From Glory to Glory

Robert and Carol Hooley

Handfuls on Purpose

Written by Their Daughters

Preface

From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose is the story of Robert and Carol Hooley, our parents, as told by their two daughters. It is a story that shares the miracles of two changed lives and their subsequent service in the ministry for more than fifty years. It is a remarkable story of God’s love and mercy, redemption, and perseverance.

As their daughters, we began the process of writing their story by collecting information such as written materials dated from the start of their ministry, looking at old photographs and listening to cassettes (yes, cassettes), and CD’s of their personal testimonies, letters, and notes from members of their congregations, and other items. We have been an integral part of their years in the ministry. We have been beside them in the ministry since we were approximately ten and twelve years of age, respectively. Even in our adult years, at least one of us has always been beside them. From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose is a genuine and authentic portrayal of our parents during their years of service and is narrated with some of our personal memories and comments.

As we struggled to find an appropriate title, we were directed to a message our father delivered on a Sunday morning at Bethel Biblical from the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth is often used as an illustration of loyalty. We know that Ruth remained at the side of Naomi in that beautiful story. However, in our father’s message, he directed the congregation that day to focus on the scripture in Ruth that tells us how Naomi found favor with Boaz and that he instructed his young men to let her glean in his fields. He said, “ . . . let fall some of the handfuls of purpose.” Our father spoke from his heart as he shared that the Lord wants to bless His people – Handfuls on Purpose.

You will read about the fulfillment of From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose in every chapter. You will read about two ordinary people who determined to go from glory to glory, to be ever increasing in glory, to be changed into what they were created to be, and to be conformed to His likeness. We know with certainty that they desired to be servants of the Lord, committing their lives to delivering the transformative message of Jesus Christ. Most assuredly, they received Handfuls on Purpose. II Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Early on in their lives the Lord determined that Robert and Carol Hooley would be anointed and called into pastoral service. Their story, as highlighted in From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose, is an example to all of us on what it means to live a purpose driven life. We believe that the Lord already had a blueprint for Robert and Carol long before they attended a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International conference. A piece of that blueprint was revealed to them in 1961 when the Lord called them out of the darkness and into the light of fellowship with Him. On the evening of that remarkable day in 1961, Robert and Carol received a miraculous touch of the Lord. They were touched by the One with infinite power, the One with infinite authority and wisdom, and the One of infinite love. On March 1, 1964, our father was ordained.

The story of David in the Bible reminds us that God chooses those He will use. David began his life as an ordinary shepherd boy, but he was chosen and destined to become the greatest King that Israel ever had. Bible scholars agree that he was an extraordinary king. Before he wore his crown, the Lord shaped his character in many instances with times of pain and suffering but God had a divine purpose for David.

The Lord in His Word often uses the imagery of mountains and valleys to describe His power, to inspire us, or to give us hope. As their daughters, we can tell you that over the years of our parents’ service, there were mountain tops, there were long arduous climbs to the mountain tops, there were valleys and there was a time that is best described as a season of silence. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” Looking back on these extraordinary years, we give honor and praise to the MOST HIGH GOD for all that He has done for our parents and family.

We hope that in sharing their story in From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose, it will provide encouragement to someone in their walk with the Lord, or help someone overcome a hardship in their life, or ease someone’s hurt and discouragement by reading about the miracle power of Jesus Christ.

Robert K. Hooley – Early Years

Robert Hooley (known as Pastor Bob by his congregations) is currently retired and living in Aurora, Colorado, with one of his daughters. He is 91 years old and has spent over fifty years in the ministry fulfilling God’s calling upon his life. Pastor Bob retired from active pastoring in 2015 from Bethel Biblical in Lakewood, Colorado. He continues to read the Bible and visit with family and friends to share God’s Word. His wife, Carol, served alongside him until she passed away in 2008.

Robert, along with his three sisters, were taught the value of hard work and honesty. Robert had a paper route where he delivered papers on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Times were difficult so Robert gave his earnings to his mother to help with the family’s basic needs.

Robert’s father, Andrew, loved farming so they eventually moved to a farm where they grew their own vegetables and fruits. They had some farm animals and Robert remembers having to milk the cows twice a day. His mother sold some of the milk to earn money.

As a young man, he was extremely popular in high school and was blessed with great athletic abilities. He played basketball and loved baseball. He had hopes of a professional baseball career; however, after sustaining a bad shoulder injury while playing football, being a professional baseball player was no longer in his future. The doctors had to put a metal pin in his shoulder which hindered his pitch. To this day, Robert enjoys watching professional football, basketball, and baseball games. He follows college sports and especially enjoys watching women’s fastpitch. He loved to play golf and racquet ball. Many an opponent tried to beat him; some never did. To this day, many of those opponents say they might be able to beat him today.

One of our father’s greatest passions as a young man was to listen to sports games on the radio. His mother always had the radio on when he ran in the door from school. He listened to Edwin Lloyd “Ty” Tyson, an American sports broadcaster and radio play-by-play announcer. Robert and his family were Ohio State fans because that is where his father graduated from college. Robert loved the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds from the National League. His father took him to many games.

His sisters would tell you he teased them and played harmless jokes on them mercilessly. Occasionally, he tried to outwit his mother, but she seemed to see right through the ruse and immediately redirected him to more positive activities.

After Robert’s graduation from High School, Andrew and Emma Hooley, along with their four children, moved from Ohio to Denver, Colorado, for a few short years. After his family moved to Colorado, Robert completed some college courses in Greeley, Colorado. He eventually transitioned into classes for a business degree and would later establish his own business in San Jose, California. It was in Denver, Colorado, in 1949 that Robert met his future wife, a beautiful, vivacious young woman named Carol.

Caroline Fern Edwards – Early Years

Our mother grew up in a Christian home with her father and mother and two brothers. Her father was the senior pastor of a large Presbyterian Church in North Denver, Colorado. Carol’s two brothers both served in World War II and went on to pastor churches themselves.

Carol attended Skinner Junior High School in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from North High School. She attended St. John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas. Carol continued studying at the University of Northern Colorado where she obtained a teaching certificate. In listening to her speak about this time in her life, you quickly learn that she was very social, gracious, and full of life. Late into her seventies, she was still meeting once a month, at a local restaurant in Denver with friends from her high school days.

Carol and her family also spent time in Oregon where her father was pastor of a Presbyterian church. The family loved to fish for salmon, especially her brothers and father. Carol enjoyed being on a boat and never seemed to suffer from seasickness. She loved to take cruises later in her life and enjoyed shuffleboard and other activities on the ship.

She loved animals, especially dogs. She loved watching television shows about dog competitions or movies about horses such as Seabiscuit and Secretariat. She never gave up her love of the music played during World War II and seemed to always find radio stations that played songs from that time period. We think that this was her way of staying connected to her brothers, who we mentioned served in World War II.

Our mother was gifted with a personality that allowed her to make friends easily. She was very social and enjoyed being around people. Because she was a PK (preacher’s kid), she learned to listen and show empathy and compassion to those less fortunate than her very early in life. Her husband and daughters were always amazed how quickly and easily she could meet new people. She was very intuitive and simply listened to the Lord when He directed her to go speak with someone. Many times, we would later learn how she was perceived as a miracle, sent by the Lord, to offer hope and encouragement to someone in need. People recognized her authenticity and saw the joy on her face as she spoke about Jesus Christ.

Our mother had the most contagious laugh. We remember being in a restaurant and something was said that made her really laugh. Before long, other guests seated nearby our family were laughing as well. She was cheerful and possessed a great disposition.

