Bethany Updates. . . Posted by Bethany Ministries , Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 3:54 PM, in

It has been ages since we last updated the blog and few events were taken place over the months. Praise God for His abundant blessings over Bethany!

Discipleship School on Saturday night.

Group picture of Bethany members after Sunday service.

Now let's see what happened over the past few months. . .

JUNE

GAWAI BBQ FELLOWSIP NIGHT.

It was a night to just chill out and get to know new friends. Had fun bbq! 

FATHERS' DAY

Fathers' Day falls on the third week of June, and a lot of times people tend to forget that. Bethany gave all the fathers a little present as an act of gratitude and love during the Sunday service. We appreciate their hard work and support all these while.

Let us learn to appreciate our fathers not only on Fathers' Day but also in everyday of our lives. 

GAWAI FOOD PARCEL

Gawai is another festive that celebrated among the Native. Before the festive, Bethany actually found out that there are a few poor Native families in village that couldn't even afford to celebrate Gawai. For your information, in every family there is an disabled member and the family spend most of their money on their medication. Food parcel was organized to help them, thanks to different ones for their contributions to bless the family. This is how we help the needy ones, not only supporting them in meeting their needs but also get a step closer to understand their family backgrounds and situations.

Sorted out the food and packed into different boxes according to different families' need.

One of the families that we went.

*We didn't post up the disable families pictures in order to respect the families member. If you want to know more information, you can always call Bethany Home (082-342627)  in office hours.

AUGUST

SERUAN MERDEKA

This event was held on 31st of August-National Day. It is a good opportunity to thank God for our nation by having worship celebration with the brothers and sisters in Christ from different villages. Bethany was given the privilege to take part in the event in EaglesWing, Lundu to serve, worship and celebrate with the rest of the villagers. 

Worship and presentation.

Giving away free drinks.


OCTOBER


MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION

Bethany Ministries organized "Kuching and the Logos Hope Experience" Mural Painting Competition where around 100 participants took part. The purpose of this event is to decorate the 360 feet walkaway where the Logos Hope will disembark and be an attraction throughout the three weeks during which Logos Hope is opened to the public from all walks of life, of course this also allows the participants to express their skills, talents and creativities as a team during the mural painting competition. 

It was raining half-way through the competition but that didn't pull down the spirit of teamwork!

Group picture of winners with the Captain.

Thanks to all the sponsors-Murobond, KKB Engineering Bhd, Borneo Adventures, Trinity Book Room, Hai Soon Concrete Sdn. Bhd and those who gave secretly. 

Mother's Day at Bethany.. Posted by Bethany Ministries , Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11:53 AM, in

Mother's Day is celebrated world over in the effort to show gratitude to mothers all everywhere; it is no different in Bethany. On the 8th of May, we incorporated a little something for our mothers into our weekly Sunday service as a token of our love and gratitude towards them:

Uncle Mark saying a prayer for the Mothers in our midst

A little gift prepared for our Mothers

Mother's Day is just another opportunity to display our love and gratitude towards our caring mothers; for their undying love and presence with us, even before we set foot in this world. In the words of the great Politician, President, and Philosopher, Abraham Lincoln, "All that I am or I ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."

Word Out!! Posted by Bethany Ministries , Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 1:15 PM, in

Bethany Ministries has been in operation for the past 9 years; expanding across the borders of race, culture, and even geography. Last week,  we were given the opportunity to exhibit a bit of what we do as a ministry to serve the community around us here in Kuching, Sarawak. A team of us went up to Penang to set-up a booth at the 'Transform Our City Together' Exhibition, held at the Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang, Penang. It was awesome, to say the least!!

                                                   

 

We had a great time at the exhibition, where we were also able to build valuable connections with other ministries and organisations. Ultimately though, when we look back on the 9 years past, we know we have lots to be grateful to God for; and all we have done and continue to do is really because of His faithfulness, and for His glory alone. To many more years ahead!!

