Bethany Christian Home for Children, Inc.

The Typhoon That Devastated Northern Mindanao.

2011-12-20T05:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday the 16th December at approximately 10pm local time the Northern Tip of Mindanao between the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro and their surrounding districts was hit by the typhoon Sendang. The typhoon brought very heavy rains which by the time they ran down into the rivers which reach the sea along the northern coast it was around 4.30am Saturday morning. Most of the local inhabitants were asleep when the rivers burst their banks and the torrents of water swept through their homes. Many people were literally swept away in the swell of the torrents and subsequently drowned those fortunate enough headed for higher ground or even their rooftops or anything higher than the water level which included trees.

The aftermath of this dreadful event was to leave in excess of 500 dead and countless missing presumed drowned or buried in the devastation.

Both cities and particularly Cagayan de Oro which is closest to Bethany have been devastated with still large parts without power or running water. Aid agencies are working flat out to help those affected by the devastation and the resulting trauma.

Talakag where Bethany is located is still cut off from Cagayan de Oro due to the road being blocked by several landslides still to be cleared. There is also no power in Talakag area due to lines being down so there is no direct communications with them. There is also no water due to the power outage. I know the people of Talakag will make do as will the staff of Bethany till things can be put right that is the nature of the Filipino.

My concern is for the future when the mess is sorted and the children affected by this disaster need to be placed as will surely happen. Children will have lost parents and siblings, some parents will not be able to cope after loosing all in the storm resulting in children requiring care.

With Bethany not being funded by anyone other than individual donations they are going to require your help and urgently.

Please if you can spare a little let me know by direct mail to me and I will get back with instructions of how to send your donation to reach Bethany.

I don’t wish to post pictures of the disaster here as the situation has already been widely publicised and would only cause more distress to those who have been affected.

God bless all those who have survived this ordeal and give them the strength to continue.

FESTIVE GREETINGS TO ALL MY READERS

2011-12-15T04:59:00.000-08:00

Well it’s that time of the year again when we recall the events past and look forward to those still to come.

Christmas is not just about receiving and giving presents but also to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who from such humble beginnings is now known and remembered in all countries of the world we live in.

I would like to think that our founder Miss Lynip’s work at Bethany would also not be forgotten or that of the many people past and present who continued in her footsteps.

Bethany is a wonderful place for children who need love and care that due to often tragic circumstances makes it necessary. For those fortunate to have visited Bethany and witnessed first hand the dedicated work by its staff and seen the smiles on the faces of the children I’m sure you will agree with me.

My challenge since my promise to Miss Lynip in 2005 has been to try my very best to help ensure the continuity of Bethany and the great work it does.

I ask those of you who can possibly afford to do so please help us maintain the wonderful tradition of keeping Bethany alive and serving the needs of Filipino children. Whatever you give in the year to come big or small will be cherished and used for the benefit of all. I promise I will keep those of you wishing to know informed of the happenings at Bethany by way of this blog on a regular basis.

I wish you all a wonderful festive season and a happy and prosperous New Year and may your God go with you and care for you always, where ever you are.

UP DATE ON RICKY LOPEZ

2011-12-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Ricky Lopez whom I wrote about previously is coming along in leaps and bounds as the saying goes due to his therapy treatment for his autism being funded by Erin and Rodger Kadey from the USA.

My wife Marilou keeps the Kadeys informed on a regular basis as to Ricky’s progress which has been truly amazing since it began in late 2009.

Ricky has gone from being a disruptive and difficult child to someone who is now willing to communicate with others as well as show a willingness to learn new things.

I have often read and heard of a child’s hidden talent and its all about finding a key to release that talent.

Ricky with his Jigsaw.

Ricky has a talent for completing jigsaw puzzles and the more he does the advance and complex his undertakings become. To watch his face when he is doing these puzzles is a sight to behold and the concentration he puts in is something I never thought I would ever witness from him.

The above is an example of how a child if given a chance can develop despite their handicap. I do appreciate that in today’s world climate finances are tight and giving is extremely difficult however every little counts as Bethany’s needs never go away.

If the burden of care can be shared it becomes less heavy for the individual when spread amongst the many, its better to give $2, £2 or €2 than give nothing at all as when all the donations are counted a Bethany child will truly benefit.

PROFILE ON A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF.

2011-09-29T01:59:00.000-07:00

Ratchel (Chi Chi) Sulatan.

Its 30 years this year since Rachel (Chi Chi) Mendoza Sulatan joined the staff of Bethany. Chi Chi as she is affectionately called graduated from Liceo de Cagayan University in her profession in general nursing in 1978. In 1981 she joined the staff of Bethany as a nurse.

During her work at Bethany she met her husband Fred Sulatan himself a former Bethany ward who was working after graduating in Cagayan de Oro city at that time and returning to Bethany at weekends to help at the home. In 1984 Chi Chi and Fred married and started their own family.

In 1988 Chi Chi and Fred officially became house parents to the Bethany wards and Chi Chi continued her duties as nurse. You can just imagine the Sulatan cottage with three children of her own and nine Bethany wards all living together as one big family.

Until the Sulatan children left home to further their education this was how it was for the family.

Chi Chi recalls that as many as twelve children had to be fed, washed and clothed and played with in her cottage with all the usual trials and tribulations of raising children.

Chi Chi went on to explain that over the years she has been a house parent between 50/60 children have been adopted from her cottage along with the numerous wards that passed through as they became older and moved on to other cottages.

She sits and recalls all the children by name as well as where they went to live at the time of their adoption and can remember particular characteristics of each child.

If Chi Chi and Fred were living in another country they would I’m sure by now be honoured by the relevant authorities of that country for their care and devotion to the wards of Bethany.

So thirty years on Ch Chi despite recently aggravating an old back injury soldiers on with her duties of house parent and nurse to the children.

When you visit Ch Chi in her cottage she is always smiling and cheerful despite the personal pain she suffers daily due to her back problem but one thing you can be rest assured of the children always come first.

Well done to Chi Chi for her thirty years of service to Bethany and lets not forget Fred her support in her very busy life.

BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL'S 55th FOUNDATION DAY.

2011-09-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

The stage setting for the 55th year celebration.

This morning 4th September 2011 I had the pleasure of attending along with my wife Marilou the opening ceremony of Bethany Christian School’s 55th Foundation Year celebration.

Yes it’s now 55 years since BCS first opened its doors to teach the children from Bethany Home in its formative years and then the children from Talakag and surrounding Barrios in later years. Thousands of children have graduated from BCS with an excellent standard of education as provided by its dedicated teaching and support staff.

BCS Students at todays ceremony.

In the last five years I have to admit its had its ups and downs due to lack of financial support but this is slowly but surely being overcome by the efforts of the current Board of Trustees as well as the efforts of the membership of the First Baptist Church of Middleburg, Florida as previously reported here and not forgetting the parents and guardians as well as sponsors who also add their support by sending their children to be taught there year after year.

Joe Hutcheson talks about commitment in his speech

At this mornings ceremony Mr Joe Hutcheson (Financial Officer) gave a speech on the importance of being truly and fully committed to whatever you do in life, if you want to really be successful. His words were directed at not only the students but also their parents who were also in attendance. How true are his words when we reflect back ourselves to what we have achieved in our lives to date. Could we have done better had we showed more effort and commitment, of course we could have. With continued commitment BSC will survive and grow to fulfil the educational needs of the children of Bethany Home as well as those from Talakag and its surroundings.

The celebration is week long with educational, cultural and sporting activities involving all the students of BCS. I’m sure you would like to join me in wishing them a happy celebration with many more years of celebration to look forward too.

NEW FINANCIAL OFFICER FOR BETHANY.

2011-07-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

Joe & Donna Hutcheson

Mr Joe Hutcheson has been appointed Bethany’s Financial Officer. Joe and his wife Donna came to Bethany earlier in the year following a synergy between Bethany and First Baptist Church of Middleburg, Florida.

Joe and Donna had previously been doing missionary work in China and bring to Bethany much needed administrative experience in relation to financial services.

All income and expenditure will be channelled through Joe in order that the three cost centres namely the Home, School and Farm will function totally separate and be self accountable.

Bethany is no different from any other like organisation where transparency is the order of the day, as quite rightly so our donors who are the life blood of Bethany want to know on a regular basis how much money we receive and how it is spent.

In the past accounting has always been a problem not that any monies were wasted but due to the old system itemising the spend was very difficult to achieve.

It is Joe and the Boards intention to publish on a regular basis a Newsletter detailing the financial situation of Bethany.

I would just like to add that whilst I appreciate the worlds financial situation is poor ours at Bethany is dire and we need your HELP NOW!

This is Joe’s e-mail address: joe@eastasianow.com and you can contact him direct for more information on what’s happening and what is planed. And if you have a spare Dollar, Euro or Pound or any other negotiable currency please let Joe know as our children here would be ever so grateful for the news.

MISSION TEAM FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, MIDDLEBURG, FLORIDA VISIT BETHANY.

2011-06-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

Early this week Bethany was honoured to receive a Mission Team of 19 members of the First Baptist Church of Middleburg, Florida USA. http://www.fbcmiddleburg.com/

The visit was a culmination of a previous visit from Dr Alan Floyd and Pastor Todd Jones back in August last year who came as an advance party to establish if the First Baptist Church of Middleburg could be of assistance to Bethany.

The welcome diner for the FBC Mission Team.

Following that first visit a husband and wife team Joe and Donna Hutcheson was appointed with approval from the Bethany Board of Trustees and they came to live in Bethany in March this year.

The whole idea of Joe and Donna being appointed was to assist with the management of Bethany and liaise with First Baptist Church of Middleburg for any ongoing projects resulting from the synergy between the two organisations.

Since coming to Bethany Joe and Donna have worked tirelessly in order to improve the ambiance of Bethany and conduct surveys in order to establish a list of priorities that would improve life in general for all who live and work at Bethany.

The plans are explained to me.

As a result of their initial report the Mission Team was formed which included members that had the necessary skills such as medical, teaching, farming and general building maintenance and of course the ability to work hard and be committed.

The medical team comprised of a Doctor and Optician as well as paediatric nurses who have examined all the Bethany children as well as those attending the Bethany School. A patient index card system has also be set up so that each child has a medical record that will enable any further Medical team visits to view the progress of the individual children.

The children being examined by the Doctor.

The nurse taking the childrens particulars.

Amongst the Mission Team was also teachers who taught at the school as well as assist at the nursery. A sum of $1,000.00 was donated by the Mission Team to enable the Bethany Farm piggery to be reactivated to help with supplementing the food requirements.

Last but not least of course was the effort by those members who painted the Bethany Church building and the Main Library facade and its all weather walkway which has really enhanced a very vital part of the Bethany infrastructure.

OK Joe, this is the plan says Pastor Todd.

Leading by example.

A labour of love.

Finishing touches.

I have a good feeling now that more people on the outside are taking an interest in what is going on here and know that without that help and kindness Bethany and its children would surely suffer. With that thought in mind I would personally like to thank the visiting team members who gave up being with their families and loved ones to travel half way around the world just to be with us and dedicate their precious free time to helping Bethany. Also I’d like to thank the entire congregation of the First Baptist Church of Middleburg for making the whole Mission possible and the trust given to those at Bethany from Dr Floyd and Pastor Jones.

Thats amazing.

Having fun with the kids.

So happy to be here.

Mrs J in the classroom.

The finished project.

The Bethany School reference centre of knowledge.

Our little church with its new exterior coat of paint.The reference centre to our faith.

I just hope that this synergy between BCHCI and FBC of Middleburg lasts for many years to come.

EXPAT LADIES CHARITY INC VISITS BETHANY.

2011-06-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

Recently the Ladies from ELCI came to Talakag as part of their (3rd) annual visit to Bethany. As always the children and staff were delighted to see the Ladies as they bring with them goodies for the children.

On this occasion the ladies treated the children to their morning snack which comprised of siopao, corn chips, chocolate cake, cup cakes and a fruit drink. How the children just loved this. When all the food was eaten the Ladies played parlour games with the children and to hear the laughing I don’t know who was enjoying the games most.

During their visit to Bethany the Ladies also inspected the rubber tree seedlings that they donated last year when they came and were delighted to see the progress being made.

During this visit Marilou and I planned a little surprise for the Ladies as a way to say thank you for all their efforts in helping Bethany.

The first surprise was to take them to visit a local farm owned by Amado and Elizabeth Noble who have built a weekend retreat and recreational area as well as a small botanic garden. The Ladies just loved this as it’s so beautiful and peaceful and allowed so many picture opportunities.
From the farm we took the Ladies to our house in the town for lunch and a chance to get refreshed.

The last part of the trip to Talakag was to visit the HELP Foundation a charity run by an American Keith Hooper that has a goat farm and training facility for local women in handcrafts as well as home economics and also gives micro loans to enable small businesses to be started.

The charity is funded by US donors as well as Rotary International. The Ladies were impressed by what they saw at the training centre. The feedback was that the Ladies thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Bethany and Talakag and look forward to next year when they will return once more.

WANDA TELLS HER STORY.

2011-05-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

From time to time I receive mail from people who read my blog and I just love to hear from former Bethany children and their experiences in life since leaving the Philippines.
One such mail I received recently was from Wanda Swenson which I have reproduced here with her permission as I think it’s so touching and down to earth.

Wanda wrote, I would be happy to share my story. God certainly does move in mysterious ways and I have been very blessed in my life thus far.
Background: I was brought to Bethany by my Aunt; my birth parents were unwed students. I lived in Bethany for 5 years for a very happy childhood (from what I can remember!) Christian missionaries Paul and Barb North (& their newborn son Justin) of New York served at the orphanage for two years helping to build the music school and music/art program at Bethany. When they left they adopted another Filipino child- Lenny. So the couple came over a 'family of three' and left a 'family of five!
Since my adoptive father was in ministry, he took several pastoral calls throughout the U.S. so we lived in New York, Indiana, Iowa and California. All that moving around made I well equipped to adjust to new environments and make friends easily. I have always had an adventurous spirit and I joined the U.S. Navy after high school. My four years in the Navy onboard the U.S.S. LaSalle flagship were challenging but filled with wonderful travel, exposure to many varied cultures and an opportunity to make lifelong friends. My duties onboard the ship included coordinating mail delivery to over 40 ports of call in Northern Africa, Southern Europe and the Mediterranean and running the shipboard post office. Another perk to the Navy- that is where I met my best friend and husband Brian.
I used my G.I Bill to go to college at Michigan State University. I currently work in Sales & Marketing for an insurance company. I work with Indiana and Ohio Medical, Dental & Legal societies and train insurance agents who want to work with my company.
In my free time I am in a dance troupe that performs Middle Eastern, Polynesian and Spanish dances. My husband and I are avid cyclists and he is teaching me how to play hockey (I really need to stick to dancing!
I would like to share that so many people who hear that I am adopted say I am 'lucky'. I do not feel that 'luck' has anything to do with it; instead it is God's will, and open loving hearts of his servants that enabled me to have a fruitful life. I know He has a plan for me and my family and although I may stumble at times to find it, I know there is a plan for my Life, just like there is a plan for each precious child at Bethany.

