A welcome at the door
Prabhu sits proudly in his wheelchair at the doorway of the Green Bamboo café at Bethany Home in Malaysia. He welcomes us with a warm smile as we move in and sit down to enjoy the fresh coffee and waffles we’d smelt when we stood outside talking to Lutheran pastor and director of Bethany Home, Karthik.
Born into a Hindu family and physically disabled from birth, Prabhu struggled to progress in school. Life at home was lonely and dark. Five years ago he began working in the Lighthouse, a workshop run by Bethany Home for the young adults living with varying physical and mental challenges. Prabhu’s work at the Lighthouse began with sorting the clothes for recycling.
Life has changed for Prabhu since being embraced by the Bethany community. He’s gained a new and growing circle of friends and experienced a welcome he’d never known before. Some months ago Bethany Home opened four new skills training stores that serve the general public in the town of Telak Intan. The stores also offer a place to learn various skills and encourage the young people living with disabilities. Prabhu has taken on responsibility as the cashier, recording sales at the Green Bamboo café in accurate detail and giving change to the outgoing customers.
Prabhu says, ‘I have come to know freedom here at Bethany, and the people love me’.
Jesus met with his friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus at Bethany. He raised Lazarus from the dead and performed many miracles at Bethany. Today Jesus’ loves comes to life at Bethany Home in Malaysia, through the love and care offered by the staff and volunteers.
The Lutheran Women of Australia share in a gospel partnership with the LCA International Mission and Bethany Home, through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malaysia.
Glenice Hartwich is the LCA’s Assistant to the Bishop – International Mission.
If you would like to Go to volunteer at Bethany Home, you’re invited to contact Glenice at LCA International Mission. Email: lcaim@lca.org.au Phone: (08) 8267 7334 or check out the website.
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LCA International Mission through the Volunteers in Mission program offers many volunteering opportunities through our overseas partner church relationships. People, young and old, have had life-transforming experiences as they have stepped out of their daily routines and into other countries and communities to serve in many and varied roles.
LCA international Mission can help you or your congregation or school to Connect to the work of God in and through our overseas partnerships. You can become a partner in mission in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar or Papua New Guinea.
Please Pray for the work of those who are bringing the love of Jesus Christ to local people in many ways and in many places in the world.
You are invited to Give so that others such as Prabhu can come to know Jesus’ love.
This feature story comes from The Lutheran April 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.
