| Missional Life: Community Outreach Update | |
... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. ~ Matthew 25:40
Children First Academy (CFA)
 A BIG heartfelt Thank You to all who have been praying for and donating to CFA! They were blessed with being able to have summer school this year. Registration was 140 students. The air was filled with excitement--not the moans and groans of having to be in school. There will be no classes in July, and school resumes on August 9. Staff and volunteers are in the process of repairing and rejuvenating the school for the next year.
Donations of food and clothing are still needed in order to help families during the summer and, with school starting in August, they will need the usual donations of school supplies. My trunk holds lots of surprises on Sundays for me, and it is like Christmas or a birthday surprise to the staff and families at the school. Thank you to everyone for all that you do for others. May God bless each and everyone.
Contact me at montgomery49@cox.net or phone 480.775.1771 with questions or comments.
In His Love,
Beulah Montgomery
IHELP
The mission of IHELP is to provide temporary housing and meals to those in the program. The program is often the first step toward a better future for those who participate. IHELP is a non-profit corporation administrated by the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), with the service area being the City of Tempe.
In addition to meeting the basic needs of people through IHELP, TCAA has case management services available for those in the program. Because of the volunteers from the various interfaith communities in Tempe, the program is able to operate successfully and has very low overhead in terms of actual dollars.
Following are comments made by a few of the people who have participated in IHELP.
- God had a hand on everyone's heart to help me, and one day I want to do the same for others.
- The support, stability and encouragement I received from the program have truly been a blessing, but much thanks and appreciation is due to one man, Sam. Thanks also to others on staff at the agency.
- The encouragement I received from.... Tempe Community Action Agency made a lasting impact that brought stability to my life. Volunteering for the Food Bank and IHELP encouraged me to rediscover God and my inner strengths. The program was important because it gave me a place to volunteer, a place to eat and a place to sleep.
Yes, the many volunteers from Bethany have helped make a difference for the better in the lives of these people. Most volunteers have expressed the satisfaction of having been able to be Jesus' hands and feet and feel they have received back as much as they have given.
If you haven't tried being involved, pray about it and see where God leads you. The hosting schedule and needs are on the website. Feel free to contact Gen Garan with any comments/questions. bggaran@cox.net or 480.839.4674
- Gen Garan
StreetLight Offers Help and Hope
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. - Maria Robinson
 As most of you know Carolyn Jones has a powerful story of slavery to freedom, brokenness to redemption, hopelessness to joy. Today, God is using Carolyn as a powerful voice in crying freedom for modern day slaves. Her life and testimony speaks to God's amazing grace, mercy and compassion. Bethany has the privilege to walk with Carolyn and StreetLight in eradicating child sex slavery.
This morning as I spoke to Carolyn she stated, Years ago, in my brokenness and bondage, I cried out at a lonely bus stop. I began screaming at the top of my voice, 'Lord, give me my innocence back. Give me my joy and my peace. I don't see nothing left in my life. If there is anything you see, you can use me. Lord, if you get me out of here, if you give me my joy and peace back, if you give me a chance to live again and dream again, I will go where you say go, I will say what you tell me to say, I will do what you say to do...if you give me a chance to begin again.'
It was a battle between my spirit and flesh and my flesh was winning, until I cried out, 'Lord I don't want to live like this anymore...' That plea to God launched me on a journey of recovery, hope, and freedom. It is a journey that has changed my life, a journey that I could never have hoped or dreamed. I have my joy and peace and I am ready for new beginnings. God heard my cry and today Bethany has heard and is partnering to help others who are crying out for freedom. Thank you for hearing our cry!
Bethany, thanks for being part of leading this charge to Do Justice. ~ Micah 6:8
- Pat McCalla
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Missional Life: International Outreach Update | |
Saludos desde Hermosillo! (Greetings from Hermosillo!)
A team from Bethany went to the capital city of Sonora, Mexico, from May 28 through June 4 to join in an arts ministry targeting at-risk youth. Our goal was to use the gifts God has given us to be a small part in the beginning of the program.
