Bethany Report February 2020 Visit
As this was our first visit to Bethany it was great to have Bex with us to show us “the ropes”.
Graham had said before we set off something to the effect that God would seem so much closer over in Tanzania...... and how true this was.
This was evident from the moment we met the children and participated in their wonderful daily worshipful prayer meetings and even more
so following the terrible accident. The reaction of those children involved in the accident was one of thankfulness and praise – we just
wondered what our reaction might have been! In conversation with the young people it is obvious that their faith is very real and their hope is
in Jesus in any and every situation.
Simply sat with the children – whether on the dormitory steps or in the playground – was a delight. They absolutely loved having adults
around wanting to hold our hands, stroke our hair and were fascinated with the hairs on our legs (Carlton not Gina!) and the many contrasts
between us and them. And hugs and squeezes seemed well received.
The children loved conversation and in particular testing their English skills and their knowledge and the quality of the education they receive
shone through as they talked about everything from the local wildlife, their heroes to the Premier League. But there are also a number of
children with special needs, both learning and health issues and it was great to see how the other young people looked out for, and after, such
children. It truly is the Bethany FAMILY.
Following the accident most of the girls who had left to take up teaching posts in Mwanza returned to offer much valued support to Jesca and
the children and they attended Baraka’s funeral. Whilst it was a sad occasion it was good to see the older girls, looking well and to hear of
their progress in their respective jobs.
Jesca was obviously distraught at the time of the accident but thereafter her strength and leadership was exemplary and helped everyone
through the tough time. It was lovely to see the respect and love that the children have for her and the leadership team.
Jesca and Carlton spent time with the Form 4 lads talking through with them their options once they have left school, emphasising that whilst
Bethany wants to support them by providing funding loans for courses, such courses must be appropriate and give realistic prospects of a job
at the end in order to gain our support. He also had the opportunity to review the accounting systems and procedures and will meet up with
David to discuss recommendations for streamlining processes and improving reporting which may necessitate upgrading the software.
Bex , Carlton and Mwita met up with the engineer to discuss his proposed plans and costings for the possible new pump house and sump and
accompanied him to an outlying village near Magu to look at a similar project that he had undertaken. His explanations together with seeing
the village project was encouraging.
Gina and Bex spent time helping out in the reception class at School. Although neither are teachers the various activities that they introduced
to the class were appreciated by Anna (the class teacher) and appeared to be enjoyed by the children. The difference between the village and
Bethany children in understanding and speaking English was marked and is one of the challenges faced by Anna.
Gina and Bex also gathered information to be provided to the sponsors of individual children – including photos, latest weights and heights
and a brief personal history and goals.
We were pleasantly surprised by our accommodation and the food, whilst simple, was very tasty including probably the best fish that we had
ever tasted!
The love, kindness and hospitality shown to us by all at Bethany family will be something we will never forget. There were tears on all sides as
we departed and the children’s plea of “will you come back in April” was oh so genuine and moving. The promise of “keeping you in our
prayers” is one that we will most definitely keep.
Carlton and Gina Cooper
This was evident from the moment we met the children and participated in their wonderful daily worshipful prayer meetings and even more
so following the terrible accident. The reaction of those children involved in the accident was one of thankfulness and praise – we just
wondered what our reaction might have been! In conversation with the young people it is obvious that their faith is very real and their hope is
in Jesus in any and every situation.
Simply sat with the children – whether on the dormitory steps or in the playground – was a delight. They absolutely loved having adults
around wanting to hold our hands, stroke our hair and were fascinated with the hairs on our legs (Carlton not Gina!) and the many contrasts
between us and them. And hugs and squeezes seemed well received.
The children loved conversation and in particular testing their English skills and their knowledge and the quality of the education they receive
shone through as they talked about everything from the local wildlife, their heroes to the Premier League. But there are also a number of
children with special needs, both learning and health issues and it was great to see how the other young people looked out for, and after, such
children. It truly is the Bethany FAMILY.
Following the accident most of the girls who had left to take up teaching posts in Mwanza returned to offer much valued support to Jesca and
the children and they attended Baraka’s funeral. Whilst it was a sad occasion it was good to see the older girls, looking well and to hear of
their progress in their respective jobs.
Jesca was obviously distraught at the time of the accident but thereafter her strength and leadership was exemplary and helped everyone
through the tough time. It was lovely to see the respect and love that the children have for her and the leadership team.
Jesca and Carlton spent time with the Form 4 lads talking through with them their options once they have left school, emphasising that whilst
Bethany wants to support them by providing funding loans for courses, such courses must be appropriate and give realistic prospects of a job
at the end in order to gain our support. He also had the opportunity to review the accounting systems and procedures and will meet up with
David to discuss recommendations for streamlining processes and improving reporting which may necessitate upgrading the software.
Bex , Carlton and Mwita met up with the engineer to discuss his proposed plans and costings for the possible new pump house and sump and
accompanied him to an outlying village near Magu to look at a similar project that he had undertaken. His explanations together with seeing
the village project was encouraging.
Gina and Bex spent time helping out in the reception class at School. Although neither are teachers the various activities that they introduced
to the class were appreciated by Anna (the class teacher) and appeared to be enjoyed by the children. The difference between the village and
Bethany children in understanding and speaking English was marked and is one of the challenges faced by Anna.
Gina and Bex also gathered information to be provided to the sponsors of individual children – including photos, latest weights and heights
and a brief personal history and goals.
We were pleasantly surprised by our accommodation and the food, whilst simple, was very tasty including probably the best fish that we had
ever tasted!
The love, kindness and hospitality shown to us by all at Bethany family will be something we will never forget. There were tears on all sides as
we departed and the children’s plea of “will you come back in April” was oh so genuine and moving. The promise of “keeping you in our
prayers” is one that we will most definitely keep.
Carlton and Gina Cooper