2021 Vision
By Tim Wood , Chief Executive
2020 has been a year that has affected the life of virtually every person on the planet in some way . Uncertainty has become the new normal – disrupting the hopes and plans of millions . In the Western world we have had a small taste of what most of the world live with daily , particularly those who are more vulnerable – can I keep myself and my family safe ? Can I put food on the table ? Can we stay physically and mentally healthy ? Will I earn enough money to pay the bills ?
In light of all this uncertainty , then , what is Through the Roof ’ s vision for 2021 , where we can ’ t be certain of fulfilling plans as we knew them previously ? How can we make a difference ?
We are committed to remaining true to our vision , values and principles . Overall , we want to ‘ fix our eyes upon Jesus ’ ( Hebrews 12:2 ) because ‘ unless the Lord builds the house , ( we ) the builders labour in vain ’. ( Psalm 127:1 ). He is our Provider , our Guide , our Shield and Protector . Our Strategic Plan is focussed on going Deeper , Wider and Higher . Going Deeper means more Christian community through connecting with others online ( or physically , when possible ) for Supported Distributions , Networks and Events . Going Wider means expanding
Is Your Church On The Map ?
Our new online map of disability friendly churches our impact , increasing the numbers of Roofbreakers , Networks and disabled people helped . Going Higher means encountering more of God through distributing Bibles alongside our wheelchairs and providing online opportunities to meet with God .
In our last Vital Link we celebrated having over 300 Roofbreakers ( disability champions in churches ), but the question is - how do disabled people know where the churches are that have a Roofbreaker ? So , we ’ ve now put a map on the TTR website so that Roofbreakers ’ churches and ministries can be easily found , and give the message loud and clear that they are positive about disability inclusion .
Lockdown has brought an extra urgency to this work as churches have become more aware of disabled people in their local communities . This is something we pray will continue and grow – long after coronavirus restrictions . We have also developed a ‘ Disability Toolkit ’ for churches covering the different things they need to know .
Tim : “ Together , we can meet the challenge of uncertainty ”’
Check out the map of churches that are Positive about Disability Inclusion at www . throughtheroof . org
We would love everybody reading this Vital Link to take up the challenge of getting their own church ‘ on the map ’ and giving a positive message to local disabled people .
The map has only recently launched , so it will take some time before it gives the full picture of churches with Roofbreakers – but we hope that more and more churches will be on there soon . The map also shows where our Roofbreaker Networks are – which enable Roofbreakers to link together locally for support and encouragement .
Please do pray with us for this work and join with us in sharing the message of the importance of churches being aware of the challenges disabled people can face , and in equipping churches to respond so that disabled people can be fully included in Christian life .
For further details see the Through the Roof website ‘ Church Inclusion ’ section .
Things may look a little different in the coming months but with your prayers , encouragement , support and financial gifts together we can meet the challenge of uncertainty in the world with the certain hope of Jesus for all people .
Please do get in touch with your questions , words of encouragement or financial donations , we rely on your involvement – thank you . www . throughtheroof . org