bethel children`s homes - Christian Family Centre

BETHEL CHILDREN’S HOMES
Sri Lanka
CONTENTS
Page 2-4
History of the Children’s Homes
Page 5
Present Need
Page 6
Child Sponsorship Program
Page 7-11
Girls’ Profiles
Page 12-15 Boys’ Profiles
Page 16
Girls’ Home Staff
Page 17
Boys’ Home Staff
Page 18
Farm
HISTORY OF THE
CHILDREN’S HOMES
Page 19
Gideon’s Story
BY PS BARRY SILVERBACK
Contact us
27 Sturt Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia
E: [email protected]
P: (08) 8212 2322
Account Name:
CRC Missions International
BSB:
065005
Account Number:
10112580
Reference:
SL Children’s Homes
Email [email protected]
with notification of your deposit
2
In 1962 I had an encounter with God and
His Word came to my heart. It was clear and
precise that one day I would do something
for the orphans, widows and the needy.
God used the passage from Job 29:13-17 to
speak to me.
13: The blessing of a perishing man came
upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart
to sing for joy. 14: I put on righteousness,
and it clothed me; my justice was like a
robe and a turban. 15: I was eyes to the
blind, and I was feet to the lame. 16: I was
a father to the poor, and I searched out the
case that I did not know. 17: I broke the
fangs of the wicked, and plucked the victim
from his teeth.
In 1993 I made my first trip to Sri Lanka
with Trevor Paterson and Neil Milne. I met
Ps Somanathan and family. I was impressed
with the
with the faith and caliber of Ps
Somanathan and touched with the need
in his nation. This was at a time when
the civil war was at its height.
After reflecting on Ps Somanathan’s
request for help and also seeing the
pressing needs of his nation, I struggled
with what I could do in light of the
many things I was already committed
to in other nations including PNG. So
I decided it would be best for Trevor
Paterson or Neil Milne to pick up the
responsibility rather than me.
In 1995 Ps Somanathan came to
Adelaide Crusade Centre for the CRC
National Conference.
Ps Somanathan had an opportunity to
share about his nation and his vision to
help the children who had been
orphaned, displaced and abandoned.
The Holy Spirit spoke to me clearly,
saying, “Don’t you mention about your
decision not to get involved in that
nation because I specifically want you
to be engaged there. Do not be afraid
for I have much people in that place
and no man shall set on you to do you
harm.”
So I was now convinced that I needed
to help Ps Somanathan in starting a
home for the children ravaged and
disadvantaged by war. Some of these
children had witnessed terrible
atrocities and someone needed to
rescue, care for them and give them a
safe home and hope for the future. We
had no money but the children’s plight
was enough for me to fulfill the Word
from Job 29 that God gave me.
Eventually someone gave me a small
amount of money which I banked and
for the next 2-3 years we continued to
save until we had sufficient funds to
start the first children’s home. To my
knowledge this was a first for the CRC.
The finding of an empty house in an
active war zone was the first miracle.
Many of the owners had abandoned
the village because of the death threats
from the rebels.
We were able to trace the owner of a
house who lived in another part of
Sri Lanka. He agreed we could rent
the house for children, for AUD$200
per year. A personal friend gave the
money for the rent for the first year.
Subsequently, he continued and added
more to assist the children.
After renovations we opened the first
children’s home with 11 girls at the
beginning of 1998.
We wanted to purchase the house but
the owner was adamant he would not
sell the family house, as it was where
his children were raised before the war.
But I believed that God wanted us to
have our own home and continued to
persevere in prayer and confessed to Ps
Somanathan that the house will be for
sale one day.
In the year 2000 when I was visiting the
Philippines, travelling in a taxi from the
airport with Peter Hauje, a PNG
missionary. He took a call on his phone
from my wife Rosalie. She asked if we
still wanted to purchase the house in Sri
Lanka because Ps Somanathan had
3
contacted her that day to say the owner
had agreed to sell. Wow, another
miracle!
