A NEW YEAR BEGINS.

A NEW YEAR BEGINS.

Having now returned to Talakag following my Angioplasty procedure I must catch up with what’s going on here. Since arriving back in Manila on the 11^th January not only has it rained nonstop but today is the first time I’ve see sunshine due to the persistent low pressure and the resultant typhoon affecting Mindanao. The weather apart from it not being as cold reminded me of the winter weather in Finland that I used to experience on my visits there, grey from morning till night. I’m sure now the sun has made an appearance things will improve although Northern Mindanao especially along the coastal area has taken a battering from the rain with rivers destroying main road bridges between Iligan and Butuan which disrupts transport and essential supplies etc.,

I would like to wish all those who helped Bethany financially and in kind and visited the site to encourage the staff along with my many readers of this blog a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Yes we had our sadness last year as well and not to dwell too much on the past and look ahead to the future I trust this year will be one of love and joy for all those who help to make Bethany what it is now and hopefully for many years to come. Once I get organised now the rains have abated I will visit Bethany and bring you up to date on our Rubber Tree Plantation project which I’m determined to expand as I see this as being the way forward to ensure Bethany will have a regular income which it does not have as of now.

BACK IN THE UK.

The reason for my delay in posting this year has been due to my own health problem. I am currently back in the UK as I had to have an Angiogram due to having been diagnosed with Angina earlier in the year. Since returning at the beginning of October I have had an Angiogram quickly followed by an Angioplasty whereby two stents were implanted in my main arteries to alleviate the Angina. Since this was carried out I'm now in recovery mode and undergoing Cardio Rehabilitation and I must confess to feeling much better than I did before the Angioplasty was carried out. I am looking forward to returning to Talakag and of course assisting the hard working team at Bethany however I can.
So now you know the mystery has been solved and once again I apologise for not keeping up with events as they occur.

PASSING OF OUR CEO.

It's with much sadness that I have to inform all my readers of the passing of our CEO Mr Greg Longcob.

 Greg sadly suffered a heart attach on the 30th of October 2013 and was interned at Bethany's Private Cemetery after a moving service which was well attended. Greg was born on the 21st September 1951 and had just celebrated his 62nd birthday. Greg had spent most of his life at Bethany and will always be remembered as a Bethany child. During his time as CEO he has worked tirelessly along with his wife Rose to ensure the continuation of Bethany as a facility to raise and place needy children as well as provide an education for many children in the town of Talakag and nearby barrios.

 This year has been traumatic having seen the passing of Rachel (Chichi) Sulatan and now Greg, I ask you all where possible to pray and assist however you can to enable the good works of Bethany to continue as your help required more than ever. 

RIP RACHEL (Chi Chi) SULATAN.

It's with great sadness that I inform all my readers and followers that Rachel passed on yesterday 2nd July 2013 at 1,30pm. Rachel has been ill for sometime and born her illness with much courage and dignity. Over the years Rachel along with her husband Fred has lovingly cared for many children who has passed through their cottage and I'm sure she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. I would like to personally thank all those who assisted Rachel with donations during her illness which was greatly appreciated by the Sulatan family.

UPDATE ON RACHEL (Chi Chi) SULATAN.

First let me say sorry to all of my readers for not bringing my blog up to date for some time. The reason for this is twofold as I have been very busy with other projects and we travelled back to the UK to visit our son and daughter in law and have only just returned to the Philippines.

To all those who have shown concern about Chi Chi’s medical condition and have contacted me privately concerning the same here is an update. This morning Marilou and I visited Chi Chi at her cottage and discovered she is now confined to her bed. She finds it less painful to recline than sit up. Chi Chi as usual was wearing a brave face but when you know someone for as long as I’ve known her it’s not difficult to realise she is suffering despite her best efforts to prove otherwise. It’s at times like this I wish I had a magic wand and make her well again but I have not and can only hope and pray for her to be comfortable. Like all long time medical patients here in the Philippines it costs money for medication and it’s to this end I humbly ask you to please help in any way you can. Her medication amounts to around PHP 1,000.00 per day that’s $25.00, £15.00 or Euro 18.50. Chi Chi is having to take morphine every 8 hours in order to endure and this is using up the majority of the daily medicine spend.

