...“At least this Bugle’s in tune!”...

W R I T T E N A N D P U T T O G E T H E R B Y T H E B E T H A N Y P R E S S T E A M

March/April 2008 Issue 10

I want you all to know that your help I

appreciate

And I am really

not full of hate

Your help‟s brought me a long

way

A few months ago I wanted my

life to end

Now I am glad I‟ve seen it

through

I cant believe how much I‟ve

changed

Everything was always so

complicated

Often I felt as though I was

being suffocated

I couldn't understand why

anyone liked me

Because I hated myself so much

My life has totally turned

around

At the moment I am so happy

The past no longer matters

At last I am finally free

LISA STURROCK

Bethany Christian Trust

is 25 years old in April!

In this issue we there-fore include comments by some of the people who have been helped

by Bethany.

We asked for short sentences of around six words to describe the way they felt about

Bethany.

These comments are sprinkled throughout

the magazine.

As always the magazine includes contributions from many different people and covers a wide

range of topics.

Happy Easter from the

Bugle Editorial Team!

Ally’s update

Mo and Johanna

Would you be a writer?

2

2

3

Loads more from Fife! 4/5

Poems and Gardening

Support Workers

6

7

God’s Freedom

Scots ye ken

8

9

Egyptology, poems

Forgotten heroines

10

11

Time for God

Bigotry

12

Tea! , God’s healing

13

Puzzle Page

Art work, photos Easter

14/

15

Backpage information 16

Plus loads

more!!!

Included in this issue:

Bethany saved my life.

Chester Lynch

Bethany help and

support people.

Fiona Mackenzie

John Owens

Bethany have been

good to me.

Issue 10

Page 2

Ally’s Update

Ally boy back again! Only just finished work. It’s Fri-day today so we all know what that means, early finish! So here I am popped into the toastie club here in bonny

Leven ..

Thought I’d drop a few and let every one know how life’s coming on and how it’s treating me ..well still I’m working away with the stonemasons and I’m loving it! I still rise every morning with a smile on my

face and a spring in my step raring to go.

People from my back ground think there’s no hope in life when it feels like the world is on your shoulders. Well stop and take a minute and see that I’m living and showing

that there’s hope and if you want it maybe your luck wont pop up today but please bide your time, for your winning hand may

be next.

Things can’t get any better for me. I’ve just moved into my new home, its lovely. I’m loving my independence, how good it feels

to go the right way.

Anyone reading this out there if your self esteem is low, if you feel you’re going no-where please be strong take time out be calm say a prayer you never know if the big chap’s listening. May the sun shine for you all the way. It’s shining for me! May the path you all walk be glowing with

happiness, but mostly glowing with love.

Ally Walton

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BIG RED?

I USED TO SEE HIM EVERDAY. HE USED TO BUSK IN EVERY TOWN WHEN HE WAS HOMELESS. YOU WOULD ASK HIM TO PLAY YOUR FAVOURIT PIECE OF MUSIC FOR YOU. YOU‟D JUST NAME THE TITLE OF THE SONG OR TUNE,A ND HE WOULD PLAY IT ON HIS GUITAR. BUT ONE DAY HE SAID TO ME SOMEONE STOLE HIS GUITAR OR SMASHED IT. HE TOLD ME THAT WAS ALL HE COULD DO TO GET A HOT CUP OF SOUP OR SOMETHING HOT INSIDE OF HIM. FOR FOOD HE DONE THAT ALSO. HE WAS NO BEGGER THAT‟S ALL HE COULD DO TO SURVIVE. BUT ONE DAY HE JUST VANISHED INTO THIN IN AIR.WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BIG RED? I MISS HIM. DO YOU EVER APPRICIATE WHAT BIG ISSUE PEOPLE HAVE TO GO THROUGH EVERYDAY OF THERE LIVES? I MISS YOU BIG RED. HOPE YOU REST IN PEACE. I THINK OF YOU SOMETIMES WHEN I‟M ON MY OWN OR WHEN I SEE A BUSKER IN THE STREETS OF EDINBRUGH OR

GLASGOW.

GOD BLESS THE BIG ISSUE VENDORS.

Johanna Morhulec Gordon

Dear God, I‟ve been really unkind;

But no matter how ignorant I‟ve been, you

don‟t seem to mind.

I was one of those people who didn‟t be-

lieve in you,

But when I needed help, I found myself

praying for guidance to you.

I thought that I‟d went too far for you to

care;

But all that changed when I found peace

of mind in prayer.

I regret a lot that I have done,

I also know that you forgive and love

everyone.

I‟ll try and make up for all my sins,

By helping and appreciating in all that life

brings. Mo

Kirkhope Horticulture

All your gardening needs

catered for at reasonable prices!

