NO : 91 | WINTER 2024
Vital Link
The Newsletter for Through the Roof | www . throughtheroof . org Transforming Lives Through Jesus with Disabled People
“ I don ’ t need working legs for God to use me ”
Jade Reynolds believes we need to think differently about disabled people . Her assertion that ‘ I don ’ t need working legs for God to use me ’ is not an aspiration – it ’ s her life story .
Aged 12 Jade ’ s life changed overnight as a rare condition paralysed her spine , leaving her needing a wheelchair . Now , Jade , and her husband John , who are Theology graduates , are seeking to dispel the stigma surrounding disability .
The couple are Spring Harvest speakers with 1 million ‘ followers ’ on social media : @ johnejreynolds . They presented at our online Roofbreaker event where Jade recounted her story before they encouraged attendees to share the power of their own story with others . Watch the video on YouTube @ TTRChangesLives .
During four months in hospital , the support Jade ’ s church provided was a witness to staff . Since then , God has used Jade to bring hope and encouragement to many . Whether we admit it or not , everyone needs others – and God .
In this Issue :
Lives transformed in Rwanda
Kingdom Storytellers on Songs of Praise
Vital Link Winter 2024 | www . throughtheroof . org
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Jade says that disabled people have discovered that truth through their own lived experience . “ Chronic illness , pain or disability are not obstacles to God ”, she says . “ He can use you in every circumstance – And he ’ s not just going to use you in spite of your disability or illness , he ’ s going to use you because of that . Because that ’ s how God works .”
Jade read 2 Corinthians 12 : 9-11 , and commented , “ I think that ’ s such an encouraging verse because God uses our weaknesses , and … as someone with a disability , I ’ m very aware of my weaknesses … my limitations . Sometimes I find that frustrating . But if that ’ s going to keep pointing me to God then that ’ s amazing . That ’ s the only thing that really matters !”
Jade and John are changing minds as they speak and share videos about everyday life with honesty and humour – which helps normalise disability . Jade comments that people often say :
“ I don ’ t share your faith , but you ’ re really normal and funny !’ That normalising of our faith and disability makes it worthwhile … People are more open if they know you ’ re speaking honestly from your life experience .”
Continued on the next page