Results!! Posted by Bethany Ministries , Monday, March 28, 2011 at 3:04 PM, in

The SPM and STPM results are out!! It's been an anxious wait for most; sleepless nights beckoned by the sense of curiosity and worry. Well, all that is finally over, and without a doubt, there is a great sense of relief and gratitude flowing from the students. Here are what some of the students have to say:

"I am very pleased with my SPM results as it is the best I have achieved in my higher secondary education. I am especially pleased with my English results that have improved so much since I started coming to Bethany Home. Ultimately, I have God to thank for my results!!" - Ng. Tsae Chiann, 18 

"My STPM results are very unexpected, as I did not expect such good results. I tried my best, and left the rest to God; and today I have Him to thank for His blessings." - Grace Lymie, 20

"I am pleased with my SPM results. Before sitting for the papers, I prayed that I would be able to sit where I would not be disturbed or distracted; and God answered my prayers. I was allocated a seat at the back, in the corner;  and I was able to do my exams well!! I am especially happy with my English results, which I was a bit concerned about. I thank God for His goodness towards me!!" - Lee Yau, 18  

The journey keeps going for these students, some move on to University, Teacher's College, and various higher learning institutes. As they look back on their years in school, and the way it has culminated, they see the faithfulness of God, and His goodness in their lives!! 

Bethany Home!!

Bethany Home is alive with activity once more, with an array of happenings throughout the week!!

Homework Centre

The Homework Centre has gotten off to a great start in 2011!! With a handful of students coming in on a daily basis, to do their homework, Bethany Home is buzzing with activity once more!! Here are some shots of the homework centre in progress:

Academic Assistance

The Academic Assistance classes are also underway; with a total of 4 subjects being taught on a weekly basis. The Academic Assistance program is an essential part of Bethany Ministries, and aims at aiding students in their studies. Check these out:

Bethany Home is open daily from 8.30am to 5.00pm, so do feel free to come by for an experience!!

Happy Valentine's Day!! Posted by Bethany Ministries , Monday, February 14, 2011 at 12:58 PM, in

Happy Valentine’s Day!! Our Valentine’s Day Special Service was nothing short of spectacular!! With great insightful views about love and relationships from Ps. Che Chung and wife, Pei Sing, it has already earned itself a place as one of the highlights of the year!! Here are some memories:

Full house!!

Ps. Che Chung sharing his heart..

Pei Sing with some enlightening views..

Valentine’s Day is firmly rooted in love; with links going back all the way to a certain St. Valentine and his great act of love. Thus, it is fitting that as we celebrate this ‘love-filled’ day, for us to remember the greatest act of love ever shown; in which our God sent His one and only Son, to earth; to live a man’s life and to die a criminal’s death, to take away our sins that we might have relationship with Him. "How deep the Father’s love for us; how vast beyond all measure.."

Happy Chinese New Year!! Posted by Bethany Ministries , Monday, February 7, 2011 at 1:11 PM, in

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!! Hope you had an outstanding time of reuniting, and celebrating with loved ones; as you ushered in the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit.  If you’re superstitious, the year of the rabbit is said to be the harbinger of happiness and good fortune. However, if you’re not superstitious, like us, don’t fret, it’s still going to be a good year, because we have a God who showers His blessings upon us daily!!

We at Bethany got up to a lot during the Chinese New Year period, racking up a total of 16 house visitations!! Here are some memories…

We had a blast and are looking forward to next year, when the visiting will resume, but, for now, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!! 

Enter, 2011!! Posted by Bethany Ministries , Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM, in Labels: Bethany Ministries, Enter 2011, Our Ministries, Testimony

Year 2011 has gotten off to a bang!! 2010 was exhilarating, powerful, and awesome, to say the least; with so much that took place, but it is indefinitely exciting to be in 2011; with lots to look forward to!! So keep your ears open and eyes locked for plenty of exciting news!!

DISCIPLESHIP SCHOOL

            Discipleship School is back on the market!! From 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm every Saturday we gather to learn more about God; with inspirational worship, followed by intense teaching of the Word, it is not something that you would want to miss out on!!

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

            Sunday Worship Service is on as per normal, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm every Sunday, and have been nothing short of impactful!! With life-changing messages and heart-warming hospitality on the cards every week, it is definitely the place to be on a Sunday morning!!

PRAYER HOUSE

Prayer is an essential part of every fellowship, and in Bethany Ministries that is no exception. Prayer House is a time when we come together to spend time in prayer. It runs from 8:00pm – 9:15pm every Wednesday. Come and join us as we lift up our church, community, and nation before God!!

Testimony

Hi, my name is Julius Ng; I am 18 years old, and am awaiting entrance into medical school in Russia. I have always believed in prayer, and its power. Today, I want to share a little testimony about how prayer has impacted my life.

A few months ago, I was praying and God gave me a vision. In the vision, I saw a heart, and on the heart there was a dot. I felt that God was saying to me that I was that dot, on the heart, and that I was in Him, and meant a lot to Him. This instance has indefinitely left a mark on my life, allowing me to feel and know that really I am precious in God’s sight!!