Wanda with her husband Brian

Thank you for your time, I certainly hope we can keep in touch. . I have not been back since I left in 1980 but hope to one day.

BETHANY IN COLOUR PART 2

2011-05-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Entrance to Bethany

Entrance looking towards the School Library

Bethany Baptist Church (Currently receiving some TLC).

Bethany School's Mission & Vision

The School Yard

The School

The School Admin Block

To the Church

The road to Sugar Creek

The Kindergarden

To the Creek

The Creek

Bethany's Admin Block

So peaceful

Bethany Christian Home for Children in Colour: Part 1

2011-04-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

I was asked recently by a former Bethany School student if I would post some recent photographs of Sugar Creek the name given to the upper part of the Bethany compound by Ms Louise Lynip (our founder) where the Children’s Home is located. Always willing to please, here is the photographs that I took yesterday..............so Joyce this is especially for you. I hope you like them and they bring back happy memories.

Nursery Playroom

Former Laundry now a Store Room

Administration Block

Older Cottage

Farm Building & Office

New Guest House

Cottage 11

Old Cottage being renovated

New Cottage

Older Wooden Cottage

Original wooden cottage

Basketball Court

SUSTAINABLE RUBBER PLANTATION PROJECT

2011-04-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Bethany to inspect the Rubber Plantation which is now nearing three years since it was first started. The trees are now visible from the farm building and looking very good indeed. A Rubber Plantation is like a mini forest when mature and the latex is being tapped.

Parts for the grass cutter will soon be available and the grass growing between the rows of rubber trees will be cut short in order to reduce the possibility of fire during the dry season. When I look at the Rubber Plantation I’m so proud of all the financial donations given by my friends and colleagues in the UK to get this project literally off the ground and into the air.

Thank you one and all for you kindness for getting the project this far.

RUBBER TREES IN THE PLANTATION

RUBBER PLANTATION TAKING SHAPE

RUBBER TREES ON CLOSE UP

Provincial Governor of Bukidnon, the Honourable Alex Calingasan, Visits Bethany

2011-04-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bethany was honoured today with the presence of the Governor Alex Calingasan at the school graduation of Preparatory, Grade 6 and 4th Year High School Class of 2011.

The graduates along with their parents and staff were thrilled to be in the presence of the Governor who addressed the assembly and took time out of his busy schedule to speak individually with the students and parents and posed for photographs with them which, I’m sure, will be something they will treasure for the future.

The Chairperson of the Bethany Board of Trustees, Atty Chemene Nacua, also congratulated the graduates and reminded all parents of both present and future students that it is not an easy task to send their children to school in these difficult financial times, but to do otherwise could mean a bleak future for them.

Once again big congratulations to all graduates as they have made their parents and staff of Bethany very proud of them.

The Bethany Graduates
Preparatory, Grade 6 and High School Class of 2011

The Governor poses with some more graduates.

Lucky graduates pose with the Governor.

Marilou Cunningham with the Governor

BOOK DONATION TO BETHANY SCHOOL LIBRARY.

2011-03-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

Good friends of ours and fellow British expats Mr & Mrs Trevor Ford who reside in Cagayan de Oro city have donated a large quantity of quality reference books to Bethany School Library. The books cover the subjects of History. Geography and Science and the school Principal Mrs Heidi Cansancio was overwhelmed when she received the donation, she said “ this will make a tremendous addition to our library and truly enlighten our pupils to the outside world”.

It’s therefore a big THANK YOU to Mr & Mrs Ford for such a valuable gift to Bethany.

Bethany is always grateful for any type of donation that you our friends and readers may wish to give.

Marilou handing over some of the books to Mrs Cansancio on behalf of Mr & Mrs Ford.

Mrs Cansancio with the balance of the books.

STEVEN BLACK AND BETHANY

2010-12-23T01:53:00.000-08:00

In the summer of this year Steven Black who is a professional photographer in Scotland and the son of a dear friend of mine Don Black held an exhibition of the photographs in Scotland's capital Edinburgh that he took on a visit to Cebu in late 2009. Steven generously promised to donate part of the voluntary donations collected from those who viewed his exhibition to Bethany. Last month his father Don returned to Cagayan de Oro and handed over the magnificent sum of PHP 14,000.00 from Steven to be put towards the expansion of the Rubber Plantation Project.

A big thank you to Steven for a wonderful gesture and its hoped that your photographic career brings you back to the Philippines one day to see the Rubber Plantation Project through your camera lens. http://www.stevenblackphotography.co.uk/

FESTIVE GREETINGS TO ONE AND ALL

2010-12-23T00:44:00.000-08:00

Well it’s getting near that time of the year when Christmas is almost upon us and the New Year beckons. Just where has the year gone to?

I don’t know if it’s an age thing but time is flying especially now I’m retired from full time working. To be honest I’ve never been busier than I have been since coming to reside in the Philippines and I thought retirement was just a long vacation.

Never mind I have enjoyed ever minute of helping Bethany as well as helping out my wife Marilou in the other charity work that she is involved in.

So it leaves me to say I hope all my readers have a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year for 2011. I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped the children of Bethany financially and those that gave their moral and spiritual support as without your help Bethany could not exist.

God Bless you all.

Thanksgiving Celebration at Bethany

2010-11-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

Today Bethany Christian School celebrated Thanksgiving with a musical presentation of Joseph the Dreamer. It was a joy to watch the presentation of the students performed with so much “gusto”. It was good to see a biblical story portrayed with a modern twist. Blending the dialogue with rap music was artistically created that it appealed to both the young and mature audience. I was very impressed indeed and can honestly confirm that “Bethany Has Got Talent”.

Well done to all the cast and the staff who worked hard to entertain us. Thank you.

MARY JOY GOES TO COLLEGE.

2010-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

Mary Joy in her college uniform.

As a result of the kindness of Mr Michael & Mrs Mary Beth Soignet from Charlotte, North Carolina USA, Mary Joy Radam one of our Bethany children or should I say young ladies has now enrolled at Bukidnon State College Talakag Campus. Incidentally Mr & Mrs Soignet have already a son adopted from Bethany called Darvy.

Mary Joy has elected to take a course leading to obtaining a BSc in Elementary Education. Mary Joy’s ambition is to teach at Elementary School on completion of her studies. The degree course is of 5 years duration and runs Monday to Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday from 8am till 12 Noon and 1pm till 4pm. Due to the course being part time in structure it’s very demanding as Mary Joy also works as a carer at Bethany. I spoke with Mary Joy today Friday 19th November and asked her how she was finding going back to school so to speak. She told me although the college schedule is demanding she is enjoying the challenge and is determined to do well and not let her sponsors down.

I will keep you all updated on Mary Joy’s progress as she travels along the road of academic enlightenment.

Once again a big personal thank you to the Soignet’s for your kindness from myself and Marilou on behalf of Bethany.

REQUESTING ASSISTANCE

2010-10-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

Since I started this blog, but particularly over the last two years, I have had many requests from former Bethany children regarding tracing their biological parents and/or relatives. It is always a pleasure to try and assist in this endeavour but I would like to inform those requesting this help from Bethany that it does take time and sometimes cost money. I’m not talking about a fortune but please allow for telephone calls and visits to be made to the Dept of Social Welfare to follow up information along with fuel or transport cost and, depending on how long it takes, maybe a snack or lunch etc. For an organisation like Bethany which relies on donations, every peso is a prisoner. I don’t wish to discourage anyone from asking for assistance but please kindly make a little donation to Bethany to help with your enquiry.

Australia's Best in Talakag Native Costume

2010-10-29T04:05:00.000-07:00

Rachel 1

Rachel 2

Amy 1

Amy 2

Last month I wrote about two former Bethany Children who returned to Bethany from their home in Australia. Sisters Amy and Rachel, whilst visiting Bethany, were persuaded on their last day in Talakag to wear traditional native costumes for a photograph as a souvenir of their visit.

I shall let my readers decide if the photographs were worthwhile.

VISITORS FROM FLORIDA

2010-10-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

Welcoming Banner For our Guests

L to R Mike Gowens, Jim C, Pastor Todd Jones and Dr Alan Floyd

Some of our children welcome our visitors from Florida

Following a chance contact via my blog Mike Gowens wrote to me asking if it was possible for him and some people from his church First Baptist of Middleburg in Florida http://www.fbcmiddleburg.com/ to visit Bethany.

I immediately put him in direct contact with our Chairperson, Atty Chemene Nacua to arrange a possible visit. To cut a long story short a visit was soon set up and Mike along with the church pastor Dr Alan Floyd and senior associate pastor Todd Jones arrived in Talakag on the 23rd September.

A special welcome was arranged for our guests in the form of a cultural history of the Philippines depicting the origin of the Filipino people and there association with the Spanish as well as the Americans over the years. Our guests were a bit taken a back by the show and I might add pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of the children. Mrs Heidi Cansancio, School Principal, provided the welcome address explaining the work of the school within the complex that is Bethany.

Since the visit for pastors Floyd and Jones was brief they immediately went on a fact finding tour of the Bethany facilities culminating with a meeting the following morning with the members of the Board of Trustees as they were returning to Manila that afternoon. Mike Gowens however remained until the 5th October to carry out an indepth study of the Bethany Organisation in order to determine where his church maybe able to assist most.

At this stage I don’t want to go into too much detail as talks are at a preliminary stage but I’m confident that both the First Baptist of Middleburg and Bethany will go on to work together in the not too distant future. What I can say is Mike Gowens had an instant rapport with children as well as the Bethany staff and his enthusiasm just radiated from him.

I will keep my readers updated on future activities between the two organisations.

RETURNING TO THEIR ROOTS.

2010-09-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

Rachel(L) and Amy(R) meet their birth Father in Talakag

Last week I had the opportunity to meet two wonderful young women Amy and Rachel Yarnold who returned to Bukidnon to visit Bethany where they were adopted from with the blessing of their adoptive family.
The other and most important reason for them returning to Bukidnon from their home in Brisbane Australia was to meet up with their birth father and their siblings as well as their birth mothers sister.
As one can imagine it was a very busy week for the sisters and also very emotional one.
Their story begun in 1986 when the sisters along with their brother David were adopted by an Australian missionary couple who at that time were stationed in Papua New Guinea. The eldest of the siblings was after sometime sent to Australia to continue her education followed eventually by her brother then finally both adoptive parents and the youngest sibling returned to settle in Australia.
I got an e-mail from the youngest sibling Rachel last month to say they would be coming to Mindanao and was it possible for them to stay at Bethany during their visit.
I passed their request to Bethany’s Chairperson Atty Nacua and Rose Longcob who made all the arrangements for the visitors during their stay in Talakag. A message was sent to their birth father to inform him of the visit and as they say the rest is history.
During their stay they discovered that they were three of 13 children with 4 sisters and 2 brothers still surviving. The also met their birth mothers sister their aunt during their visit. Now that they have made contact with their Bukidnon relatives the sisters vowed to return more frequently in the future and bring their brother along with them.

Bethany Christian School’s 54th Foundation Week Celebration - Commemoration Program Photos

2010-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Preparations Underway for Bethany’s Foundation Celebration

2010-09-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

All hands on deck as Bethany prepares for its Foundation Celebration next week. Everyone is busy. Elementary pupils, high school students, teachers, home and school staff, and even volunteers are all working hard to ensure that everything will be alright on the day.

Dancers Practising their Moves

Sound Check

Making the Props

Making the Costumes

Landscaping Efforts by the Gym

BROTHER AND SISTER VISIT BETHANY

2010-08-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

Lauren and Andrew with the Elementary Children in the Bethany School Library

Over the last two weeks two American graduates Lauren and Andrew West from Colorado have visited Bethany to further their overseas working experience. Early this year, Lauren wrote to me after reading about Bethany through this humble blog. She asked about the possibility of coming over to do some volunteer work at Bethany. She then asked her brother Andrew, who incidentally has just returned from his trip in Africa, to join her on the Bethany trip.

The brother and sister duo have worked mainly in Bethany School teaching English to the children at both Elementary and High School level. Both were also teaching the children how to do a Square Dance to be performed on Bethany’s Foundation Day event in September. While Andrew, who is a football (Soccer) enthusiast, was coaching the school's football team, Lauren was in the library reading stories to the elementary school children.

They both loved their experience here and I’m sure they will talk about it for many years to come.

ELCI & SIGMA BETA ARE GIVEN TALK ON BETHANY'S ORIGIN AND FUTURE HOPES DURING RECENT VISIT

2010-08-09T04:57:00.000-07:00

Attorney Nacua speaking with the Ladies during their visit to Bethany

During their recent visit to Bethany both ELCI and Sigma Beta had the opportunity to find out the origin of Bethany as well as its future aspirations first hand.
The Chairperson of Bethany’s Board of Trustees Attorney Chemene Nacua who incidentally for those who don’t know is an Investigative Attorney with the National Bureau of Investigation Cagayan de Oro Office, gave a short talk to the Ladies on how Bethany was formed and what it means to deserving children to keep it in operation. She also went on to explain what the Board of Trustees have got planned for the future of the Bethany facility and how they are working hard to explore all options to raise funding to ensure their longer term goals are reached.
The Ladies also had the opportunity to ask Attorney Nacua questions as well as join in a group discussion which they all enjoyed.

A GEORDIE IN TALAKAG

2010-08-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

John & Melogie Burns in Talakag

When ELCI recently visited Bethany, some of the husbands came along as well to support their wives.

Along with Melogie, his beautiful wife, John Burns could not resist getting into the spirit of things and becoming a Talakag warrior for a photo shoot with his wife.

John originally hails from Newcastle in the North East of England and apart from being an ardent Magpie supporter (Newcastle United) he also supports England (notice his shirt). Well I suppose it takes all sorts to make a world.

John is a canny lad don't you think?

ELCI and SIGMA BETA WEAR TRADITIONAL NATIVE COSTUMES WHEN VISITING BETHANY

2010-08-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

Here we come don't we look beautiful?

The line up for Miss Talakag

During their recent visit to Bethany my wife Marilou had a surprise for our visitors. Following their tree planting, gift handover, visit to the children and not forgetting lunch, of course, the ladies were given Talakag regional costumes to wear for a photo shoot to mark their visit.

Don't they look beautiful in their native attire?

ELCI'S ANNUAL VISIT TO BETHANY

2010-08-07T00:16:00.000-07:00

THE ELCI LADIES PLANT RUBBER TREES AT BETHANY

THE ELCI LADIES AND SIGMA BETA HANDOVER THEIR GIFTS TO BETHANY

Recently the Expats Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI) visited Bethany again (they first visited last year) to see the children and as usual spoiled them with an assortment of candy goodies. The ladies also left gifts of rice and milk for the children. Accompanying ELCI were the Sigma Beta Sorority and Fraternity from Cagayan de Oro Chapter who are also involved in charity work. Sigma Beta also brought many gifts for the Bethany children which were well received by the staff.

