1959 – 2019: 60 Years
of Fun and Fellowship
By Jenny Edwards M.B.E
Way back in 1959 a lady called Frances Poole had a vision.
Frances longed to see those who felt without hope gain the
hope that Jesus gives us through prayer and fellowship,
supporting one another along the roads of illness or
disability. Starting with a prayer group, the vision soon
grew and became known as Disabled Christians Fellowship
or DCF.
60 years on, we serve in many varied ways, through regular
prayer, groups; the written word; holidays; retreats; CD
ministry and ongoing pastoral support via email or
telephone. The last 18 years we have joined with Through
the Roof and expanded the ministry through new
resources available to us. God has been good. He has led us
from the front room of Janet Wiltshire’s home, to new
offices at Wick Road and on into offices shared with
Through the Roof here in Morden.
The formation of a day centre was exciting and that moved
forward to becoming a registered charity in its own right to
serve the disabled community in Bristol. Many very
dedicated staff have joined over the years, some now with
the Lord and others still serving today. God has seen us
through good times and tough times, when we have been
challenged in many directions, especially financially, but He
is faithful and in 2019 we are still very much alive and
kicking, and serving him
We have much to thank the Lord for and want to celebrate
this milestone. We have already produced a mug with a
photo of the activity holiday on it that sells at £6.50 plus
One of the earliest DCF holidays, in Ullenwood
postage. It’s for sale from our shop at
www.thoughtheroof.org, or by calling us on
01372 749955.
We also want to produce a book of poems and short
testimonies that celebrate and reflect people’s experience
of DCF. I know many people write poems and a number of
you have amazing stories to tell of times on holidays, in
your groups or of simply being helped by the team at DCF,
so please get thinking! Please send in your items to the
office at Alpha House, for my attention and I will be in
touch with you. I look forward to hearing from you!
Take Time Out With God
There are still a few spaces for this Summer retreat available.
It runs from Aug 23 - 25 at High Leigh Conference Centre in
Herts. We’re staying for 2 nights this year, and look forward
to sharing fellowship again with you. High Leigh is a lovely
country house with very good facilities for those with
disabilities. All rooms are single en suite, food is brilliant and
the fellowship even better! Places are filling up so please do
not leave it too long to get your applications in. Cost £200.
Call Jenny on 01372 749955 or
[email protected] for more information.
Come and take time out with God
www.throughtheroof.org