Julius Ng

2010 Flashback Video for Watchnight Service Posted by Bethany Ministries , at 10:25 AM, in Labels: Video

'Distinctively Involved, Subversively Engaged' Bible Camp 2010 Posted by Bethany Ministries , Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 1:41 PM, in

Happenings in Bethany Home Posted by Bethany Ministries , Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 4:05 PM, in

Bethany Home Open Day, 31st August 2010 Posted by Bethany Ministries , Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 3:54 PM, in Labels: Bethany Home Open Day, Video

The Sibu Mission Trip 2010 Posted by Bethany Ministries , Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 11:04 PM, in

Worship Celebration Concert, ACS Kuching Posted by Bethany Ministries , Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 6:42 PM, in Labels: Alpha Conference Kuching 2010, Slide Show

Hello Teacher! We know we are naughty, but we have a heart lah! Posted by Bethany Ministries , at 6:24 PM, in

In April 2002, a small group of students experienced a life changing experience with God and were so hungry for God that in the weeks to follow so many of their friends began committing their lives to Christ. It started in school and then there was the concern - spirit-filled students with a need for discipline in life and studies - more so because they were all first generation believers. The form 4F class then was desperately needing academic help and the only way to help them was to run some simpler lessons for them - but this could not be done during school hours as the regimented lessons still had to go on!

On the 11th of May 2002, we started Bethany Ministries with just a few who were able to help and be there to teach and study together. Over the years, we have seen hundreds of students having come through the Homework and Academic assistance programs; still a great number who benefitted from the year end examination study periods. Many have moved on to acquiring degrees and jobs and by His continual grace - still serving and remembering His goodness and faithfulness in their lives. Some still stay in touch and bless us in return and we praise God for that.

Last night, these 4F students of 2002, paid us a visit and began to talk about the old times - one said "7 years and time has passed by so fast!" Another said "I still remember being in Bethany Home studying with you all!" And yet another one said,"I cannot speak English before but I can a bit now la!" It is so heart warming to hear such things and though none of them entered university or furthered their studies, they are doing well in their own jobs and they all seem to be happy - although life seems to be tough they say. For us it is a sheer joy to have them visit us without fail for the last 7 years - just to say "Hello Teacher!"

Bethany Home: Reaching out to the students Posted by Bethany Ministries , Monday, March 15, 2010 at 8:12 AM, in

Friday March 12, 2010

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.

Focused help: Cheli giving these students some tips for their studies.

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.

Concentrating hard: Chai (right) and Mok doing their homework at Bethany Home.

“I realised many of them had disciplinary problems and couldn’t concentrate on their studies because their foundations were weak. So I asked whether they would come if I rented a house and offered help with their studies, and they said yes.

“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.

Guidance provided: Students attending a class at Bethany Home.

He eventually scored 2As and several Cs and Ds for SPM, which was better than he had expected.

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)

Simon & Jun Wedding Dinner, The Sarawak Club, 21st Feb 2010 Posted by Bethany Ministries , Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 3:24 PM, in

ICCTS Exposure Trip to Kampung Simuti Posted by Bethany Ministries , Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 12:44 PM, in Labels: ICCTS, Slide Show, The Reading Bus

ICCTS Welcome Dinner cum Bethany BBQ Posted by Bethany Ministries , Friday, January 15, 2010 at 8:44 AM, in

The Reading Bus Introduction Visit to Saratok Posted by Bethany Ministries , Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 9:56 AM, in

School Alpha Posted by Bethany Ministries , Monday, November 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM, in Labels: Brochure, School Alpha, Testimony, Video

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

  “I joined the Christian Fellowship in school since I was in Form 1 and I’ve learnt a lot from it.  I gave my life to Christ in one of the meetings and since then, my life has transformed tremendously. I have learnt to serve in different ways such as in sharing testimonies, leading small groups, encouraging others  and making good friends. 

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.

“In my 3 years with the CF, I have learnt many different things and shared many experiences. The CF helped me in my walk with Jesus. One thing I struggled with was inviting my friends for CF meetings. Several times when I asked a few of my friends to come they wouldturn me down and I felt disappointed but as I kept on trying, a few of them started to come.

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.

“School Alpha is an excellent way to get to know Christianity and discover truths about Jesus, faith, prayer and the Bible. It has also been so much of fun and I am able to fellowship with so many others during the meetings. The greatest impact to me has been the discussion times where we are able to share and learn from one another.” - Dexter Chong
Note: Dexter will be sitting for his SPM at the end of 2009 and actively serves as a School Alpha leader in his school.