Carol met Robert, her future husband, in Denver, Colorado, in 1949, when his family attended North Presbyterian Church.

Robert and Carol Hooley’s Ministerial Journey Begins

Robert and Carol were married in February 1951. Their first daughter was born in Denver, Colorado. Like most young couples, they were anxious to be out on their own. In the spring of 1951, our parents decided to move to San Jose, California, where their second daughter was born. They enjoyed their home life in San Jose. From their own words, they wanted to live their own lives. Although they thought they were living a happy life, they would later say that it was, in fact, a selfish life. Self was their God. In Robert’s personal testimony, he says, “it was a time of running.”

In 1960, Robert and Carol and their two daughters moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to help Carol’s parents manage a large, mobile home trailer park. It was that same year that Carol’s father, Merle, suffered a fatal heart attack. While at church, he stood to his feet and said, “I see Jesus Coming.” He passed away while ministering from the pulpit. Robert and Carol continued to help manage the business for Carol’s mother. Looking back, they can now recognize that they were moving away from a true and sincere walk with the Lord.

It was during this time that our mother suffered a horrific accident. One day, while she was doing lawn work, her hand and arm got caught in the rotary blades of the lawn mower while she was trying to remove a piece of wire. She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and emergency surgery was performed. The outlook was not good. The accident would cause a great deal of physical pain with serious complications as well as emotional trauma for many months to come.

Not long after the accident, Robert and Carol and their two daughters returned to San Jose. Carol struggled with her health to the point that our father thought he might lose her. She was bedridden most of the time and doctors said there was nothing else they could do for her. Her condition worsened every day. Carol, in her testimony, says that the Lord began to deal mightily with her during this time.

Robert says in his testimony that sometimes the Lord must let you go far enough down that the only way out of the situation is to look up. He recalls wanting to reach out to God and so he did the only thing he knew how to do which was to return to church. Many people from their local church reached out to our family showing love, bringing in food, and sharing the Word of the Lord. However, our mother’s health continued to deteriorate. Robert and Carol both knew that they needed a miracle.

Needing to support his family, our father started his own insulation business which resulted in a lot of travel. It was during this time that he decided to take a Dale Carnegie course which was designed to give a person human relations expertise which could expand his resume and potentially open new doors of employment. He learned how to speak more effectively to large crowds, and he learned how to memorize and recall names of clients or acquaintances, etc. Often his homework was to write a speech and deliver it to his classmates at the next class meeting. His family became his practice audience. During class Robert was frequently handed lists of names or objects and told to memorize them. Later, in the class he would see how accurately he could recall the names or items on the list. He graduated with top honors.

As Christians, we often fail to understand that the Lord has a blueprint or plan for our lives. It is sometimes not until later in life that we recognize God’s divine direction in our lives and can give Him the glory. In this particular instance, God knew that when he brought Robert and Carol together, that their individual strengths and talents would serve them as they would go on to serve in the ministry for over fifty years (forty-plus years for Carol). The Lord knew long before Robert knew that he would be trading his business for a pulpit ministry. The Lord knew that one of Robert’s greatest speaking assets would be his ability to memorize scriptures and quote them to audiences.

Both Robert and Carol reflect back on this time period and know that the Lord was using her accident as a way of getting their attention to turn their lives back toward Christ and prepare their lives for a tremendous move of God. In the meantime, Carol’s mother had moved to San Jose and was instrumental in pointing them in the direction of a new move of the Lord including the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. She had been taking us to a full gospel church in Antioch, California, where we were exposed to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, dancing in the spirt and hearing the speaking of tongues. These meetings often lasted until well after mid-night.

Carol’s mother repeatedly told Robert and Carol that God was their answer; that He could heal Carol. In the spring of 1961, she invited them to attend a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Convention in Turlock-Modesto, California. She arranged for hotel accommodations for the family. Carol’s brother, Bill after realizing how seriously ill his sister was agreed to travel from Gibson, Illinois, to help take Carol to these meetings. They had heard that a well-known minister by the name of Velma Gardner was going to pray for the sick.

Robert recalls, that despite Carol’s declining health, they attended the entire convention. There were over a thousand people in attendance. The auditorium was packed to capacity every night. Robert and Carol were seated in the very back of the auditorium where they had Carol propped up in a chair with pillows. At the time, she was under heavy medication. She was yellow, extremely sick and was not a pretty sight. She could not even move without help. They listened to testimony after testimony and looking back, Robert now recalls how the Lord was speaking to him. Yet sometimes, it takes time to break down the hardness that builds up in our hearts.

Robert clearly remembers the powerful message of faith that Velma Gardner delivered that evening. At the close of that message, faith was high, and they called for the sick to come forward. A line was formed at the front of the auditorium. The men of God created a long arch where the sick entered and received prayer. Robert will tell you in his own words that he held back; he did not have the faith to take his wife forward for prayer. Carol’s older brother literally picked her up and carried her down to the front where he waited in line for Carol to be prayed for.

When our mother went through the arch, without a doubt there was a healing, a healing miracle. This miracle was instantaneous. She went forward sick, a broken woman but when she came back down that center isle she was bouncing and no longer needed any assistance. She looked healthy and the glory of God was upon her face.

The thing that spoke to our father, more than anything else that evening, and turned him around was that he could see sweat beads on Carol’s body. That would seem strange to anyone else; yet he knew that Carol did not sweat on one side of her body because a surgeon had inadvertently severed the nerve controlling the sweat glands while trying to sever nerves that would block some of the intense pain she experienced. The next day they were so happy, they were in awe of the miracle that had happened. Carol’s primary doctor had also been attending the conference and confirmed this miraculous healing. Doctors had given up hope; yet, the Lord had not.

We have asked ourselves if our mother had not been healed, would we even be writing this story? We know with complete certainty that the Lord already had the blueprint or plan for Robert and Carol Hooley. This event was a sovereign act of God to fulfill His purpose. Our mother’s healing was, in fact, the first miracle that our parents received from the Lord. They knew with great assurance that the Lord had performed this miracle. They knew because man could not make our mother well. They were humbled and thankful for this manifestation of God’s great power; something they never forgot and something He would reveal to them through miracle after miracle over the months to come.

The next day during one of the convention meetings, Robert and his brother-in-law received a spiritual breakthrough. Later that night during the main meeting Robert received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He was called upon to testify at the evening session of the conference. God was so good.

Our family attended one last seminar at a local high school. The Lord used their eldest daughter to save a young toddler’s life who had fallen into a large fountain with lilies in front of the main access to the high school building. You absolutely have to listen to their individual testimonies to learn more about this event, but they will separately tell you that this event taught them to expect the sovereign, miracle working power of God in their lives every day.

As they departed for home on that final Sunday afternoon, a new life had started. They believed II Corinthians 2:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” They returned to San Jose to begin a new life.

Our mother shares in her testimony that the Lord kept her in her home for weeks after her miraculous healing to learn how to express her love and praise to the Lord. She learned many lessons in prayer and the Lord had warned her that people would tell her that she was not healed, and she would be defeated before she even started this new walk with the Lord. You can read our mother’s remarkable testimony in her book entitled, Caught Up to Heaven. The book is available here on Words for Living.

