“ There Is Much More to Me Than the Body I Am Trapped In ”
When Jonathan Bryan ’ s mum was 36 weeks pregnant with him , she was in a car accident , causing huge implications for Jonathan ’ s health . It was not expected that he would still be alive today . In Jonathan ’ s own words , “ At 15 I have defied the expectations of the medical profession and my quadriplegic , kidney transplanted , oxygen dependent body limps or , rather , sits on .”
We were truly blessed that Jonathan led our online event on 16th October and inspired us all by the message he had to share .
Jonathan says , “ Of all my diagnoses it is being unable to speak that has had the most profound impact on my life .” The whole of Jonathan ’ s presentation was written by him using eye movement to point to letters on a spelling board .
Jonathan ’ s faith shone through everything he shared with us . He talked about his own inclusion at church : “ What has made my inclusion in Church successful ? It all comes down to one word : ask . Ask what helps . Ask how someone wants to be included . Ask what gifts they have to bring to the church .”
This is at the heart of Through the Roof ’ s ‘ Roofbreaker ’ project . As Jonathan says , “ True inclusion values every person as a member of the body of Christ , where disabled people are recognised as having gifts to bring to the community .”
Jonathan ’ s talk was such an encouragement for everyone already involved in the Roofbreaker project , but also a challenge to anyone not yet involved - Jonathan challenged everyone to “ go out to break down the barriers and model a Church where each member is valued for the contribution they bring ”.
Jonathan ’ s presentation can be seen on the TTR YouTube channel .
We echo this challenge - and invite anyone who has been affected by Jonathan ’ s story to join with us . Together we can model a church where every disabled person is valued , and barriers can be broken down !
Please join us as a Roofbreaker yourself : www . throughtheroof . org / Roofbreakers
Encouragement in Northern Ireland
On Saturday 22nd January we have an online event for anyone in Northern Ireland - aiming to bring together our wonderful friends and supporters there for mutual encouragement , connection , and hopefully to start a Roofbreaker Network . Our speaker will be Brian Gault MBE .
Following this , our final UK-wide online event will be on Saturday 12th February . Everyone is invited to join us , and we are delighted that Sally Whitney-Mitchell will be speaking on disabled identity and interdependence . We ’ re really look forward to what she has to share . Put the date in your diary !
Booking for both events will be available online , or contact the TTR office on 01372 749955 or info @ throughtheroof . org
Details of registering for Brian ’ s talk will be up soon at www . throughtheroof . org
www . throughtheroof . org