We recently received a report from Bethany Children’s Home in Haiti. This home cares for 32 residents and 11 daytime participants. Many of the children are orphans, but many have family members who simply can’t take care of them. The newsletter is full of evidence that the Salvation Army home is caring for five basic needs of these children.
Physical – Bethany provides food, shelter, and sanitation for all the children involved. They are able to provide the nutrition the children need. They report that all the children are growing and in good health.
Emotional – One of the goals of the home is to ensure the children feel safe and secure in their environment, to provide protection. In this home they are shown love and acceptance, they are given hope for a better future. All these are factors for emotional health for the children at Bethany.
Social – Not only do the children have built-in friends and family within the home, but they also have opportunity to create special memories. Bethany has an annual tradition of a day trip to the beach with a picnic lunch prepared for them. They also enjoy a special Christmas party every year. They say these activities are non-negotiable for the children.
Educational – The children at Bethany Home are given the opportunity not only to go, but also to excel at school. Many of them have high hopes and plans for careers in farming, law, medical profession, etc. Of the 43 students that Bethany serves, all but one successfully passed their final exams and were advanced to the next level this past year.
Spiritual – There is a Salvation Army corps just across from the home and this provides many opportunities for the children of Bethany to grow in their understanding of Jesus and to serve God with their talents. The music leader at the corps is eager to see young people use musical talents to worship and serve God, so he teaches music/band to the children. The Home also has a choir that serves the corps. Once a month, they have a “Spiritual Day” for the home and the children are given an opportunity to participate in every aspect of worship including the preaching/teaching time, testimonies, prayer time, etc.
We thank God for sponsors, whose offering to God and to the children of Bethany Home make all this possible!