It was after her healing and their experiences receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that they felt they were on a spiritual journey, all day and every day. They were hungry for the Lord’s teachings and attended church, seminars, and special services in other cities in northern California to learn more about the Holy Spirit. They both mention Romans 12:1 in their personal testimonies which says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that he may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

In summary, you will hear in both their testimonies about how they felt as they left the convention. They were faced with a decision like thousands of other people, even today. Do we want to go on? Are we willing to pay the price and are we willing to face those giants and go on into the promised land? Robert and Carol knew what the Lord had done in their lives and they were humbled and thankful. They purposed, whatever the cost, that they wanted to go forth. They wanted God’s best and they did not want to compromise any longer. Robert says, “I believe from that day to this day; that God set me running and I believe in my spirit that I am still running.”

Shortly, after their return to San Jose, they began to get involved in the local church by teaching a Sunday School class. It seemed like one door after the other began to open for them. Robert began to minister at rescue missions and pray for the sick. Every opportunity became precious to them.

Our parents remember one service that God encouraged them as much as they had ever been encouraged. They were led to go to a service on a Friday evening in Antioch, California, to a particular fellowship where the man of God was anointed with tremendous gifts of the spirit – wisdom and knowledge. Often the gifts were manifested at these services. The place was not large but at that time, was well-known across the country. This man of God pointed at Robert, seated in the small audience, and called him forward and asked him to stand before him. This man spoke a prophecy of a calling over our father’s life. It was one of total encouragement. The man of God went on to say that, “Brother, I see you running in the Spirit. God has set you free.” That message encouraged our parents to know that they were running in the right direction. Robert was later ordained by this man on March 1, 1964. Second Timothy 1:9 says, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

[An audio file of Pastor Bob’s personal testimony from June 1977 is here on Words for Living. This testimony will encourage and bless you].

Robert and Carol Hooley’s Ministerial History
Faith Bible Chapel International

Robert and Carol Hooley were the founders of Faith Bible Chapel International in 1964. Robert (Pastor Bob) served as Senior Pastor and President. The church first started in a small nunnery in Saratoga, California. From there, Faith Bible Chapel International moved to Colorado where approximately five heritage families met in various homes until a church building located at West 59^th Place in Arvada, Colorado, became available. From that location, having experienced an explosion in attendance, Faith Bible Chapel International moved to 9^th and Acoma in Denver, Colorado.

In 1979, Faith Bible Chapel International moved to Arvada, Colorado, on Ward Road, its present location. The congregation grew to over 2000 members under the ministry of our parents. (The Pastoral staff has changed two times since Robert and Carol founded the church). The new location included a large sanctuary, two-story educational wing and multi-purpose gymnasium which were completed in 1979. An additional twenty acres of land were purchased and paid for in full under Robert and Carol’s ministry. The land provided for future growth and expansion. Faith Bible Chapel International received the 1979 Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Award.

Rev. T.A. Lanes was quoted as saying that “Faith Bible Chapel International was one of the larger churches in the Denver area and home to a fine Bible College.” A good friend and pastor (now deceased) wrote, “I have known Bob Hooley for many years and commend to you his gift of preaching and end-time teaching ministry which is very relevant today to the body of Christ. He has been of untold blessing and added strength to our church here in Colorado.”

We believe that you will enjoy listening to Carol’s testimony about the establishment of Faith Bible Chapel International, available here on Words for Living. Carol’s testimony is in written format in the next section. It is not a word for word translation but rather, a written document covering most of her audio testimony with comments by us. Even if you read the text version, you will not regret setting aside time to listen to this inspiring account.

The Miraculous Establishment
of Faith Bible Chapel International*
from Carol Hooley’s Personal Testimony

*Faith Bible Chapel

Robert and Carol were meeting many people, who like them, were seeking a new movement of the Lord. They invited many people to their home for fellowship. There was a man who was a salesman who sold gum and mints who was filled with the Holy Spirit and would later join them in establishing Faith Bible Chapel International. Another man and long-time friend would meet our father in an apricot orchard and pray together. He became an active part in the establishment of Faith Bible Chapel International while in California and later in Colorado. Many other men and women would cross their paths in those early days. Robert and Carol were learning to walk in the Holy Spirit daily and be obedient to the Lord. They were immensely blessed in 1964 to meet a couple who attended a Presbyterian church but were seeking the Lord in a new deeper way. This couple was instrumental in the establishment of Faith Bible Chapel International in California and Colorado. They were a vital part of the work in the early days as they faithfully served in leadership positions. They would go on to be beside Robert and Carol their entire ministry. This couple will never know the depth of love and appreciation that our family holds for them today.

Our dad was very busy running his business which the Lord had blessed. He and his partner remained close friends for many years. Robert was very saddened to hear of his partner’s death many years later. Despite the work hours, there was always time for prayer and sharing the Bible in our home. Robert and Carol, as young believers, responded to the Lord’s calling on their lives by taking a huge step of faith in beginning a new work for the Lord. Their lives and those of their two daughters were about to change as they chose to travel down this new path. Though they knew there would be a time of learning, their faith was high, their love for the Lord was deep and profound, and their desire to serve the Lord was determined and unwavering. As new believers, they simply sought help and direction from the Lord and then were obedient to that direction. Sometimes, we tend to let a lot of noise get in the way of just simply asking and receiving from the Lord. Robert and Carol, believed so deeply, that to not expect a miracle or immediate answer did not even cross their minds.

One morning after Robert and another gentleman had left on an out-of-town business trip and Carol had dropped us off at school, she returned home and began experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit. She was praising and worshipping the Lord when she clearly heard the Lord tell her to go to her car. The Lord miraculously led her to a suburb of San Jose called Saratoga, an area that she was totally unfamiliar with.

Once arriving in Saratoga, she was instructed by the Lord to make several turns ending up in the parking lot of an empty building surrounded by areas of weeds and heavy overgrowth. Carol thought surely, she was not in the right place, but the Lord instructed her to get out of her car and view a small Catholic convent. She could see a small chapel through the dirty windows. The facility was largely boarded up except for a small section used by the local U.S. Post Office.

Carol returned home after viewing the property and was doubtful that the Lord would want them to locate a new church at that location. The Lord told her to take Robert and a close friend to the property the very next day. The location and building witnessed to both Robert and their close friend. They decided to investigate the building and find out if it could be leased.

Shortly thereafter, Robert was asked to appear before the Saratoga City Council. They had done everything the Council had required them to do and they were hoping for the Council’s approval to lease the building. Unfortunately, the Council decided to postpone the matter until the next monthly meeting which was very discouraging news. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 65:24 “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.” Robert tells of feeling overwhelmed with sadness as he sat alone in the area designated for the general public at the Council meeting. While seated Robert felt a hand on his shoulder. It was a retired naval officer who was serving on the City Council. He told Robert not to be discouraged that he would personally intercede in the matter, which he did. This hidden convent building which the Lord had miraculously led Carol to became the first public meeting of Faith Bible Chapel International in 1963. There began their ministry.

Now that they had a meeting place, it was time to find a pastor. Robert was not convinced that he should be the pastor. For a short duration, another minister without a congregation served as pastor. Robert was highly active in the church but continued to maintain his job. It was during this time that he was quickened by the Lord to memorize hundreds of Bible texts in addition to his systematic Bible study. He had an insatiable desire to memorize God’s Word. This desire never waned in all the years of his ministry.