All work considered, big or small

Contact us on 07984513579

(Advert)

Issue 10

Page 3

Would you be a

writer?

By Alex Anderson

The first thing you need is a good reason or story you want to explore. The next thing is you need a positive mental attitude and expect people that feel threatened by you or jealous of you to heap scorn on your work and dreams. Ignore those comments because if you begin to believe their com-ments your desire and ability to create good works

will suffer. Let me explain that statement.

I ended up with no qualifications

I‟m 64 years old, I suffered at the hands of a mother who seemed to want to beat me at every possible chance and then actually persuaded me that I was a waste of space. The child tends to believe the parent knows best and so I stopped try-ing at school. As a result I ended up with no qualifications and as an adult, if the sun shone brightly through the factory window I quit that boring job just to head off to the beach instead of

making money.

The worst she did for me was to tell me the father I loved had been in and out of jail. Loving my dad, when times were hard because I was once more out of work, I stole things and saw jail as good enough for me if it was good enough for my dad. Prison is boring so my cheapest and most enjoyed escape was into books of fiction and heroic deeds that had

next to no bearing on real life.

My mindset was that I was a

useless waste of space

Expecting and wanting to give people no openings by which to attack me, I learned to want nothing from life and made the very worst kind of adult, hoping to be a parent and so of course I failed at that, and then believed I really was a waste of

space.

Alone and sad at still being alive, almost six years ago I went to bed and, literally, dreamed up a novel length story. The trouble with that was I was sure I could not do it justice because my mindset was

still that of a useless waste of space.

A complete change of mindset has brought

me to the point of publishing a book

I tried to find a writer to take on the task and, as I couldn‟t, I joined a writing group to see if I could do a half decent job of the story. Five years with that writing group, facing challenges to create short sto-ries and poems, coupled with a complete change of mindset has brought me to the point of publishing a book that is a mixture of poems and short stories and feeling almost confident enough to write the novels that have been seen as part of that learning

process.

OK, that's enough about me, let's get to the point of this. If, after the messes I made of my life, I can late in life, achieve something of merit, haven‟t the other

years of self abuse been the real waste of my life.

Overcome the inner voice that says

“I can’t do this”

Now, if you feel these words echo your own thinking or make you think that‟s how your life is going now, give yourself a good shake. You need to believe you are not the waste of space that others think you are. You need to live for you and stop living to oth-ers opinions of you. Do you know, for instance, that writing can be the hobby you can turn into a work of some merit and it only takes that one work of merit to persuade you to set out to achieve many more such moments. But the first is the hardest be-cause you have to overcome the inner voice that

says „I can‟t do this‟ .

There really is a great feeling

After all, to achieve meritorious acclaim all one need do is create a story, paint a picture, create a statue or some other moment of pure magic and put your name to it. The one thing I'd like to add is, don't take as long as I have, for there really is a great feeling that comes from having achieved one thing that makes you worth remembering. I have to tell you, aiming to repeat that moment is a much more worthy goal than just sitting around complain-ing that you are a waste of space whom life has

somehow, passed by.

Issue 10

Page 4

The Way It All Changed

The 1990‟s I was so young, and I

acted daft,

Many years of trouble, time passed so

very fast.

At this time I had no worries, didn‟t seem to ever care,

I took everything for granted, thinking life ain‟t fair.

The police took me home every second day,

Then the darkest day came, they locked me away.

There I was in a dull looking, but scary jail,

For that day at court they refused me bail.

I always remember that night, I went to the phone,

I spoke to my mum, saying mum I want to come home.

At the start I admit I shed many tears,

Thinking to myself, I wish I could turn back the years.

I knew I was there and going nowhere there to stay,

It was time to get a grip, and take it day by day.

All alone I lay on my cold hard bed, that very night

I got down and prayed make it through until morning

light.

Only then I admitted things are not good in my life,

It got worse next, it was the drugs and fights and using

knives.

This just wasn‟t me but I had to fight to survive,

And until this day I thank the Lord I am still alive.

Drugs controlled me for so many years,

My life was dark and miserable, always having to hide

my tears.

My day finally came a few years ago,

I said to myself Ally get a grip let the badness go.

I knew it wasn‟t good and that it was pulling me down,

Now was the time to stop acting the clown.

I started to stay away from trouble and out of jail,

I set my goals‟ and promised myself that I would not fail

Things felt good so I thought it‟s time to get clean of

drugs

Also it was time to stay away from the thugs.

This was hard, my words are true it really was,

And to do and get through it I needed a cause.

My family, my fiancé and for all that care

I was hurting then, I knew deep down that it‟s just not

fair.

2008 and I‟m now clean of drugs, healthy and also fit.

I‟m happy and proud that I came through it.

