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, […]

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’ love 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 LCA International Mission and Bethany Home, through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia.

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/