About
Betel’s mission is to bring long-term freedom and restoration to lives broken by drug and alcohol abuse
We accomplish this by building values, skills and character through living, working and worshipping together in a caring Christian community. Our centres for men and women are free-of-charge and are run by people that have experienced freedom from addiction themselves.
Our end goal is to help people not only escape addiction, but become productive, trustworthy men and women of character when they leave our community.
Madrid – 1980s
Betel began in San Blas, Madrid, a focal point during Spain’s heroin epidemic that shook the nation during the ’80s and ’90s. Missionaries Elliott and Mary Tepper and Lindsay and Mykal McKenzie of WEC International reached out to young people from the neighborhood who were struggling with drug addiction. There they met Raul Casto, who needed a place to get free from his addiction, so Lindsay McKenzie offered his apartment.
After overcoming his addiction and finding a life-changing faith in Christ, Raul was anxious to help others in the same situation. The first Betel home consisted of 8 young men in a rented apartment. Today Betel’s homes are present in more than 100 cities across 17 countries. Each community is a place to start over.
A place to start over
Betel is dedicated to restoring substance dependent and marginalized people to productive and independent lifestyles. Our residences are drug and alcohol free as well as free of charge. We offer the opportunity of restoration to all people who seek help.
Our objective is to bring every person to the power of Jesus Christ and the benefits of his love, and to do so without prejudice against any religion, race, sex or collective group in society. Betel, as a Christian association, places emphasis on the restoration of the personality through the Gospel.
How Long Do Residents Stay?
Betel encourages an open door policy: easy entrance and easy exit. From the beginning of our history we decided to minister only with the highest integrity and without manipulation. Consequently, all those who enter our communities do so voluntarily, and retain the right to leave whenever they please. As a guideline, we suggest residents plan to join us for at least one year, though there is no time limit placed on anyone’s stay.
Family welcome
We encourage families to be involved in the restoration process of their loved ones. Family members are invited to visit our sunday meetings.
Betel’s ethos is founded in historic, mainstream Christian values
We believe that we are following in 2,000 years of tradition and practice where the Christian Community has been a leader in providing charitable services to society. Betel belongs and relates to various alliances in most of the countries where we work. Betel is also a founding member of ISAAC (International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition).
Come to Betel
We recommend that you plan to stay in Betel for 12 to 18 months. Responsible Betel residents gradually learn to care for others, oversee household routines, lead work teams, and run businesses.
Over the years, many men and women have fulfilled their desire to help others reach their potential by becoming Betel leaders. In the 100+ urban areas where Betel has centers, the vast majority of houses are run by former residents.