But listen up, the best‟s still to come,

I‟ve got a job, yes working, and having fun.

I work with stonemasons, I enjoy each and every single

day,

I love a Friday, for that‟s the day I receive my pay!

I buy clothes and love to get things for my little home,

My family are proud, it‟s good I no longer feel alone.

Read my poem and believe me it will really show,

All my life changes, but mostly the way it can go.

I look back, I was down n out and going nowhere,

Now its simple, try a little, life can be fair.

If you‟re alone, down or could be sad

Don‟t leave it too late, for it can drive you mad.

Thinking one minute your up, the next you are down,

But hey that‟s just the way the world turns around.

“Here‟s a line for you all to keep in mind”

Life is sometimes full of s**t

But it‟s never to late to take hold of it.

Piece by piece it all fits together

Believe me, its magical and it can last forever.

Read my poem please read it well,

Believe it in the manner which I tell.

Peace to you all but mostly it‟s love,

Remember the Lord watches from up above.

There‟s a path for all to find,

Love each other and always be kind.

I wish you all luck in what ever you do

May the sun shine bright for all of you

Now comes the time to drop my pen

For Ally‟s poem has come to it‟s end.

Ally Boi

Issue 10

Page 5

Once I was a beauty,

Once a stunning beauty

Small petite and red head

Now it’s all defeat

She tries to cover the lines

But always she sips the wines

She once travelled the world

But now she sits and frowns

No housework this week

She needs the drink

Time to sit back and think

Oh just a wee brandy anytime

Her body is getting weaker

Her mind is getting confused

Can’t hold her bodily fluids

Delicate as a flower

She soon will lose the power…

Once I was a beauty.

By Jim Fraser

Stop the Terminator Seed!! Join the campaign against terminator seeds-the genetic modification of seeds so that they can only be used once. Terminator technology is a direct threat to poor people‟s livelihoods and food sources. There is currently a ban on Terminator technology but it is feared that the ban may be overturned at a major U.N. meeting in May 2008. We need to write to our MPs so that they get onto your Government to support the

ban.

Gerry McKenna

HOPE

Life knows us not, and we do not know life. We do not even know our own thoughts. Half the words we use have no meaning what so ever and of the other half each man under-stands each word after the fashion of his own folly and

conceit.

Faith is a myth and beliefs. Shift like mists on the shore. Thoughts vanishings; words once pronounced die: And the memory of yesterday is as shadowy as the hopes of

tomorrow.

“A TIME FOR EVERYTHING”

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

AND A SEASON FOR EVERY ACTIVITY UNDER

HEAVEN

A TIME TO BE BORN AND A TIME TO DIE

A TIME TO PLANT AND A TIME TO UPROOT

A TIME TO KILL AND A TIME TO HEAL

A TIME TO TEAR DOWN AND A TIME TO BUILD

A TIME TO WEEP AND A TIME TO LAUGH

A TIME TO MOURN AND A TIME TO DANCE

A TIME TO SCATTER STONES AND A TIME TO GATHER THEM

A TIME TO EMBRACE AND A TIME TO REFRAIN

A TIME TO SEARCH AND A TIME TO GIVE UP

A TIME TO KEEP AND A TIME TO THROW AWAY

A TIME TO TEAR AND A TIME TO MEND

A TIME TO BE SILENT AND A TIME TO SPEAK

A TIME TO LOVE AND A TIME TO HATE

A TIME FOR WAR AND A TIME FOR PEACE

THESE WORDS ARE IMPORTANT TO ME IN MY LIFE

JANET SUTHERLAND

From Lee to

Dean Ross

I wish you were here, life is so strange without you, you were one of my best friends, I hope you are ok now, wher-

ever you may be.

By Lee

When darkness like a cover

descends,

And banishes the light.

When day is just a memory,

And all there is is night.

When heaviness engulfs your

heart,

Crushing it like a stone.

Find hope in knowing

That through it all,

You are not alone.

By James Campbell

Written for his step dad

Issue 10

Page 6

Fawns Awakening

My eye‟s flicker wide

The morning is here.

Dew drips from leaves

Glistening like tears.

I rise on all fours

Still weary from sleep.

Such beauty meets me

I surely could weep.

Sun beams through trees

On the spot where I‟ve slept

Memories like these should

Always be kept.

The scent of the dawn

Is still strong in the air,

Wild flowers blossom

I can‟t help but stare,

With legs all a tremble

I venture alone,

While birds sing above

In a harmonious tone.

Flying High

The sun begins to rise like a beautiful dream

Replacing the nightmare that once had been

The darkness retreats far, far away clear-

ing safe passage for a wonderful day.

