Finding Hope through Disappointment: in-person retreat
When I took the hand of God I saw challenges turning into opportunities I began to walk with purpose rather than being tossed upon the waves I felt joy in being able to live completely freely I worshipped like I had never done before.
“ Hopelessness is a bigger problem than the original problem itself,” said Neil and Sonya Chitty, church leaders who hosted our recent TTR retreat at High Leigh.
The theme, Finding Hope Through Disappointment, resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom live with disability or chronic illness. Some shared how God answered prayers in unexpected ways: through spiritual healing, belonging, or purpose. Neil, after years of waiting, fulfilled his calling as a church leader – even as he and other family members were diagnosed with a condition that causes muscle weakness. He and Sonya reminded us that God’ s power is made perfect in weakness. By fixing our eyes on Him, not the problem, we can bring our disappointments to God, uncover lies we’ ve believed, and rediscover that we are all‘ made in God’ s image’ and loved by Him.
Heidi, a disabled Roofbreaker who joined us, shares her reflections:
I went on the in-person retreat for refreshment and wanting to spend more time with God – I wasn’ t disappointed... It was lovely to get to know people and their varied stories. Neil and Sonya were the main speakers and if I had to pick two of their sessions that most spoke to me, they would be Neil’ s session on Promises( drawing from the story of Abraham and Sarah) and Sonya’ s session on Hope. Sonya’ s message was that, although we live in a fallen world, with the devil prowling around, we still have full authority in Jesus’ name. We are hidden in Jesus – when God looks at us, he sees Jesus, so we need to see ourselves more as Jesus does. We were also treated to a workshop by Andy Smith, a visiting poet and a double-amputee. When we were invited to write a poem in 20 mins, most of us looked blankly at each other but, after praying, this is some of what God wrote through me:
We praise God for blessing our time together, and thank all who made it possible. We’ re excited for our next retreat – details also on this page.
Together On Pilgrimage
As we enter the New Year, you are invited to join a Virtual Pilgrimage, entitled The Windows of the Soul. Using the imagery of church windows, it will be an opportunity to reflect on your life: what should be let go, what sustains you, and what is new / developing.
Join us on Zoom, 2-4pm, on the afternoons of Monday 19th, Wednesday 21st and Friday 23rd January 2026.
Find out more on our website. Email: together @ throughtheroof. org to register.