During the visit the ELCI Ladies took the opportunity to plant some of the rubber trees that they so kindly donated to the Rubber Plantation Project. In total ELCI donated 75 seedlings which have all now been planted. Well done all the Ladies and I would like to say a big thank you for all you have done for Bethany.

RICKY LOPEZ

2010-07-17T02:47:00.000-07:00

As a result of the generosity of some ex-pat friends in Cagayan de Oro Ricky Lopez a Bethany child will undergo on Tuesday 20th July 2010 an assessment to determine the type of therapy and medication to treat his autism condition.
This is really good news as he is now of an age whereby he will benefit most from the therapy. I mentioned in a previous post the story of Jane who is being sponsored by the Gurske family from America another Bethany child suffering from the same condition as Ricky so they will both attend the same clinic therefore saving on transport and support care when travelling etc.
So it’s a big thank you to our friends in CdeO who incidentally against my wishes want to remain anonymous and that I have to respect.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATED TO BETHANY

2010-06-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Marilou representing (ELCI) along with Atty Chemene Nacua, Chairperson of BCHC Inc, Rachel Sulatan, House Parent and the children from Bethany Home who received their school supplies.

Recently, we visited Bethany Home to hand over school supplies to children attending Bethany School. The school supplies were donated by the Expat Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI). Along with the donations to the Bethany Home children there are additional school supplies given to all children who attend Bethany School.

Marilou representing (ELCI) along with Mrs Glory May Maagad, Grade School Teacher and the children from Bethany School who received their school supplies.

I learned today that some children from the Barrios and the Town are transferring to the National High School because their parents cannot afford the tuition fees. It’s such a shame as Bethany School provides an excellent standard of education.

If any of my readers would like to sponsor a student please let me know and I will give you details of cost, etc and how you can help. Bethany deserves to survive but only you can make it happen. Please donate today.

BETHANY HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY IN TALAKAG

2010-06-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Chairperson Atty Chemene Nacua and Greg Longcob watched by fellow board
members cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.

Bethany held a ribbon cutting ceremony in Talakag last week to officially open for sale a small sub division of housing lots. The lots for sale are on a parcel of land that Bethany own but which it has no further use for.
For many years the land was rented to various farmers for cultivating corn but due to financial obligations the board decided to put the land up for sale in order to pay off some of its more pressing debts. When the sale is completed the financial status of BCHC Inc will be in better stead and its hoped that part of the funding raised after salary and other related outstanding bills are paid will go towards the maintenance of the Home and School. Although the sale of the land will help in the short term Bethany still requires donors old and new in order to face its longer term needs and asperations.

WALK IN THE PLANTATION

2010-05-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Bethany with Marilou to say hello to everyone and make a payment for weed clearing and fertilizing the rubber plantation which is carried out under the management of Mr Felipe Bigcas, Talakag’s rubber expert.

Whilst there some of the toddlers were going for a walk with their carer Mary Joy Radam. We all decided to walk to the plantation together to inspect the progress and give my little dog Maya some exercise. Along the way I gave all the children a stick each to carry and we talked and laughed as we walked. It was so good to be with so many smiling faces and at one point Mary Joy and I even had them singing. It was quite some distance we walked and I was surprised that however small the children might be they never complained perhaps they were enjoying themselves walking with their Grandpa.

The good news is the plantation despite the lack of rain in the last few months is doing very well and the trees are growing steadily. We will plant another 3 hectares when the rains finally return next month so progress is being made thanks to the contributions from our dear friends and colleagues back in the UK.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

2010-04-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Bethany is a charity nothing more nothing less and as such is solely dependent on donations from kind hearted individuals and groups. Since the passing of our founder in 2006 life has become extremely difficult year on year till now. Bethany’s sole purpose is to give a loving Christian home to some of the most needy children in the Philippines and Mindanao in particular.
All donations go towards the purchase of baby milk, diapers and food provisions as well as clothing for the children. Bethany also has utility bills such as power and water and last but not least staff salaries, which for some time now have been deffered due to the economic situation prevailing. Despite all that’s happening with the little donations currently received at least I can inform you that the children are not starving but there is no room for any luxuries. The other difficulty resulting from the current financial situation is, Bethany is unable to take any additional children as doing so would only compound the position their in.
I would ask all those who read this appeal to ask their, relatives, friends and colleagues to please come to our assistance to ensure the future of the current Bethany children and with your kindness and Gods grace future needy children.
If you wish to help please contact me and I will give you details as to how to send your donation.

JUST JANE

2010-03-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

Like many children Jane Dela Cerna arrived at Bethany as a baby and as she grew older it was obvious that she had a problem. Eventually her problem was diagnosed as Autism a condition that affects ones ability to communicate and socialise with others.
Jane in other ways was a normal child growing from a baby to a toddler to the infant she is now.
It’s thanks to the Gurske family from North Carolina who visited Bethany in late 2008 that Jane has now been properly assessed and medication as well as twice weekly therapy sessions have been arranged at their expense.
I can now inform the readers of this blog that Jane has made remarkable progress since her therapy has begun. Jane when I first met her was a difficult child very disruptive and prone to tantrums this of course is a direct result of her condition and an inability to effectively communicate her wants and needs. Now I can honestly say Jane has become a different child she now smiles and is trying to talk and communicate directly with others unlike before. There is still a long way to go but it is remarkable just how much progress she has made since starting her therapy. I am keeping my fingers crossed that her treatment can continue to be funded as I’m sure in time Jane can become a confident young lady and hopefully become independent.
This little example is just one of the many ways that you good folks can help our children at Bethany.
Once again a big thank you to the Gurske family for financially supporting Jane and giving her the opportunity to become a valued member of society.
If any of my readers would like to help a Bethany child through sponsorship please don’t hesitate to contact me direct.

EXPAT LADIES CHARITY INC VISIT BETHANY

2010-02-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

Recently the Expats Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI) of which my wife Marilou is now a member, recently visited Bethany and brought with them gifts for the children. The gifts included toys, clothes, sweets and rice etc which was greatly appreciated by the children and staff.

The ladied were able to see for themselves the good work carried out by the dedicated staff at Bethany and also had the opportunity to interact with the children which was enjoyed by all.

The board chairperson was also present to meet and discuss the various issues that arise from running such a worthwile organisation.

Mrs Daisy Cline current chairperson and president of ELCI thanked the staff of Bethany on behalf of her members and intimated that they would continue to support Bethany as one of their ongoing projects.

Bethany also thanked the ladies for taking the time to come to Talakag and visit the home and for bringing their much appreciated gifts.

DONATION FROM MRS LORNA WISHART

2010-01-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

Some of the children with their new soft toys

Last week Marilou and I travelled to Davao to visit our dear friend from the UK Mrs Lorna Wishart and her daughter Ria who are currently holidaying in Davao.
We had a wonderful time in Davao and whilst there we visited the Eden Nature Park and enjoyed an all in buffet lunch and tour of the Parks facilities. The highest point in the Park is 2,800 meters and for a foreigner the temperature at this altitude is superb.
I would recommend a visit to Eden for anyone going to Davao.
Another place we visited whilst there was Jack’s Ridge which is a restaurant complex with a magnificent view of the city of Davao and the bay area.
Apart from having a fantastic time in even more fantastic company as always when enjoying ones self it was too short and we had to return to Talakag.
Before leaving Davao Lorna produced a large sack of soft toys for the children at Bethany as well as a monetary donation for the Rubber Project. Lorna has been a regular donor to Bethany and Marilou and I could not thank her enough for her kindness.
This week Lorna and Ria will travel back to the cold of the Stockton on Tees in the North East of England and we wish them both safe journey and I’m sure her husband Robert will have missed them both whilst they were in Davao as he had to stay at home due to work commitments.
Once again, thank you Lorna from everyone at Bethany Christian Home for Children Inc.

FROM KOPERVIK TO TALAKAG

2009-12-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

From L to R. Rigmor, Andreas, Aleksandra and Olav Øygarden

Last week I was informed by Rose Longcob that a Norwegian family was coming to visit Bethany with their adopted grown up children. On hearing this news I was anxious to meet them when they arrived in Talakag. I was thinking to myself they are going to really feel the difference in temperature as its now the middle of winter in Scandinavia, just the right time for a vacation.
The day after they arrived Marilou and I went to Bethany to meet up with the new arrivals who were Mr Olav and Mrs Rigmor Øygarden and their daughter Aleksandra and son Andreas. Aleksandra who is now 24 years was adopted from Bethany when she was 9 months old and was born in Talakag. Andreas who is now 21 years was born in Kibawe also in Bukidnon and was adopted at 18 months old. Marilou informed Andreas when she heard he was born in Kibawe that he shared the same birthplace as a famous son of the Philippines namely Manny Paquiao, which he was delighted to learn.

The Øygardens were accompanied by the boyfriend of Aleksandra, Mr Steffen Lücherat as well as their good friends Eythor I. Johannsson and Mary Ann Lund. (see photo below)

This is the second visit of Aleksandra and Andreas who last came 13 years ago when Miss Lynip was still alive and managing Bethany. I was also informed that they were some of the first children to be adopted into Europe as until then most children were adopted either locally or to the USA.

It’s always great to see children who left so young return to Bethany as polished young men and women. During their visit to the Philippines both Aleksandra and Andreas will meet their birth mothers as arranged by Rose.

The family along with their companions will stay at Bethany until January 1 and then relocate to Cagayan de Oro so they can visit the many attractions in the area then travel on to Cebu to finish their vacation before returning back to the cold winter of Norway.

Marilou and I wish them all a very pleasant remainder to their stay here in the Philippines and maybe one day we will have the opportunity to meet up with them all again. We will certainly keep in touch with them and continue to keep them informed of the happenings at Bethany.

TALAKAG'S LARGEST GATHERING THIS YEAR TO DATE.

2009-12-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

On the afternoon of Saturday the 26th December I had the privilege of attending a party held at the farm premises of Mr Jess Paras the prospective Congress candidate for Bukidnon District 1.

The party was a seasonal treat for the residents of Talakag and surrounding Towns and Barrios comprising District 1, as well as an opportunity for Jess Paras to celebrate his birthday with his family and friends amongst whom were his former classmates at Xavier University Class of 1971. The Paras farm is located near the Barrio of Dagumbaan in a beautiful area on the Talakag plateau with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Jess Paras and Jim Cunningham

I felt very honoured to be amongst the real Bukidnons both Christian, Moslem and Traditionalists and enjoyed tremendously the hospitality of the Paras family extended to Marilou and I during our visit. For those of you reading this Jess Paras is an agriculturist who has held many government posts in the various agencies connected with agriculture in Bukidnon as well as nationwide, besides developing his own farm. An entrepreneur Jess Paras has owned and managed many businesses in Cagayan de Oro and currently owns and operates a Seacat ferry service between Cagayan de Oro and the islands of Camiguin and Bohol.

What has interested me recently about Jess Paras is his initiative to provide a vocational opportunity at his cost for young men and women of District 1 to enable them to acquire skills that will make them employable and give them the chance to find work and perhaps the platform for future personal development. Two of my nephews joined this programme and are thoroughly enjoying the experience so I know first hand that it is working.
Also attending the function was Mrs Fely Imperio (formerly Abello) who was one of the two first children to be cared for by Louise Lynip when she originally founded Bethany Christian Home for Children. Fely spoke to the gathering in the local Bukidnon dialect and endorsed Jess Paras’ decision to run for congress. Fely’s first husband was a former Mayor of Talakag so she knows a thing or two about local politics.

Fely and Jess Paras

Although I myself am strictly only an observer as far a politics go being a foreigner, I had to admit that I was in the presence of a very popular and respected person in the form of Jess Paras. I wish him every success in his attempt to obtain a seat in Congress in the forthcoming elections in 2010.

It would be unkind of me when writing this blog if I fail to mention the tremendous effort of Mrs Nena Paras and her son for organising such a successful event thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

SEASONS GREETINGS.

2009-12-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

I would once again like to wish all the regular readers and visitors new and old a very merry Christmas and an happy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you for your kindness throughout the year and I hope and pray that 2010 will be kind to the Staff and Children at Bethany.

God Bless.

Marilou hands over seasonal gifts from the Expat Ladies Charities Inc Cagayan de Oro to

Rose Longcob.

RUBBER PLANTATION PROJECT: PROGRESS AT BETHANY

2009-12-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

The other day whilst attending the birthday party of Atty Nacua I had the opportunity to visit the Rubber Plantation Project at Bethany that we started at the beginning of this year. The trees are really beginning to grow now with the majority over 2 meters tall. We will plant a further three hectares of seedlings next wet season to bring the plantation up to six hectares.
It was always my intention to have a minimum of ten hectares of rubber plantation so we are getting closer to our target with God’s grace and the financial support of our friends and colleagues without which this idea would never have been started.

Please also read about how we have progressed since we started our Rubber Plantation Project here, here, here, and here. If anyone reading this wishes to contribute to our Rubber Plantation Project please contact me by email for further details.

BIRTHDAY PARTY AT BETHANY

2009-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

On the 14th December 2009 Bethany was the location of Atty Nacua’s birthday party.
Atty Nacua is the Chair Person of Bethany’s Board of Directors. The party was attended by the Staff and children as well as fellow board members and family of Atty Nacua.
It was a beautiful day with the sun shining and blue skies above and everyone enjoyed the birthday luncheon provided by the celebrant. The Bethany Choir under Rita’s direction sung a seasonal rendition to mark the occasion which thrilled the audience.
I would like to thank everyone including of course Atty Nacua for making the day a special one and hopefully we can have many more birthdays to celebrate at Bethany.

BETHANY/TALAKAG HAVE THEIR FOOTBALL KIT.

2009-10-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

The players wearing their East Kilbride strips.

The players wearing their East Durham (Peterlee) strips.

The players with their Scottish Daily Record strips.