You will remember that several years earlier Robert attended a Dale Carnegie course where he excelled in memorizing lists of information and names of random people. The Lord had already prepared Robert back then to memorize scriptures which would later become a signature element of his pulpit ministry. Robert, over the course of his lifetime, learned and could readily quote hundreds and hundreds of scriptures including many full chapters from the Bible. We distinctly remember listening to our father on Sunday mornings. Although he would cite the chapter and verse location of his message in the Bible, most of the time he quoted many of the verses in his message from memory while the congregation followed along in their Bibles. We are reminded by the Lord that He had a plan long before Robert and Carol understood the magnitude of the Lord’s calling upon their lives. That beautiful scripture in Philippians 3:13-14 “ . . . Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

As time went on, it became increasingly clear that Robert was called to be the pastor of Faith Bible Chapel International. Once he accepted this challenge, the Spirit of the Lord began to greatly bless the young church. It was soon made known to Robert and Carol that the Lord wanted the home base of Faith Bible Chapel International to be in Colorado. [You can hear more details in Carol’s and Robert’s audio testimonies]. Robert and Carol and their two daughters arrived in Denver, Colorado, in July of 1964, and held the first meeting of Faith Bible Chapel International in their new apartment in a multi-apartment complex which Robert and Carol had just purchased. Running the apartment complex and working a second job while seeking to establish a local church kept Robert extremely busy. Finances were very tight and to this day the family laughs when he says, “I am hungry for corn meal mush, eggs, or green beans and potato soup” — a staple of our diet during those lean financial years.

Slowly, a group of people began to gather in Robert and Carol’s apartment on Sundays and on one weeknight. Our home was home to many visitors while they got settled in Colorado. As daughters, we can remember helping our father take care of the swimming pool in the center of the apartment complex by cleaning it several times a day and checking on the chemical balance of the water ensuring it was safe for swimming. There were areas of lawn that needed to be mowed and watered and sidewalks and a parking lot that continually needed sweeping or clearing of snow in the winter.

Often times our mother would send us off to find our father and tell him that it was time for dinner. After a few times looking throughout the apartment complex for him we learned to go to the boiler room. That was his special place to memorize scripture and praise the Lord, as loud as he wanted, because no one could hear him. We also remember our father taking a regular piece of paper and handwriting out several dozen scriptures. He would then carefully draw a box around each scripture with his ruler. Finally, he would take the piece of paper and fold it many times over so that it would easily fit inside his wallet. Whenever he had a free moment, he would pull out that piece of paper and practice memorizing the scriptures he had written out. It is something we will never forget. We learned from observing our parents that if we use the gifts that the Lord gives us, we are in essence showing the Lord how much we love and worship Him.

Carol said in her testimony that the first three years in Colorado, God was literally pressing us into the Kingdom (Luke 16:16). The Lord promises to reward those who work hard, and that reward can come in many different ways. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Psalm 90:17 says, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Every day Robert and Carol experienced opportunities to witness for the Lord. After connecting with good friends from Carol’s father’s church in Denver, she began a women’s Bible study. The newly formed Faith Bible Chapel group continued to grow and many of the women who attended Carol’s Bible study from the Presbyterian Church began to seek a deeper walk with the Lord. It was sometime later that these women and their families became an integral part of the church.

The day came when Robert and Carol felt led to list the apartment complex for sale. Economically, this was a bad time to try and sell because the market was flooded with apartment vacancies. Robert tried to get some relief on their loan but was refused. Finally, after the real estate listing had expired, they felt that they should not renew it, but rather trust in the Lord. They believed the words from John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give to you.”

Shortly thereafter, a man came to our front door at the apartment complex and asked if the property was for sale. After sharing the price with him, he asked our parents if they would be interested in trading the apartment complex for a home in Arvada? When our parents went to view the nice tri-level home, they were astounded. You see, some months prior they had been invited to the home of a family who had attended Carol’s father’s church. When they left that evening, Carol said to Robert that if we ever get our own home this is the floor plan that she would choose. Now they were viewing an exact replica of that house built by the same contractor. The Lord led them to an attorney in Arvada who helped them quickly close this transaction in 1967. What a miracle this was.

Following their relocation to Arvada, Faith Bible Chapel was blessed to rent a church facility on West 59^th Place. Our family home was just a few blocks away. Again, we see evidence of the Lord’s divine plan for the Hooley family. Some might speak of this event being of luck or coincidence, but to our family it was the most miraculous manifestation of God’s saving grace. Not only had the Lord provided a miracle concerning the financial aspects of the trade, but it was also the floor plan our mother desired. You have to ask yourself, is this that same woman who when all else failed a few years ago submitted to the Lord and received a miracle healing? Is this that that same woman, who along with her husband, purposed with all of their hearts to serve the Lord who had called them into His service? The answer to those questions is yes, most resoundingly. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.

We remember one of ladies from the church coming over to see our new home. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and she went throughout the house with our mother, every single room, even opening the attic door and sang praises to the Lord for this miracle. It was an exciting time for our family as well as those families who were committed to this work and this great movement of the Lord that we were all experiencing. Carol recalls that their home was a hub of activity. Many people temporarily stayed with us during this time as they settled into the area and began to worship at Faith Bible Chapel.

In the late 1960’s there was a great hunger for God. People were coming out of denominational churches to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, healings, and other manifestations of the Lord. The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International was an organization that was greatly used during this time period. Many of the early founders of Faith Bible Chapel International attended the organization’s annual conventions in Denver. Programs for young people were widely attended by the youth of the church.

One Sunday morning at the little church on West 59^th, a Jewish man approached Pastor Bob after the service and handed him a check making it possible for Faith Bible Chapel to start a radio program on KLIR radio station, Denver, Colorado. The messages reached many people.

Robert and Carol’s audio testimonies will highlight other miracles that happened during this time. The church continued to experience steady growth as new families made Faith Bible Chapel their home. There was an emphasis on teaching the Word of God. The song and praise services were sweet times before the Lord. There was also a small orchestra. We recall that the orchestra included a trombone, trumpet, clarinet, and electric guitar along with an older upright piano.

The outreach to Israel and the Jewish people became a growing reality at Faith Bible Chapel. Pastor Bob suffered much personal persecution being accused of compromising the Gospel by some Christians as well as criticism of proselytizing from within the Jewish community. Pastor Bob realized that love was essential and was inspired to follow the Holy Spirit in supporting the restoration of the Jewish people to their God given homeland, Israel. He saw the hurt that was inflicted on people when the Gospel’s message was forced upon them without words and acts of love. Years later, Pastor Bob and Carol would be recognized for pioneering a message of love and support which they eventually took to the Land of Israel.

Our father’s first trip to Israel was in 1968. From that time on, extraordinary doors began to open for Faith Bible Chapel. It was also around this time that the church grew in vision and size to where a larger location was required. A close friend from Phoenix, Arizona, invited him to an evangelistic meeting at 9^th and Acoma in Denver. From this very first visit, a seed was planted and there was a growing witness that this facility would be the next spiritual home for Faith Bible Chapel. The church building on 9^th and Acoma had been a place where successful ministries had occurred over the years. The small group currently in the facility was unable to meet their financial obligations. The FDIC became involved since the bank holding the loan had gone into receivership and was also serving as liquidator. Although the Lord was mightily blessing the church financially, they did not have the financial backing to purchase the facility. They were also turned down in their efforts to lease the building.

You might think that this would deter their desire to obtain this facility. Not so, in fact the congregation began to pray and seek God for a miracle. Pastor Bob went back to the government representative with an offer that would increase the rent every quarter for a set time period and eventually resulted in Faith Bible Chapel purchasing the facility in full. To the great surprise of the local government representative, the Washington officials approved the offer. What a glorious church service it was after receiving the good news. We can almost see and hear the joyous praise and worship service that occurred.