Taylor and Bryan Grasby. Others from
Papua New Guinea and Fiji came to
helped in spite of the dangers and risks.
I made the deal in the taxi and
committed to purchase it even though
we did not have money at that time.
In August 2004 we purchased another
property for a boys’ home. This was
forced upon us by new Govt regulations
to separate the boys and girls by a
minimum of one kilometre.
However, some weeks later, we were
able to purchased the house for
approximately AUD$10,000.00.
Now we had our first permanent CRC
home for Sri Lankan children.
We officially moved the boys into that
property in May 2007. Later we were
able to build a new 5 bedroom home
and water tower for the boys.
In September 2000, we were able to
purchase the adjoining block of land for
a girls’ home. Over time we were able
to build two 4 bedroom homes for the
children.
In 2005 we purchased 16 acres of land.
This was used for farming and housing
for those children who were older and
were doing their secondary or tertiary
education.
This was all during the war years. The
children and staff witnessed bombings,
and armed military stationed around the
homes. Every night people lived in fear
and uncertainty of what might erupt
with a clash between the rebels and
government military.
The farm would also be able to
contribute to the children’s homes by
providing rice and vegetables grown
there and this has worked out well
even though it is not operating at full
capacity.
One night the children’s home had two
hand grenades thrown at it while the
children and staff were hiding inside.
Windows were smashed and some
other damaged occurred but the home
continued to function.
Kevin and Brenda Hughes, Rosalie and
I, along with Ps Somanathan and staff
stayed right through these times for the
sake of the children. Ps Somanathan
and his family endured greater risks and
harassment during these times.
We were joined later by others from
Australia - Hans Voortman, Malcolm
4
The children in our homes come from a
minority ethnic group of peoples who
have been discriminated against and
bypassed for many years.
While the war is over and peace has
come to the nation there are, in some
places, still thousands of scared and
traumatized lives. Children still have to
face the aftermath of war, poverty and
dysfunctional families traumatized by
the conflict.
There is still a pressing need for us
to continue to help the children of Sri
Lanka.
The injunction of scripture is clear and
mandatory upon God’s people to care
for the fatherless & to plead the cause
of the poor and needy. Deut.15:7-11.
Girls home 2015
We currently have 36 children - 20 in
the girls’ home and 16 in the boys’
home. From 1998 to 2015 we have had
71 children live in our homes.
Boys home 2015
PRESENT NEED
We currently need an extra $8,000 per month to keep the homes open.
Unfortunately, the surplus funds we had available have now been used up. In
addition to not enough funds coming in and increasing costs in Sri Lanka, the
drop of the Australian Dollar over the last 12-18 months has put a significant
burden upon the budget of the Children’s homes.
I trust that you or your church will consider this urgent request and consider
supporting the Children’s homes or raise your current support.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We have two options of how you can assist financially.
1. Child Sponsorship Program (more information on page 6).
2. Staff and Farm Support (see inserted response form for giving details).
- We have a number of commited staff in both of the homes and on the
farm who we employ and accommodate.
- The farm provides rice and vegetables for the children and staff at both
homes.
- The costs of running the farm have increased considerably over recent
years. More funds are needed to cover these costs.
5
CHILD SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
The Child Sponsorship Program is a
new initiative for supporting Bethel
Children’s Homes in Sri Lanka. We have
two homes, with 20 girls housed in one
and 16 boys in the other.
All of our children have been affected
by the war and civil unrest in Sri
Lanka. This has resulted in them being
displaced, physiologically affected and
discriminated against. Our homes have
now been a refuge of hope and relief
for many years.
FOR $100 A MONTH, YOU CAN SPONSOR
ONE CHILD AND PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN
THEIR LIFE.