When we were last back in the UK attending our daughter’s graduation our visit coincided with our good friends and former neighbours Doreen and Billy Jarvis’s annual Garden Party. The party is given to honour the birthday of their daughter Dawn and provide a good knees up for friends and neighbours. Back to the story, when attending the said party I bumped into an acquaintance of mine Mr Billy Davies who is the Facilities Manager at Shotton Hall in Peterlee which doubles as the HQ of the Peterlee Council as well as some of the best function facilities in the area of East Durham. During my time as CE of my former company I used the Shotton Hall facilities on numerous occasion therefore getting to know Billy Davies quite well or so I thought. We got chatting about retirement and what I was doing in the Philippines etc when I mentioned to him our need for football kit as Bethany/Talakag were so keen to play football (Soccer).
Billy said he would see what he could do to help and we left it at that and got back to drinking the other Billy’s beer, well after all that’s why we were there in the first place.
Two weeks later I got a call from Doreen Jarvis to inform me that there was a bag of football kit at her house to be collected. By now we had moved house to Durham and we needed to go to Peterlee that afternoon so we said we would drop by and collect the kit. When we arrived at the Jarvis residence immediately I saw the bag of kit it was enormous it had a note on the top to say there was no one at home just help yourself. Marilou and I struggled to get the bag in the car and had a further struggle to get the bag into our apartment. When we opened the bag we were overwhelmed with the amount of football kit it contained and the only way we were going to get it to Talakag was by shipping it in a Balikbayan box. So it was back in contact with our shipper and after a struggle we managed to get the boxes packed and collected and on there way to Talakag.
As I mentioned in an earlier post the boxes had already arrived in Talakag and yesterday we had the handover of all the football kit to Pastor Melchor Gabitano and Mr Arquillano who organize and train the youth teams in Talakag. They were so grateful for the kindness of our UK friends in sending the kit which delighted everyone and in the photographs this is reflected by the smiles on the young player’s faces.
Once again a massive thank you to Paul and Debbie Kinghorn who run East Kilbride Rovers and East Kilbride Youths as well as Billy Davies from East Durham( Peterlee) Youth Football Team for their overwhelming kindness in donating to Bethany/Talakag so much football kit. I also would like to mention Guy Millen formerly of Durham University Business School for his individual contribution of football boots and tops to be used by our Bethany/Talakag players.
Last but by no means least I would like to thank Meriam and her long suffering other half Brent back in Scotland who got the ball rolling for me and Billy and Doreen without who’s garden party I would not have bumped into Billy Davies.
If I have missed anyone out who contributed to making the above happen then it is in no way intentional and I humbly apologise in advance and thank them profusely in arrears.

THE FOOTBALL KIT HAS ARRIVED AT LAST.

2009-10-17T17:06:00.001-07:00

The boxes containing the football kit donated by our friends in East Kilbride and East Durham has arrived in Talakag.
Please watch this space for further news.

My Apologies.

2009-10-16T05:15:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologise to all those who read my Bethany blog for my recent inactivity in bringing you up to date on what is happening here in Talakag.
Sad to say the truth is when we arrived back in Talakag following our visit to the UK to attend our daughters graduation from Stirling University we were informed that my wife Marilou's brother has passed away the day before we arrived.
We were busy assisting the family with funeral arrangements and subsequent protocol which in the Philippines lasts for forty days following the death.
Life goes on however so its now back to something like normality after such a sad occasion.

THE DAILY RECORD and SCOTTISH POWER comes to the Philippines via East Kilbride.

2009-10-16T04:50:00.001-07:00

During a recent conversation with Pastor Melchor Gabitano at Bethany Christian School he informed me of the activities of the school football team or soccer as its called in the Philippines. I was to say the least shocked and stunned at this revelation no pun intended Pastor. Football has been of lifelong interest to me both as a player in my younger days and as a supporter to date. Up until he informed me of Bethany Schools involvement I had never witnessed any interest in the game around the town on my numerous previous visits to Talakag or the Philippines for that matter.
On our return to the UK to attend our daughter’s graduation from Stirling University we visited a very dear friend of ours Meriam Hunter nee Quilang a native of Cagayan de Oro now East Kilbride in Scotland and I happened to mention Bethany Christian School and their wish to obtain football equipment. That’s when the miracle happened Meriam contacted her friends in East Kilbride which is located in Lanarkshire an area steeped in football history both past and present and within a few days she called me back to tell me she had obtained a collection of football strips as well as boots etc. I was overwhelmed when I saw what she had managed to gather in such a short time. The principal donor to our football cause is Paul and Debbie Kinghorn who run East Kilbride Rovers and East Kilbride Youths Team as well as individual friends.
Our initial reason for visiting Meriam was due to her informing us that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer last Autumn 2008. Due to us preparing to travel to the Philippines we never had the opportunity to visit her at that time. It was with trepidation that we journeyed to Scotland from our house in the North East of England to see her. Fortunately Meriam had already had the chemotherapy treatment following her surgery and was recovering from its effects as her hair although still short had grown back. Meriam had gained weight as a result of her medication so we did not recognise her at first glance. During our get together we were able to catch up first hand with everything she had gone through since her diagnosis and we were truly humbled by her determination not only to fight her illness but to help others suffering similarly. Despite her condition Meriam does not think solely about herself but instead still thinks about others be it family, friends or strangers and has continued working at the job she loves with David Urquart (Travel) Ltd. http://www.davidurquhart.com/
The Philippine Football Association is now affiliated to FIFA and football is becoming more and more popular especially with satellite TV bringing live games direct from Europe.
Soon the Daily Record will be known all over Mindanao especially if Talakag Town is successful.

JOJO THE HUMAN DYNAMO

2009-05-18T23:22:00.000-07:00

Bethany is very lucky to have in its midst Jojo Rivera a very talented young man sponsored by Terry and Lynn Habeck.
Jojo joined the Bethany team in order to assist with property maintenance and stimulating the creativity of the young people. Jojo has gone way ahead of what was asked of him in both commitment and effort and has earned the respect of everyone he comes in contact with. From beautifully decorating the children’s cottages and day centre to teaching arts and crafts to Bethany School students as well as students at local community schools. His involvement in the design and building of the Bethany booth at the recent Talakag Fiesta earned Bethany an award from Mayor Nestor Macapayag. Jojo has now turned his artistic skills to painting the new signage at the main entrance to the Home and School as well as decorating the exterior walls of the school. Jojo has been instrumental in resurrecting the home gardening initiative with the setting out and planting of vegetable beds to supplement the Homes food requirements. Jojo has shown that when criticism is constructive it becomes motivational and it’s a treat to see how he has welded the team back together again.
If ever there was an example of determination to succeed its Jojo’s efforts and still remaining cool calm and collect when all around him is in a state of chaos.
This is the type of transparency that donors wish to see happening with the money they give, believe me you are not being let down in any way shape or form.

COLLEGE STUDENTS JOIN BETHANY AS PART OF THEIR DEGREE COURSE

2009-05-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 18th May three students of Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro City commenced their work experience at Bethany.
The students Lourdes Michelle Cagubcub, Audiemier L. Zayas and Honey Jane Sabuga-a are in their fourth year taking BSc in Social Welfare. The degree course requires them to complete 500 hours of work experience thus the reason for them being at Bethany working with the toddlers. During their time at Bethany they will be assessed by our resident Social Worker Mrs Rose Longcob who will report on their progress to Lourdes College at the end of their assignment in September. This is an excellent opportunity for the young students to learn about care in the community and be exposed to real life instances of vulnerable children in Bethany’s care.

RUBBER TREES ARE GROWING

2009-05-18T23:13:00.000-07:00

The rubber trees that were planted earlier this year are now beginning to sprout up.
The rainy season plus the fertilizer and insecticide treatment has paid dividends and progress is being made. It is hoped that we can persuade our friends and new donors to help us achieve our goal of planting 10 Hectares / 25 Acres which will go a long way in helping Bethany achieve its desire of being self sustaining in years to come.

Additionally Bethany has planted corn and also vegetables to help in ensuring the kitchen needs are supplemented. With the little funding currently available the staff are making good use of every peso given to them.

BETHANY BOARD ELECTS A NEW CHAIRPERSON

2009-05-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Bethany’s Board of Trustees has recently installed a new Chairperson in the form of Attorney Chemene Nacua. Ms Nacua is employed by the Department of Justice (Republic of the Philippines) as an Investigating Agent.
Ms Nacua is a graduate of Lourdes College as well as Xavier University and resides in Cagayan de Oro. The Bethany Board of Trustees has been reforming over the last two years and Ms Nacua’s appointment shows how serious the board is taking the task of reorganisation to address the main problem of under funding, that it has faced over the last few years. There will be more additions to the board as new skills and expertise are required in Bethany’s ongoing transformation.
I wish Ms Nacua and the Board of Trustees every success in their future endeavours.

BETHANY APPEALS FOR NEW DONORS

2009-05-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Since the passing of its founder Ms Louise Lynip in July 2006 its no secret that Bethany has struggled financially. In order to support the current 28 children in residence at the Home along with the necessary support staff and management Bethany needs a steady income from its donors on a regularly basis.
Additionally Bethany runs an Elementary School Grades 1 to 6 as well as a High School Years 1 to 4 which supports the educational requirements of the Home as well as the Town and Barrios of Talakag. The Bethany Christian School was founded originally to educate the Home’s children when the number of children being cared for at the Home exceeded one hundred. Since those days of course the number of children from the Home attending the School has dwindled to currently around 10 but the need for the School with a pupil population of in excess of 320 justifies its continuation, particularly with education been seen as the number one way to ease the acute poverty in the provinces. Not only does education ease poverty it greatly helps in establishing a sound platform for nationalism and patriotism and schooling goes a long way to prevent children being fragmentised.
Bethany is trying to establish a sustainable income programme with the planting of a rubber plantation which is being initially funded by private donation primarily from donors in the United Kingdom. When complete the rubber plantation will comprise of approximately 25 acres and should yield between 60,000/ 90,000 pesos per month depending on latex production and market price. This is equivalent to £830.00- £1,244.00 or $1,250.00-$1,875.00. Along with other such sustainable projects like the current handicraft training initiative for the older Bethany children whereby products can be made and customised to suit occasions like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries etc this project is ongoing and funded by Mr Terry & Mrs Lynn Habeck and the training is being carried out at Bethany by Mr Jojo Rivera.
The Farm that Bethany once had to grow cash crops for additional income has largely been neglected over the last few years due to lack of capital as well as knowledgeable management. This is about to change with a new member of the Board of Trustees being an agriculturalist and plans are being drawn up to revive the poultry houses as well as the piggery along with establishing cottage gardening in order to help supplement the feeding requirements of the Home.
The afore mentioned cannot be established to the point of sustainability unless donors donate on a regular basis. I appeal to all those past, present and future donors to dig deep and make a commitment to a worthy cause that will make you proud to be part of irrespective of your nationality or domain. Bethany was established through devotion to ensure that the needy children of Bukidnon and beyond were cared for in a Godly manner, please help us to continue the good work for as long as there is children in need.

Mrs Lorna Wishart's visit to Bethany.

2009-04-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

Mrs Wishart with little Ian at Bethany.

On the 21st March Mrs Lorna Wishart a close family friend of Marilou and I paid a visit to Talakag from her Philippine holiday house in Davao. Lorna was on holiday in the Philippines from her family home in Hartburn near Stockton on Tees in the North East of England.
Lorna has been a donor of Bethany for sometime now and had recently contributed a large Trampoline for the play area along with a cash donation to the Rubber Plantation.
During her visit to Bethany Lorna was able to see and play with the children and meet the House Parents and carers. She was particularly interested in the Rubber Plantation project and how it was progressing as well as knowing that her Trampoline was being well used by the children.
I know she left with a heavy heart and a pledge to do even more for Bethany in the future.
Thank you Lorna for taking the time out to visit us here in Talakag and especially for your visit to Bethany which was very much appreciated.

Jim and Jean Kirchner visit Bethany.

2009-04-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Jim & Jean receive a farewell present from Rachel a House Parent.

Jim and Jean Kirchner recently left their home in Smith Centre Kansas to spend six weeks doing voluntary work at Bethany.
Jim until his retrial was involved in managing his business interests namely furniture retail outlets as well as funeral direction companies.
Jean until her retirement worked in the banking industry for 42 years and became VP of her branch.
Jim and Jean had previously done voluntary work in Belize prior to visiting Bethany so were well equipped for their stay.
Jim had a project in mind before coming which was to uplift the wooden floor in one of the children’s cottages and replace it with ceramic tiles as termites had started to destroy the wood. Like all projects when you begin you find other things that need fixing like the window screens and the kitchen fabric and the toilets and showers and on and on and on!!!!!!! Jim found a friend in Jojo who hails from Luzon and is a talented artist who was funded by Lynn and Terry Habeck (see previous post) and together they transformed a functional cottage to a very desirable residence for the children.
In between looking after the toddlers and infants Jean also assisted in the above project but her heart lay in caring for the children who miss her daily visits to them.
I must confess I witnessed two very happy retired Americans during the six weeks they spent at Bethany without serious complaint.
Before Jim and Jean left a farewell party was provided by the Bethany staff for them in order to say a big thank you for all they had done during their visit.
Once again a “BIG THANK YOU” from all at Bethany and we hope to see you back again some day.

The Nicest Part about Being Connected With Bethany

2009-02-16T16:23:00.000-08:00

The children and staff and Bambi the pup say a big thank you to Lynn, Terry and Anthony on their recent visit to Bethany.

Keith shows Lynn his favourite kid at the H.E.L.P. Foundation Goat House.

This is how its done says Terry; I wonder who is enjoying it most?

Lynn assisted by Terry and Anthony distribute goodies and gifts to the children.

The nice thing about being part of Bethany is the fact that one has the opportunity to meet genuine amazing people.
On Valentines Day I had another such experience when Terry and Lynn Habeck along with Lynn’s son Anthony Decoste took some time off from their very busy work schedule to come down and visit us here at Bethany.
Terry and Lynn run their aviation logistics business http://www.aviationconcepts.aero/ based in Guam whilst their son Anthony looks after the Manila side of the operation based in Makati. Lynn and Terry had contacted Keith Hooper a fellow board member at Bethany and said they would like to visit Bethany whenever their time allowed them to do so. That time was Saturday and after spending the Friday night at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro city Keith and I drove down early morning to collect them as they had to depart later that afternoon to return to Manila.
On arrival in Talakag we stopped by Keith’s house briefly to say hello to Keith’s wife Pat and my wife Marilou along with members of Keith’s H.E.L.P. Foundation staff.
Next it was off to Bethany were Lynn, Terry and Anthony met Rose and Greg Longcob and had an opportunity to go into the infants cottage and meet the children there as well as ask numerous questions about Bethany. Then it was off to the toddler’s cottage where after meeting the children Lynn terry and Anthony distributed numerous candy treats to the children as well as toys and educational gifts galore. The children were overwhelmed as they thought Christmas had arrived either again or early with so many goodies being handed around. I have never seen so many smiling faces at one time, as I witnessed then.
We had to drag Lynn, Tom and Anthony away from the children to the Guest House for refreshments as time was passing so quickly and we were mindful of their tight schedule.
The next port of call was back to Keith’s house following a brief tour of Talakag for lunch where everyone had an opportunity to ask questions of each other which was very enlightening as it’s at this time one gets to know other people. On the conclusion of lunch and our hosts Pat and Keith were duly thanked for their excellent fare we then moved of to the H.E.L.P. Foundations Goat Farm to enable Tom, Lynn and Anthony to observe the formal handing over of goats to three participants in the goat give away scheme for needy families. More information on this project can be obtained by clicking on the H.E.L.P. link on this site.
At this juncture I has to reluctantly say farewell to our very kind and gracious visitors for visiting Bethany as they were going to see how rubber was produced and collected on the conclusion of their visit whilst en-route to the airport to catch their return flight to Manila.
Once again a big thank you Lynn, Terry and Anthony for visiting us here at Bethany, and as we say in Scotland now Talakag “Haste ye back”.

