Love Broke Down the Barriers from Dr . Mike Townsend ( Chair of Trustees )
Mike in Kathmandu
As I choked in the smog , fumbling for my mask to shield me from the dust , and stumbled across another hole filled with rubbish , mud and sewage , I wondered how disabled people manage . What disabled people ? This was the main street in Kathmandu and we saw absolutely no other disabled people .
One of our group had mobility issues . She had to give up . A wheelchair was no use on these city streets . There were lifts in the western style hotels . So if you got through their doors , you could eat and sleep .
This situation reminded me of the supposedly impregnable city of Jerusalem , described in the Bible in 2Samuel 5:6 " The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites , who lived there . The Jebusites said to David , " You will not get in here ; even the blind and the lame can ward you off ." They thought , `David cannot get in here "’. But David ’ s ingenuity overcame all their barriers and he entered
through a watercourse !
2Samuel 5:8 ‘ On that day , David said , “ Anyone who conquers the Jebusites will have to use the water shaft to reach those lame and blind who are David ' s enemies .” That is why they say , “ The blind and lame will not enter the palace .”’
David ' s taunt excluded disabled people from Jerusalem . However , later David did welcome a disabled person into his palace . It was Mephibosheth ! What caused this change of heart ? David wanted to demonstrate his love for his dead friend Jonathan .
2Samuel 9:3 ‘ The king asked , “ Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God ' s kindness ?” Ziba answered the king , “ There is still a son of Jonathan ; he is crippled in both feet .”’ Love broke down the barriers of hatred and discrimination .
2Samuel 9:13 ‘ Mephibosheth , who was crippled in both feet , moved to Jerusalem to live at the palace .’
Other parts of Nepal are more accessible . We supported work projects where disabled people created beautiful crafts . We bought fabulous pashmina cashmere shawls woven by blind people . Another NGO showed Jesus ' love by bringing disabled children down from the high Himalayan villages to access education .
At Through the Roof ‘ We empower and equip people to enable disabled people to reach their full potential .’ This is one of our five values .
Love can change attitudes . In our 20th year , let us celebrate the empowering love of Jesus which brings us to ‘ full potential ’.
Bristol Beginnings
Supporting and encouraging each other in Bristol . If you ’ d like to start a group , get in touch .
There was a sense of excitement as nine people sat together in Horfield Methodist church in Bristol to pray and listen to God ‘ s plans for the area .
Colston Grady , a regular volunteer on DCF holidays , had a vision to start a new group and tempted us all along with tea and upmarket biscuits . We made friends , talked about ourselves and took inspiration from 2 Corinthians 12:9 – ‘ But he said to me , “ My grace is sufficient for you , for my power is made perfect in weakness .” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses , so that Christ ’ s power may rest on me .’
Encouraged by our time together , we decided to launch TTR Bristol with a Through the Roof 20th Anniversary Party on Wednesday September 13th at 2.15pm , Horfield Methodist Church BS7 8SN . All are welcome , and we look forward to making new friends and serving people around the area . www . throughtheroof . org