Since 1987 Bethany has aimed to minister to the whole person by providing a place where they can rest, retreat and be refreshed. We offer space, prayer and encouragement and, for those who request help with specific problems, professional counselling. This will supplement the facilities available within Mission Organisations as well as equipping those who are working outside such groups.

This kind of support plays a valuable role in enabling Christian workers to be more effective in their own ministries. This may avoid the need for cross cultural workers to return to their home countries for help, which averts the sense of failure that might accompany such action and prevents the loss of valuable workers.

Other reasons for which people come to us include:-

Re-entry
Reverse culture shock is well documented but this does not take away from the need for each of us to address the issues as we prepare to live back in what has become a strange country.

An insulating space between ministry and home church.
The moment the cross-cultural worker arrives back in the home Church the pressure is on to meet and report to supporters. Coming immediately after the pressure of field ministry this can be a very difficult time. The reverse journey can also be stressful with ministry beginning with the step off the plane. Time taken to unwind and prepare for the next steps is never wasted.

Uncertainty for the future.
Those coming to the end of a contract or even in the middle of one are often challenged by uncertainties over future ministry. Bethany is concerned to provide the pastoral framework and encouragement to help people to pray through the issues.

Marriage guidance
Marriage break up is a particularly distressing part of Christian worker attrition. We want to give couples time and space to work through the issues away from the stresses that may have contributed to the problems.

Debriefing at end of service period
Has the period of service that has ended been successful? Has it met expectations? Is there a sense of inadequacy or failure that can be debilitating for years to come? We want to work through the issues and help to see things with God's perspective.

Third culture kids (TCK's)
Have your children had positive experiences? God calls us as a family, does all your family feel called? What about schooling? Issues with our children need to be faced for effective ministry.