BETHANY UPDATE

2009-02-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

When we made our plans to retire to Talakag it was with the intention of doing just that, retiring after a very hectic but also fulfilling working life. As most readers know I was very heavily committed to both the local as well as business scene back in the North East of England during the 18 years that I lived and worked there. Retiral in the fullest sense has had to be postponed I’m afraid as at the last Bethany Board meeting I was proposed and seconded to become the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
To me this post to which I was very honoured to accept is something completely new to me as I have worked all my life in the private sector and never in an NGO/Charitable capacity.
Not one to pass up on a challenge I see this post as an opportunity to take Bethany to a new level and hopefully through a series of changes that will strengthen its foundation and secure its long term future amidst the current financial constraints it faces.
I’m sure those of you who read this will be heartened to know that the past of Bethany will not ever be forgotten but it’s the future now that counts both short and long term.
Bethany consists of several facets namely: The Orphanage, The School both Elementary/High and the Farm.
The Orphanage cares for children from new born to high school graduates or in some cases for children who go on to complete college or university.
Not all children are fortunate enough to be adopted and with the Bethany policy not to separate siblings those of larger families do indeed stay until their education is completed at least to high school graduation.
The Elementary/High School not only provides an education for the Bethany children but also children from the surrounding barangays as well as the town of Talakag itself. So as you can imagine it plays a large part in the community’s education and is an important part of the Bethany complex.
The Farm was established originally to supplement the food stock for the orphanage as well as utilise the land available for planting cash crops to help in the running of Bethany. So as you can see it’s important to ensure that all three facets function efficiently and cost effectively as would be expected in any normal business setup.
Its mine as well as the boards intention to carry out a S.W.O.T. analysis in order to determine the current situation and plan for the future needs of Bethany based on a comprehensive budget fit for purpose with full accountability and transparency for the many people to whom we are most grateful who contribute both regularly as well as occasionally to the funding of Bethany. The new Bethany Board of Trustees comprises of people with skills and knowledge that will be fully utilised in the shaping of the future of Bethany. The Bethany board has also decided to bring in outside help in the form of volunteers who will help in carrying out in-depth studies of both current and past practices in order to determine what is the best option for the future of Bethany. All staff members will be involved in this exercise and have an opportunity to input, drawing from their own experience and knowledge.
I will keep all our readers regularly updated on the progress as and when it happens.
God bless you all.
When we made our plans to retire to Talakag it was with the intention of doing just that, retiring after a very hectic but also fulfilling working life. As most readers know I was very heavily committed to both the local as well as business scene back in the North East of England during the 18 years that I lived and worked there. Retiral in the fullest sense has had to be postponed I’m afraid as at the last Bethany Board meeting I was proposed and seconded to become the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
To me this post to which I was very honoured to accept is something completely new to me as I have worked all my life in the private sector and never in an NGO/Charitable capacity.
Not one to pass up on a challenge I see this post as an opportunity to take Bethany to a new level and hopefully through a series of changes that will strengthen its foundation and secure its long term future amidst the current financial constraints it faces.
I’m sure those of you who read this will be heartened to know that the past of Bethany will not ever be forgotten but it’s the future now that counts both short and long term.
Bethany consists of several facets namely: The Orphanage, The School both Elementary/High and the Farm.
The Orphanage cares for children from new born to high school graduates or in some cases for children who go on to complete college or university.
Not all children are fortunate enough to be adopted and with the Bethany policy not to separate siblings those of larger families do indeed stay until their education is completed at least to high school graduation.
The Elementary/High School not only provides an education for the Bethany children but also children from the surrounding barangays as well as the town of Talakag itself. So as you can imagine it plays a large part in the community’s education and is an important part of the Bethany complex.
The Farm was established originally to supplement the food stock for the orphanage as well as utilise the land available for planting cash crops to help in the running of Bethany. So as you can see it’s important to ensure that all three facets function efficiently and cost effectively as would be expected in any normal business setup.
Its mine as well as the boards intention to carry out a S.W.O.T. analysis in order to determine the current situation and plan for the future needs of Bethany based on a comprehensive budget fit for purpose with full accountability and transparency for the many people to whom we are most grateful who contribute both regularly as well as occasionally to the funding of Bethany. The new Bethany Board of Trustees comprises of people with skills and knowledge that will be fully utilised in the shaping of the future of Bethany. The Bethany board has also decided to bring in outside help in the form of volunteers who will help in carrying out in-depth studies of both current and past practices in order to determine what is the best option for the future of Bethany. All staff members will be involved in this exercise and have an opportunity to input, drawing from their own experience and knowledge.
I will keep all our readers regularly updated on the progress as and when it happens.
God bless you all.

SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN POSTING

2009-01-26T17:39:00.000-08:00

I would like to say sorry for the delay in my postings it is mainly due to sometimes having a poor Internet signal connection from Talakag.
I will try and do my best to keep you all informed of what is going on at Bethany as quickly as it happens from now on.
I also have photographs to add to the last two posts again I will post them this week to keep you all up to date.
Thank you for bearing with me.

THE BAE LABI VISITS BETHANY

2009-01-25T16:48:00.000-08:00

TheBae Labi with Hans Brandies and myself inspecting the Rubber Tree seedlings

The Bae Labi is presented with her Honorary Award by Rose Longcob

The Bae Labi with one of the children at Bethany

The Bae Labi Sonita Manlin Mande-Ryde paid a surprise visit to Bethany on the afternoon of Wednesday 21st January along with Hans Brandies a German National and renowned authority on Lumad Folk Music in the Philippines. The purpose of her visit was to review the progress being made with regards to the Rubber Tree Plantation Project.
On her arrival at Bethany the Bae Labi was welcomed by Greg and Rose Longcob who after completing the introductions proceeded with the Bae Labi to inspect the rubber tree plantation. The Bae Labi who was the first to make a donation towards the project was very pleased to see the seedlings already planted and as a consequence of the unusual amount of rainfall looking very green and fresh.
The Bae Labi said she hoped that Bethany would realize its goal and become self sufficient in funding as a result of such projects and she urged those who could afford to do so to donate towards completing the planting of the fifteen (15) hectare project. So far through the generosity of our supporters we have raised funding for planting five (5) hectares.

Following on from her visit to the plantation the Bae Labi was given refreshments and further enlightened of the background and history of Bethany by Greg and Rose Longcob.
Before visiting the infant’s cottage the Bae Labi was conferred with the title of Honorary Board Member of the Bethany Board in recognition for both her generosity and support for not only the Rubber Tree Plantation Project but her pledge to wave the flag and enlighten those who may wish to help Bethany whilst on her travels around the world.
Like any visitor to Bethany the Bae Labi was overcome when visiting the infant’s cottage and was greeted by the Staff and little Zaid who immediately touched a soft spot with her. The Bae Labi was reluctant to leave the children behind but was so pleased to know that they are in the care of safe and loving hands. Before finally leaving Bethany the Bae Labi thanked the Bethany Staff for allowing her to visit at such short notice and promised to return when her very demanding schedule makes it possible to do so.

As a footnote: The Bae Labi is a personal and very dear friend of both my wife Marilou and I and we are very grateful that she took the time out to visit Bethany at our request as we know when back in the Philippines from her home in the UK she is extremely busy with her charitable work for the indigenous people of Mindanao.
By coincidence Hans Brandies was visiting the Philippines discussing the publishing of his new book with potential publishers and decided to join the Bae Labi on her visit to Bethany after both had attended a meeting at Mindanao State University, Marawi City the previous day. I had corresponded with Hans on several occasions through our common membership of http://www.taboan.net/ a very informative website covering Mindanao.

MEETING THE GURSKE FAMILY

2009-01-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

This last week has been wonderful in my book for the reason I was able to meet the Gurske family from North Carolina in the USA.
The story actually started around the middle of last year when my wife Marilou was contacted on her Talbuks Café blog (http://www.talbukscafe.blogspot.com/) website by Betsy Gurske making enquires about visiting Bethany around the end of the year with her family. Betsy is married to John and has a daughter Kendall and a son Kenneth.
The reason for their interest in Bethany was their son Kenneth was adopted from there at the age of nine months and they wanted to return to enable Kenneth to be able to answer some questions that every young person from a similar background may wish to ask.
My wife asked me if I would reply to Betsy and answer her questions about their forth coming visit to the Philippines. I answered what I could and asked Rose Loncob to fill in the gaps particularly relating to accommodation in Manila and obtaining internal flight tickets etc.
I must add at this juncture that the main reason for the Gurske family’s visit was to enable Kenneth to meet if possible his maternal mother and any other possible immediate relatives. I have to say only Rose could have been able to research and arrange a request like this in such a short space of time.
Right up to the wire what was requested from the Gurske family did not look likely due to the amount of work that has to go into researching an adopted child’s past history, etc. However I’m pleased to say Rose came up trumps and was able to fulfil Kenneth’s wish. One can only imagine the thoughts going through the minds of each family member as to what to expect on arrival in the Philippines after having been away for sixteen years. Kenneth admitted to me his apprehension to the visit but not in a traumatic way but more in an excited way. He further added that as his flight was coming into land in Manila and he could see the buildings below he felt elated about his arrival. When he was in the terminal building with the usual throng of indigenes, he felt as one not apart. Kenneth is an American but culture and national identity cannot be brushed under the carpet and so he had arrived back in the land of his birth.
I asked Kenneth how he felt after he had passed through immigration and customs and he said he felt as if he was on vacation now that he had arrived in the Philippines.
After spending a few days in Manila taking in the sights and sounds, the family then headed for the island of Mindanao and the city of Cagayan de Oro. On arrival at Lumbia Airport they were met by Greg Longcob and taken to the town of Talakag which is about 30 minutes drive away on a very scenic route to where Bethany is situated.
The whole family joined in during the first few days interacting with the children and giving Kenneth an opportunity to find out more about where he spent the first nine months of his life. The most emotional time was yet to come for Kenneth when he would have the opportunity to meet with his maternal mother and other family members. When I asked Kenneth how he felt just prior to the meeting he said he was apprehensive at first but after the initial meeting and introductions had been made he felt, well why should I be apprehensive after all that’s why I’m here in the Philippines. Kenneth found out he had an older brother as well as two half brothers and two half sisters. His maternal mother was accompanied by three of her sisters Kenneth’s aunts and a cousin who acted as a translator during the reunion. Kenneth may wish one day to write an article himself on my blog to let the readers know how he feels about his reunion after having time to let the whole experience sink in.
I must admit I was humbled by the support given to Kenneth by his adoptive parents as well as his big sister Kendall throughout this whole experience.
The trip to the Philippines was made possible by Carolyn Felton, Director of the Academy of Fine Arts, Charlotte, North Carolina where John and Betsy work as Music Teachers who secretly somehow raised the funding together with her friends (who wish to remain anonymous) to make the whole trip possible for Kenneth and family. I think Mrs Felton achieved with her act of compassion not just a big surprise for John and Betsy but a lot more than she can ever have realised and my wife Marilou and I would like to say a big thank you to her for giving us the opportunity to meet the Gurske family as a consequence of such a wonderful selfless act. Kenneth’s sister Kendall who graduates this summer, intimated to Marilou and myself that she would like to return to the Philippines and get involved in voluntary work after she graduates. Her wish is to work with children in some kind of health aid programme so we promised to look around and see what’s possible. If there is anyone else out there reading this post and would like to assist Kendall in fulfilling her wish please contact me. Kendall has already spent three months on a voluntary aid scheme in Senegal, West Africa.
The Cunningham’s would like to wish Kenneth every success in whatever he wishes to do for the future and to let him know how impressed we were of his adoptive family and that should the future bring him back to the Philippines we will only be too pleased to welcome him as his Tito Jim and Tita Marilou.

BETHANY AND THE ERA OF SELF SUSTAINABILITY BEGINS

2008-12-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

Marking out the position where the first rubber trees will be planted

Ground breaking in prepartion for the first seedling to be planted

I mentioned sometime back about an idea of establishing a rubber tree plantation which will help make Bethany self sufficient in time. Earlier in the year when last in Talakag I discussed the possibility of establishing a rubber plantation as a means to Bethany becoming self sufficient in funding which would go a long way in helping alleviate their constant cash worries. Just imagine a dedicated band of administrators and carers doing a sterling job with orphaned, abandoned and needy children and despite everything they still live in hope that somewhere or somehow funding will become available. These same dedicated people have often gone without themselves just to ensure that the children of Bethany come first just as the founder Miss Louise Lynip would have wished for. With their plight in mind I spoke with our friends back in the UK and explained what our intention was regarding establishing a rubber plantation.

The first to offer assistance was none other than the Bae Labi of Western Mindanao Sonita Manlin Mande-Ryde I wrote sometime ago in my blog about the Mindanaoan Princess living in North Yorkshire, well the Bae Labi donated funding for the first hectare to be planted. My former work colleague and good friend David Mackenzie along with Angela Rice another former work colleague donated a further hectare each. Other very good friends of ours Mrs Lorna Wishart and Mr Bob Hills and his wife Ann, together with Marilou’s colleagues at Durham Business School also donated a sum of money towards a further hectare which with smaller contributions will make already four hectares. Marilou and I said we would not buy each other Christmas presents or indeed anyone this year and instead we will donate a further hectare making five hectares in total. That is 1/3 of the project already funded as there is 15(fifteen) hectares of available land for planting rubber trees. Bearing in mind it takes five years from planting the first seedlings to tapping the trees to produce latex we cannot hang around if we are to be successful, so I’m asking all friends and well wishers of Bethany Christian Home For Children Inc to please help us to realize our dream of self sufficiency. I will personally manage and report on the progress of the project as I live permanently now in Talakag so be rest assured your donations will be well cared for and you will be given regular updates on our progress. For those of you who donate a full hectare or part you will be given a certificate for the amount of donation and the area that has been planted in rubber trees. This is not a fly by night project but something that will sustain Bethany for the next 45 years or so, the life of a rubber tree.

