Enabled Summer Extravaganza: Friends, fellowship and faith

Four Enabled members and supporters share their stories and their reflections on the Enabled Summer Extravaganza.

‘It’s a tough week, but it’s the most I’ve smiled in ages!’ Those were the words of Jess, who works as a support worker, providing care and support to Amber at home in Lowestoft. Amber had been told about Enabled’s summer gathering several years ago, but didn’t feel confident enough to attend. 

However, Jess’s mum, Major Anita Cotterill (Lowestoft South and Lowestoft Citadel), mentioned it when Jess started supporting Amber last year. A year of being supported by Jesus helped increase Amber's confidence and she wanted to give it a try.

Jess admits the prospect filled her with worry. She struggles with a variety of physical health conditions, including postural tachycardia syndrome, which means her heart rate increases quickly after getting up from sitting or lying down. She can faint and fall several times a day.

She also lives with chronic migraines, chronic pain and suffers from another physical condition where her joints dislocate. It prevents Jess pursuing the things she enjoys most, such as creative writing and art. She wears a hand brace and has a wheelchair for going shopping.

But Jess wasn’t going to let that prevent Amber from having the best time: ‘This week was for her, and her mum. She needed a break.’
 

One of Jess’s highlights was seeing Amber perform her ventriloquist routine: 'Amber is an amazing singer and I've seen videos, but seeing her perform was something else. I was so proud, I had tears in my eyes.'

Jess really enjoyed the community event and the musical theatre group led by Reuben Dykes (Kidsgrove). However, the friendship she developed with fellow supporter, Kat, was the highlight: 'We have already made plans to go and see a show in London together.'

The week wasn't without challenges for Jess. Her knees got stuck and she had to be helped up from the floor. She collapsed on to a chair during the final celebration. She felt exhausted. But she said with a smile: 'Amber had a brilliant time and is already speaking about plans for next year!'

Jess was awarded a certificate for Most Tenacious. Her strength and determination to ensure another person could attend is a real example of loving others.

In 2011, my daughter, Hannah, attended her first summer school with what was formerly known as Safe at the National Star College in Cheltenham. I admit I was reluctant that first year, but she was met by the kindest, most encouraging group who have inspired her to grow in her faith and learn more about herself.

This year, I was privileged to attend along with Hannah. I attended as a supporter for the first time, not to support my daughter, but to support another member. The theme chosen by the members was New Beginnings. New friends were made, new skills were learnt. Everyone was encouraged and enabled to attend many and varied events.

One of the greatest lessons I learnt was that new friendships close the gap on a personal level. We discover each other’s hopes, dreams, hurts, gifts and abilities. There are many people with disabilities around the world. People who have disabilities are not defined by their disabilities, but by their identity as loved by God. 

People with disabilities can teach us new ways to communicate and connect beyond words, such as in a simple laugh or a smile. I realised every member at the Enabled Summer Extravaganza had a gift. There were no exceptions. We, as Christians, are all called to make disciples and, as part of making disciples, we must include people with additional needs within our Church and community and encourage them to find ways to live out their faith. If Christ is preparing a place for them in Heaven, shouldn’t we be preparing a place for them in our churches?

On the Saturday evening, we sang a song that captured the enthusiasm of all who attended. Part of it said: ‘Tell everyone he is faithful and true... so here we go... witness all over the world.’

‘Amazing!’ was the summary of the week for Trudy (Dunstable). It was her first time attending an Enabled event in person. She first heard about Enabled from her corps leader and joined in the online sessions during the Covid-19 lockdowns, then in Enabled at Easter and Christmas on Facebook Live and Zoom.

However, Trudy never plucked up the courage to attend in person. Cheltenham was too far away. That all changed when the Extravaganza was held in Northampton: it was only a 40-minute drive.

Although she was excited, Trudy said she was feeling anxious in the days leading up to the event but got reassurance from other Enabled members in the WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

Trudy was supported during the week by Major Christine Piper. She said Christine was ‘perfect’ and helped her sort lots of things out, including getting a new red Enabled T-shirt for the Saturday.

Trudy is an avid Lego builder at home and was impressed that there was Lego in the prayer room.

Speaking of her chosen programme, she enthused that it was her first time ever doing Godly Play and she loved the group led by Major Georgina Symons (Histon).

Trudy also had great fun in the choir with Jonny and the musical theatre group with Reuben.

The biggest highlight was getting two certificates, one for attending and the other for being the most creative. ‘To get these on my first year felt amazing,’ she said.

Trudy eagerly attended all the craft sessions, which also paved the way for her to take herself out of her comfort zone and speak in front of the audience at the Saturday celebration.

‘I was so nervous, but we prayed beforehand, so I felt more confident,’ she said.

She had an amazing week and made lots of new friends: ‘Everyone knew my name. From the minute I put my lanyard on, I felt that I belonged.’

What did you think about your first ever Enabled experience?

It was fabulous, I would like to go again.

Which parts of the week did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed Barbie, Godly Play, the choir and the Music Man Project. I liked all the activities and the food was outstanding. Jonny was a chatterbox. At the awards ceremony, he was very funny.

Did you meet any new friends?

I met lots of new friends like Jasmine, Kiera and Jamie. Barrie was my great supporter.

Did you learn to play an instrument?

Yes, I played the bass with Chris.

Sam’s parents added: ‘The final celebration day was fantastic! It was inclusive in the best sense of the word: a glimpse of a world where all are genuinely valued for being themselves. The supporters were such a great group of people, literally enabling everyone to be part of a hugely enjoyable week. Many, many thanks to all involved!'