“ I don ’ t need working legs for God to use me ”
continued ...
Their lives are now represented in a book , which could reach new audiences . ‘ Able to Laugh – Finding joy though the struggle is real ’, is in bookstores and online via https :// amzn . to / 3VwVk7S
People enjoyed the online event . One attendee enthused that the “ webinar featuring Jade and John exceeded all my expectations . Presentations were
engaging , authentic and humorous and I appreciated the opportunity to connect with new people during breakout sessions .”
Jade finished with an encouragement to anyone in a similar situation : “ There is hope , we ’ re not without hope , and God can use us , no matter what !”
800 UK Roofbreakers are championing disabled people in their church or ministry context .
To join this story and benefit from free resources , training , and events , register as a Roofbreaker at : www . throughtheroof . org
Sharing stories for Disability Awareness Sunday
Watch the video at https :// youtu . be / jsKXLUU2Q2g
Retired Baptist minister and hospital chaplain , Revd Andrew Miles , has an incredible story which he shared on video for Disability Awareness Sunday .
In 2014 , as a preacher in Brazil , Andrew and his wife Talita were injured in a car crash . A drunken driver asleep at the wheel smashed into the back of their car while they waited at a red light . Andrew is now a wheelchair user with an assistance dog called Rolo .
Andrew says : “ I think because I ’ ve seen God do so many wonderful things and I ’ ve had such an amazing journey with God , even in that situation , which was extremely difficult , I wasn ’ t going to let anything destroy my faith .” A significant Bible passage for Andrew is Mark 4 where Jesus calms the storm . Andrew says , “ Sometimes storms blow up in our lives and things aren ’ t easy , but God is always with us and God isn ’ t finished with any of us . There ’ s a purpose and a plan He has for each one of us to be a blessing to other people .”
This year we celebrated a whole Disability Awareness Week , launched by Methodist Church President , Revd Helen Cameron , at a special service . Helen shared daily videos focussed on disability inclusion which can be seen on YouTube @ TTRChangesLives .
Across the UK , churches held Disability Awareness Sunday services , including Cairnlea Parish Church in Airdrie , Scotland . Lis Johnstone and her husband Ian are both disabled and were asked to lead a service . They explored the role of disabled people in sharing the gospel of Christ . Using TTR ’ s resources and ‘ Andrew ’ s Story ’, Lis and Ian said their thoughtprovoking content challenged people , and their church ’ s response was very positive .
UCB Radio also celebrated the week , featuring daily 3-minute audio recordings from five disabled TTR supporters sharing their experiences . Listen on our YouTube channel @ TTRChangesLives to UCB1 ‘ disability diaries ’ and share the link with others . Here are quotes from two diaries .
Michael : “ advice to anyone encountering a disabled person is just try to treat them as you would anyone else .”
Triona : “ It ’ s a myth that autistic people don ’ t want to be social . We want to belong just like everyone else .”
If you held a service , thank you so much . If not , any Sunday can be Disability Awareness Sunday . Get free resources at : https :// bit . ly / DisabilityAwarenessSunday
Disability Awareness Sunday at Cairnlea Parish Church , Airdrie .
Vital Link Winter 2024 | www . throughtheroof . org