The first of the land clearing and marking out commenced this week with myself and Marilou in attendance to check on progress. We were so proud to know that in such a short space of time our dream had commence. So if we want to see Bethany continue to do its very best for the children who constantly need its help, please dig deep and give comfort to the dedicated band of staff and show them that we care and appreciate their valuable contribution. For more information on the project or sending donations etc please feel free to contact me direct at jcjimc@aol.com

JUST AN UPDATE SO FAR

2008-12-10T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone just a short blog to let you know we are now well and truly entrenched in Talakag.When we arrived on the 26th we were busy trying to sort out our container clearance as well as my residence visa.We had to return to Manila on the second week of our arrival to complete the necessary paper work.Glad to say we have completed everything and our container should arrive from Cebu in Talakag on Saturday morning all going well.(Slight technical hitch engine failure on ship mid jouney now due to be delivered Talakag Sunday morning.)
We contacted Greg and Rose Longcob at Bethany but so far been unable to meet up as Greg has a heavy cold and we have been so busy but next week we will definately meet up and bring them up to date with the news from the UK which is quite exciting.I will post about the UK news next week after I have discussed everything with Rose and Greg.
Till then please continue to read and look out for more news from Bethany.

Now you know why we are keen to reach Talakag

2008-11-23T02:29:00.000-08:00

When we awoke this morning this was the view from our livingroom window.Gosh its getting cold now in England so its little wonder that we want to get to Talakag as soon as possible.I just hope the roads are clear for the journey to the airport on Tuesday morning as we will leave home at 3.30am grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!
Never mind by this time next week the weather should improve for us.

Our Children at Bethany

2008-11-21T05:08:00.000-08:00

A Big Welcome To My New Bethany Site

2008-11-21T04:26:00.000-08:00

Now that AOL has closed their hometown blog site we had no alternative but to construct a new blog site for Bethany Christian Home for Children Inc in Talakag, Bukidnon.
I have copied and pasted much of the former material just for reference purposes but unfortunately all of the old photographs have been lost. Not to worry as I have copies and will re post them where appropriate.
So for my wife Marilou and myself not only is this a new bog site but also a new beginning as we travel to the Philippines on Tuesday 25th November to start our retirement in the town of Talakag.
I just hope that through this site the many people who visit us here will be inspired to assist where possible to help support the upkeep of such a wonderful facility as is the Bethany Christian Home for Children in Talakag. Its always been my belief if kind hearted people know what is happening with their donations they continue to respond and this is the intent of this blog. I intend to regularly update all those who are interested in Bethany as to the progress being made in respect of the children being cared for. This way our donors take ownership for the longer term plans of the facility.
All I can say is I will endeavour to do my best along with my wife to ensure that the children continue to come first as was the cornerstone of its founder Louise Lynip and the goal of the current Management and Board.

Recent Pictures From Bethany

2008-10-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Update From Bethany

2008-10-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 4 June 2008

BETHANY CHRISTIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN, INC.
Talakag, Bukidnon – 8708
Webpage – http://www.bethany-ph.cjb.net/
e-mail add – llynip50th@yahoo.com.ph

June 16, 2008

Dear Friends,

Children….they are God sent…….they are our inspiration!

As of this date we have a total of 26 children under our care. Seven are in the age bracket of new born to two years old, five that are aging from 3 to 5 years old, eight are from 6 to 12 years old and there are 6 that are 13 to 20 years old.

May 28, 2008, we also received a 2 months old baby boy whose 13 years old mother could not continue to provide and take care of him. Two days after baby John Carlo came to Bethany, we saw him smile while he coos to our faces. He is the youngest of the 26 children in care at present.

March 15, 2008, two young siblings Angelo Daniel 3 and baby Criselda 7 months old were given up by their biological father after their birth mother died of hemorrhage a month after giving birth of Criselda. The father could not take care of the children at the same time work for a living.

April 28 & 29, 2008, we were inspired by the special visit of Mrs. Marylou Eshelman and Ms. Naseem both from Wide Horizons for Children, Inc. in Massachusetts, USA. They came to visit the home and took pictures of the four Neri Siblings that were matched and will be joining one of their adoptive families soon.

There are 4 children that are just waiting for their adoptive families to come from the US and there are 5 children that are now ready for inter-country placement.

Our priority needs and prayer requests:
Children’s monthly food …………………………….$ 400.00
Babies monthly milk…………………………………$ 200.00
Monthly medicines & vitamins………………………$ 200.00
Monthly electric bill ………………………………....$ 700.00
Caregivers’ monthly salary…………………………..$1,500.00 (for 8 persons)

You can select where you want to designate your monthly support from the above priority list of needs.
We need sponsors for our Rubber planting project:

You can support our plan to plant rubber trees in our available 11 hectars land that is ready for planting for our goal for Bethany to be self sufficient in the near future.
- 500 trees per hectar including mortalities
- $ .83 per seedling
- Total cost of expenses $ 800.00 per hectar that would include seedlings, fertilizer, land preparation and labor.

We also need sponsors for our 2 college girls (Bethany wards) Roselyn and Lani Radam who are staying home this time after graduation in high school last March due to our financial difficulties. They do voluntary work in the nursery at present while waiting for educational funding to be available. We need $400.00 tuition fee per semester ( 5 months), $ 145.00 per month board & lodging and personal allowance. This is per student. So, you can designate any amount for our college students if you wish.

As the Lord continues to entrust children in Bethany, we are committed to care for them believing that the Lord will provide for us. As our partners in caring for these precious children we need your financial monetary support.

Thank you and God bless you all!

Sincerely,

ROSE A. LONGCOB
Corporate Secretary/ Social Worker

Newsletter Bethany

2008-10-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Newsletter Bethany. 2nd Quarter April-June 2008.
My recent visit to Talakag was more of a home coming as opposed to an annual holiday. We arrived at the start of the Talakag annual fiesta which was from Good Friday 21st March till Sunday the 6th April. The Talakag Fiesta normally means two weeks of revelry for the entire town and its visitors and once again they were not disappointed.
Also at that time of the year the local’s schools break up for their summer holidays and graduation ceremonies are a daily occurrence. I went to the graduation ceremony at Bethany which was well attended. The local children who attend the school are by far the majority as there are not so many children of school age at Bethany. I would say the number of Bethany children of school age is around 18 or so. Following the graduation my wife Marilou andI were invited to take lunch with the school staff and that gave us the opportunity to hand over officially a donation to Bethany of 86,000. Pesos. This money was donated by our friends and colleagues in the UK and it was very well received as you can imagine. Money is scarce at the moment and Bethany like any other organisation is dependant on the generosity of its supporters. Another subscriber to the Bethany funds has been Mr Michael Read from Australia who not only made a substantial donation but also spent time at Bethany both manually working as well as giving advice on building maintenance and care. Another valuable contributor on an ongoing basis is Mr Keith Hooper who runs The H.E.L.P. Foundation and is also a neighbour of mine when we are in residence in Talakag. Keith does a lot of valuable work in the Philippines not only for Bethany but for other worthy causes around the islands. We both serve on the board of Bethany and I can testify how earnestly Keith works to raise awareness as well as valuable funding for Bethany. Of course there are many more people who help with raising funds for Bethany and I would not wish to forget them or their efforts well done to all of them and long may they continue.
Whilst in Talakag we visited Bethany on several occasions and took some presents to the children who were very grateful. I just love to see a happy child and not one who is being forced to look happy but genuine happiness. The effort that is put into caring for the children by the House Parents and helpers is magnificent without whose loving care Bethany would not prosper.
Bearing in mind that next month 4th July is the second anniversary of the passing of Ms (Mom) Lynip we will all remember to observe a moment of silence to celebrate the life of a wonderful lady. How time has flown as Gerwin has recently reminded us, it seems that only yesterday she was still with us all. Looking ahead as she would want us to do for the benefit of not only the present Bethany children but also future children we must plan to be self generating in funds and not justbe relying on individual people’s charity.
Keith Hopper and I discussed this issue to some extent when we met up this year and he was kind enough to take me to a rubber plantation that he owns in order to demonstrate how sustainable funding could be raised for Bethany. Bethany owns substantial farming land which could be better used in order to raise ongoing funding on a month by month basis. For example each hectare that was planted with rubber trees would yield at today’s prices between 4,500 and 6,000 pesos per month. The initial cost of preparing the land and buying the seedlings as well as caring for them is approximately 35,000 pesos ($814.00) or (£407.00) or (€523.00). When the trees have matured to the latex producing stage approximately 6 years depending on species of seedlings etc, they effectively become self financing in so much that the harvest pays for the labour and the rest is profit or income for Bethany.
As you will have no doubt gathered every day that we spend discussing this proposition is a day lost in tree growth which means a day less in obtaining an income. This proposed plan would provide income for Bethany on commencement of harvesting for between 25 to 30 years before the old rubber trees are replaced with new ones. Pineapple plants can be grown alongside the seedlings whichwould give an income whilst awaiting the rubber harvest. This type of sustainable harvest would lessen the dependence on spontaneous donations and allow better budgeting for the upkeep of Bethany and therefore provide better security for the future.
The approximate land available is 20 hectares so we would need the equivalent of 700,000 peso’s in order to fully develop all the available land. The annual yield from the rubber in pesos at today’s rubber price would be 1,080,000 to 1,440,000pesos per annum. If we set the ball in motion we could maybe raise funding to commence this project before the end of this year. We need a target and various members could be responsible for certain aspects of achieving our goal. This is of course only a suggestion but if we don’t start to plan for the future of Bethany now there will be no future at all. I would appreciate your thoughts on this one please everybody.
As most people know Marilou and I plan to retire to Talakag and will arrive there the last week of November so I will be in a good position to help oversee the rubber planting project and more importantly report to the donors of its progress. I think this is very important as people need to know what is happening to their contributions and how Bethany is faring with regular updates from the Board of Trustees and the Administration, I aim to provide this information.
Also when in Talakag Rose and Greg Longcob took us to visit a beach property belonging to Bethany located in Cagayan de Oro. Although the buildings are in a dilapidated state the ground area is very big with lots of potential to make an income and once again have a place so that the children can enjoy the seaside when on holiday as some former Bethany children are sure to remember. Any thing that can generate a regular income is what we must aim for as it brings us self sufficiency. Its just a great pity Bethany has not been doing this in the past but its never too late to start and with your will and help I’m sure we can achieve our goal to ensure Bethany has a sound long term future.
Can you remember Bob Martin who has two blogs www.liveinthephilippines.com and www.mindanao.com who visited Ms Lynip at my request back in early 2006 well Marilou, Rose, Greg and I and Marilous tita visited him and his wife Feyma in Davao. The drive to Davao through Bukidnon and over the border at Buda in to Davao was spectacular especially the climb up to Quezon where pine trees are in abundance and the scenery looks like Austria and Switzerland. We enjoyed the journey and our meeting with Bob and Feyma and our trip to Samal Island. The whole trip was a little break from the routine for Rose and Greg and the opportunity to say thank you for a job well done to them both.
Whilst also in Talakag Mr Hopper and me attended a Board Meeting at Bethany and lots of current issues were discussed most importantly the finances and measures were debated as to how to address them. The May Board Meeting was also the AGM and I await the minutes of that meeting to know the current situation.
I hope you have all enjoyed this update on both my recent visit as well as the goings on at Bethany as well as Talakag. For the future what may be better for the credibility of our News Letter is for each member or supporter to contribute an article of their knowledge or experience or something relevant that others may wish to know or share. Not everyone has to contribute for each issue which will be say quarterly. The other aspect of our News Letter is where is it best posted to obtain maximum exposure. I could in addition to your suggestion post it on my own blog http://journals.aol.co.uk/jcjimc/BethanyChristianHomeforChildrenT/ so that it will obtain even more exposure. I will volunteer my services as editor of the Bethany News Letter if this is OK with you folks so for the last quarter News Letter I will require to receive your contributions by the end of August if that’s in agreement with everyone. Please contact me at jcjimc@aol.com or james.cunningham@bhk.de should you wish to discuss this matter further or offer advice.

Message From Mr Keith Hooper

2008-10-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 10 June 2008

Hey folks, I am new at this facebook stuff and I was overwhelmed when I received a number of messages that referred to me and the HELP Foundation. Let me tell you how you can donate to Bethany through the HELP Foundation. You should first contact me via email- help2philippinechildren@yahoo.com if you are interested in donating to Bethany or any of the other projects under the sponsorship of HELP Foundation. There are two ways to donate, either by personal check made out to HELP Foundation or by credit card donation. When you contact me I will personally email you and give you the rest of the details (address to send check, etc). I send funds every month to Bethany. I take nothing for my services. Every dollar you donate will go to Bethany. I do have one requirement - all of the funds donated has to go to the Bethany Christian Home for Children. If you want to send money to the Bethany Christian school, you will have to find another means to send it. I only support the orphanage. I will tell you that I am a very busy person. I leave tomorrow for a 10-day speaking tour in San Diego and LA area. I will be back in Kansas on June 20. I will have an opportunity to check my email while in California. Also, PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE. That will also give you all the information you will need to make a donation through HELP for Bethany. Keith Hooper, Founder, HELP Foundation

A Sustainable Idea

2008-10-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 07 June 2008

Please read the message from Mr Keith Hooper above before continuing to read the post below:
Following my recent visit to Talakag and after holding numerous discussions with various bodies and individuals regarding the future funding of Bethany an idea has been formed as to how this may in part be achieved.
It is no secret that since Miss Lynips passing on the 4th July 2006 funding has been more difficult to raise on a regular basis. Bethany has suffered as a consequence in so much that the number of children that it can help by providing a caring environment in which to live has decreased. It’s true that children come and go on a regular basis and the time a child spends at the home depends on each child’s individual circumstances or whether there is a demand for adoption. However there is always a need to care for more children as no matter how fast they go there are more to replace them. The staff at Bethany over the years and until today have done a wonderful job in caring for the children, providing an opportunity to go on and have a fruitful life as many ex-Bethany children around the world can testify to. The idea that we have is to plant approximately 20 hectares of available land with rubber trees which will when mature give a financial income on a monthly basis. The estimated cost of clearing a hectare and planting it with seedlings and providing fertilizer is 35,000 peso which is at todays rate approximately $835.00, £422.00 or €537.00.
Individuals could either sponsor the planting of 1 Hectare if they wished or part of a Hectare or just make a small donation towards the project. The idea is that this plan would bring in a regular income and result in better financial planning. If the idea is successful we could move on to other sustainable projects which could involve the older children and staff and maybe the pupils who attend Bethany school. If we are not enterprising Bethany will suffer further and all the previously good work done by Miss Lynip and her dedicated staff will have been in vain. I appeal to my readers to please give serious consideration to this idea and give what you can in order to see it come to fruition for the sake of past, present as well as future children.
Should you wish to discuss the above idea further or make a donation please contact me at jcjimc@aol.com or if you wish to make a donation contact my fellow Bethany board member Mr Keith Hooper who’s details are below.
H.E.L.P. Foundation
23031 60 Rd.
Lebanon, KS 66952

E-mail: help2philippinechildren@yahoo.com.
Tel: (785)389-3621
http://www.thehelpfoundation.com/synapse/center/homepage.cfm?website=thehelpfoundation.com

The income that can be obtained from farming rubber is currently between 4,500 – 6,000 Pesos per hectare/month net. With the potential 20 hectares available to plant and farm that would give Bethany around 90,000 – 120,000 Pesos per month or 1,080,000 - 1,440,000 Pesos per annum. Now that’s what I call a sustainable idea.

