Just couldn't be prouder of my amazing Mum, she made beautiful items for a craft sale, organised the event and persuaded others to join her. In excess of £500 raised for Bethesda Children's Home. It will make such a difference to the lives of so many children. (fb)

We were truly privileged and honoured to be invited to the weddings of Sam and Laisha's youngest children, Joshua and Lydia. A really special time. Although this visit was primary to join Sam and Laisha for the family celebrations, we were able to spend some time at Bethesda Children's home. We saw first hand the amazing work that goes on there, transforming lives. During our stay we learnt that all the children who took 12th grade exams this year passed, a tribut to Glory, Sam and all the staff who supported them in their studies, and of course to the hard work of the children themselves. It's hard to put into words the power of this place, it's so full of love the children just thrive, sometimes even against the odds. The local authorities have started sending children to Bethesda, some have had a difficult start in life and come with complex needs and challenging behavioural problems. Such is the love and support that they receive , in a short time their lives are turned around. It was an absolute joy that the children were able to attend Lydia's wedding (in Coonor) They joined with many former Bethesda children, forming a guard of honour for Lydia as she processed in, reinforcing that as children of Bethesda they become part of Sam and Laisha's family too. they seemed to have a wonderful time. As a pebble dropped into a pond has ripples that affect the whole pond we heard how the small things we do affect the lives of others, on our last day in Chennai we were unexpectedly guests at a 3rd wedding, the bride was from a family in Erumad, the home of one of Sam's first churches and where Bethesda Children's home began. Back in the 1990s Kings Lynn Baptist Church funded the purchase of some bibles that were presented to the young people in Erumad. One of the Pastors presiding over this wedding had received one of these bibles as a young boy and told us that he still has is. Maybe receiving it influenced his decision to become a pastor, I'd like to think so. (fb)