Our new Chair ’ s reflections : the journey continues …
Hi . I ’ m Trevor Hahn and I have been appointed as the new TTR Chair of Trustees . This follows the awfully sad and shocking news that our former Chair – the beloved , Mike Townsend – has died . I decided to remember Mike by continuing in his footsteps and writing a contribution to Vital Link . I serve as a minister in Essex , and on the Board of Through the Roof , and I have three children including a daughter , Elin , who has cerebral palsy and has recently turned 21 .
I knew Mike for a number of years – our relationship beginning when he interviewed me for the role of trustee some years ago . I do remember he asked some tough and probing questions . He was a man passionate about God , and passionate about disabled people , especially about their inclusion and belonging .
Mike tirelessly affirmed disabled people and their roles , gifts , abilities , and place in the church , embodying Through the Roof ’ s mission statement :
www . throughtheroof . org
Trevor Hahn has become Chair of the TTR Board .
Remembering Sally
We are deeply saddened to report the death of Trustee , Sally Whitney-Mitchell . She was an amazing young woman , with personal experience of disability , who shared Through the Roof ’ s passion for making a positive difference to the lives of disabled people .
We all valued the perspective and enthusiasm she contributed to Trustee meetings . Her experience of health
Sally Whitney-Mitchell , TTR Trustee , who passed away recently .
issues and pain didn ’ t diminish her vibrant Christian faith , but deepened her reliance on God . Her ‘ celebration of life ’ service , attended by CEO , Tim , and Trustee , Carol , was a moving but uplifting time and she will be sadly missed .
You can hear Sally speaking on the theme of interdependence on our YouTube channel @ TTRChangesLives .
Elin , Trevor ' s daughter , on her 21st birthday . ‘ Transforming lives through Jesus with disabled people .’
He was a man who broke down and broke through barriers , and if nothing else , he taught me that ‘ nothing is impossible for those who believe ’. Mike was a ‘ Roofbreaker ’ in every sense of the word . His wisdom , experience and godly , sacrificial service will be sorely , missed .
The Apostle Paul in Romans says : ‘ Therefore , I urge you , brothers [ and sisters ], in view of God ’ s mercy , to offer your bodies as living sacrifices , holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship . Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind .’
Mike was certainly one who offered his body , his life , energy , strength , and enormous experience in service to so many , including Through the Roof ; I am sure he saw this as part of his calling , his spiritual act of worship .
Through Mike ’ s ministry , witness and life , my understanding of disabled people has been expanded and deepened – for which I will be forever grateful to him . That is just one small part of the enormous legacy he leaves behind .
Although I will never be able to fill Mike ’ s shoes , or take his place , I pray I may follow his example of dedicated service . I hope to passionately work in collaboration with all the Through the Roof community : employees , trustees , volunteers , donors , overseas partners and supporters , to continue the work , and see many more lives transformed through Jesus with disabled people . The journey continues …