Lets go for it and show Bethany we care and we mean BUSINESS in capital letters.

Video Of The Philippines

2008-10-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 17 May 2008

Click on the link below to see a wonderful video of the Philippines.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-2e-H2dSo2s&feature=related

Talakag Fiesta 2008

2008-10-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 11 May 2008

During our recent holiday in Talakag it was the first time since the 1980's that we had managed to be there when the Fiesta was taking place.
How this event has changed over the years when I first visited Talakag the Fiesta was always held exclusively in the Plaza when the Fair and Circus came to town. I can remember the De Guzman family owned and operated the fairground and the circus and the children queued up to see attractiond like the Turtle Lady and the Magician and many more. In this day and age the fairground is now located in the land behind the Central Elementary School and alas the circus is no more. The basket ball tournament is still a big attraction but also there is a Night Cafe where you can eat and drink and listen to live music from local bands playing on the big stage in the Plaza.

There was also a boxing tournament with a boxing ring errected specially for the occassion and any budding "Pacman" could show his worth to the crowed. Also a Motocross tournament was held during the Fiesta which attracted riders from all over the country.

Also a bikers rally attracted some of the biggest and best motor bikes in the country to Talakg during early April.

The Fiesta may have changed but the excitement still remains.
Al Bicas Talakags Premier Biker in action.

More Books For Bukidnon State College

2008-10-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Original posted 11 May 2008

During our recent visit to Talakag my wife Marilou handed over more text books for use at BSC Talakag. The college has now received three consignments of text books from Marilou to help build up their library.
The college is always grateful for the help it receives in this way.
Mr Tampo College Administrator along with some of the students and Staff Member receieves the text books from Marilou.

Progress In Talakag

2008-10-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Original posted 27 April 2008

During our recent visit to Talakag it is obvious to all that the town is changing very fast with the new Municipal Hall nearing completion. The building is imposing and looks very good in its plaza location.

The new Municipal Building nears completion.
During our visit to Talakag we dropped in to say hello to the Municipal Mayor the Hon Nestor Macapayag. Whilst there I asked him what his main priority was during his tenure and he told me, it was to ensure a continuous supply of water to the town and its community. This may not seem like a big deal to those in the west who take the supply of water and electricity for granted however for the people of Talakag it is something that would be greatly appreciated by all and a commendable priority for the Mayor.
Marilou with the Hon Nestor Macapayag Municipal Mayor of Talakag.

My Mother-in Law's Birthday

2008-10-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 27 April 2008

The other very good reason for visiting Talakag recently was to attend my mother-in-laws 80th birthday celebration. It was as good reason as any for all the family to get together and catch up with all the news and gossip (tsismis). The only members of the family unable to attend were our own son Michael who had work commitments and our daughter Mariel who is still studying at university additionally my brother-in-law Louis from Bulacan could also not be there again due to being overseas with his work.

Mrs Gloria F Santiago (Mama Glo) at her birthday party, looking well for 80 years of age.

Recent Visit To Talakag

2008-10-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 27 April 2008

Marilou hands over our donation to Rose Longcob with members of staff in attendance.

Now that our visit to Talakag is over and we are back in the UK I can start to blog about our holiday.
Our stay in Talakag seemed to pass very quickly as they say when you are enjoying yourself time goes very fast. Our two priorities during our recent visit was to attend my mother-in-laws 80th birthday party and to visit Bethany and hand over the donations raised from friends and colleagues here in the UK. All other activities were a bonus for Marilou and I during our holiday I the Philippines.
Our visit to Bethany coincided with their school graduation ceremonies and being in attendance made me very proud to be part of its activities especially since one of my nephews graduated high school and will now proceed to Xavier University to study Civil Engineering good luck to all the graduates.
After the graduation ceremony Marilou and I attended lunch with Greg and Rose Longcob and members of the Bethany staff in order to hand over our donation cheque for 86,165.00 pesos which was gratefully received. It’s painfully obvious that Bethany is struggling financially and requires more benefactors in order to survive, people like Mr Keith Hooper (H.E.L.P Foundation) and Mr Michael Read from Australia who recently visited Bethany and made a substantial and well received donation as well as all the other benefactors I say a very big thank you for your much needed help and kindness.

Visit To Talakag

2008-10-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 16 March 2008

Hi Folks,
This Friday 21st will see me and my wife Marilou travel to Talakag.I'm so looking forward to my holiday as it seems as if I have not stopped working this year so far. Last month I spent 18 days out of 29 days on three seperate occassions in Germany. I managed to catch a bad dose of flu or some kind of virus which laid me low for a week in bed Marilou also caught the virus so at one stage we were both in bed ill.Thank god the virus has cleared although it left me just over half a stone lighter but that was not such a bad thing as I was a bit over weight anyway lol.I will certainly make my annual visit to Bethany as I have managed to collect some donations for them and I will hand over the funds to Rose Longcob. So many people have written to me this year from wishing to help Bethany with funding and personal help by visiting as well as enquiring about sponsorship of the children and also enquires about adoption. So I am pleased that my blog is working and getting the Bethany message heard.When I return I will post an update on Bethany as well as take some photographs so you can all see what is happening out there.God bless to you all who care about the home and please keep in contact with each other.

The Year To Date

2008-10-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 10 February 2008

Hi everyone it's hard to believe but now that January has gone and 1/3rd of February has passed this year is for sure going to be the quickest of our lives. On Tuesday the 5th February Marilou celebrated her 50th birthday and to mark the occassion we went with a group of friends to a castle near our house called Lumley Castle to enjoy an Elizabethian theme night. We had never been to a theme night before and it was very good so was the food. We all enjoyed the evening as it was diffirent to anything we had been to before. All the friends that Marilou had invited were Filipinas married to British husbands, so it was a mixing of cultures.
On her real birthday I was in Germany on business so I was glad we had gone out to celebrate the previous Friday. Our son Michael and daughter Mariel however came to my rescue and treated their mum to dinner on her birthday at a local restuarant close to our house. They all enjoyed themselves and spent the remainder of the evening together reminiscing and planning the future.

New Years Resolution

2008-10-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 31 December 2007

Marilou and myself along with Michael and Mariel would like to wish everyone connected with Bethany as well as all our family and friends in Talakag a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Be a FriendBe a friend. You don't need money:Just a disposition sunny;Just the wish to help anotherGet along some way or other;Just a kindly hand extendedOut to one who's unbefriended;Just the will to give or lend,This will make you someone's friend.Be a friend. You don't need glory.Friendship is a simple story.Pass by trifling errors blindly,Gaze on honest effort kindly,Cheer the youth who's bravely trying,Pity him who's sadly sighing;Just a little labor spendOn the duties of a friend.Be a friend. The pay is bigger(Though not written by a figure)Than is earned by people cleverIn what's merely self-endeavor.You'Il have friends instead of neighborsFor the profits of your labors;You'Il be richer in the endThan a prince, if you're a friend.

Too Busy For A Friend

2008-10-08T15:16:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 16 December 2007

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers. That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended thefuneral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.
The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes."
Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."
Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.
"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."
All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home." Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album." "I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary." Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.
Remember, you reap what you sow and what you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As You Are

Festive Season

2008-10-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 14 December 2007

As the year grows steadily to a close our thoughts are with those who are no longer with us as well as those who are far away. Its strange how this time of the year focus’s our minds on the past rather than the present. We all have our own way of celebrating Christmas as well as the end of the calendar year. For example we will have our son Michael and daughter Mariel joins us for dinner on Christmas day. My wife Marilou will prepare the various ingredients for the Christmas dinner in advance so as to reduce the stress and hassle of doing everything at once. Our dinner consists of three courses. We will have a starter of either soup or various cold cuts of meat with a salad. This will be followed by roast turkey, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, peas with stuffing and cranberry jelly and of course gravy. The third course is our traditional Christmas pudding consisting of a mixed fruit dumpling laced with brandy smeared in fresh double cream. During the meal we usually consume a bottle of red and white wine. Dinner is normally preceded with the pulling of Christmas crackers containing jokes, gifts and paper hats to wear and precluded with two hours sleep on the sofa whilst pretending to watching television. If I may take you back to earlier in the morning when we arise we as a family normally gather round the Christmas tree in our living room and open our gifts with ooh’s and aah’s a plenty as well as lots of laughter. Breakfast is usually a light affair not to spoil our appetite for the dinner ahead. What I have described will be mirror imaged in millions of households all over the world at different times on the 25th December due to the time zones we live in. The traditional fare will also vary depending on the part of the world we live and the culture we belong to and of course what we can afford. Let us not forget those both young and old who will have nothing special to eat at this very special time of the year. If we can help someone by giving a little of what we have lets do so I’m sure it’s what our Lord would want in remembrance of this very important time in the year. Let’s all look forward to a better and more prosperous 2008 and not forget that however bad at times during the year we may feel, there is someone somewhere worse of than us.
To one and all who may read this blog I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. God bless you whoever you are and wherever you may be.

Good Hearted People

2008-10-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 07 December 2007

This week Tuesday I had two visitors to my office, on company business of course. Following my discussion with my first visitor Caroline Taukulis of County Durham Development Company we discovered that we had something in common that is we both worked in Africa. Whilst Caroline worked in East Africa I worked in West Africa we soon got around to talking about how children from developing countries take advantage of education when given the opportunity to go to school unlike some children here in the UK. When I told her about Bethany she immeadiately gave me a donation to send to the children.
My second visitor Mr David Wood Managing Director of Thomas Armstrong (Timber) Ltd, who is a colleague in the same business as me dropped in to hand in a donation for Bethany. This is the second year David has kindly donated to Bethany.
I would like to say a big thankyou to both Caroline and David for their kindness and I would like to remind anyone else who would like to make a donation to Bethany to please get in touch with me.

Christmas Is Almost Upon Us

2008-10-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 27 November 2007

Hello everyone, Christmas is just around the corner and whilst for some that means getting together with family and friends and sharing gifts and generally having a good time but it's not that way for all.
I don't just want you to visit this journal and read and go, I would like you to take a moment and reflect on the purpose of my writing to you about Bethany. This year has been tough for the management and staff at Bethany due to a shortage of funding, but this situation has not stopped this dedicated band from carrying out their duties diligently and professionally. The home has currently 25 children to care for of various ages each with their own needs and whilst things may be tough the children always come first.
I appeal to all my readers to give a little to Bethany for Christmas either by contacting Rose Longcob direct at llynip50th@yahoo.com.ph or contact me at jcjimc@aol.com to find out how best you can help.
Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal.

Talakag Town Centre

2008-10-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 24 November 2007

This building is the focal point of the commercial area of the town.

A Visitor returns To Bethany

2008-10-08T15:07:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 15 November 2007

In August I was contacted by a gentleman from Australia called Mr Michael Read who had read the Mindanao Blog www.mindanao.com and the owner of the blog Bob Martin asked him to contact me direct.
Mr Read was interested in what he had read about Bethany and asked me if he could help in any way . Of course Bethany can always use assistance and I arranged for him on his next visit to the Philippines to visit Bethany.
Mr Read was met at Lumbia by Greg and taken to Bethany where he stayed for two weeks and assisted the staff with building maintenance etc. On leaving Mr Read indicated he wished to return and give some more help in the future.
The original reason for Mr Read visiting the Philippines was to spend some time with his fiancée who is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at MSU Marawi . Mr Read will be returning to the Philippines on the 20th November and has informed me that he will be married to his fiancée at Bethany Church on the 22nd December.
I’m so pleased for Mr Read and his fiancée Noreen and I would have loved to have been there to see him married but I’m sure that you along with Marilou and me will wish them every happiness for the future and take this opportunity also to thank him for his kind offer of assistance to Bethany.

New Site Being Created BY A Former Bethany Child

2008-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 17 October 2007

A former Bethany Child whom I have been in contact with for almost two years now wishes to start a new web site dedicated to the memory of Miss Lynip.
This site is unique in so much as its for former and hopefully present Bethany Children so that they can remain in touch if they so wish.

Gerwin Wynn who started this site is currently serving with the US Marines in the Medical Corps and will leave the USA this month for Iraq. He has written a general e-mail to all those Bethany Children out there to give him a helping hand with this venture.
Below is the mail I received today requesting your assistance:

Hey guys, I haven't even thought about working on the Wiki for a while. I know I need help and if you want to help just say so. Here is the new updated site... keep in mind I haven't worked on it in 11 months... nearly a year. But I have a general idea now, I just need to fix things up :) Hope you like it. http://bchc.pbwiki.com/

Gerwin can be contacted at whispers_of_the_winds@yahoo.com
Please lend him you assistance and make this site a success and a point of contact for all former and present Bethany Children.

Sponsors Needed

2008-10-08T15:01:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 29 September 2007

I promised a few weeks ago that I would give the readers of this journal the opportunity to sponsor a young person.
For the first opportunity I would like to intoduce the RADAM siblings.
The RADAMS consist of one brother Alfredo who is the eldest at 19 years and his five sisters. The girls are Roselyn 17, Lani 16, Mary Joy 14, Jonalyn 13 and Abegail 11 who is the youngest.
They are all bright youngsters and have high school graduation as well as further education plans via college and university.
As you can imagine they have been through a lot together and mean the world to each other and by way of their individual educational success they can continue to support each other through life.
If you wish to sponsor any of the RADAM family you can write to
Mrs Rose Longcob
c/o Bethany Christian Home for Children, Inc.
Talakag, Bukidnon-8708. Mindanao. Philippines.
Mrs Longcob can also be contacted by e-mail llynip50th@yahoo.com.ph
If you would like to become a pen friend at anytime please also contact
Mrs Longcob for details.
If you would like any additional information about sponsorship or the workings of Bethany I can be contacted direct at jcjimc@aol.com

Left to right: Alfredo, Roselyn, Lani, Mary Joy, Jonalyn and Abegail.
I will keep you informed as to the success of this initiative, as its very important to Bethany and the children.

Would You Sponsor A Bethany Child

2008-10-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 08 September 2007

Sometime ago I mentioned on this journal that I would like to set up a facility to enable people to sponsor a child from Bethany. My idea of sponsorship is like adoption from a distance because I don't just wish to solicit funding for the child, I also want the sponsor to communicate with the young person.
By communicating I mean the sponsor can write to the young person about their experiences and their home country or present location and offer encouragement with regards to education and life in general. As you will agree by having a close friend it is much easier to share a problem and let's be honest, everyone needs a friend for support.
I don't wish to suggest a monetary amount. That would be up to the sponsor to decide.
Next week I will post the names and photographs of the first of the young people that I would like to intoduce for possible sponsorship.
Remember by becoming involved in sponsoring a young person you are playing a valuable part in their lives.