There were five of us on the team and we are all musicians (although the ministry is expanding by using theater, drawing/painting and other art forms) so we spent the majority of our time teaching music classes and performing some concerts throughout the city. One of our teammates' careers is using music to work with kids with special needs here in Phoenix and she was instrumental in providing expertise for some of our work.
One of the main projects we were a part of was Casa AMAH, which is an after-school center for at-risk kids. We also spent time at a foster care facility for boys, a home for children with Downs syndrome, as well as a few other things. All of these events were sponsored by the local government in Hermosillo, so we befriended some government workers during our time.
 The arts ministry is a new piece of what Partners in Christ International is doing to transform lives with the hope found in Christ. This ministry was developed and organized by an experienced music professional from Mexico. The mayor's wife heard about us and came to one of our concerts (which led to us being on the news). Later in the week, the mayor treated us to a nice dinner with the president of the City Council where we talked about issues involving youth in Hermosillo.
The arts ministry was so well received by the government that they are trying very hard to continue working alongside Partners in Christ because they saw the transformation that has been occurring through the organization's work. The future of the arts ministry in Hermosillo is very hopeful. Our team felt blessed to use our gifts and our passion for music to build relationships with so many young people in Hermosillo. But one of the things with most impact was to see God working to expand this ministry and His kingdom so much further than any of us could have imagined by using music. God definitely had a bigger plan for that week than any of us on the team did, and we absolutely loved being a part of it!
Thank you for your prayers and support!
- Daniel Mains, Erin Dietzler, Marisa Covert, Luke Miller and Lydia Hernandez
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| MSM Rocks Summer Camp! | |
 Last month, Middle School Ministry took 53 students and 10 adults to summer camp at Forest Home in California. What an incredible trip! Kids zipped down the zip line, blobbed on the lake, climbed the climbing wall, kayaked, played tons of crazy games, immersed themselves in a giant mud pit, volunteered for work projects at the camp and so much more. Bethany Community Church won the Purple Pinecone award for being the most spirited church at the entire camp! Way to go, TEAM BLUE!!!
Also, students had a profound experience worshipping God. MSM students enjoyed an amazing worship band and a renowned speaker, Dr. Steve Gerali. My favorite part, I think, was our time of worshipping God together through music. It was just awesome to see the kids worship God with arms high and heart abandoned (The Stand lyrics). Cabin times each morning and night allowed students to share in a personal way on a deeper level. Some kids accepted Christ for the first time, while others surrendered themselves anew to Him. Thanks again for your prayers; I am totally confident they made a huge difference.
 I want to also extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Bethany for helping send kids to camp. Dozens of kids who attended camp requested and received scholarship money. If it weren't for your generous support of our youth, many students would not have been able to attend camp. What a blessing you are for supporting teenagers! On behalf of the many students who connected with God because of your tremendous, sacrificial giving, thank you so very much. Please continue your prayerful, financial and overall support of Student Ministries at Bethany.
Plan on MSM camp for next year at the beginning of June. Thanks again for the honor of leading this ministry.
- Josh Harper, Middle School Pastor
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Spots Still Open for Summer's End Family Camp | |
There are still a few spots open for this opportunity to share in each other's company and worship our Creator in the cool woods of the Mogollon Rim this Labor Day weekend. And, remember that you can share a campsite with family and/or friends! For only $55 per campsite, this is a very economical way to get away from the heat for a few days and enjoy nature.
For additional information please contact Penny Campa at pcampa@bethanycc.com or 480.831.5005.
Reserve your spot today at bethanycommunity.com/registrations!
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Family Reunion | |
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ~ Romans 12:15
 Wayne Noggle, father of Nelson (Karen) Noggle, passed away May 31. Wayne was 94 years old and had lived in Sun City. In addition to Nelson and Karen, he left behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.
Vesta Larson, long time attender at Bethany, passed away this past Monday, June 27, at age 87. Services are being held at Friendship Village today, July 1, at 3pm.
Phill St. George's father passed away recently. Maurice St. George, 86, attended church regularly with Phill and Shelley.
Please pray with us for comfort and peace as the families mourn their loss.
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| Upcoming Program & Event Highlights | |
Summer Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 8am-5pm
Closed Fridays
Monday, July 4 - Campus Closed
Baptisms - July 10
Monthly Elder Meeting - July 12
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