Waves of Refreshment
The Brunel Refreshment Week by Jenny Edwards M.B.E.
The rain was doing its best to wash us all away as we headed
towards Torquay and our Refreshment Week at Brunel Manor
earlier this year. As we drove into the lovely grounds and
entered the amazing building there was an air of excitement as
friends reunited and new friends met. Through the week we
looked at the story of Joseph, focussing on the Ds, including
disappointment, dreams, and many others. One session was
particularly special as people felt able to speak openly about
things they were struggling with, and how God was helping
them. This led several to encounter Jesus in a real way and
their faith was enlarged as they grew closer to the God they
love, which blessed everyone. We were also glad to have an
evening hearing all about Holly’s time in Uganda. Holly had
brought lots of props so the evening was quite different, and
we all enjoyed it.
Everyone together at Brunel
As we had free time in the afternoons, many of us ventured to
the seafront to enjoy an ice cream. Some even took the further
trip to places like the Marble factory. By Friday we all agreed
that the week had been a good time of refreshment and
returned home having spent valuable time together with
Jesus. We have booked for another four day break for 15th –
19th April 2019. Please do let us know if you are interested by
calling the office on 01372 749955. We would love to have
you with us next time.
Get in touch now to join in next year
Richer for Sharing
The South East Baptist Association recently gathered
church representatives from across the region for a
Disability Awareness Day. Through the Roof were invited to
present and we were delighted to speak alongside Susan
Myatt, the first Deaf ordained Baptist Minister; as well as
friends, Pete and Christine Winmill of Count Everyone In
ministry; and staff and a volunteer from Torch Trust’s
Holiday & Retreat Centre.
All the presenters spoke on the common theme of the
uniqueness of all people made in God’s image, and the
particular contribution that every disabled person brings.
In feedback, delegates commented that the day had been
helpful and enlightening. One told us, “A big thank you for
all your input into our church lives. We are the richer for
your sharing.”
Another asked whether “Ministers should update their
training in the way that GPs, Social Workers etc do? Perhaps
churches need to reconsider how we worship - we use a lot
of words!”
Even the organiser, Rev Jerry Newson (Regional Minister),
went away committed to take things further. He told us, “It
has inspired me to do what I can to ensure the whole
subject of Disability Awareness is given a much higher
priority across the South Eastern Baptist Churches.”
Through the Roof is here to serve churches and we’d be
pleased to offer your church an interactive training
workshop, fitted to your needs. Through Biblical teaching,
small group discussion, videos, insightful practical exercises
and real-life examples, we can inspire and support your
church to discover how much more enriching church life
can be with the full involvement of disabled people. Get in
touch to find out how we can help you.
www.throughtheroof.org