God richly blessed the work and God’s anointing was apparent to many who joined the fellowship. Pastor Bob and Carol never felt the need to have a formal membership. People became active in giving and participating in the body of Christ. Faith Bible Chapel was able to close the loan and purchase the building. It was not long after until the mortgage on this facility was paid in full. One of the associate pastors often told the story of how the church’s banker was so impressed with the financial success and integrity of the church.

As they look back on their years at 9^th and Acoma, Pastor Bob and Carol will say that they experienced a sovereign move of God’s mercy and grace. The only major problem was lack of street parking but there were few problems. There was steady growth until the day they outgrew the facility. The church grew and the body ministry flourished, including elders, deacons, and youth leaders. Faith Bible Chapel International had an outstanding music ministry as well as the founding of the music group, the International Singers. There was also a very strong prayer ministry. Additionally, a youth home was purchased on 8^th Avenue in Denver. The home became a great blessing to many young people.

The final phase of the ministry, under Pastor Bob and Carol was at 62^nd and Ward Road in Arvada, Colorado. They moved into this facility in March of 1979 which included a two-story educational wing, a large sanctuary, and a multi-purpose gymnasium on 9.7 acres in Arvada. Moreover, twenty additional acres of land were purchased to provide for future growth. This acreage was paid for in full under the ministry of Pastor Bob and Carol.

Pastor Bob and Carol were the founders of Faith Bible Chapel International. Pastor Bob was Senior Pastor and President until 1984. Faith Bible Chapel was a non-denomination church serving the metropolitan area of Denver, Colorado. Under the leadership of Pastor Bob and Carol the congregation grew to over 2,000 people.

Pastor Bob’s unwavering faithfulness to the ministry has inspired other men and their families to pioneer similar churches in various parts of the United States fulfilling the earlier vision of Faith Bible Chapel International being a hub to other churches.

Pastor Bob has had the privilege of being used to touch many lives through his pulpit ministry and teaching. He established a layman’s Bible College and has authored numerous publications on Christian living, other Bible topics as well as prophetic themes. For many years, they had a successful radio ministry that reached many people for the Lord.

His anointed ministry was not limited to the local church but reached many areas across the United States and into several foreign countries. Pastor Bob participated in many missionary outreaches to countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Mexico, Hong Kong, Korea, and Zimbabwe. How did this possibly happen? Because GOD DID IT! Pastor Bob and Carol willingly devoted their lives to sharing the great message of Salvation to thousands of individuals. They remained humble before the Lord and thankful for the richness of His blessings.

Robert and Carol Hooley’s Message of Love and Support
to the Jewish People and Land of Israel

Early on in Pastor Bob’s ministerial years, the Lord encouraged him to begin an in-depth Bible study on Israel. It was through many visits to Israel and meeting many extraordinary people and military personnel who contributed to his great love for studying the Bible with a specific emphasis on prophetic truths especially in connection with the latter-day events involving Israel and the Jewish people.

Over the years, Pastor Bob and Carol developed a sincere and personal love for Israel and the Jewish people. This love was not only heartfelt but was demonstrated in saying and doing those things which blessed Israel and the Jewish people.

The beginning of that seed of love for the Jewish people and Land of Israel started several years earlier when our father was attending college in Greeley, Colorado. He told us that he had the chance to visit with one of his professors who told him if you want to understand what is happening in the world, pay attention to Israel. The words of that professor had a powerful impact on him.

The Bible makes it very clear in Genesis 12:3 that God will bless them that bless Israel and curse them which curse Israel. Many years ago, the Lord guided them to pioneer the delivery of this message of love and support to the Jewish people and Land of Israel. Pastor Bob and Carol were instrumental in sharing this message with many other churches. With no credit to themselves, this message resonated with many other pastors and people. Our parents were very proud of this poem that their youngest daughter wrote.

Israel

Thou Art Loved
From a distance now I see you,
so far away you stand,
with enemies around you
who say you’re on their land?
I’ve walked your stone-filled streets
and see your love of life,
and my heart is filled with sorrow
as you’re terrorized day and night.
My prayers are with you always; you are a beacon in the night,
and the God who loves His people
will defend you with His might.
So, look up and hear His calling,
oh Israel, thou art loved,
and His mercy will sustain you,
oh, Israel, His beloved.

Many years ago, when the Lord had first planted a seed in their hearts to take their message of support and love for the Jewish people to Israel, they knew that they needed someone from Israel who could help them overcome the language barrier and someone who could make contacts for them in Israel. Most importantly, they needed someone who would open their heart to the message of love and support that Pastor Bob and Carol wanted to share with the Jewish people. Little did they know that the Lord had already selected someone very special to partner with them.

On their first planned tour to Israel with a small group of members from their congregation, they met Elisha Noy. At that time Elisha was working for the Egged Public Transportation Company. The Lord often works in mysterious ways. How were they to know that the Israeli tour company that they contracted with for the tour would hire Elisha to drive the tour bus. Elisha was retired from active service from the military.

Looking back on this event, they knew it was the Lord’s divine direction who had brought this man, Elisha Noy, across their path for a reason. While on the tour, Pastor Bob remembers clearly to this day how he had reminded his wife, Carol, that they needed to find someone to help them. Her answer was, “I already know who it is” and pointed to Elisha who was driving the bus. At that time, Elisha did not speak any English; yet they knew he was the one. I Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Carol encouraged Elisha to learn English and they invited Elisha to Colorado to stay with them as they began to share this special outreach of love and support to the Jewish people with him.

From this time on, Elisha became one in heart with our family. Our parents knew that they could never go wrong when you commit your ways to God. He is always faithful to lead and guide you. Jeremiah 7:23 says, “Listen to and obey my voice, and I will be your God and you will be my people; and walk the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you.”

Elisha has worked countless hours throughout the years alongside our father and mother. His tenacity and perseverance to open doors such as meeting Israeli dignitaries and getting access to military bases for them, tour groups, and the International Singers has been exceptional, almost unbelievable at times. He was also instrumental in arranging visits to sites not normally open to typical tourists for our parents. He has worked tirelessly alongside our family since 1976.

Elisha is a kind, honorable, and upstanding man who would willingly share anything he has with you. He is personable and approachable. He served in the military and retired from his commission as Lieutenant Major when our parents met him on a tour. Our family has always talked about the fact that it sure seems as if Elisha knows everyone in Israel. Honestly, that statement is remarkably close to the truth. His family became our family, and our family became his family. Elisha resides in the greater Denver area today and stays in close contact with the Hooley family. He often travels to Israel and recently traveled with Pastor Bob’s daughters to Israel as representatives of Bethel Biblical to present a donation to the Israeli Border Guard. With all the love in our hearts, we simply say, “He is family.”

It is often said that many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints on your heart. Other long-lasting friendships were forged with so many amazing and inspiring individuals including Brigadier General Natke Nir whose leadership in the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel left a profound impact on their lives. Other friendships include General Avigdor Kahalani (Ret) and Yoram Ettinger, Minister for Congressional Affairs, Ambassador at Israel’s Embassy in Washington, DC (Ret). These individuals remain very close friends today.

