Ways to encourage and support disabled parents
In partnership with Church of Scotland pioneer project ‘ Reachout Together ’, we hosted an online event exploring how Christians can support disabled parents in our churches and communities .
Five guest speakers shared their experiences as to what it is like being a disabled parent . Their stories were so powerful , moving and at times , heartbreaking . They shared the difficult moments in their journey as parents , and the social stigma and prejudices that they encounter . They shared the high points of their journey and funny stories . Throughout all the speakers talks was their powerful testimony of how they had experienced God , how they held on to Him even in the darkest hours of their lives , including the times they had felt Him draw close and speak to them .
There was so much to learn from listening to our wonderful speakers but here are a few key themes for us to take away and learn from .
Build friendships . A common theme in all the stories from disabled parents was how they were the ones constantly reaching out to people , inviting them to dinner , outings , etc . We can do more than just welcome disabled people : we can become friends . Reach out and invite them in .
Bless each other . We are all part of God ’ s family and disabled parents have things to bring to bless us all . We can all give and receive on an equal basis with one another . Bless each other . Get shopping for each other , take it in turns to take the children to school , have each other over for coffee ! Let us all be a blessing to one another .
Celebrate and share each other ’ s gifts . Every person has God given gifts , and each of our speakers shared how God has called and enabled them to use their gifts . Encourage , support and empower disabled people to use and share their gifts in your church community .
Welcome to Carol !
Hi , I ’ m Carol , and I would like to say how excited I am to be able to serve Through the Roof as the new Roofbreaker Regional Co-ordinator covering the east and south-east of England .
My background has been working with children with disabilities and special educational needs in a school setting . I currently work in a special needs school with particular responsibilities of providing hydrotherapy for the children .
I have a deep passion for serving Jesus and serving both children and adults with special needs . I love the fact that I can do both of these in this exciting role as a Regional Roofbreaker Co-ordinator .
Carol , our new Co-ordinator for the East and South East of England .
I have had the privilege of having been able to serve as a pastor on four Wheels for the World trips to Kenya and Uganda , where I have been able to open up God ’ s Word and help us see how we are all special to God .
I look forward to getting to know many of you as we serve Jesus together .
Carol giving pastoral care on a 2023 Wheels trip to Kimilili , Kenya .
www . throughtheroof . org