Finding Hope
We are starting a new initiative soon, aiming to encourage disabled people who are not yet Christians, or not yet connected with Christian community, through a series of 3 online group teaching sessions looking at the hope Jesus brings us.
These will create a safe environment, led by disabled Christians, to explore the Gospel message in a friendly, accessible format. Please pray about anyone God may put on your heart to connect with these sessions.
For more information, or to let us know of people who may be interested, email: katie@throughtheroof.org
The world around us seems increasingly uncertain and hopeless, but you can find a source of certain and endless hope – along with millions of others around the world – in knowing Jesus Christ – the Son of God. But who is Jesus and how can we really know him?
The Bible presents key truths which explain how we can know God. The first truth is that we are all created by God in His image (Genesis 1:26). Each one of us have infinite value and are designed for a purpose. However, the human condition is such that all of us have sinned and fallen short of what God made us to be (Romans 3:23). We have all done things, said things and thought things that have hurt others, that we’re not proud of, that diminish who we are – and ultimately damage our relationship with God. This is what we call ‘sin’ and it separates us from God’s love, goodness and mercy. The good news is that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Repent means to change our behaviour around and to follow God’s ways, rather than our ways. Although we have all sinned, God made a way to save us. The Bible tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Jesus is the only one who lived perfectly and honoured God’s ways. He chose to die on the cross to bear the penalty of sin so that we could all be saved! “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus is the only one who can forgive and transform us: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). If we put our trust in Jesus, then, even if we have bad days and our words and actions are not what God wants, the great news is that God helps us. God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Do you wish your life had meaning and purpose? Do you want to have peace of mind and heart and be free from the fear of death with the endless hope and joy of being in God’s awesome presence? Do you want to know Jesus as your best friend who you can confide in day-by-day, who will never leave you nor forsake you? If so, then invite God into your life. It’s your attitude in your heart that matters to God, but if you want to use some words, then you could say the following short prayer…
Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the debt for my sin by dying on the cross. I confess my sins and wrong-doing. Thank you for forgiving me and I want to show you my gratitude by turning away from my old sinful habits. I embrace you as the Lord of my life and I desire to follow you the rest of my days. Thank you for giving me power and strength to live a life that honours and pleases you! I pray this in the only Name that saves, Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you want to find out more, you can watch this 1 minute video…
Who Is Jesus of Nazareth? | Review His Life, Message, & Mission
Or get in touch with us at Through the Roof – we’d love to talk more with you and welcome you to God’s family.
Express interest in the In-person retreat: Finding Hope Through Disappointment, Sept 2025
About DCF Groups
Disabled Christians Fellowship groups provide fellowship, support and a safe space where those with a disability can use their gifts and talents in service. Some are closely associated with a local church, but all are inter-denominational, serving disabled Christians from a variety of local churches. The hope is for disabled people to seek support in DCF but for everyone to also integrate into church life.
Groups bring people together from the local community regularly, creating a bond of friendship and fellowship. Typically, a group meeting would contain worship, a Christian message, prayer and, of course, a chat and some refreshments. Helpers are gathered from local churches, and Groups can usually provide transport to and from the meeting when required. The groups reach out into the community, educating churches about disability and access issues and are a positive way of serving disabled people and integrating them into church life.
Find a DCF Group
Here’s a list of DCF (Disabled Christian Fellowship) groups in the UK — Please email the Through the Roof office on together@throughtheroof.org or phone on 01372 749955 to be put in touch with one.
We’ve included postcodes to hopefully give a good idea of the location of the group. Contact us for more details.
- Birmingham (Haymills and Yardley) – B25
- Croydon – CR2
- Fylde Coast (Thornton Cleveleys & Blackpool) – FY5
- Ipswich – IP4
- Malvern – WR14
- Norwich – NR7
- Sidcup – DA14
- Taw & Torridge – EX31
- Worthing – BN13
DCF – A brief history
Disabled Christians Fellowship was formed in 1959, when Frances Poole, a woman of vision, started the first group in Bristol following her involvement with friends who had a disability. In the following years, others caught the vision and the work grew from the one group to around twenty groups in Great Britain, with a lively holiday programme, a popular audio resource ministry, & regular prayer support. There are still DCF local groups around the UK.
In 1994, the vision of Bristol supporters for a local Day Centre came to fruition. Haven Day Centre (legally named DCF Premier Workshops) provided a stimulating environment, offering various activities, and day-care or assistance, to adults with restricted mobility, sensory impairment, or who had learning support needs. All this took place in a caring Christian environment. It was based in Filwood Park, Knowle West, in Bristol. For over 30 years, the DCF centre in Bristol helped many hundreds of people to know a new sense of belonging, and of being valued. Many other Christian organisations carry on this essential work, such as those who are part of the network Churches for All: including us at Through the Roof.
DCF has been changing the lives of disabled Christians through support and fellowship it provides for people with a disability for over sixty years!
The original vision continues: to be a conduit through which those with a disability might get to know the love of Jesus Christ. DCF is now part of Through the Roof, and the main office is based in Morden, Surrey. People continue to come to faith and trust in Christ through the ministry and by knowing the love and care of other Christians.
Through the Roof offers accessible holidays in the UK and online retreats and resources, providing both practical and spiritual support to all who need to know there can be a future and a hope. Our ‘Together fellowship’ programme includes many pastoral, prayer and fellowship opportunities, including online groups: the Lounge and Together at Home which meet regularly on Zoom. The aim of each of these is to introduce those with a disability to the love of Jesus, and for those who are already believers to strengthen their faith and aid them to grow in their walk with God.
Start serving with disabled people
We’re always looking for people with a heart to journey with disabled people in fellowship. You could start an initiative in your church/community, or volunteer to work with an established one. If you’re interested in exploring the idea, please get in touch with the Through the Roof office for a chat – either follow this link to email us, or call on 01372 749955.