Because of the time change between Colorado and Israel, telephone calls were often received in the early hours of the morning or extremely late at night. On one such evening Robert picked up the telephone to hear Natke’s voice. Pastor Bob and Carol had known that Natke’s first wife, Drora, had been diagnosed with cancer. For many months updates and get-well messages traveled between the two families. That particular evening Natke informed them that the doctors had told him there was nothing more that they could do for her. Natke asked if Carol could travel to their home as soon as possible to be with Drora. Without hesitation, the answer was yes. With a heavy heart, she packed her belongings and left for Israel within a matter of days. We remember that our mother carried probably fifty or sixty messages of love and cards from the women at Faith Bible Chapel. We are reminded of that familiar scripture in Proverbs 17:17 that says, “A friend loveth at all times.”

Drora and Carol had become good friends and spoke often prior to her illness; they considered themselves to be sisters. Our mother was honored and humbled to be by Drora’s side at this sorrowful time. She was in Israel for three months. We encourage you to listen to her account of this experience because it is one of the most dynamic messages about the power of love that you will ever hear. This story is about trust and respect, it is about that scripture that says, “Finally all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” The audio of Carol’s message is here on Words for Living. The message was presented at a Women’s Aglow West Chapter meeting. This is a message that is as important today as it was in 1984. You will have to listen to the message, but Carol did have a chance to say good-bye to her sister, Drora, before she passed away several months after Carol returned home. Carol’s simple words, “God loves you and I love you” carried tremendous power.

Brigadier General Natke Nir remained a remarkably close friend until his passing. It was Pastor Bob’s and Elisha Noy’s great honor to personally pay for the reception held in Israel following the funeral service for Brigadier General Natke Nir. True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. (Author unknown).

Pastor Bob and Carol’s youngest daughter published the following poem in honor of her father, Robert Hooley:

Thou Art His and His Alone

To My Father, A True Friend of Israel

Yeshua Ha’mashiach the God of Israel He will be,
His love is everlasting; His heart is knit with thee,
Oh, Israel thou art His alone and He will walk with thee,
Your sorrow and your tears, each heartache he doth see.
His calling is upon thee, and He will see you through,
Though nation rise against thee, to thee He will be true.
Hand in hand He’ll always walk with you,
He’ll never let you go,
For thou art His and His alone, and ALL the world will know.

The Best Poems and Poets of 2003
Copyright 2004 International Library of Poetry

Throughout the years, our parents revealed their strong commitment to pro-Israel and Jewish causes in several ways that reached well beyond their own personal voices. Following are just a few of the highlights.

Writings

Robert Hooley has authored many books relating to Israel. His book entitled, Jerusalem: A Cup of Trembling, is based upon his belief that Jerusalem is the rightful capital of Israel. The primary purpose of the book was to inspire other Christian churches to offer their support to Israel. Another book, Zionism In Conflict, was published in Israel by the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel. It was translated into Hebrew by Rabbi Mordecai Schreiber, who at that time was an official translator for the U.S. State Department.

Four of Robert Hooley’s books were published in Hebrew and distributed by the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel. Before the books could be published and distributed in Israel, Robert had to appear before the Rabbinical Board in Jerusalem. These books could not have been distributed anywhere in Israel without the unanimous consent of the Rabbinical Board. This was truly a miracle because other pastors reported to Pastor Bob that their books were rejected. Pastor Bob would simply say, “GOD DID IT.”

The International Singers

During one of our parents’ first tours to Israel, they recognized that singing Hebrew songs throughout their travels had an uplifting impact on those who participated and listened. An idea emerged to organize a group of young people who could sing a broad selection of Hebrew songs and share them with the Jewish people. The idea eventually took form as the “International Singers.”

Through music, the International Singers expressed their love and support for the Jewish people and their homeland. The group maintained a repertoire of famous Israeli songs that often had the entire audience on their feet singing and swaying to the songs of their youth and to the songs speaking of the hardships that the Jewish people had overcome. Other popular songs spoke to the sacrifices of men and women who fought in wars for the freedom that Israel now enjoys.

Here are two accounts of how the Lord opened doors for the International Singers:

This is one of many, many miracles that the International Singers experienced during their performances in Israel. Only the Lord could have had a master electrician on site who was able to solve the problem. Mann Auditorium was packed and for many years, it was not unusual for visitors to Faith Bible Chapel in Colorado to tell their hosts that they attended that concert.

Another story:

The demanding performance and practice schedules of the International Singers required a deep personal commitment by its group members. Many times, they gave up vacation time or postponed personal plans in order to participate in the group. The group received wide acceptance in both the United States and Israel. They performed on radio and television programs. Several times the International Singers appeared on ABC’s national broadcast, Voice of Israel. They were privileged to perform twice on Israeli television, one of which was a forty-minute special program. The International Singers also sang during the United Jewish Appeal telethon in New York which was hosted by Alan King and Bess Myerson. The event raised over four million dollars.

Distinguished groups such as the famous (now retired) Gevatrom Choir and Eli Nissim, a well-known Israeli television commentator along with his film crew stayed with church members in Arvada, Colorado, while Pastor Bob and Carol were at Faith Bible Chapel. While they were in Colorado they filmed a special documentary. Another famous visitor was Illana Segev, who was the Director of a prominent dance group from Rishon Le Zion, who held performances in Colorado.

Our parents unquestionably had a close relationship with the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel. As a result of this relationship, the International Singers performed at many Israeli military installations. The International Singers performed for both small and large groups of soldiers. They were privileged to perform with renowned songwriter Naomi Shemer at Ayeleth Hashachar.

During one of the International Singers’ tours to Israel, Pastor Bob and Carol met with then Prime Minister Menachem Begin to present him with two albums by the International Singers – To Israel with Love and Encore. Prime Minister Begin encouraged the International Singers to continue to sing for Israel’s military personnel and the Jewish people. It was an honor for Pastor Bob and Carol and the International Singers to have a private meeting with Prime Minister Begin where Pastor Bob had the opportunity to share some scriptures that related to Israel.

Although not performing today, the International Singers continue to support the Jewish people and will, forever, carry a special love in their hearts for the Land of Israel. The group was comprised of many talented individuals, including the vocalists, musicians, and the music director. One year’s theme was a mixed medley of both Israeli and American patriotic songs. The music for this program was written by the music director at Faith Bible Chapel and was a tremendous success with the audiences in Israel and the United States. Many other incredibly talented individuals contributed to the success of the group including the sound and technical staff, clothing designers, travel coordinators and vocal and language (Hebrew) coaches.

While looking for information about the International Singers to include on Words for Living and listening to their music, we were reminded of that verse in James 1:17 that says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” We were able to locate a movie that was made by the International Singers entitled To Israel with Love which is now available on the Words for Living. Be prepared to be blessed and receive a renewal of your commitment to love and support the Jewish people and Land of Israel as you listen to this talented group sing. It was a unique time in which the International Singers and Pastor Bob and Carol were part of. It seems unlikely that given the unrest in the Middle East today that tours of this significance would be possible. Elisha Noy, an indispensable part of the International Singers, has said on many occasions that there has never been anything since that time like Pastor Bob and Carol and the International Singers.

The Origination of Israel Awareness Day

Faith Bible Chapel International, under the direction of Pastor Bob and Carol, became a true advocate for the Jewish people. Our parents initiated Israel Awareness Day, an annual event dedicated to the people and Land of Israel. Popular among Christians and Jews alike, it attracted thousands of people throughout the years. The event grew in size as more and more people heard about the annual event.

Attempting to serve as an inspiration to other Christian churches throughout the United States, Pastor Bob and Carol encouraged other churches to begin similar events. Several years later, Bethel Biblical founded by Robert and Carol Hooley produced an annual event called “Highway to Zion” in Lakewood, Colorado.