As I fly with my friends

We sail through out the sky

When something extraordinary catches my

eye

Way down below, that place called a city,

full of towering stone

The people that I pity

Unaware they are of the freedom I feel,

No worries have I not one to conceal.

Jeff Billingham

You don’t need lots of money to be happy but if you

have money problems you worry.

Credit cards give people money too easily, it should be

less easy to get them

Banks don’t have any morals, always putting poor

people into debt with their service charges.

anonymous

Gardening is really therapeutic. It gets rid of your frustrations. I’ve had an interest in gardening for a long time, but never had a garden myself for years. This place was a weedy jungle and really neglected when I first arrived, weeds were even coming up through

the slabs”.

Mark Small

Garden being transformed by Mark’s

green fingers!

“I’m creating a grassy area for sunbathing and for people to sit and enjoy when the weather is warmer. There’s enough concrete jungle out there, and creating green space is important. I’d like to create some decking as well, for a sitting area. I used the red bark because it’s low maintenance for people later on. A water feature would be nice, and if anyone has unwanted plants we have a lot of space where we

could use donated plants.

Bethany is fascinating, riveting, helpful, spiritually

enlightening, supportive.

Derek Slater

Issue 10

Page 7

What is Bethany

Supported

Accommodation?

By Jan Lyons

Bethany supported accommodation is different from the social department. The support workers are there to support you with different things such as forms, going to the hospital, doctors, and dentist and taking you shopping. They are there to support you in physical and mentally needed. You can have your support in the comfort in your flat, at the of-fice or even somewhere in between, even if it is in a

café.

You can talk to your support worker about almost anything that is bothering you, as they can try and help you sort things out. If they can‟t then they will try their best and find out how to sort it out, they can go back to the office and ask someone else for

advice or go onto the internet or telephone around.

The hours of support that people get from Bethany do vary from person to person. Some people may need just 1 hour a week, others might need more hours a week. With Bethany you get a 6 month re-view with your support worker and supported man-ager, to see if you need more or less help. You have to get enough hours and if you have any dis-agreements with your support worker you can raise them. You have a set day of the week to meet your support worker and a time that suits the both of you. If you can‟t make that time or day then you can discuss it with your support worker by phoning them or by going to the office to see if they are there. You have one of their flats and this is why

you have support with them.

What is floating support?

This is just about the same as above but you get a time limit of support with them. This is because you have your own tenancy and that you may need only little help than others. They will help you as much as they can and will do there best to help you

in what help you are needing.

What is a social worker?

This is different from a support worker. These peo-ple help you with the council to enable you with forms, benefits and housing dealings. They also work with you if you have any children with or with-out disabilities. They work for the Edinburgh District council. Even if you don‟t have children then you will get help and support from them for yourself or

even both or all your family.

How do you get in contact with these people?

You could go to the Access point at the top of Leith Street, the council or any housing associations within your area where you stay. They will give you all the information that you will need. They are very helpful and they might ask you to come into their office to see them. They will ask you a lot of ques-tions and there will be forms to fill out, but don‟t worry they will help you all the way through these

difficult times. That‟s what they are there for.

Support workers and social workers are there to help people in all different ways. These include people from different countries that stay in the

Edinburgh area.

We would like to thank every one that turned up to our wedding on the 25th of January 2008. It was a cold rainy day and a bit

windy on that Friday afternoon When it came to 12.20 pm Jan made her way over to her witness’s place to get ready for the big day. Dawn was already ready, so that leaved Jan, Liz, Rose and

Glynis to get ready. Rose did Jan’s hair and make up for me.

The big credit that we would like to say is a big thank you to is Keith Janes as he stood in 2 weeks before the wedding to be our witness. Liz Smith was our other witness and a big thanks to her

too.

Lee and Jan Lyons

Issue 10

Page 8

Freedom is a gift from God.

By Jim Heron Name of. “Jesus”.

We walk around in this world, and we see the de-

struction, that man kind is doing all over the world.

The planet is being destroyed. We can‟t help hurting

each other, we are getting used to seeing pain.

So what are we doing when our neighbor is being

intimidated, some of us try to help, others don‟t want

to get involved, some turn around and ignore the

problem.

Even the few who try to help! Are still thinking did I

do the right thing, maybe next time I should ignore it,

“well everyone else does, and I have done my bit”.

In case it comes back on them, so they are tied to

fear, this is a very sad way in which to live our lives,

and so it goes on to generation to generation.

Fear is manufactured for a purpose Satan is manipu-

lating others to be afraid. Evil is all around us we are

in the middle of all this destruction.

And chaos, just the place, Lucipher wants us to be, so

we don‟t move forward.

Who protects us, so we can go forward in a manner

that befits a righteous human being, “a good per-

son”.

