Reflections from the Through the Roof Team by Heather Philips

It was a joy for me to return to Mozambique this summer for two weeks to join the team from “Through the Roof.”

As a team we worked together with the local church to deliver disability awareness training to those from the church who are involved with the Helping Hands ministry among people with disabilities. Nigel began the sessions by setting out the Biblical foundations as to why this ministry among those with disability is so important.

Kerry then shared from her own personal and professional experience, as a special needs teacher, practical advice on how to engage with and include people with disabilities. She challenged us to think about how disability affects families as well as the individual.

Jillian (physiotherapist) and Heather (occupational therapist) delivered practical training on wheelchair and walking aid provision.

Re-fuelled with a Mozambician lunch we headed off into the community to visit people with disabilities in their homes each afternoon. This provided a great opportunity for those on the training to put into practice what they had been learning.

A highlight for us as a team was the afternoon for children with disabilities and their parents to gather together. It was wonderful to see the local church taking the lead in organising this event and engaging with these families. One mother shared how it was such a comfort to know other families were in the same situation as them.

The week of training concluded with the trainees becoming the trainers! On the final day they had the opportunity to share what they had been learning during the week with the rest of the church. And what a great job they did!

The following week Jillian and I had the privilege of spending some time with Aimee Howarth on a trip to her new house in Inhambane which Melvin has been working on. We donned the paint clothes and got to work under the supervision of the expert!

By the end of the trip we were shattered but blessed! It was so encouraging to see how the work of Helping Hands is developing. The equipment received in the containers is being put to good use and the church is growing in grace as they share the good news of Jesus in their communities through this ministry. Please pray for the Helping Hands ministry and pray for the Kelly family as they lead this ministry alongside Pastor Carlos. Pray that they would know God’s strength and guidance in the midst of many responsibilities.

Written by Heather Philips