Q: So, what is Betel and more specifically Betel of America exactly?
A: Betel started in the 1980's in Spain in part by Elliot Tepper and his wife. Their son David Tepper and wife Naomi currently run Betel of America. The organization is international and is currently in roughly 20 countries. It is also a part of WEC International, a global missions organization. Betel of America has existed in New York City since 1995 beginning in Brooklyn and then moving to Queens. The current location in Astoria can house and rehabilitate 30 men, and the site itself has been utilized by Betel since 2000. When men enter Betel of America they are encouraged to abide for 12-18 months but are free to leave at any time. It is a free program funded by housing clearances, sales of metal and precious jewels, gifts from churches and generous folks, and sales of furniture and antique goods in Nook n' Crannie.
Q: Where does the name "Betel" come from?
A: Betel is the Spanish form of the word "Bethel." The name is taken from Genesis 28:16-17, and 19. In those verses Jacob says the following:
"Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not ... How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of Heaven ... And he called the name of that place Bethel."
Q: What makes Betel distinct from other Christian rehab programs or ministries?
A: There are 10 distinct differences between this program and others. These distinctions are taken from Elliot Tepper's A Profile of a Peculiar People: The 10 Distinctives of Betel. They as follows:
1 - We are a desperate people helping desperate people, particularly the addicts, the alcoholics, and the marginalized (prostitutes and homeless).
2 - We are a church planting ministry.
3 - Our rehab communities are peer-driven and peer-led.
4 - We take great risks with risky people by entrusting them with responsibility both in jobs and ministry.
5 - We place special emphasis on the cross and its resurrection power and victory in our daily lives and tasks.
6 - We are a Great Commission people who have birthed new churches and send out missionaries.
7 - We believe that the Gospel restores not just the individual but the whole family.
8 - We believe that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
9 - Betel works and is free.
10 - Betel is a calling for some and a place to rest and to heal for others.
Can you offer some hope or referral for my son who is in jail in Wilmington, NC? Elliot spoke at and I think he still goes to Myrtle Grove Pres when he is in town; that is where i heard him years ago. My son OD'd on heroin on Nov. 19th and went to jail later that day after a short stay in the ER. If someone didn't give him CPR, he would be dead. Thank you, Mark Marcley (askmark7@gmail.com)
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