for young people)

Final words

Thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute thoughts and experiences. Every person involved has helped to shape what TTR has done and will continue to do, guided by God.

Many kind comments were made by people about the work and the charity. Here are two to finish with…

“I believe the charity has a big influence not just on the disabled in this country and abroad but on those like me who have been involved on WFTW trips and holidays in the UK. Doing these things changes one. There is also the wider influence eg I've given many talks to all kinds of community groups and this has been an opportunity to open people’s eyes to the plight of disabled people in poorer countries and share the gospel in a gentle but powerful way. (ie the fact that God's love motivates me to do this and that God's love for "the least of these" is immense)”.

“My horizons have been broadened, my faith and skills stretched to the limit, so we had to rely on God, and my understanding of the worldwide Church of Christ become a reality. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE AT TTR FOR GUIDING, DIRECTING AND GIVING ME SO MANY RICH AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES”.

Tim Wood, August 2021

Through the Roof's work is made possible by donations from generous supporters like you. Please consider giving to help continue the work. Thank you!

God at Work in Through the Roof -- the Summer 2021 Vital Link

We're excited to bring you the latest issue of the Vital Link newsletter! The Summer 2021 issue is available now -- download your copy to find out about the results of our recent survey, the upcoming in-person retreat, new Luke 5 inclusion award recipients, Wheels for the World on Songs of Praise, and much more!

Follow this link to download the issue as a PDF (4MB File)

The Vital Link is also available in print, CD, in large print, and in Braille. Please contact us if you'd like one of those formats.

You can also view the PDF in the JooMag viewer, which offers easy zooming and page scrolling...

Open publication - Free publishing

One Flock, One Shepherd (part 2) -- Ros' Blog

On one of our walks in Snowdonia last month we took the path from Capel Curig to Llyn Ogwen along what had been the old road before the A5 was created. Unlike most of our walks, this was mainly level with only gentle inclines, and, as usual, there were flocks of sheep all along the way.

We noticed that the sheep along the first half of our walk had blue markings branded onto their wool. But once we passed a fence which marked the boundary between two farms, the sheep had all been branded in red. Curiously, just one sheep close to the border fence had both blue and red markings.

We speculated. Had one farmer sold a sheep to the other? Had one of them pinched a sheep from the neighbouring farm? Had one sheep, looking at the neighbouring flock, decided that their grass was greener and slipped out through the gate to join them?Whatever the reason, what struck me was that this sheep had erased the distinction between “us” and “them”. Depending on which side of the fence a sheep lived, either the red-branded ones were “us” and the blue-branded ones “them” or vice versa. But this sheep was boldly proclaiming by its branding, that there is no “us” or “them” but we all belong.

I started thinking about my early days in disability ministry. Not being disabled myself, but having a disabled daughter, I found it easy to slip into “us” and “them” language. We in the churches want to be more accessible to them – the disabled ones who have historically been excluded. A laudable aim to begin with, but one that didn’t go far enough.

God had to show me that in His Kingdom there is no “us” and “them”, but we are all one in Christ Jesus, and His aim for us all is that we will be, as I said in my previous blog post, one flock with one Shepherd. That’s why, when I was contemplating a title for Through the Roof’s research into disabled people’s experience of Church, I settled on “All of us complete in Christ”. There is a degree of completeness and wholeness that we can all attain with the life of Christ flourishing within us.

So now I see us all as being like that sheep with both brandings – no longer confined to one group or subgroup, but fully members one of another and together forming Christ’s Body. As Paul said, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12. 27)

And as much as the Body of Christ imagery resonates with me, I do love the sheep imagery also. The fact of being all together, one flock with one Shepherd, is a great cause of jubilation among us all, and of praise to God. As the Psalmist said,

“Serve the Lord with jubilation;
Come before Him with rejoicing
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” (Psalm 100. 2-4)

This is my last blog post in my capacity as Training Resources Developer for Through the Roof. I have had a wonderful seven and a half years working with this great team of colleagues, and I will miss them all. But I am retiring, and God is calling me into a new adventure. I will, however, continue to volunteer for Through the Roof, so if you join any of our holidays or retreats, or visit our exhibition stand at any events, you might just meet me again. In the meantime I pray God’s blessing and favour on everything Through the Roof is seeking to accomplish for Him.