HISTORY OF BETHESDA

It was while Sister Kuni, a German deaconess and dentist, worked in Hualien and in the surrounding mountain areas that she saw the need to help handicapped children, especially girls, and so it was in 1955 that Bethesda Home for Handicapped Children was founded.

SITUATION TODAY

Today German missionaries, along with 66 Chinese co-workers, care for the 96 children of various ages and needs. All children, whether they are mentally challenged, are deaf, have CP or are paralyzed live as a family; thus, there are children of different ages and different needs on each floor with the head teacher and her assistant teachers. Even though different types of therapy such as water, music, physical and speech are important, as is daily attendance in a public school, sharing and showing God’s love to these children is even more important and is the reason that all of our teachers are Christians. In the evening each floor has devotions as a family; prayers are said with the children before going to school and before going to bed. Once a week they worship together, and on Sunday those who are able attend a local church and Sunday School.

FUTURE PLANS AND PRAYER REQUESTS

Children grow up, and ours in Bethesda are no exception, but then the question is where do they go? What should they do? Many can not return to their homes; many don’t have homes; and they are not able to hold a job in society.

A few years ago God gave us the vision for a new building for the  challenged adults. In June, 2007, we were able to have the dedication for the Hope Building which offers the possibility for challenged adults to live and work in Bethesda.

 Each floor has three units of 4-6 persons with a guiding teacher living there also. On the first floor there is a coffee shop where the girls can learn skills in serving in a restaurant or even simple baking. In different workshops students are working with wood, textiles and handicraft. All the producst we are selling in a shop open to the public.

Workshops and Shop

God has given us a wonderful opportunity to give a home to children and adults who are not always welcome in society.

We want to show them that even though they are different, yet in God’s eyes they are precious and loved.

Our Home’s motto is:

Jesus said: “ Whatever

you did for one of the least of these brothers of

mine, you did for me.”

               Matth.25:40

We thank and praise the Lord for the many people who have supported us so faithfully in prayers and finances. We thank you for your kindness to support us in the future. May God bless you.