A person who is willing to help at all times. Who

won‟t live in fear anymore, someone who wants to

walk in the world not hurting anyone, helping when

they can, giving not taking. God protects us because

our faith is strong.

The Father is giving us that strength, the Lord shows

us the way, the Holy Spirit is guiding us out of the

brink of destruction.

Evil has no place around us anymore because we are

free. Our Father is the creator of all.

Freedom is a gift from God. No doubts, Gods gift to

us, His children, “christians”. This is what we have that

someone said “I want some of that”. We have God

not an illusion.

Our father takes care of all our needs. And protects

us from the evil that also walks on this world. For it is

not us that are evil the masses are being conned by

evil.

So crack open your heart, and ask for God to take

care of you and protect you, believe with all your

heart that you will be set free.

And the father will show you the life you were meant to live. Walk in the light. peace will be as simple as seeing, God in everything and everyone. This is a challenging, concept the lord changes every-

thing about us the lord shows us the path.

Read John

1:15

I chose Sir Winston Churchill as my story because he was a man of courage and he brought God into the

picture. His speeches were positive and to the point.

He was a man of victory, however he didn‟t get the victory over smoking. However his heart was in the right place and

God used him in the 2nd World War.

He brought Britain to victory over the man called Hitler who was a ty-rant. God had to be on his side during the battles of the 2nd World

War.

Gordon Cameron.

“Bethany helps you do things” Fiona MacKenzie

Answers from last issue’s Brain-

busters

On a clear day from the top of Ben

Nevis, what is the furthest thing you

can see?

( The sun! )

A new street is built with 100 new

houses, numbered 1 to 100. How

many no 9’s are required to number

all the houses?

(Twenty. [09, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69,

79, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,

98, 99] )

What do these names have in com-

mon: Winnebago, Tobacco, Chi-

nook, Laguna, Mobile, Mono and

Yazoo?

(They’re all native American tribes).

Eddie Klimek

Joke by Gerry

McKenna!

Why do geese fly in a

V formation?

Issue 10

Page 9

Fir a’ them canny English sowls wha hae wandered awa’ frae hame an turnt up here in Bonnie Scotland jist let me weelcum ye wi oor maist hert felt wurds, fir a’ wid say, wi freenly feelins, “lang may yer lum reek,” an’ can ye’ hing on tae yer haid lang enuff tae be telt what I’m sayin tae ye. E’n tho ye cum emty haunded we’ll gie ye whit we cin, for free, jist as lang as ye play fair wi us

fir we maun be hospitable tae onnybody in need..

Translation

For all those adventurous English souls that have wan-dered away from home and into beautiful Scotland I greet you with a typical Scottish greeting and it is, with friendly feeling, “long may your chimney smoke,” and can stay calm long enough to be told what this means. Even though you come empty handed we’ll feed you at no cost, as long as you play fair with us for we are con-

strained to be hospitable to anyone in need.

Jimmy’s Moving!

I have been searching for a house of my own for a long time and trying to find one on Edindex. But when I thought I was getting nowhere my key worker told me I had been offered a housing

association flat.

This was like a breakthrough for me and after 14 years in Kirk street and Henderson street I am now finally mov-

ing into a house of my own.

The other thing about this is that since this will be my own tenancy I will be able to get a cat, after 9 years without

one. I love cats.

So if you are on Edindex and looking for a house, keep trying and don‟t give

up!

Jimmy McCurdie

Struggle, struggle, crisis, success, start again!

Alex Anderson

I miss working at the

lunch club

Last year I helped run a lunch club at the Acorn Centre, but it closed down in December. It was every Monday lunch-time 12 till 1. I‟m not sure why it stopped but I loved working doing it, I used to shop, serve the food and tidy

up.

I hope that I can find some similar work as I loved running the Monday lunch Club. I learned loads when running the

lunch club and I miss doing it,

Dawn Hogg.

Some questions about life!

Chosen by Lee Lyons ?

How do “keep off the grass” signs get onto the grass?

When they first invented the clock, how did they know

what time to set it to?

For someone with a memory like a sieve, is thinking a

straining process?

If you‟re in hell and you‟re angry with someone, where do

you tell them to go?

I enjoy Bethany’s men’s

group

Graham Bilsland

Ken Whit I mean?

By Alex

A place to come for

support

Keith Janes

Bethany is a very good

organisation

Craig Whyte

Issue 10

Page 10

King Tutankhamun is the famous Pharaoh from ancient Egyptian times. He was fairly insignificant and little known king from the 18th dynasty. Even despite of the amazing discoveries made in his tomb we have very little information about him. He was a boy king and he grew up in the royal palace at Akhetaten but during his reign power was switched away from the city of Akhetaten back to Thebes. He had very little real power at the time be-cause he was only a boy king. We know about him because Howard Cater discovered his tomb in 1922. Evidence suggests that the tomb had been robbed twice before his funeral. But there were still lots of treasure in the tomb. The coffin is made of solid gold it is 74 inches long, 20 inches wide and twenty inches high. The king is shown on his coffin holding the crook and flail which were traditional symbols of

kingship. The flail was used by the king to get rid of mosquito‟s. Maybe it would work on midges too!!