Your financial support will provide:
EDUCATION
- School fees
- Uniforms/Shoes
- Books/
Stationary
- School Bags
- Tuition
- Excursions
HEALTH
- Hygiene
Education
- Medication
- Immunizations
- Medical
Checkups
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SUBSISTENCE
- Clothing/Shoes
- Food
- Accommodation
- Recreation
- Sanitary Needs
- Transport
DEVELOPMENT
- Spiritually
- Emotionally
- Physically
- Vocationally
- Intellectually
HOW DOES CHILD SPONSORSHIP WORK?
Once you have nominated either a
girl or boy to support, you will then
be assigned one of our children. We
will provide you a photo and some
background information of the child.
You will be given a Sponsorship Code
(eg: BCH01). You will be the sole
sponsor of the child assigned to you.
HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR
CHILD?
We encourage you to communicate
with your child. However, to protect the
children from discrimination and other
sensitivities associated with the children
we ask you only communicate through
the CRC Missions office. If you wish to
communicate to your child through
either written or digital communication,
the CRC Missions office will ensure your
communication will reach your child.
Any correspondence from the child will
also be forwarded onto you through the
CRC Missions Office.
HOW DO I SPONSOR A CHILD?
Fill out the Sri Lankan Children’s Homes
Response Form and cut off the Donors
Information slip at the bottom for your
records. Send your Response Form
to the CRC Missions Office (27 Sturt
Street, Adelaide SA 5000) or by email
([email protected]). For credit
card payments refer to the Credit Card
Donations Authority form for details.
MEDONA
Medona was born in 2007 and came to the home in
2015. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Medona’s parents are separated and her father is
remarried. Her mother works in a factory making
things such as doormats and brooms. Medona hopes
to be a doctor when she completes her schooling.
BCH01
ANGEL (THIVYA)
BCH02
Angel was born in 2006 and has been in the home
since 2009. She is from Kalkudah, Eastern Province.
Angel doesn’t know her father and her mother
is unemployed. Angel has three sisters and two
brothers. One of her brothers is currently at the
boys home (Jonathan). Angel dreams of becoming a
doctor one day.
PULA (BEULA)
Pula was born in 2005 and came to the home in
2015. She is from Kalkudah, Eastern Province. Her
father has passed away. Pula’s mother works abroad
but has not been heard from for the past five years.
She is completing the 5th grade this year at school
and one day Pula hopes to become a teacher.
BCH03
JULIA (ASTIPA)
BCH04
Julia was born in 2005 and has been in the home
since 2012. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Julia’s father has passed away and her
mother is working abroad. She has three sisters and
three brothers. Two of her brothers are currently in
the boys home (Benjamin and Daniel). Julia wants to
be an engineer in the future.
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HANA (SISALINI)
Hana was born in 2005 and came to the home in
2014. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Hana’s father has passed away and her mother is
currently working in Colombo. She is an only child.
She hopes to become a lawyer when she finishes her
schooling.
BCH05
ROSI (ROSITTA)
Rosi was born in 2005 and has been in the home
since 2011. She is from Batticaloa District, Eastern
Province. Rosi’s father and mother are both alive but
have separated. She is an only child.
BCH06
SMYRNA (JOTHIKA)
Smyrna was born in 2004 and has been in the
home since 2012. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Smyrna’s mother is a single mother and is
unemployed. She has one brother. Smyrna dreams of
becoming a doctor one day in the future.
BCH07
GRACE (THUVARAHA)
BCH08
8
Grace was born in 2003 and has been in the home
since 2015. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Grace’s father has passed away and her
mother works as a housemaid. She had two brothers
but one of them has passed away. Her other brother
is currently at the boys home (Shone). Grace wants
to be a doctor one day.
SHARAN (LILOGIHA)
Sharan was born in 2002 and came to the home in
2014. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Sharan’s father has passed away and her mother
works as a farmhand. She has three brothers and
three sisters. Sharan dreams one day of becoming an
accountant.
BCH09
RECHEL (KOHINI)
BCH10
Rechel was born in 2002 and has been in the home
since 2013. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Her father has passed away and her mother
works as a housemaid. Rechel has two brothers and
one sister. Her sister is currently in the girls home
(Adora). Rechel wants to become a teacher when
she finishes school.
