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Bethany Home: Reaching out to the students
Bethany Home: Reaching out to the students
By SHARON LING
sharonling@thestar.com.my
ON weekday afternoons, secondary school students can be found doing homework or catching up on various subjects in a house at Kenyalang Park in Kuching.
This is Bethany Home, an after-school centre set up by teacher-cum-pastor Cheli Tamilselvam and his wife Mei to give students a place to go for academic help and improve their studies.
The living room of the house at Jalan Chawan has been converted into a classroom while another area is set aside for homework and computer facilities.
Cheli, a senior assistant (student affairs) at SMK Bandar Kuching No 1, said an average of 40 students come to Bethany Home after school every day.
Classes are offered on Mondays to Thursdays for English, Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, Science, Additional Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Form Three to Form Five. On Fridays, free guitar lessons and computer classes are available.
“We have a few volunteers who come in to help teach the students in small groups.
“Students can also come in to do their homework or revision. Usually, they will do this alongside their peers or someone from an older class so that they can help each other when needed,” he said.
In addition, Bethany Home has Internet facilities with computers and Wi-Fi for students to do their projects.
Cheli, who is also pastor at Bethany Ministries, said he started the centre in May 2002 when the students in his school asked him for help with their studies.
“Since then we’ve seen hundreds of students come here to study. They found motivation and purpose and also improved in their studies,” he said.
He recalled that the first batch of students at Bethany Home included four who scored straight As in the STPM examination, a result which had not been expected from them.
“Over the years, we’ve been able to help many young people who come from various schools. We want to see this as a place where young people can come in and find positive guidance to be purposeful, passionate and productive,” he said.
He emphasised, however, that Bethany Home was a place for learning, not loitering.
“We are very strict about this. We discourage the students from wasting their time here.”
Fong Che Chung, 25, is one of those who benefited from Bethany Home. Fong, who is now an assistant pastor with Bethany Ministries, said he had failed every subject in the SPM mock examination at school in 2003 before his friends urged him to go to Bethany Home.
“It was about a month before SPM and I had totally lost hope. But I decided to come to Bethany Home as I had nothing to lose.
“During that month, I came every day and studied mainly with my friends, who taught and helped me to understand the various subjects. Questions that I did not know how to answer previously started to make sense,” he said.
After working in a travel agency for three years, Fong decided last year to work full time at Bethany Home to help others the way he had received guidance.
Form Four students Joyce Chai and Mok Chin Yaw, who have been coming to Bethany Home since last year, found that it had helped them to improve in their studies.
“I started coming last year for help with PMR. I attended the English, Maths and Science classes here and it helped me improve and get better results. Now, I come three or four days a week after school to do my homework,” Joyce said.
Chin Yaw added: “I like coming to Bethany Home because it’s a nice place and there are people here to teach me.
“If I don’t know how to do certain parts of my homework, I can ask someone for help.”
source: Bethany Home: Reaching out to the students(The Star)
School Alpha
School Alpha
School Alpha is a condensed version of the Youth Alpha Course and it is run in schools either as part of the extra -curricular activity (in schools where the Christian Fellowship is allowed to be run) or in small groups where students meet at their own convenience. All students are welcome on a School Alpha Course and students have a wide variety of reasons for attending.
Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death; still others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
Students come from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints – but all come with the same objective: to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives.
“What I like most about the School Alpha is the time we spend preparing for the sessions. We meet to discuss the ice-breakers and discussions. Then I also enjoy the snacks and mingle time as it makes us feel relaxed after a long week in school.” - Alistair Ong, 17 years old
“I like School Alpha because it is different and we are all allowed to share our stories with one another in our group. I have learnt so much from these.” - Ng Tsae Yuan, 19 years old
What is Alpha?
Developed at Holy Trinity Brompton church in London, Alpha is a ten week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with lots of opportunity for debate and discussion.
The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressurizing. It is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and also by the regular churchgoer.
“I enjoy School Alpha very much because it is interesting and really fun. My friends really enjoy it too.” - Jayne Chong, 15 years old
“The group discussions are really good because we get a chance to hear each others’ stories. The relaxed atmosphere is so good for us to bring our friends along. I still miss the singing though.” - Wong Li Xin, 17 years old
Who is Alpha for?
• Those wanting to investigate Christianity
• Those who are curious about Christianity
• Those who feel that they have never really got going as a Christian
• Christians who want to brush-up on the basics
How is it run?