I just wish I was able to give you better news but it’s not within my power to do so and all I can ask is for your kind assistance in kind and in prayer. If you feel you can possibly help Chi Chi please contact me at jcjimc@aol.com and I will give you details on how to send a donation which will go direct to Chi Chi. As I mentioned previously I have informed Chi Chi of those who contacted me regarding her condition and she thanks you all for your best wishes and kind thoughts.

YEAR END MESSAGE

It’s that time of the year again when our thoughts are with our loved ones past and present. Bethany has had its ups and downs this year but the struggle continues and we have somehow survived. Several of our children have recently gone overseas to be with their adoptive parents and we wish them all the best in their new homes and countries. Its seeing the joy on the faces of the children with their new adoptive parents that make life all worthwhile for myself and the staff at Bethany, long may it continue. I would like to also thank all of you who have given both financially and spiritually to us here at Bethany as without your invaluable help we would not be able to continue.

Once again a very big thank you to all those who have supported the children and staff and on behalf of everyone at Bethany may we wish you a joyous Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Mixed Emotions.

It’s every member of Staffs dream at Bethany to have their wards placed in the care of loving parents, whereby they can go off to whatever part of the world and enjoy a new and fulfilling life. This week it was the turn of Angelo and his sister Criselda to do just that. Tony and Christine Fazzini travelled from their home in Adelaide, Australia to Manila to finalize the necessary paperwork and then on to Talakag to collect their new son and daughter. Tony and Christine had already been keeping me up to date regarding the progress of their adoption process and Marilou and I were excited to meet them on arrival at Bethany. Immediately on meeting Tony and Christine we knew what wonderful parents they will make for Angelo and Criselda after watching them interact with their new son and daughter.

The children view a specially prepared scrapbook showing them their new home and family.

 As is customary before leaving Bethany the children and class mates of Angelo and Criselda held a farewell party which actually was also an early lunch. About 30 children attended the send-off as well as members of the teaching staff and after prayers the children sang a special send off song for Angelo and Criselda and Angelo sung a solo song in response. There was hardly a dry eye in the house after his rendition and watching Tony and Christine they were so proud of his effort.

The class mates of Angelo and Criselda sing a special farewell song to them

Angelo sings solo.

Greg Longcob the CEO of Bethany made a speech about how Bethany cherish people like Tony and Christine who by their love of children make the self-sacrifice of offering a loving and truly Christian home and life to our children here. Tony responded on behalf of Christine and himself by saying that he was overwhelmed by the love that’s given to the children at Bethany despite all the hardships encountered. He went on to compare what children have in the developed world with the children he has met here and concluded that the children at Bethany were a lot happier with a lot less. Tony thanked the staff for all their hard work and dedication and promised to keep us updated with Angelo and Criselda’s progress in Australia.

Mr Tony Fanzzini responds to Mr Greg Longcob's speach.

Proud father and daughter

Loving mother and son 

 Bethany would like to wish Angelo and Criselda and their older brother Jason Fazzini a happy and fruitful life in Adelaide. Once again Tony and Christine it’s been our pleasure to meet you and to know that Angelo and Criselda have wonderful and loving parents.

The Fazzini family will spend a few days in Manila and leave on Sunday evening to return to Australia.

AN UPDATE ON RACHEL SULATAN

A short while ago I wrote about Rachel (Chi chi) Sulatan having to go into hospital for Radiology treatment and Chemotherapy in Davao. Following her treatment she wanted to return to Bethany to be beside her family and friends so as soon as she was well enough to make the journey she returned home. The day after she returned to Bethany we set off for Bohol to attend our niece's wedding so never got the opportunity to visit Rachael until this morning.

                                                        

Rachel has remained positive and is a credit to herself and family as well as the children who live in her cottage. Although those who know her know she is unwell, that spark still remains in her eyes and radiates when she smiles, albeit with difficulty under her present circumstances. Words fail me as of now to express my true feelings for Rachel’s situation so I will let the photograph of Rachel and I speak for itself. Rachel currently has a spend of 5,000 pesos per week ($122.00) (£75.50) (€95.00) on medication and with Bethany’s limited funds it is becoming a struggle to find. Can I please ask you once more wherever you are too kindly help a truly wonderful person in her time of need.  It does not have to be a big amount that you have to give as collectively we will I’m sure be able to raise sufficient on a monthly basis to pay her medication bills.

