Joni’ s tribute to Colin Reeves
Founding Chair of Through the Roof, Colin Reeves, passed away recently. The TTR family are indebted to him and his huge role in our early years. Joni Eareckson Tada pays her respects...
“ I have always thought of Colin as a British statesman for the kingdom of Christ, especially as it concerns disability ministry. My friendship with Colin goes back to the 1980s. Colin was instrumental in organising several of my early ministry visits to the UK, including book tours and speaking engagements and very kindly invited me to be a regular contributor to The Christian Herald when he served as publisher.
Colin attended our Second European Symposium on the Church and Disability in Budapest where
Colin helped lay the groundwork for Through the Roof UK. Colin also proudly served as a member of the International Board of Directors for Joni and Friends. He had a genuine heart for reaching people with disabilities around the world for Jesus Christ – his son Matthew helped inspire Colin’ s desire to see UK churches embrace families living with disability.
He will be missed by us all, but we rejoice that he is safe in the arms of his wonderful Saviour.
May I ask you to be an active part of carrying on the heartwarming legacy of Colin Reeves?
Continue to support, pray for, and participate in the programs of Through the Roof, so that people with disabilities and their families will enjoy a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you for honouring Colin’ s heritage this important way!”
The Windows of the Soul: Online Pilgrimage
As 2026 began, we paused and reflected through The Windows of the Soul: a virtual pilgrimage on Zoom. Using the symbolism of church windows, the pilgrimage created a calm, prayerful space to listen to God’ s leading.
The sessions focused on God’ s light, shining from different compass directions. Looking north encouraged reflection on the values that shape and guide our lives. Turning west invited us to consider what may be fading or needs to be released. Facing south drew attention to sources of joy, nourishment and encouragement, while looking east opened our hearts to what is new, hopeful and emerging.
For each direction, we were offered questions for personal reflection, followed by time in breakout groups to share what God put on our hearts. Alongside this, we spent time contemplating striking images, including beautiful stained-glass windows.
One online pilgrim shared:“ I loved the theme of light. The pictures were very helpful for me. The questions were very thought-provoking. My fellow travellers added to the experience.” Another realised:“ changes are like openings” and it is ok“ even if it means moving to a new pasture eventually.”
The pilgrimage was guided by its creator, David Smith, a former physiotherapist whose mobility was affected by a stroke. He creates Bible‐based virtual pilgrimages, so those with limited movement can experience journeys spiritually.
To hear about future TTR retreats, email: together @ throughtheroof. org
To work through The Windows of the Soul online, visit David’ s website: https:// pilgrimageoftheword. org. uk /
Vital Link Spring 2026 | www. throughtheroof. org