The Alpha course begins with snacks, followed by a talk. Students are then divided into smaller groups to discuss any questions raised from the talk. This is a typical School Alpha meeting. Then there is also an opportunity to go on a weekend away. This has been a key part of the course and a great success in helping people get to know each other and God.
| Activity | Time | |
| 1. | Snacks & Ice Breaker | 15 min |
| 2. | Talk – Point 1 | 10 min |
| 3. | Group Discussion – Point 1 | 5 min |
| 4. | Talk – Point 2 | 10 min |
| 5. | Group Discussion – Point 2 | 5 min |
| 6. | Talk – Point 3 & Summarise The Talk | 15 min |
| 7. | Prayer ( when it is the right time to do so) | 5 min |
Stories from Students
Currently, we are running the School Alpha course which is a great tool to reach out to friends. We enjoy discussing together. I am always happy when friends turn up for the School Alpha. Age is not a limit in serving God’s Kingdom. We can serve with a cheerful and young heart.” - Vera Li
Note: Vera is currently serving as the President of her school’s Christian Fellowship.
Seeing them wanting to learn more about Jesus and giving their lives to Christ made me even happier. I also help to run the different programmes and activities like School Alpha. I truly believe that God is working in the life of the students and the CF is an amazing avenue for students to gather and learn more about God and at the same time fellowship with one another.” - James Raj
Note: James Raj sits for his PMR at the end of 2009 and serves actively as an Alpha Leader in his school and in his church.
Note: Dexter will be sitting for his SPM at the end of 2009 and actively serves as a School Alpha leader in his school.
Photo Album of the Reading Bus First visit to Kampung Pueh
Click on slide show to view all the photo.
The Reading Bus
What’s the Reading Bus?
The READING BUS is one of the community projects of Bethany Ministries. It is a mobile library programme, in which a rural village will be adopted for a period of three months and a team of 5 will be sent out to the village every forthnightly over the weekends to help set up a library in the village. To see this being achieved the team will run several delayed education, reading intervention and motivational programmes alongside the Alpha Course which will be conducted during the nights.
Goals & Objectives
- To provide reading opportunities for rural children and teenagers
- To initiate a feasible, easily available and manageable mobile library programme for the villages
- To provide avenues for urban teenagers to give by teaching and conducting elementary English reading programmes
- To help elevate reading interest amongst children and teenagers in the village
- To train a minimum of 2 volunteers to carry on the library program after 3 months
- To set up a permanent library in the village with sufficient numbers of books to ensure continuity
The Reading Bus Programme’s Schedule
| Time | Activity | Resource |
| 0900 - 1700 | Library Programme |
|
| 1000 - 1100 | Sticker Book Programme |
|
| 1100 - 1200 | “Most Important Story Ever Told” Lesson |
|
| 1500 - 1700 | Key Words with Ladybird Reading Competition |
|
LIBRARY PROGRAMME
STICKER BOOK PROGRAMME
“MOST IMPORTANT STORY EVER TOLD” LESSON
KEY WORDS WITH LADYBIRD READING COMPETITION
Our Stories
The Reading Bus was causing a chain reaction, as they saw us and talked to us about our own dreams and how God has been a Great Provider to us, they began to realise that nothing was impossible.“ - Natasha Binya Nanta
Note: Natasha is now studying social work at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.
Note: Stanley will soon be in London to complete his degree in Electronic Engineering.
Note: Eugene Tan is currently doing his 3rd year in medical school in Kursk, Russia and continues to serve actively in his church.
The Reading Bus 1, First Visit to Kampung Pueh
Kampung Pueh (Pueh Village - approx. 110km from Kuching)
Registration for the Mobile Library Borrowing of books
Noel (a volunteer) doing a Sticker Book lesson
Erika teaching The Most Important Story Ever Told
Homework Centre
Homework Assistance
Academic Assistance
"I find the place very conducive and comfortable to study. The air-conditioning helps me stay focused for a longer time. I have improved in my subjects in school. I love being in Bethany Home." - Mok Chin Yaw, 15 years old
Online Assistance
"I am able to focus on my work when I come to Bethany and I have improved in all my grades in school. I finally feel that I can make it through my PMR." - Sim Pei Ching, 15 years old
Our Stories
What truly touched my heart and began to motivate me was that most of my friends who were also studying there took time to teach us who were weak. Their earnestness and sincerity encourage me a lot. When the SPM results were released, I couldn't believe what I got; I passed all but one subject. I even got 2 As. What God did for me through the Homework Centre made me think and thus I decided to do the same for other students who are in need now and I love serving God through these ministries."
- Fong Che Chung
Note: Today Che Chung serves as Associate Pastor of Bethany Ministries and oversees the operation of Bethany Home.
"I was excited to be a part of the Homework ministry in Bethany Home and to be able to serve as a tutor to some younger students. I realise that it is in serving that God has taught me how to love and appreciate the people around me.
Serving has also given me avenues to experience God in special ways and to grow in Him. Seeing my friends being touched and coming to know God through simple acts of serving makes me want to serve God even more!"
-Angela Chang
Note: Angela has recently graduated from University Malaya and is currently working as a Quantity Surveyor with a public-listed company.
"I love spending time to teach in Bethany Home. The students turn up with various needs and it makes me feel so good to be able to share with them what I know and by doing so I have been able to share the love of God with them. I feel blessed in having such an opportunity to serve God instead of wasting my time doing aimless things."
