Bethel Biblical, Lakewood, Colorado
Welcome to Words for Living. A Legacy’s Journal is the remarkable account of the sale of Bethel Biblical and the extraordinary account of how Bethel Biblical was able to make a substantial donation to the Israeli soldiers. This is the story of the congregation at Bethel Biblical and its timeless and never-ending commitment to bless the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. It is a journal of three people who had the great privilege of representing the congregation in Israel where they presented the donation to Major General Yaacov Shabtay, Commander of the Israel Border Guard.
Bethel Biblical Donation
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Swimming Pool
UPDATE: progress as of 2023 (click to read: “Gift for Israeli Border Guard”)
July 2021
In February of 2019, three representatives from Bethel Biblical traveled to Israel to meet with the Commander of the Israel Border Guard and his staff about the donation from Pastor Robert and Carol Hooley and the congregation of Bethel Biblical located in Lakewood, Colorado. The donation would be used to fund the construction of a swimming pool on one of the Israeli Border Guard bases between Jerusalem and Jericho.
On our last evening with Major General Yaacov Shabtay, he spoke to the three of us and said that the legacy of Pastor Bob and Carol is not over. He went on to say that every time a soldier swims in the pool or reads the commemorative plaque, the legacy lives on. Major General Shabtay’s words will always be imprinted on our hearts. We were overcome with emotion to hear this Major General, who commanded the entire Border Guard in Israel, tell us that the legacy will live on. Major General Shabtay and our father, Pastor Bob, spoke by telephone that evening. It was a joyous moment. It is our great pleasure to announce that Major General Yaacov Shabtay hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the swimming pool for the soldiers of the Israel Border Guard mid-July 2021. Many dignitaries attended the ceremony to celebrate this milestone. The project had been temporarily delayed due to the COVID pandemic and the recent Israel-Palestine crisis in 2021.
Many conversations between us and the Border Guard occurred during the many months prior to the groundbreaking ceremony. Elisha Noy, our dear family friend, translated General Shabtay’s words to us. He spoke the words, “I gave you my word that I would finish the project.” We never doubted his words. However, news of the groundbreaking ceremony truly lifted our spirits with joy and thankfulness. We have been astounded by the efforts that have gone into recognizing this one donation. After listening to the General’s gracious words at the groundbreaking ceremony, and watching a video from the event, our father of 91 years of age, once again spoke these inspiring words, GOD DID IT. We are deeply touched by the sincerity of Major General Shabtay’s words and his friendship.
We want to take this opportunity to congratulate Major General Yaacov Shabtay on his recent promotion to Police Commissioner for Israel who now commands the Israel Border Guard and all of the civilian police in Israel. Major General Shabtay could have easily passed the management of this swimming pool project to the new commander of the Boarder Guard, but he honored his words to us that he would see the project through to its conclusion. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts and congratulate him on his promotion. We will forever hold him dear in our hearts and we pray:
In thanks to El Elyon, the Most High God, we respect His divine purpose
in choosing Israel to be a light to the nations. Just as the Lord spoke to Abraham
in Isaiah 42:6, we proclaim this scripture:
I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.
May you continue to be mighty watchmen over the Land of Israel.
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night:
ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.
Isaiah 62:6
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