“HERE AT BETHEL, PASTORAL CARE IS ONE OF OUR PRIORITIES AS WE SEEK TO SUPPORT THE BETHEL COMMUNITY WHICH IS MADE UP OF OUR STUDENTS, THEIR FAMILIES AND THE STAFF. LIFE PRESENTS US WITH MANY CHALLENGES AND CHANGES AND THIS GIVES OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH; AS WE ENDEAVOUR TO WALK WITH EACH OTHER SPIRITUALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY. AS WELL AS SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER, WE ALSO REJOICE IN THE JOYS, TRIUMPHS AND GROWTH WE SEE. OUR CHAPLAINS AND LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM ARE ALL COMMITTED CHRISTIANS WHO ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PASTORAL CARE”
Paul Barber
“Ever since I could remember my passion has always been to help those who felt either unloved or left out. I would make a point at school to hang out with whoever needed a friend. I wanted people to know that they where not alone and that someone cared no matter what.
Being a Minister and a Chaplain who has worked with youth for over 26yrs, Bethel is a perfect fit for me, it allows me to fulfil my passion that was put in my heart so long ago to love God and Love others.
I have the most amazing and fun filled life that has taken me and continues to take me all around the world through one of my other passions missions.
I am also blessed to have an incredible wife and two boys who bring me so much joy and amusement allowing me to live out another one of my passions, “family”.
Here at Bethel I have the absolute pleasure as a Chaplain and Christian Living Teacher to be able to work closely with student with all kinds of backgrounds and issues. To be able to love, care, pray and encourage them no matter the issue, brings an amazing sense of satisfaction to my life.”
Melanie Lawrence
There has always been a motivation in me to help young people feel heard and have the tools to cope in whatever challenging situation they find themselves in. I am passionate about educational engagement and recovery based mental health care when working with students who are struggling and disengaging due to various circumstances.
I grew up in Albany and even went to Bethel as a child from Yrs 1-10 and still have friends to this day from my class. I left Albany at 18 and moved to Perth, then did a lot of traveling around the world before coming back home in 2014. I am happy being home and I count it a privilege to be back at Bethel doing a job that I love.
Seasons for Growth
“Seasons for growth“ is a program that looks at change and loss which are part of everyday life. It provides participants with knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and respond well to these losses. It uses the analogy of the 4 Seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter .....which come and go. Although some seasons are harder than others, we can learn and grow in these times if we are willing. The program allows students to acknowledge their experiences, including their hurts; while learning ways to adapt to change. Participants are encouraged to value who they are and that their story is unique. Through the program they have opportunities to develop their skills in communication, learn how to make wise choices and solve problems. As believers in a God who is always Sovereign and good, we as the facilitators have the privilege of reminding the students that God loves them, knows their situations and is always there to help them.