September 2001

Dear Friends,

PC(USA). Talae Tuitele from North Carolina was with us for two months and Michael Stickney II from Oklahoma was with us for three months. Michael wrote a few paragraphs about his time with us, and I would like to share them with you.

In Christ’s love,

Virginia Gartrell

The 2001 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 258

August 2001

My Experience at Bethel Children’s Home

When first asked to write this I didn’t know exactly what to say, so I guess I will start with the basics. My name is Michael Stickney II. I am twenty years old, and a history education major from the beautiful state of Oklahoma in the United States of America. I have been at Bethel Home since June 10th and will be here until August 31st, when I will return to my eagerly awaiting family. By now I am sure you are wondering what is this hick from the U.S. is doing at an orphanage, and I am more than happy to tell you.

I had an experience one day during a morning devotional that changed my life. I was reading 1 Samuel 3—the story of when the Lord calls Samuel. The verse that changed my life is verse 10, which states, "The Lord came and stood there, calling as the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’" The passage stuck with me and I knew I needed to do something about it. After talking with my mother and friends I knew that mission work was pulling at my heart, and more than that, it would be working with kids because of the profound experience I had at the age of nine when I lost my thirteen-month-old sister to a brain hemorrhage.

I contacted the PC(USA) mission board in Louisville, Kentucky. I was sent an application for the Global Intern Program, which allows college-age students who want to do mission work during their summer break a chance to do so in an international environment. So after many interviews and a lengthy training process I was sent to Brazil.

After arriving and now being in the system for a little over two months I have seen some very good things in this organization. I could not be more in awe of the two housemothers and the job that they are able to pull off. I am amazed at how they keep up and know the needs for each child and are able to meet them. I have had the privilege of being able to talk with the teenagers, and I am impressed with each individual character. They seem to have more maturity than many college students that I know and deal with in everyday life. That is a direct result or consequence of the type of system in place here.

I have also been able to view the new homes, and they are absolutely beautiful. There will always be children in need and these homes are a wonderful place for them to come to. As I end my journey here I ask that you pray for Bethel Home and for the children here. I have been touched in a special way by each one and they are all wonderful children of God. I pray that you and your families are well and may God keep you safe.

Peace and Grace,

Michael Stickney II