If you contact me direct jcjimc@aol.com  I will give you instructions on how to forward your donation as there is no foreign exchange account here or means to draw on a personal cheque (Check).

56 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG.

Rose and Rita entertain the audience at the start of the ceremony

 

This morning my wife Marilou and I attended the 56th Founders Day celebration at Bethany Christian School for Children. Each year the children from kinder grade to 4th Year High School celebrate the founding of the school by way of various competitions including sports and subject related challenges. The students are divided into four groups or teams and they challenge each other to find out who is the best overall. The team with the most points at the end of the four day competition is declared the winner with prizes given in each category. Competition is fierce with very high standards being achieved amongst the competitors. The completion will start tomorrow proper and last till Thursday with the prize giving on Friday to conclude the celebrations.

A section of the Students and their Parents.

 

BCSC was started in 1956 to provide an education for the then children of Bethany Christian Home for Children and soon expanded to provide kinder, elementary and high school education for a sizable number of students in the Talakag area until now.

                                                                   The Teaching Staff Choir

Rachel Needs Your Help Urgently.

The Children saying goodbye to Rachel before going to Kinder School this morning.

 

When we returned to Talakag from the UK at the beginning of this week I received an e-mail message from Rachel Sulatan’s daughter Astrid to inform me that her mother was ill and required my assistance. Today we visited Bethany to deliver some books donated by our friends Agnes and Don Black currently living in Scotland for the children’s library so took the opportunity to visit Rachel.

I knew from the moment I saw her that something was amiss and that she was not looking well. After the customary greetings Rachel informed us that she has been diagnosed as having cancer. I was totally devastated in hearing this news as I know Rachel is a pillar of Bethany’s child care system having been a staff member for over thirty years (30) and a houseparent since 1988.

Having known Rachel or Chi Chi as she is affectionately called since I became involved at Bethany I do appreciate the tremendous work that she has done over the years caring for the numerous children that have passed through her cottage as well as those who are still there with her as of now. There are many adoptive parents all around the world who have met Rachel either when they came to Bethany to collect their new wards or have visited since with them as they grew up.

Without beating about the bush Rachel requires your financial help in order for her to receive the necessary medical care and treatment for her condition. Neither Bethany nor Rachel has the financial reserves to cover the cost of her treatment which will involve receiving radio-therapy as well as chemo-therapy and prescription medicine. Rachel’s treatment will be administered in either Davao or Cebu as Cagayan de Oro does not have the required facilities.

Since this treatment will start soon can I please appeal to all of you out there who know Rachel and are willing to donate to her care no matter how much or little you are able to give, any amount will be greatly appreciated. I promise to give regular updates on Rachel’s progress and condition.

Initially the cost of her treatment, travel and after care is estimated at $10,000.00 and all donations can be either sent through me or direct to Bethany, bank details will be given to those wishing to donate by contacting me direct at jcjimc@aol.com.

I hope and pray that this urgent appeal will reach out to as many people as possible and Rachel will receive her medical care without delay.

DONATIONS FROM SCOTLAND

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog as we are currently in the UK where we attended our son Michaels wedding. Yes they don’t remain children forever and now he and his new wife Jessica will experience what his mother and I had to endure to get him to where he is now, along with all the expense of doing so ha!ha!ha

In my last entry I mentioned our good friend Meriam who visited us in Talakag from East Kilbride in Scotland. I also wrote that she had promised to help with soliciting used football (soccer) kit from her friends in Scotland involved in running a youth Football Team. Meriam is not one for making a promise and not keeping it. When she attended our son’s wedding recently in Newcastle upon Tyne she brought with her a large quantity of football kit consisting of shirts, pants and socks as well as an assortment of used football boots. When she last organised to obtain football kit the children at Bethany as well as Talakag town all benefitted and this started an enthusiasm for the sport amongst boys and girls. In addition to the football kit Meriam also brought with her a large quantity of dental care kits for the children consisting of tooth brushes and toothpaste. A large selection of baby clothes was also included as well as a monitory donation.

Marilou hands over the dental hygene packs and baby clothes

 I always like to say a big thank you to our donors and on this occasion especially to Paul & Debbie Kinghorn for the used youth team strips, this is the second batch Paul & Debbie have donated. Also I’d like to thank Elaine McClymont for her donation of used football tops and boots. Thank you Loraine Houlden and friends for the dental care kits and baby clothes and also I’d like to mention Sheila Murdoch and the others who donated a monitory sum for Bethany.

