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Dear Family of a Bethel student,
The staff of Bethel Colony of Mercy wants you to know that we care for you and your family. We are not just interested in ministering to your loved one, we want to minister to you as well. Also, we know that God wants to use you as part of the process of reconciling this man to Himself. Our God is a God of restoration and we are trusting Him to restore relationships at home as well as restoring your loved one’s soul. Many family members have asked questions about what they can and should be doing while their loved one is at Bethel. Click title to follow link to a testimony of God's Mercy Through Prayer. The following is a list of suggestions which we hope will be encouraging to you. Some things you and your family should be doing while your loved one is at Bethel include: Personal Bible study This is a vital need in every Christian’s life. Church involvement If you are not already attending church, you should get involved in a Bible teaching church in your community now. Ask your home church to pray for you, your family and your loved one. Make your home church is aware of your needs so they can help where possible. Prayer Pray for the salvation of your loved one Pray for deliverance and freedom from their bondage (addiction) to alcohol and/or other drugs. Pray for a heart-change and a lifestyle change in your loved one. Pray that they will make a true commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ while at Bethel. Pray for their needs to be met at Bethel and for your needs to be met at home while they are at Bethel. Pray for wisdom and discernment for yourself as you communicate with your loved one. Pray for patience and gentleness for yourself. It will be needed during this trying time. Contacts We encourage you to contact your loved one often while he is at Bethel. Four Student pay phones are available with a 15 minute limit on conversations. The numbers are: 828-758-8914 (Love building) 828-754-9223 (Faith building) 828-754-9353 (Hope building) 828-754-9459 (Grace building) They are open for use daily (except during special events): from 12:15pm until 1:00pm from 4:30pm until 10:30pm Visitation schedule (except during special events): Saturdays from 2:00pm until 10:00pm Sundays from 1:00pm until 6:00pm A Bethel student must put in a request for a visit and visits are allowed for: Wives and children Parents and siblings Fiancées who have an engagement ring
Girlfriends who have children fathered by the student
may bring those Send letters to your loved one often and encourage your church to send cards to: 1675 Bethel Colony Road, Lenoir, NC 28645 Remember; your loved one’s main focus should be on what he is learning while at Bethel. Problems and situations that occur while he is gone need to be filtered. Some things can wait until he gets home. Other things that are important should be brought up gently and rationally. If you are not sure about discussing something with your loved one while at Bethel, ask his counselor for advice. Do not withhold the death of a loved one. Money Most of your loved one’s needs will be taken care of while at Bethel. There is not much they will need that Bethel does not provide for them. There is a canteen where they can purchase small items. Do not send large amounts of money to them while at Bethel. Suggested resources Victory Over Darkness by Neil Anderson will give you an idea of what your loved one is experiencing and learning while at Bethel. The Marriage Covenant by Derek Prince emphases the permanency of marriage as established by God. How you can help Bethel: Donations Financial gifts are always needed and appreciated. Towels, sheets, flatware, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. Bethel uses the same things you use at home. Encourage your home church to get involved with the ministry of Bethel. Pray for Bethel’s staff and volunteers and the other men who are here with your loved one. We hope this is helpful to you while your loved one is at Bethel. If you have other questions, please email us at bethelcolony@charter.net and we will try to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible. We are praying for you as together we trust God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think in the life of your loved one. In Christ, Pastor Paul Ritchie Pastor Don Loss Pastor Paul Pruitt Bethel Staff
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