Each year’s program included special displays, activities, and guest speakers organized around a central theme which changed from year to year. As the annual event grew in recognition and size, preparations for the event began several months in advance with church members of all ages volunteering to work on the exhibits and other pre-event activities. Hours and hours of time were volunteered culminating in these special events that touched the hearts of so many people.

Even today, people will comment that they have never witnessed such displays of support and love as when they attended the annual events at Bethel Biblical and Faith Bible Chapel International. The talents of so many amazing adults helped transform the simple words love and support into a melding of hearts that has endured for years. Many friendships resulted from these events. The scripture comes to mind in Genesis 12:3 that says, “God will bless them that bless Israel and curse them which curse Israel.”

It was many years later that Carol and her youngest daughter met a Jewish woman that they had known for many years at one of the shopping malls in South Denver. The woman’s husband was a Rabbi at a local synagogue. She told them, with tears in her eyes, that never again in all of their lifetime will they ever experience what Robert and Carol did for the Jewish people here in Denver.

It is important to understand that when Pastor Bob and Carol first began to pioneer this message of love, it was often met with skepticism. However, as they were invited to more and more Jewish events in the city, their consistent message and caring words touched the hearts of many Jewish people including local rabbis. Their authenticity and affirmations of love transcended all words.

We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the many people involved in designing and building these displays, singing, dancing, and preparing special food. Unequivocally, they have been part of an unprecedented, unique, and extraordinary legacy that began from a simple vision from the Lord to Robert and Carol Hooley that lives on today. In order to fully comprehend the magnitude of these events, we are including brief descriptions of the annual events during Pastor Bob and Carol’s tenure. These events were recognized throughout the United States and Israel.

1979

The first Israel Awareness Day was held in 1979 at Faith Bible Chapel International in Arvada, Colorado. It was a simple event which featured Rabbi Elliot T. Spar of Temple Beth Shalom in Smithtown, New York, along with an afternoon of Israeli dance performances and Hebrew songs. The renowned International Singers, as well as teams of youngsters, from kindergarten through high school entertained the guests with music, dance, and puppet theater.

1980

Due to the tremendous response from the first year’s event, the 1980 program was expanded considerably. There were special displays such as the agriculture of Israel, Patriarchs of Israel, and a special exhibit of Soviet Jewry. The sixth grade Sunday School class, who had completed a three-month study on the Holocaust, created a Holocaust Memorial Room. According to a visitor and actual Holocaust survivor, it was one of the most tastefully done displays she had ever seen on the subject. Like all other Israel Awareness Days, there were performances of Israeli dancing and singing.

1981

The 1981 event theme was Jerusalem. Replicas of many well-known sites in Jerusalem were prepared by the children of the congregation. On display were the Chagall Windows, the Knesset, the Shrine of the Book, the Western Wall, and David’s Citadel. This year Israeli art was featured as well as an exhibit of needlework created by church members. More than one-hundred pieces of artwork were displayed. The keynote speaker was Brigadier General Natke Nir, Chairman of the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel. To honor him and to convey their strong support for the Israeli Defense Forces, a special IDF exhibit was created. It attracted many visitors who then became supporters of the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel.

1982

The 1982 program was a landmark year for Israel Awareness Day which received worldwide recognition when Israeli television producer Dahlia Steiner produced a film about this special event and the International Singers. It was entitled, To Israel with Love. The feature film has been digitized so that you can view it right here on Words for Living. We hope that you will enjoy watching the film.

The program theme was Heroes of the Land including such heroes as Abraham, David, Ben Gurion, Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan, Menachem Begin, and Eli Cohen. Life-size figures and displays explaining the life story of each person were created by church members. Other exhibits included a dramatic Israel Defense Force display, a life-size simulation of the Raid on Entebbe with special sound effects and lighting. Figures of General Dan Shomron and Yoni Netanyahu and a real Mercedes Benz, like the model used in Entebbe, made this exhibit a moving experience.

In addition to these extensive exhibits, two plays written by a church member of the congregation, were performed in the main auditorium. One play was about the life of Golda Meir while the second focused on Yoni Netanyahu.

The keynote speaker was General Dan Shomron who was Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces from 1987 to 1991. He first saw combat in the 1956 Sinai Campaign. During the Six-Day War, he commanded a unit on the Egyptian front, and was the first paratrooper to reach the Suez Canal. The International Singers gave an outstanding performance. Additional displays of artwork, a story of the plight of Soviet Jews, and Israeli singing and dancing were enjoyed by all who attended. The 1982 Holocaust Memorial room, prepared by the children in the church, was a life-size display which revealed the plight of the Jewish child in Nazi Germany. Beginning with the child’s happy home, it progressed to show the anti-Semitism that arose at school. The display went on to depict a train ride to a concentration camp. The final scene depicted the child entering the gas chamber. One Holocaust survivor spent the entire day in this memorial room, as his heart was so moved by the children’s efforts to tell this poignant true story.

1983

The history of Israel from Abraham to the return of Yamit in 1982 was the focus of Israel Awareness Day this year. The theme was Story of a People’s Dream. Displays and exhibits included Israel’s many wars, the establishment of the first kibbutz, the Balfour Declaration, the United Nation’s vote for partition and the election of each prime minister. Other exhibits included the return of the Yemenite Jews, the earliest immigration of Soviet Jews, and the Camp David Peace Accord. Triumphant moments like Entebbe as well as tragic events such as the Munich Massacre of the Olympic athletes were displayed. As in previous years, there was singing and dancing. This year’s Holocaust Memorial featured a very sobering depiction of the fate of Jews entering Auschwitz Concentration Camp. In addition to these displays, there was a room that depicted The Ingathering of the Exiles. Featured was an enlarged map of the world alongside life-size figures dressed in the native costume of the countries from which they emigrated prior to arriving in Israel.

1984

In 1984 Israel Awareness Day focused on the many accomplishments of Israel. The theme was the Sights and Sounds of Israel. The day’s activities were diverse. Exhibits highlighted life on a kibbutz and Israel’s agricultural and industrial development. The Holocaust Memorial depicted the experience at the Warsaw Ghetto. One of the church members produced a beautiful stained-glass window commemorating the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The framed window panel was presented to the State of Israel in a gesture of love and hung in Ben Gurion airport for many years.

*******

In summary, the love that went into preparing these events and the individual exhibits is unprecedented. To this day, people who attended the events express, with great emotion, that they have never in their lifetime witnessed or felt such love and support. These events became to be endorsed by several rabbis in the greater Denver area. Many times these rabbis participated in the main programs.

Highway to Zion Day
1999-2018

Once again, the vision of our parents to share their love and support of the Jewish people and Land of Israel was embraced by the congregation at Bethel Biblical in Lakewood, Colorado. The tradition of honoring Israel and the Jewish people was celebrated throughout the year with various events but once a year through a special program entitled, Highway to Zion.

The message of love and support became even more important during these years considering the many changes that had occurred in the world relating to Israel and the Jewish people. Great anti-Semitism was on the rise again across the world and a more political world weighed in on current events. Almost every day, there was news of events happening in Israel, Iran, and even Russia. Many of Robert Hooley’s earlier books directly spoke of things to come that were now headline news. He has published several newer books that share what the Bible says about the end-times as related to our immediate future.

Many countries have turned away from their support of Israel and in fact, are now hostile towards Israel. We are proud that we live in a country, the United States of America, that for the past years has stood firm and steadfast with Israel, often in times of great anger by the world. During their time in the ministry, our parents have inspired hundreds of Americans to visit Israel and learn about the country. They have served as tour leaders for countless trips to Israel.