 

                          Some members of the football team with their new stips 

The box with all the items is already on its way to Bethany and should arrive in Talakag by Mid-August all going well. When the box arrives I will be sure to include photographs of the handover of the donations to the  Bethany staff. Once again a big thank you to all of you for giving so generously to a worthy cause.   

Meriam visits Bethany

Meriam in Talakag native costume.

Meriam Quilang-Galuna Hunter long time best friend and supporter of Bethany finally fulfilled her promise to visit BCHC here in Talakag last month. Meriam has supported Bethany for many years now and has vowed to visit Bethany when next in the Philippines. Never one to break a promise Meriam during her recent visit to Cagayan de Oro to visit her family and friends following the Typhoon Sendong disaster in December 2011 called on Bethany to hand over gifts brought all the way from East Kilbride in Scotland my homeland.



Meriam in the Nursery with our most recent addition.

During her visit to Bethany Meriam had the opportunity to meet the children first hand and had it been possible, I’m sure she would have taken them back to Scotland with her. Since returning to Scotland Meriam has informed me that she has been working hard to raise funding for Bethany amongst friends and work colleagues so all we can say is a very big thank you to all in East Kilbride who wish to help us here and your donations will be put to a worthy cause.

Meriam with Marilou and myself.

Once again thank you Meriam for taking the time to visit us here in Talakag and seeing first-hand the valuable work done by Bethany on behalf of their children.

Sustainable Rubber Plantation Project.

The Rubber Plantation

The rubber plantation project that a group of my friends, former work colleagues, Marilou and I started back in 2009 is now approaching its fourth (4th) year of growth.

The young trees are now gaining height and girth and should be ready for tapping sometime towards the end of 2013 or early 2014. Once tapping commences Bethany will have 25 years of monthly income and with the just over 4 hectares plantation that will give a financial yield of 30,000 pesos monthly net income.

         The trees are maturing

Our dream was to plant a further 11 hectares which would then on maturity give Bethany Home a monthly income of 125/150,000 pesos, depending on world market prices and demand. This would truly make Bethany self-sufficient in terms of financing the existing facilities and allow the future donations from well-wishers to be used to maintain and update its infrastructure ensuring its long term survival.

Marilou and myself would like to appeal to all former Bethany children their supporters and Bethany well-wishers to collectively donate a little to ensure that this dream of being self-sufficient is realised in the not too distant future as remember it takes five years (5) from planting the rubber tree seedlings to tapping the latex. By planting trees we are also helping the environment and natural rubber is much better as a raw material than oil based plastics.



The Miller Family Visit CDO

Dusty, Hazel & Michaella at KL CdeO.

Very recently Adrian (Dusty) as he prefers to be called his wife Hazel and daughter Michella visited Cagayan de Oro following the tragedy of typhoon Sendong to visit Hazel’s family who live in the city.

Dusty hails from Australia and was a one time resident of Cagayan de Oro before returning with his wife and daughter to live there once more.

True to form Dusty though, “What can we as a family do to help those less fortunate when we return for our holiday to CdeO”. The Miller’s brought with them 50 sets of School Supplies and donated them to the children of Bethany, knowing that School Supplies is always an appreciated gift for any child attending school.

50 Sets of School Supplies

As always the Bethany staff was delighted with the gift to the children and once all the school age children have been catered for the balance of the School Supplies will be given to the less well-off elementary students who attend Bethany Christian School for which I’m sure they and their parents will be truly grateful.

It’s worth adding that Dusty when in CdeO always attends the Kingston Lodge Expat Group (KLEG) meeting held every Wednesday at the Lodge and gives generously to the weekly Charity Raffle, the proceeds of which go to various local needy causes. KLEG was able to donate 175,000 pesos in food aid with the donation coming from the proceeds of the Raffle as well as private donations from members and well-wishers in the aftermath of typhoon Sendong.

Once again a big thank you to the Miller family for their generous gift to Bethany and we all hope to see you again in the future when you may have an opportunity to visit Bethany Home here in Talakag.  

 

The Typhoon That Devastated Northern Mindanao.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.