Vital Link No 76 Autumn 2019 | Page 8

Disability In Mission By David Deuel & Nathan John Book review by Tim Wood This book offers a bigger vision for mission in the life of the church. It wonderfully demonstrates how the involvement of disabled people as participants, leaders and missionaries creatively contributes to God’s kingdom around the world. It shines a light on expectations shaped by the world’s view of success rather than an understanding of the ways of God who ‘chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise.’ Each chapter reveals moving stories of people experiencing a life of disability, who in God’s hands display His glory. This book challenges assumptions, and inspires us to deepen our commitment to those ‘who seem to be weaker’, enabling us together to exhibit God’s grace and power and life in all its fullness. The only negative is that it is limited in its range of accessible formats! If, as a disabled person, you’ve not considered overseas mission before, this book would be a good place to discover what’s possible. Then you could sign-up to one of our trips – we’d love to have you on the team! A version of this article first appeared on www.oscar.org.uk, Available now from our the website of OSCAR – the shop at agency providing advice and www.throughtheroof.org resources for Christian Mission. Disability Inclusion In Our Churches Events to equip churches and disabled people to serve Christ together During February and March we will be holding four events to encourage churches to take a step further towards disability inclusion. Disability inclusion in churches is more than ramps and accessible toilets--it’s about belonging, feeling valued and being able to contribute. We will be giving the ‘Be a Roofbreaker’ publication (worth £5) to any Roofbreakers attending, or anyone who signs-up on the day. Please consider becoming a Roofbreaker, or encourage someone at your church to do so. Take the inclusion in your church to the next level These events will include life stories from disabled people, and encourage more stories to be told. Jesus is working in and through the lives of disabled people. Let’s work together to make churches more welcoming and inclusive for disabled people. • Ashtead – 1st February Suitable for: • Edinburgh – 29th February • anyone with a desire to see churches more welcoming and inclusive for disabled people • Manchester – 14th March • anyone with welcoming, pastoral or leadership responsibilities in church life • Bristol – 21st March • disabled people who would like to encourage others Tickets £10 or 2 people for £15, plus booking fee (Support workers/enablers free) • existing Roofbreakers • curious potential Roofbreakers Find out more and book tickets at www.throughtheroof.org/events or by calling Jan at the office on 01372 749955. A Smile Costs Nothing You can now support Through the Roof with any purchases you make through Amazon – simply sign up through their ‘Smile’ program (smile.amazon.co.uk) and enter ‘Through the Roof’ as your chosen charity, and we’ll get a small sum every time you buy something. At no extra cost to you! www.throughtheroof.org