The Road To Royalty Via The North Yorkshire Dales.

2008-10-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 24 August 2007

Extract from Jim Cunningham's entry to the Mindanao Blog
August 2007

The Subanen Bae has no face in history. She existed, but no one outside the family ever saw her. She stayed home most of the time, and when she did venture out in public she donned a costume that revealed only her eyes. Her position of power and influence disappeared in the 16th century when the Spaniards married these princesses and the Subanen men took sole leadership over the ethnic tribe.

When Bae Sonita Manlin Mande Ryde was formally crowned on the May 13th 2006 as Bae Labi or Princess Paramount of the Western Mindanao Subanens by His Highness Principal Datu Tucan E. Dakula VI of the Royal House of Sibugay and interim Sultan of Mindanao, her acceptance of this title and subsequent confirmation elevated her to royalty, second in honour only to the Sultan.
(Zamboanga Agenda, Vol.2 No 1. July 2006)

This princess’ story is true rags to riches example for all aspiring young Indigenous People (IP) who wish to achieve something worthwhile in life and retain their cultural identity and wear it with honour and pride. Although a descendant of the royal family of Datu Mande of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Bae Sonita followed a typically rural and often difficult upbringing in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay with little or no luxuries in life as is the way for the vast majority of IPs. She left school early to work as a maid in order to supplement her family’s income. Later she moved to Manila to take up work whilst waiting for her visa to be processed to enable her to travel to Saudi Arabia for employment as many young women have done before her.

Fate however determined that this was one journey she would not make as her long time pen friend from England decided to visit her and her family and after conferring with her family the couple decided to get married as soon as it was possible to do so. Following her marriage she eventually travelled to North Yorkshire in England to become as is customary a housewife. This did not last for long as she has no intention of sitting at home and very soon found employment in order to occupy her time. Time soon past and unfortunately after some years her husband Harry became ill and she had to give up her job in order to care for him fulltime.

When Bae Sonita returned to her village after twenty years of absence, she looked around and was saddened by just how little had changed in the village and its surroundings from when she was just a little girl herself. She then made herself a promise to do her utmost to improve the lives of not only her immediate family but also that of her Subanen tribe. First, she built a house in her own village as a constant reminder of where she camefrom and took care of her family which she hoped would be an inspiration to all young IPs as anexample that if she could do it, so could they. Over subsequent years, she has also co-funded the building of an Elementary School as well as provided a Tribal Hall that is open to both Muslims and Christians alike and financed a stretch of road leading to Barangay Mande. Education is very important to Bae Sonita and she has also funded many of her nieces’ and nephews’ education programmes so that they too can help others in the future. She believed that “You can take away a person’s material possessions but not their education”.

Bae Sonita’s husband, Harry Ryde, recently passed away in July this year and I along with many family friends and members of the Filipino community attended the funeral in the little village of Hipswell in North Yorkshire. The church minister spoke highly of him and his life and also praised his wife for the love and devotion that she gave so willingly to the very end of a long and difficult illness. In the true spirit of the princess, her eulogy requested us to be happy for her and Harry and to celebrate what is left of our lives so that we can continue to help others less fortunate. She now divides her time between here and Mindanao and devotes her life to making life better for the whole 42 tribes in Mindanao that she represents.

Now I can understand what drives this unique person and her determination to help others succeed in life and I now know why they chose this special princess after such a long gap in Mindanao history. Following the decision by the Mindanao Indigenous People’s Supreme Council and Elders to bestow the title of Bae, Datu Cesar Betil said, “Bae Sonita has a sustained commitment to the welfare of the Mindanao indigenous people…and all (her acts of generosity) are done without fanfare and expecting nothing in return, setting her apart from other philanthropists. This is not an overstatement considering that these were done not by a wealthy person but by somebody who literally started from rags.”

Recently, while driving through the beautiful North Yorkshire dales countryside with my wife Marilou and another close Filipina friend and listening to the princess tell us about her hopes and dreams for the future of the IPs in Mindanao I now conclude that there is real hope for this part of the Philippines with such genuine commitment from it’s people. Marilou and I are truly honoured to have Bae Sonita amongst our friends here in the UK.

A Library Project For Talakag

2008-10-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 01 August 2007

Extract from Marilou Santiago Cunningham's entry to the Mindanao Blog July 2007
In May this year, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a declaration elevating the 83-year old Bukidnon State College into a University. A remarkable progress indeed, but for it’s Extension School set up in Talakag, Bukidnon two years ago, there’s still a lot to be achieved.
The extension school in Talakag currently offers courses in Arts and Sciences, Commerce, Business Administration and Information Technology. Thanks to the Municipal Officials who for years have pursued the Bukidnon State College for the extension school to be set up locally that affordable further education is now available to the people of Talakag and its surrounding areas. The time has come when those from these remote areas who wish to pursue further education no longer have to travel the winding roads to Malaybalay City, Cagayan de Oro City and beyond.
The extension school currently uses the classrooms in the elementary school; when elementary classes end at four o’clock in the afternoon, the college classes commence at five o’clock. Computer facilities are being provided in the Municipal Hall. However, learning resource facilities such as a library was non-existent. When I heard about this, I made a personal commitment to help put up a library as soon as possible. That time has come. In February this year, I sent a Balikbayan Box filled with my collection of textbooks from Durham University Business School, England to Talakag. The textbooks were there in time for my visit last April. The photo shows the hand-over of thefirst donation to Mr Abe Urbina (the Talakag Head of School) and Mr Alfredo Tampo (the School Administrator). When school commenced in June, the books were well received by students and teachers.
I am currently filling up another Balikbayan Box with reading materials such as textbooks, CD-ROMs and DVDs in the field of commerce, business administration and information and technology; references such as dictionaries, encyclopaedias, atlases and thesauruses; and other personal development books such as travel, cookery, gardening, do-it-yourself books and learning foreign languages (German, French and Spanish). I firmly believe that access to a wide range of books and information resources will enable students to develop even beyond their curriculum.
I hope that more book donations from my colleagues at Durham University Business School and personal friends will soon enrich the library collection in Talakag and provide valuable materials to support and improve the quality of further education and ultimately promote a reading culture.

Mindanao Comes To The North East Of England

2008-10-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 10 July 2007

On Sunday 8th July the Filipino community of Stockton held their first ever Fiesta at Ropner Park in the town.
The event was attended by the Consul General to the UK with members of his staff along with the Mayor of Stockton and the local Member of Parliament.
The sun thankfully shone for the day and the Filipinos attended in droves from as far away as London and Glasgow.
The event was entertained by Ms Monique Wilson who has played numerous West End musicals including Miss Saigon.
Also talented local bands and solo artists additionally entertained the crowds.
What a wonderful time was had by all and the food stalls selling native Filipino delicacies were particularlly busy throughout the day.
If you wish to participate or help at next year's Fiesta please go to http://www.balitangnorte.co.uk and contact Ramon who will only be too pleased to furnish you with details.

Mindanao Blog

2008-10-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 06 July 2007

At last I'm famous after volunteering and being selected to write on Bob Martin's Mindanao Blog, only joking of course.
I hope I can enlighten people about Bukidnon in general and Talakag in particular.
I would like to inform those who might read Bob's blog about the variation in culture in Talakag and how it came about, mentioning the pioneer of the town and surrounding areas. Monitoring the progress being made in the town and mentioning notable citizens, where appropriate.
I hope all who read this will now read the "Mindanao Blog"
http://mindanao.com/blog/?page_id=289

Talakag Hit By Serious Fire

2008-10-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 29 June 2008

During our visit to Talakag in March/April we witnessed a dreadful fire on the evening of the 9th April that engulfed an area of the main market place towards the Gas Station.
We were awakened at around 11.30pm when a relative sent us a text message to tell us of the fire. Allthough fortunately our house was not near the area of the fire we walked down to the Plaza to see horrendous flames shooting from the blaze into the night sky.
The Talakag Town Fire Department along with the Del Monte water tanker fought the blaze and contained it to the buildings around the Noble Family bakery allthough it was some hours before the residents could sigh with relief that the fire had been contained.
It was fortunate that there was no breeze that night otherwise the fire could have been much more catastrophic than it was for the residents living in that part of the town.
Unfortunately the fire although not directly did have a bearing on the deaths of two of the towns residents and our hearts go out to them both and their respectve families.
When we left to return home to the UK the site was already being cleared up so as to allow rebuilding to commence.
Tags: Clean up begins.

ITS A SMALL WORLD

2008-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 29 June 2008

The other day I received a message from Eric Harris from Adelaide South Australia who had via a link from Bob Martin's Mindanao Blog read this Blog.
Eric had visited Cagayan de Oro recently with his partner Jessica who hails from the city and fully understood the harshness of conditions without the benefit of any kind of social welfare scheme upon children like those being cared for at Bethany.
After reading my blog Eric very kindly made a donation to Bethany via the facility on Bob Martin's Blog.
Eric also mentioned my entry regarding the posibility of sponsoring a child I will soon leave details here on how this can be done.
Incidentally Eric's grand parents on his fathers side belonged to the North East of England where we now reside and he was watching in Australia, TV coverage of the one day test played recently at the Riverside Ground in Chester Le Street. Co Durham.

A Big Thank You To All Who Donated From The Furniture Industry

2008-10-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Original posted 09 June 2007

When my wife Marilou and myself visited Bethany to hand over your donations the children and staff wanted to show their appreciation

Donations To Bethany

2008-10-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 9 June 2007

During our recent visit to Bethany we were able to hand over to Rose Longcob the monetary donations that had been raised from my furniture industry colleagues following an appeal for help.
The total sum raised was a magnificent 200,000. Peso's which delighted the management and staff and will greatly assist with the running expenses of the home.
Funds are an ongoing concern for Bethany and if anyone wishes to help financially please contact me direct and I will give you details on how you can send donations large or small.

The BHK Teddy Boys

2008-10-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 09 June 2007

When going on our recent trip to Talakag we had some additional passengers with us for company namely the BHK Teddy Boys who were given to us by my colleague Eleanor Smith for the children at Bethany.
As you can imagine the Teddy Boys were very tired after the long journey and on arrival at our house in Talakag they were given a bath and fed and then put to bed for a good nights sleep.
Neither myself or my wife Marilou heard a peep from them the whole night as they were so tired, ourselves included of course.
The next morning after a hearty breakfast and a lecture to the Teddy Boys to be on their best behaviour we set out to visit Bethany. On arrival at Bethany we were welcomed by Greg and Rose Longcob and we explained all about the BHK Teddy Boys.
Rose suggested that she would choose the cottage where the Teddy Boys would meet their new life time friends and we all went off to meet up with the children.
As you can imagine after the Teddy Boys met the children it was love at first sight and they had such a lot to discuss as the Teddy Boys had to relate to the children where they came from and all about their journey to Talakag.
I'm sure they are still chatting about it to this day and will remain friends for life.

My Last Message Before I Leave Tomorrow

2008-10-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 24 March 2007

Well folks its now getting late and its time to pack the rest of the bits for our journey tomorrow.
The Teddy Boys are all packed carefully in order to avoid paying their fare. By the way there is now six of them as one of their friends requested to join the gang at the last moment. He said he was not happy with the political situation in the UK and was unsure as a Teddy Bear if he would be treated fairly in light of the new budget and was therefor afraid Gordon Brown might knock the stuffing out of him and his friends.
I assured him he would be treated with love and care in Bethany and would be given to someone who would befriend him for life, at that he jumped straight into my case and fell fast asleep along with his friends.So far so good and I hope they have a safe journey.

The BHK Teddy Boys Are Ready To Travel To Bethany

2008-10-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 18 March 2007

Thanks to my colleague at work Eleanor Smith these little BHK Bears will travel to Talakag next week Sunday with us to find new friends amongst the children of Bethany.
The Bears were donated by Eleanor who is Marketing Manager for BHK Flooring Ltd, and form part of a marketing campaign for Easter at its Peterlee Shop.
If you want a bear of your own get a long to the BHK Peterlee outlet which can be found at www.bhkonline.com
I will post photos of the adventures of the Teddy Bears on my return from the Philippines

A Thought For All

2008-10-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 11 March 2007

May you live as long as you want.
And not want as long as you live.

Kaamulan Festival Malaybalay

2008-10-08T14:18:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 06 March 2007

At the recent Kaamulan Festival held annually in the Bukidnon Capital Malaybalay, our town Talakag (where Bethany is located) came second in the street dancing competition.
Kaamulan" is an indigenous Bukidnon term for "gathering" for any purpose such as a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. According Bukidnon's provincial website, the festival started in 1977 and lasted 3 days on November 25-27.
This year's festival attracted over 37,500 visitors with all available accommodation over subscribed. Maybe next year Talakag can win the contest outright.
Well done to all those who participated and not forgeting those who helped in the organisation of the dance troupe.

Never Put Off Till Tomorrow What Can Be Done Today

2008-10-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Originally posted 04 March 2007

I have just returned home after spending a week attending a trade fair in Germany with some work colleagues.
I have attended this particular trade fair for the last eight years or so and each time I go my Sales Manager and good friend has always reminded me to look up an old friend and former work colleague from my early working days in Scotland.
This old friend and I first got together in 1973 when I worked for a company called Scottish Timber Products Ltd, who were building the most modern chipboard factory of it's type at that time.My friend who's german worked for a german company installing their equipment.
We stayed in touch throughout the time that I worked for STP Ltd and I stayed with him and his wife on a visit to Germany that I made whilst receiving training there.
In 1977 I left STP Ltd, to go off and work in Nigeria again building a new chipboard factory the first in West Africa.I continued to keep in touch with my old friend by way of christmas cards for some years till I lost touch one way or another.
When I joined my present company BHK(UK)Ltd, also a german company and whilst driving one day to Hannover I thought of my old friend as I passed his town on the journey.
Eventually after a few years I mentioned the story to my Sales Manager who prompted me to make contact with my german friend.
Eventually through my german colleagues we discovered his telephone number and I made a call to him.
I wanted to meet up but for some reason or another this was always posponed until this year when I eventually made contact and invited him to meet up at the Trade Fair which is only a short distance from his home town where he and his wife live.
Also at the show was my former boss from my STP Ltd, days who has always kept in touch with me and I told him that our friend would be visiting us.
Well my friend is now 79 years old and has not been in the best of health recently but credit where credit is due he made the effort to come along with his wife and it was so good of us to see them both.
We chatted about old times and the changes that have taken place during the last 30 years since we saw one another and we laughed and joked about old times.
Eventually when we parted I promised to visit him at his house this year which I will sometime in May.
It was so good to see both of them again and to know at least they are well enough to get around and I'm so grateful to my Sales Manager and good friend David Mackenzie for insisting on not only making contact but pushing me to meet up with them.
I will from now on not put off till tomorrow what can be done today as life is too short to do otherwise.