RICKY LOPEZ

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.