The most famous icon in ancient Egypt is Tutankhamun’s fu-neral mask. It is a wonderful example of the ancient gold-smith’s art. The mask is made of solid gold, inlaid with lapis lazuli, cornelian, quartz, obsidian, turquoise and coloured

glass. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Margo Grant

Theatre Review – Joseph and his Technicolor

Dreamcoat

I went to a touring production of this musical,

or rock opera, just before Christmas when it

came to the Edinburgh Playhouse. The story is

based on the Biblical story of Joseph, found in

the book of Genesis.

I liked it because of the costumes, which are

fabulous! And the background scenery, which

was well done. The atmosphere was electric. It

was sold out, no free seats in the theatre. I

loved the show. Craig Chalmers, who played

Joseph, was terrific. The orchestra and the

music were brilliant at telling the story and

taking you there. I can’t praise it enough. There

was a children’s choir performing as well. It

was a magical show. If it comes back to

Edinburgh I recommend you see it. I would

definitely go and see it again.

Bethany saves lives

Jim Herron

Thank You

Lately I have thought a lot of my old life

God has changed me in a big way

Everyday I am closer too my goal

Thank you lord for saving my soul

No longer do I feel empty

The lord has filled the black hole in my life

My life wasn‟t good

That‟s changing slowly

The way I used too be repulses me

At last I am finally free

I always wanted too be loved

Didn‟t realise I had the greatest love of all

I‟d rather have the love of the lord than any

other

Lisa Sturrock

I like watching TV and during the week I watch the soaps. They’ve got good stories. I am a Rangers fan. I like to play

jokes on people!

Paul Roberts

Issue 10

Page 11

God’s love and healing

By James Carson

My mum and dad divorced when I was little. This was heartbreaking

for me.

When I was little I had speech Therapy and needed 2 hearing aids and am also dyslexic. I was bullied at school. This was one of the reasons I missed out on a good education. When my mum remarried I and my sister were separated, as my sister moved in with our Nan and granddad and I moved in with my mum and step dad. Due to se-vere problems at home my Social Worker got me

into a Youth Hostel.

By the time I was 19 I had become an alcoholic and on drugs. I was very bitter and angry with God. I could not believe he loved me. However just before I was 20 I had a change of heart and repented of my sin and received Jesus as my sav-

iour.

God filled me with his love and gave me the strength to forgive myself and to forgive and

pray for all the people that had hurt me.

Jesus healed my broken heart and gave me a

new start in my life and set me free from alcohol and drugs. It was wonderful to have my sins washed away through the blood of Jesus and have peace and a fulfilling relationship with God. I now know and understand God loves me with an

everlasting love.

From the age of 21-28 I worked for God in minis-try, I preached Jesus on the streets and in Churches, schools and universities and an old peo-ple‟s home. I have travelled, preaching Christ in UK, Sweden, Norway, Spain, USA, Philippines and India. I have loved serving God in this way, it has been a great joy seeing others come to

Christ.

I have given up full-time Christian ministry as I fell ill with a serious form of M.E. and other health problems. The M.E. left me so disabled I needed full-time care, I needed a walking stick to get around and sometimes could only go out if I used

a wheel chair.

I am now 31 God has done a lot of healing in my body and I no longer use a walking stick and now live alone in a nice flat in the Scottish Borders. I have many friends praying for me. I know one day, I will be healed and again in God‟s perfect

timing will return to full time Christian ministry.

Gerry McKenna highlights some of the forgotten heroines

of the Second World War.

Forgotten Heroines

The Spitfire girl pilots who got their badge of courage. These women or girls received a special award to recognise their contribution to victory in the Sec-ond World War. They were the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary but they didn‟t take part in combat. They ferried new and refurbished planes to R.A.F. bases. Now there are only 15 survivors left. Their 100 surviving male colleagues will also be

recognised.

They are forgotten heroines. 173 pilots & 8 flight engineers were killed. Among them was pio-neering aviator Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia. She joined the A.T.A. in 1940 but a year later her plane crashed and she parachuted out of her plane and was

drowned in the Thames estuary.