-Goh Yan Hui
Note: Yan Hui is currently doing a degree in teaching at the Specialist Teachers' Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur.
International cross cultural training School
What is ICCTS?
The International Cross Cultural Training School (ICCTS) is a discipleship school that provides skills for ministry and outreach in a cross cultural context. It is designed to stimulate and equip young people to discover and fulfil God’s global purposes.
The 4-week school has a mixture of both theoretical and practical learning and is taught in English. Foreign students can choose to extend their ICCTS experience up to three months.
Components of ICCTS
• Kairos Course: God, the Church and the World
• Discipleship & Mentoring
• Servant Leadership
• Tools for Ministry & Mission
• Reading Bus Ministry (Education outreach)
• Alpha Course Leaders’ Training
• Team Dynamics
• Ministry Opportunities
• Village Outreach (Indigenous peoples)
• Unreached People Groups
• Youth and Children Outreach
• Student Outreach
Who’s Who in ICCTS?
“ICCTS is the fruition of a vision I had while still in New Zealand more than 10 years ago. A school which provides sound biblical training and ministry avenues, raising up trained and passionate young people who will want to see the nations brought into HIS Kingdom.” - Ps Cheli Tamilselvam, Bethany Ministries Malaysia, Principal of ICCTS
“ICCTS testifies to the universality in the diversity of God’s creation.”- Philip Yong, FGBMF East Malaysia, Advisor for ICCTS
“ICCTS is about discovering the purpose and passion of God in fulfilling and finishing HIS redemptive work among all peoples and HIS Kingdom.” - Ps Neduncheliyan, STAMP Malaysia, Facilator of ICCTS
“It’s a good opportunity for young people to be trained and equipped for ministry.” - Ps Ryan Foo, Harvest Generation Malaysia, Teacher of ICCTS
“The ICCTS provides a community environment through which students grow in their faith, skills and Christian worldview. It is a fantastic stepping-stone for any young person wanting to pursue God’s call to cross cultural ministry.” - Janna Ewing, DCBC New Zealand, International Coordinator of ICCTS
Impressions of ICCTS
“Solid biblical instruction and daily impartation from experienced leaders serving in various ministries in Malaysia, with culturally relevant and hands on exposure needed to grasp Jesus' true heart for every believer's role in servant leadership, discipleship and missions.” - Carrie Baber, Global Ministry Teams
“I learnt more about missions, serving others and discipleship. The teachers’ testimonies encouraged me, helping me draw nearer to God.” - Simon Wee, ICCTS graduate 2008
“The way God wants us to spread the gospel is not through our words alone, but by our actions consciously and constantly loving all the people around us.” - Leslie Leong, ICCTS graduate 2008
“The school is a refreshing reminder of God's plan and purpose for the world. Through ICCTS I have learnt how to trust God and to rely on Him as I live my life each day.”
- Oguchi Nzekwe, ICCTS graduate of January 2008
Stories from Students
“I joined ICCTS while on summer break halfway through my medical degree in Russia. ICCTS opened my eyes to a lot of new things. I learnt much on God’s plan and how to evangelize, and also how to communicate with different people. As we visited different places and villages I got to know the different cultures and their lifestyles. It was interesting to learn lots of new thing and I enjoyed it all. The most crucial thing is that after ICCTS I seem to be able to fit in better now that I am back in to Russia. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to go through this course that I may enrich my life with lots of new things.” - Stephen Wong, ICCTS graduate of June 2008
“ICCTS showed me that there are so many people groups out there that can be reached, and going out to help in the villages helped me see beyond the small window of life that we see most of the time in Kuching. The time spent at Kairos mission awareness training was really eye-opening too.” - Shellyn Felicia, ICCTS graduate of June 2008
Note: Shellyn is currently in her final year of law studies at SEGi college and serves as one of the leaders in Bethany Ministries.
“ICCTS was indeed a great learning experience, and I had the privilege to experience it as both a participant and a facilitator. I was deeply challenged to look at ministry for God’s kingdom with a different perspective and it was a blessing to be able to learn and share my life with so many people through the course. The course showed me that regardless how we look on the outside, we are all the same inside – we are all God’s beloved children.” - James Loi, ICCTS graduate of June 2008
Note: James is the Missions Coordinator of Bethany Ministries and is part of the team of teachers at ICCTS.
“ICCTS has helped me draw closer to God and it is an excellent training ground for spiritual disciplines. Through this school I have been given the opportunity to serve and by doing so I am able to discover my gifts. I have also built strong friendships and have learnt how to trust and be accountable to others. I feel that the greatest impact that ICCTS has had on me is that it has ignited a passion within me for the lost and needy.”- Barnabas Ung, ICCTS graduate of June 2008
Note: Barnabas is currently in his final year studying Marketing and Management in Swinburne University, Kuching and serves as a leader in the Campus Alpha ministry.
Stanley's Testimony
Friends, let us not judge each day by the harvest we reap, but by the seeds we plant!
Stanley
