WINTER 2025
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The Newsletter for Through the Roof | www. throughtheroof. org
Transforming Lives Through Jesus with Disabled People
When Hope Rolls In: Harriet’ s Journey from Surrender to Renewal
New International Missions Manager, Faith Mendy, shares a story from her first mission with Through the Roof’ s Wheels for the World project
In a modest church in Jinja, Uganda, a woman named Harriet sat quietly among the congregation. At 70 years old, she had lived with the effects of polio since childhood. Her mobility was limited, and the years had been hard. Though surrounded by children and grandchildren, Harriet had recently fallen ill and felt her strength fading. She believed her time had come.
That Sunday, she came to church not seeking healing, but peace. She wanted to dedicate her life to Christ, to prepare herself spiritually for what she thought was the end. After praying with the pastor, she was told about our Wheels for the World wheelchair distribution, happening the following week. Harriet declined.“ I don’ t need one,” she said.“ I’ m ready to go.”
But God had other plans.
Harriet met the group of UK volunteers from Through the Roof at church – people who spoke with warmth and encouragement.
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Their presence stirred something in her that made her change her mind. On the final day of the Wheels for the World distribution, Harriet arrived. She received a wheelchair, a Bible, and prayer. Her face, once weary, lit up with quiet joy.
A few days later, the Wheels team visited her at home, in her native African hut. What they found was unexpected: Harriet was singing, smiling, and moving about with new energy. She thanked the Wheels team in her local language, offering blessings and praise. Her gratitude, profound.“ God has given me a new lease on life”. The wheelchair hadn’ t just given her mobility – it had given her a reason to keep going.
Harriet was one of 216 people who received mobility equipment that week during the Wheels’ distribution. Each person had a story. Some came with hesitation, others with hope. But all left with something more than a chair or a walker – they left with dignity, encouragement, and a renewed sense of possibility.
In Harriet’ s case, it wasn’ t a dramatic transformation. It was quiet, personal, and deeply human. And sometimes, that’ s where the most meaningful change begins.
In a world often weighed down by despair, Harriet’ s story reminds us: sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can carry the greatest power to resurrect joy.
Neil shares God’ s Word in BSL.
Emily asks about your heart.
Share your travel recipes!
Accessible formats available: large print, audio, braille. Call 01372 749955 or email info @ throughtheroof. org
Please pray: for Harriet, and all those who received mobility and the Gospel.