Amy Johnson

A Spitfire

Bethany….good….better….better still….brilliant….best

Stewart Monaghan

Bethany is helpful and

easy going

Lee Lyons

Issue 10

Page 12

Me and my dad always go to the hearts club on a Saturday night. On the night of 19/1/08 I just went out for a cigarette, as I stepped out I looked over the road at Robertson’s bar, and then in the next minute I saw four Hearts fans throw a man

onto the middle of Gorgie Road and they were kicking into him.

I felt totally sick seeing this, as the game had had a good atmosphere in the stadium through the whole game. It is not just that it gives the clubs a bad name but you start to think to your self, is it

safe to take kids back to see any games.

I think it is all down to bigotry. I think the trouble makers should be banned, as it is meant to be a

family day out, that’s what I think.

John Cook

John Cook speaks out against bigotry and violence

TIME FOR

GOD

By Eddie Klimek

God always was, and always shall be; he had no beginning and will have no end. God transcends time. He is eternal, everlast-ing, timeless. He doesn‟t need a Rolex, personal

organiser, or diary.

Time does not exist from God‟s point of view. It

has no meaning or purpose.

For us humans, however, time certainly does exist, and is all too important. We had a starting point – Adam – and from that time onward time has been measured by the passing of events – births, deaths, anniversaries; day and night, appoint-

ments, timetables and suchlike.

We measure time according to a start-stop princi-ple. We also rack our brains trying to understand time in terms of astronomical distances – light years, for example. Can you imagine travelling at the speed of light for millions of years? Then, once you‟ve arrived at some distant planet, you remember that God made the universe infinite, and there‟s still a long way to go! So what is the point in going anywhere? Where exactly are you trying to get to? Infinity negates time and reduces

it to absurdity.

I was once asked: “If you could ask God just one

question, what would it be?”

I would ask him: “What is your earliest memory? –

when were you first aware of yourself?”

But that in itself is a clumsy question. Those two words – “earliest” and “when” – refer to time. We humans can easily understand concepts such as “early”, “late”, “current”, “ongoing”. We often regret things we should (or should not) have done “in the past”; we all too often put things off “till tomorrow”; or we make plans to meet friends “next week / month”, or whatever. It‟s a cheeky question too – trying to corner God into a “time” frame. I bet He‟d probably reply something like: “I am He who am”, or, “before the universe, I am”! If I really pushed the boat out, I‟d ask Him: “when did you first become aware of awareness?” But this is really getting too deep, and best left to

philosophers and/or dope smokers.

Here on earth we are separated from one an-other by distance – family, friends, work. Distance can be overcome, but at a cost – time! We cannot

make things happen instantaneously.

Back to God again. As an eternal being, he is not confined to mere theories of quantum physics, nor tied down to space, time or matter. He calls the shots. He does not have to wait “another week”

before he can speak with us.

Yet, conversely, as soon as God involves Himself with us, on our level, does that not suck Him into our wee concept of time and tie Him down to a

timeframe?

Hmmmm…. I‟d like to explore this further, but I

simply don‟t have the time………..

Issue 10

Page 13

Stairs and Stares

Stairs go up to the heights

Stairs go down to the depths

But stairs never go anywhere.

Stares make us so angry

So what is a stare

But a look that’s held too long

When does a long look become a stare

Is it because we feel stared at?

We stare at stairs

Never realising we’re staring

And without stairs

Life would be lived on one level

Thank God for elevators.

Alex Anderson

John Cook

I am getting involved in a garden project that is for the people of Persevere Court, and we are getting other groups involved with the garden. We have had the garden dug over and had it paved so that the residents and the other groups can have their own plots. We are going to have a launch day to open the garden, we will be planting fruit trees and hope there

will be a good turnout.

Dawn Hogg

Bethany are kind and helpful

Paul Roberts

The Moose

One day

Doon the Glen

Stood a moose

An’ a thoosand men.

Wi’ cries o’ “FREEDOM”

As they rushed forth

“Doon wi’ the Sassenachs”

As they clashed wi’ the English.

But me, I’m just a moose

Wi’ wars I make nae banter

I think I’ll just turn and head hame

Tae my wife an’ children.

By

Steven

Gibson

Now, photo by John Cook 25 years ago!

Bethany House, which was the tea factory

Photo by John Cook

John Cook was the first resident of Bethany House! But the building was

previously a tea factory!

John has been investigating the

building’s history.

Read all about his discoveries in the next

issue!!

Bethany is a haven for the intellectuals of the university of life, who need support to put them

on the road to success.

Gerry McKenna

Even Jesus retired to

Bethany

Eddie Klimek

What the Art is going on at the Centre? Artist Leah Robb is helping people in the centre to create something unusual and creative. “It‟s not just the end product, but the involvement of

people which is important”. But what is it??? All will be revealed soon!!!!

The initial idea was to have a shorter term art project, but imaginative suggestions from the

guys involved in it have meant that it has become an altogether bigger idea!!!!