RUTH (SAHITHA)
Ruth was born in 2001 and came to the home in
2010. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Her parents are separated and her father is
remarried. Ruth’s mum is working abroad. She has
three brothers and one sister. Ruth hopes to become
an engineer in the future.
BCH11
ADORA (THARSHANA)
Adora was born in 2000 has been in the home since
2013. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Her father has passed away and her mother is
working as a housemaid. Adora has two brothers and
one sister. Her sister is currently in the girls home
(Rechel). Adora dreams of becoming a teacher.
BCH12
9
MIRIYAM (PUSHPAKALA)
BCH13
Miriyam was born in 2001 and came to the home in
2014. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Her father abandoned the family and is now
remarried. Miriyam’s mother is unemployed. She has
two brothers and two sisters. One of her brothers is
currently at the boys home (Levi). Miriyam wants to
become a teacher one day.
DEBORA (SIVENTHINI)
Debora was born in 1998 and came to the home in
2010. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Her father works odd jobs and her mother has
passed away. She has one brother and one sister.
Debora’s sister is currently in the girls home (Beula).
She hopes to become a teacher in the future.
BCH14
RAJEEPA
Rajeepa was born in 1998 and has been in the
home since 2005. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Her parents are separated and her dad is
remarried. Her mother is currently working abroad.
Rajeepa has one brother. She wishes to become a
doctor.
BCH15
MEHALA
Mehala was born in 1998 and came to the home
in 2006. She is from Trincomalee, Eastern Province.
Her father has passed away and her mother is
unemployed. Mehala has three sisters. She would
like to be a teacher one day when she finishes
school.
BCH16
10
DILU (DILOJINA)
Dilu was born in 1997 and has been in the home
since 2007. She is from Trincomalee, Eastern
Province. Her father has passed away and her mother
is unemployed. Dilu has two brothers and one sister.
One day she hopes to be involved in ministry work.
BCH17
BEULA (KAJENTHINI)
Beula was born in 1996 and came to the home in
2010. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Beula’s father is working odd jobs and her mother
has passed away. She has one brother and one sister.
Her sister is currently in the girls home (Debora).
Beula dreams of becoming a primary school teacher.
BCH18
THARSHINI
Tharshini was born in 1996 and has been in the
home since 2005. She is from Batticaloa, Eastern
Province. Her parents are separated and her father
is a fisherman. Tharshini has one brother and two
sisters. She hopes to be involved in missions work in
the future.
BCH19
SUPENTHINI
Supenthini was born in 1996 and came to the home
in 2004. She is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Both of her parents have passed away. She has
three brothers and one sister. One of her brothers is
currently in the boys home (Joel). Supenthini wants
to become a missionary one day.
BCH20
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SHONE (GARISH KANTH)
BCH21
Shone was born in 2006 and came to the home in
2015. He is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Shone’s father has passed away and his mother
works as a housemaid. He has one sister and had
one brother but he has passed away. His sister is
currently at the girls home (Grace). Shone wants to
become an engineer one day.
VITHUJAN
BCH22
Vithujan was born in 2006 and has been in the
home since 2015. He is from a village in the Eastern
Province. Vithujan’s father is both blind and dumb
and his mother works abroad. He has one sister and
one brother. His brother is currently in the boys home
(Aaron) and his sister is in another childrens home.
Vithujan would like to become a policeman one day.
LEVI (KISHANTHAN)
BCH23
Levi was born in 2005 and came to the home in
2015. He is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province. His
father abandoned the family and is now remarried.
Levi’s mother is unemployed. He has one brother
and three sisters. One of his sisters is currently at the
girls home (Miriyam). Levi wants to become a pastor
when he finishes his schooling.
JOHNSON
Johnson was born in 2004 and has been in the
home since 2015. He is from a village in the Eastern
Province. His father works as a farmer and his mother
is a housewife. He has one brother. Johnson would
like to become a doctor after school.
