Sarala’s smile welcomes me into a conversation as she wheels herself towards me. We’re in Bethany Home, Teluk Intan, Malaysia. Bethany Home is not so much a home but a place of learning and care for children and young adults with multiple physical and learning challenges. Next year Bethany will celebrate 50 years of operation […]

Sarala’s smile welcomes me into a conversation as she wheels herself towards me. We’re in Bethany Home, Teluk Intan, Malaysia. Bethany Home is not so much a home but a place of learning and care for children and young adults with multiple physical and learning challenges.

Next year Bethany will celebrate 50 years of operation and of the miraculous provision of God. As the history of Bethany states, ‘Bethany was a place where Jesus frequently travelled. His good friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha lived there. In Bethany, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dad and performed many other miracles. It is, therefore, very appropriate for a caring ministry to be named Bethany Home’.

In 1991 an accident left Sarala a paraplegic, angry and severely depressed. Years of hospitalisation and on-going treatment meant that Sarala could not continue her work teaching handicrafts. Almost four years after that accident, as she lay in her hospital bed next to an elderly woman, Sarala asked the son of the elderly woman, ‘Is there anything I can do so I can forget my worries?’ The son was Jayasignh Rajah, the former director of Bethany Home. Jayasignh needed no further encouragement to invite Sarala to join the Bethany community.

Today Sarala joyfully takes her place amongst the teachers and support workers of Bethany Home. Her handicraft skills are put to good use at Bethany, teaching the children and young people in the classrooms and one on one.

Sarala shares, ‘I surprise myself that I can come to his good time in my life. Bethany has helped me to come up in life, to believe in God, and to stand on my own feet. God is awesome.’

The support of Lutheran Women of Australia for Bethany Home gives Sarala and her fellow colleagues the opportunity to be trained in teaching and other skills in order that they can share Jesus’ love with those who come each day to Bethany Home – and meet Jesus.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Malaysia at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/malaysia-peninsula/