Eddie’s Suduko Challenge!!!

Good luck!!!

Issue 10

Page 14

5 8

4 6 2

9 2 4 3

8 5 6 3 9

7 9 8 3 1

2 3 4 5

4 7 1

9 2

Do you play chess ?

Passing the baton is forming a

Chess Club

We are keen to find players

If you are interested contact

Malcolm Kerr ( Club Captain)

On 0131 625 5318

Malcolm Kerr

(Club Captain)

Newhaven,

By

Dave Cullen

Boats in the harbour, illumi-nated by the sun, and rest-ing on a dead

calm sea.

More Brain Busters from Eddie!

February is the shortest month of the year, but

which month is the longest?

What is the only Olympic sport that has a finish

line which no competitor will ever cross?

There are 5 apples in a basket and 5 people in a room. How can you give an apple to each person in the room, yet still leave an apple in

the basket?

Issue 10

Page 15

Tales of Marcus

by Fiona MacKenzie

That was hungry work. I‟d better

have my dinner

I didn‟t think she‟d

take me to the vets.

This is horrible!

It worked! She‟s giving me cuddles.

I‟m bored and want attention. I‟ll pretend

I‟m ill.

If I don‟t eat my food,

she‟ll think I‟m ill.

Claire loves drawing and using colours. This is an example of her

work

By Claire Anderson

Answer to Gerry's joke:

Because geese can’t fly in an A

What is Easter about?

By Gordon Cameron

It‟s not solely about bunny rabbits and easter Eggs. Jesus was born to die. He came to earth to die and rise again. He grew up as a car-penter, his Father‟s business, and chose 12 dis-ciples to carry on his work. He taught them things to do about his kingdom. No teaching

can be compared with it.

What an agony Jesus bore for our souls. He was crucified for our sins. The unbelievable horror of the cross given to him by the cruel hands of wicked men.He died a cruel death, buth God raised Him again from the dead.

That is what Easter is about! What a saviour!

Bethany Press Team

Alex Anderson; Claire Anderson; Anna; Graham Bilsland; Gordon Cameron; James Campbell: James Carson Dave Cullen; Julie Cranston; Edward; John Cook; Jim Fraser; Margo Grant; Jim Herron; Rose Hood; Steven Gib-son; Jim Herron; Chester Lynch; Lee Lyons, Jan Lyons; Maureen Hodgson; Dawn Hogg; Jack; Keith Janes; Malcolm Kerr; Kate Kerrigan; Alistair Kirkhope; Eddie Klimek; Jimmy McCurdie; Gerry

McKenna; Fiona MacKenzie; Stewart Monaghan; John Owens; Tim Porteus; Paul Roberts; Mark Small; Lisa Sturrock; Janet Suther-

land; Ally Walton; Craig Whyte

c/o Tim Porteus

Bethany Community Education

32 Jane Street

Edinburgh

EH6 5HD

Timothyporteus@

bethanychristiantrust.com

The Bethany Press Team puts to-

gether each edition of The Bugle

magazine. We meet almost every

Monday from 10:00am-12:30pm

at 18 Jane Street, Leith.

Anyone can get involved with the

Press Team. If you are interested

in helping, call 0131 625 5411

If you have any comments on The

Bugle drop us a line at the ad-

dress at the top, or give us a call

and ask for Tim

About Bethany

Press Team

W R I T T E N A N D P U T T O G E T H E R B Y T H E B E T H A N Y P R E S S T E A M

What is the Bugle?

Well the dictionary says that it is a musical instrument like a

small trumpet. Our Bugle is a quarterly magazine. The maga-

zine is in its infancy. As beginners we at The Bugle are first

learning our trade as reporters, editors or just plain gofers. In

time we hope The Bugle will become a much read and much

sought after local magazine that people will enjoy and discuss

until the next issue.

Where is The Bugle available?

From hostels, drop-ins, libraries, churches, doctor and dentist

waiting rooms… look out for it!

Who are we looking for to write for The Bugle?

Anyone! But especially people who are or have been homeless.

Most members of our Press Team have been, or are currently

homeless.

Why get involved?

We offer lots of support to help you if you are not sure about

your reading or writing. You can meet new people, we have

good fun together, and you will learn lots of new skills that are

needed in putting The Bugle together.

The views expressed in The Bugle are not

necessarily those of Bethany Christian Trust.

Learning Centre,

Bethany Hall.

Eddie

Mark

Alex Jan John

Julie

Lisa Kate

Dave

Malcolm

Gerry

Janet

Graham

Fiona Margo Rose Jim Anna Tim Gordon

Keith

Claire

John

James

Stewart

Ally

John

Chester

Paul

Dawn

Lee

Jimmy

Steven