BCH24
12
ABISHEK
Abishek was born in 2004 and came to the home
in 2015. He is from Kalkudah, Eastern Province. His
father is a farmer and his mother is a housewife. He
has four sisters. One of his sisters is married, one
is working and two are studying. Abishek hopes to
become a policeman in the future.
BCH25
JONATHAN (THIVIYAN)
BCH26
Jonathan was born in 2004 and has been in the
home since 2009. He is from Kalkudah, Eastern
Province. Jonathan doesn’t know his father and his
mother is unemployed. He has four sisters and one
brother. One of his sisters is currently at the girls
home (Angel). Jonathan dreams of becoming an
automobile engineer when he finishes school.
NITHARSAN
BCH27
Nitharsan was born in 2003 and came to the home
in 2011. He is from Kalkudah, Eastern Province. His
father is a pastor and his mother works as a maid in
a hotel. Nitharsan has two sisters and one brother.
His brother is currently in the boys home (Ahai) and
his sisters are in different childrens homes. Nitharsan
dreams of becoming the President of Sri Lanka.
VIJAYAKUMAR
Vijayakumar was born in 2003 and has been in
the home since 2012. He is from Puttalam, North
Western Province. His father has passed away and
his mother works as a maid. He has two brothers
and one sister. Vijayakumar would like to become an
aeronautical engineer in the future.
BCH28
13
JOEL (SUJAN JOEL)
Joel was born in 2002 and came to the home in
2007. He is from Valaichchenai, Eastern Province.
Both of his parents have passed away. He has
two brothers and two sisters. One of his sisters is
currently in the girls home (Supenthini). Joel wants
to become an electrical engineer one day.
BCH29
DANIEL (SUJANTHAN)
BCH30
Daniel was born in 2001 and has been in the
home since 2007. He is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. His father has passed away and his mother
works abroad. Daniel has four sisters and two
brothers. One of his brothers is currently in the boys
home (Benjaminl) and one of his sisters is in the girls
home (Julia). Daniel would like to become a teacher.
KARAN (KIRUBAKARAN)
Karan was born in 2000 and came to the home in
2015. He is from Vavuniya, Northern Province. His
father is a mason and his mother is a housewife.
He has two sisters. Karan hopes to become a civil
engineer when he finishes his schooling.
BCH31
MADHU (THUYENTHIRAN)
Madhu was born in 2000 and has been in the home
since 2015. He is from a village in the Eastern
Province. His father works odd jobs and his mother
is working abroad. Madhu has two brothers and two
sisters. One day he would like to become a teacher.
BCH32
14
AHAI (KUVIRAJ)
BCH33
Ahai was born in 1999 and came to the home in
2011. He is from Kalkudah, Eastern Province. His
father is a pastor and his mother works in a hotel
as a maid. Ahai has two sisters and one brother. His
brother is currently in the boys’ home (Nitharsan)
and his sisters are in different childrens homes. Ahai
hopes to become a driver when he finishes school.
AARON (PUVANENTHIRAN)
BCH34
Aaron was born in 1999 and has been in the home
since 2013. He is from a village in the Eastern
Province. Aaron’s father is both blind and dumb and
his mother is working abroad. He has one sister and
one brother. His brother is currently in the boys’
home (Vithujan) and his sister is in another childrens
home. Aaron would like to become a pastor one day.
JOSHUA
Joshua was born in 1999 and came to the home in
2014. He is from a village in the Central Province. His
father is a security guard and his mother works in a
tea plantation. He has two brothers and two sisters.
Joshua hopes to become an electrical engineer when
he finishes school.
BCH35
BENJAMIN (VINOJKARAN)
BCH36
Benjamin was born in 1999 and has been in the
home since 2007. He is from Valaichchenai, Eastern
Province. Benjamin’s father has passed away and his
mother works abroad. He has four sisters and two
brothers. One of his brothers is currently in the boys’
home (Daniel) and one of his sisters is in the girls’
home (Julia). Benjamin wants to be a bank manager.
