Kate Wilson spent a month volunteering at Bethany Home in Malaysia this year. This is her story. I first heard about overseas mission’s trips when I was in high school and God put it in my heart to pursue this…one day…when I was ready. After four years studying at university, five years working as an […]

Kate Wilson spent a month volunteering at Bethany Home in Malaysia this year. This is her story.

I first heard about overseas mission’s trips when I was in high school and God put it in my heart to pursue this…one day…when I was ready.

After four years studying at university, five years working as an Occupational Therapist, and many years of attending church and Bible study groups, I built up the courage and confidence to believe I really had something to offer people in another country. A phone call to Glenice at the LCA International Mission office, set me on my path to volunteer at Bethany Home (Rumah Bethany), in April and May 2016.

And what an experience I had! Ultimately, my Christian upbringing and many childhood lessons of building, making and fixing things were my most important attributes in assisting staff and students at Bethany Home. As an Occupational Therapist, I was paired with the Physiotherapist; providing therapy to increase student’s mobility and hand function, so they could participate in their school activities. I also did minor repairs to wheelchairs and made a loom for the work skills class to make floor mats out of rags, to use at the school or to sell to the community.

There was always something going on at Bethany Home! I was fortunate to be involved in their sports day (promoting the abilities of people with disabilities) and Annual Bethany Carnival (fundraising event). I marvelled at the way the staff worked together and supported each other to make the day a huge success! The children had so much fun!!

I was amazed by many things during my stay but the way the staff showed love, compassion and kindness to the students and each other, regardless of their religious beliefs, really stood out. God’s presence is strong at Bethany Home, and he is praised each day through the daily staff devotion, weekend devotions and Bible studies.

Bethany Home is a special place to visit and share God’s word and love and offers a truly unforgettable experience.

This story was also published in the August 2016 edition of Border Crossings, the magazine of LCA International Mission.

If you would like to consider the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in mission, serving in practical ways, teaching English, teaching in the seminaries and institutions of our partner churches, or in local churches, you are invited to phone Nevin on (08) 8267 7300 or email nevin.nitschke@lca.org.au. For more information, go to https://www.lcamission.org.au/join-gods-mission/volunteer/

Read more stories about volunteering at https://www.lcamission.org.au/category/join-gods-mission/volunteers/