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GIRLS’ HOME STAFF
KENGADAVI (VANI)
Vani has been working in the home since 2005. She
is from Batticaloa, Eastern Province. Vani comes from
a Christian family. Vani became matron of the home
in 2007 and takes care of things such as accounting,
teaching and looking after the older girls. She likes how
the home feels like a big family. The most rewarding
thing about working at the home for Vani is seeing the
girls have a future when they leave the home. She hopes
that the girls will continue to achieve great things.
DEVAKUMANY (KUMARI)
Kumari has been working in the home since 2006. She
is from Vavuniya, Northern Province. Kumari comes from
a Hindu family and is the only member of her family
who is born again. She was one of the first graduates of
the CRC Bible School in Sri Lanka. Kumari assists Vani at
the home and takes care of the young girls. The most
rewarding thing about working at the home for Kumari
is seeing the girls come from very little to growing and
having a future. She hopes that this will continue for
every girl that goes through the home.
ROSHNIKANTH AND PRIYANTHIE
Roshnikanth and Priyanthie are a married couple who
have been working in the home for ten years. They are
both from Colombo. Roshnikanth undertakes the roles of
being the driver as well as looking after and managing
the properties of the children’s homes. He enjoys
everything he does for the children. Priyanthie is the cook
for the girls home. She really enjoys cooking and says the
girls love any Sri Lankan food, especially when it is spicy.
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BOYS’ HOME STAFF
THEVATHAYALAN
Thevathayalan has been working in the boys’ home since
2014. He is from Batticaloa District, Eastern Province. He
is married with two sons. Thevathayalan manages the
boys home. He feels like a father to the boys and the
most rewarding thing about working in the children’s
home for Thevathayalan is seeing the boys grow in the
Lord. He hopes that every boy who goes through the
home will have a brighter future and they will be able to
support themselves.
SANDRAKUMARI
Sandrakumari is a Christian lady who has been working
in the boys’ home since 2012. She is married with
four sons and one daughter. Sandrakumari is the cook
for the boys home. She is very happy cooking for the
boys. Sandrakumari says the boys in the home love it
whenever she makes them sweet snacks.
THUSHAN (SHADRACH)
Shadrach was born in 1995 and comes from Batticaloa
District, Eastern Province. He assists Thevathayalan in the
home and is training to be a manager. He is currently
taking a course in children’s ministry. Shadrach came to
the home in 2006 when he was 10 years old. When he
was old enough to leave he decided to stay as he felt
that God had laid something on his heart to work with
children. The most rewarding thing about working in the
home for Shadrach is seeing the boys grow in the Lord
and in their education. He hopes that the boys will go on
to study to a high level and be able to speak English.
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IMAGES OF THE FARM
Sewing school on the property
Water tower
Entering the property
18
Crops
Farmer
Crops
Farmers house on the property
GIDEON’S STORY
Gideon came into the children’s home
in 1999 at 16 years of age. During
his time in the home Gideon says the
foundations of his faith were built and
his spiritual life was set.
bought a piece of land in his
hometown (approx. 3-5kms away
from the current girls’ home). He built
his own house and set up his own
business.
Gideon is an elder in his church and
he is still very much involved in the
children’s home. He is married with
one son and is also able to support his
single mother and brother.
He runs a mechanic business where
he repairs motorbikes and cycles. He
has six people working for him.
In 2004, whilst still in the home,
Gideon began attending tech school.
The home funded his education.
He left the home in 2006 and worked
for a foreign mechanic in Sri Lanka for
two years. It was here that he was
able to learn his trade as a mechanic.
After earning enough money through
working for this mechanic, Gideon
A few years after setting up his
business he bought a machine that
cuts stone for construction. He also
bought a tractor which he hires out
for use in fields and transportation of
materials.
Since leaving the children’s home,
Gideon has become self employed. He
has started a small business and has
seen much growth.
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