Due to the many contacts that Pastor Bob and Carol made over their years traveling to Israel and meeting with prominent people, Bethel Biblical attracted many keynote speakers that shared current news, including events happening in Israel and the broader Middle East region. Guest speakers were an important part of Highway to Zion annual days. In addition to the special music, some of which was in Hebrew, Israeli dance teams ranging from young children to adults performed beautiful dances in traditional costumes. Many women worked hours in advance of the special day to prepare popular Israeli food including Israeli salads and special desserts that contributed to the overall specialness of the day. Sunday school rooms and a large multi-use room were converted to display special exhibits supporting a variety of themes that were chosen over the years. Some examples are:

• Exhibits commemorating the Holocaust and the plight of the Jewish people over past years as well as that special day in 1948 when the international community responded affirmatively to the establishment of the State of Israel.
• One year’s theme was the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Flags were made by a woman in the church who handmade each flag representing one of the twelve tribes. These flags required many hours of precise needlepoint stitching. These flags were recently transferred to Faith Bible Chapel in Casper, Wyoming.
• A very special Highway to Zion Day stands out because Brigadier General Natke Nir was the keynote speaker. In addition to being a longtime personal friend of our family, he was a well-known war hero. The exhibits focused on a military theme including extremely large replicas of Israeli fighter jets hung from the church ceiling. A beautiful handmade wood Star of David was mounted on the wall in the sanctuary. The fighter jets and Star of David were made by some very talented individuals in the church.
• Speakers for the annual events included such guests as Elisha Noy, Brigadier General Natke Nir, Yoram Ettinger, Minister for Congressional Affairs, Ambassador at Israel’s Embassy in Washington, DC (Ret). Former Executive Director, Shaul Gabby of the Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East at the prestigious University of Denver. Professor Gabby invited Pastor Bob to guest lecture at one of his classes. It was a very interesting experience for our father.
• Special music from the talented Bethel Biblical Music Team was featured. Several times, individual members of the renowned International Singers performed well-known Israeli songs.

Although Bethel Biblical closed its doors in 2019, an acclaimed and powerful legacy established by Robert and Carol Hooley, our parents, supporting the Jewish people and the Land of Israel lives on today. Elisha Noy will proudly tell anyone he can today, that Robert and Carol Hooley were the pioneers of a great movement that remains strong today, fostering love and support for the Jewish people and Land of Israel.

A Time of Transition – A Time of Healing

Our parents stepped away from Faith Bible Chapel International in 1984. This time period was, perhaps, the lowest point in their walk with the Lord. They set themselves aside for a period of silence. It takes great courage and humility to admit one’s mistake but doing so directly speaks to one’s character and spirit. Our mother acknowledged on several occasions as well as in her personal recorded testimony that she made a terrible mistake. There is accountability with the Lord, but conversely there is God’s forgiveness and restoration. We stand firm in the forgiveness found in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This became part of her walk with the Lord to move from glory to glory.

One Sunday afternoon, the elders of Faith Bible Chapel requested a meeting with our father and from their words at that meeting, he knew in his heart that there would be no forgiveness, no hand of mercy extended to them. Our father knew that he had relied on the Holy Spirit to give him the right words to deliver to the congregation week after week; words that spoke truth but also spoke of God’s great love for His people. These men had determined that our father’s words were no longer the right words, that there was a different way to go, that there were those who were more worthy to lead. Our parents packed their belongings and moved to Phoenix, Arizona.

Our father left Colorado a discouraged man, a deflated man, a shade of doubt had been cast across his life. Persecution and relentless attacks on his personal character were perpetuated against him for years, also his wife and his daughters. Men had determined that this man would not rise again, that he was not worthy to share the Word of the Lord, that he was not worthy of God’s grace. The story of Gideon comes to mind. Gideon was in a similar situation where for many years he found himself engulfed by threatening circumstances that caused him great discouragement and despair. Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns because this is where the story for our parents changes, oppression became victory and darkness became light. Carnally minded men and women do not inform or dictate to the Lord who He can sovereignly choose to use for His edification. The Bible says that Jesus said, “with man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

As the story of Gideon continues, the Angel of the Lord determined that Gideon needed a bit of a tug to remove him from the shade of doubt and direct him into the light of El Elyon. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said the Lord is with you mighty warrior (Judges 6:12). Mighty warrior translates in Hebrew to mighty man of valor. Gideon did not have the look of a mighty warrior or man of war. For this brief time, Pastor Bob and Carol did not look like mighty warriors, they looked like broken servants. However, El Elyon sees beyond the present and into the future. El Elyon, the MOST HIGH GOD, desired something out of them that even they could not fathom in that moment.

Where men and women chose to not listen to the Holy Spirt within their hearts, God stepped in and turned Pastor Bob and Carol’s circumstance into one of healing and refreshing. The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

The Angel of the Lord had already spoken to Gideon telling him who was in him, but now the Lord wanted to reveal what was in him. The Lord knew, in His infinite grace, that Gideon would not be able to respond until the perception of his potential was transformed. The Lord declared that the calling he placed on our parents’ lives so many years ago was not finished. You see, God knew that many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. He chose a young woman, the daughter of a Presbyterian pastor and a young man, a salesman and small business entrepreneur to receive the gift of salvation and to willingly devote their every day to serving their Lord and Savior who had reached down and redeemed them with His love.

Our parents had in the past exhorted on the Sovereignty of God, but now they had to personally embrace and accept the Sovereignty of God in their lives. We ask what is the Sovereignty of God? The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under His control. The Bible does not say we can choose which things are under His control. The Bible says all things are under God’s control. Proverbs 19:21 says many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Because of the Sovereignty of God we can proclaim, “In whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation – in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-14).

God Always Has the Final Say

Springs of Living Water

It was after the time of silence and subsequent renewal that our parents realized that they still possessed a strong desire, along with good health, to pastor a new work. Many people who had been with them since their tenure at Faith Bible Chapel International encouraged them to return to Colorado and begin a new work.

In the Bible, the terminology mighty warrior or mighty man of valor is the same used to describe David’s mighty warriors who had performed courageous deeds on behalf of the King. These men were premier fighters, handpicked by the Holy Spirit to perform special tasks. These men were champions, the best of the best. Pastor Bob and Carol were blessed to have some premier fighters, handpicked by the Lord, to help them begin a new work and to help them fulfill and finish the call that God placed on their lives. Where some people had only seen flaws and failure on their part, these Christian men and women saw the power of love. They saw a God of Grace. Unfortunately, many of these individuals were mistreated and maligned for the simple act of following God’s commandment that a friend always loves, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. When others could not hold up under the pressure, these remarkable men and women stood their ground undeterred in their support. When words of discord and hostility were spoken, these amazing Christians became the first line of defense. We recall that the Lord reminded our family of these powerful words:

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath
begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sins that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and the perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Our parents relied on the Holy Spirit to direct them and guide their ways on a daily basis that they might be a blessing to others. They were not new to the greatness and powerfulness of the omnipotent God that they worshipped and served. Having been alongside our parents during this time, we know their hearts sang these beautiful words, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” They never wavered from the sovereign vision for their lives.

Founding of Bethel Biblical

Bethel Biblical was officially founded in 1999 by Robert and Carol Hooley. They were anxious and excited to begin this new work with the help of many dedicated Christians, some who had been by their side since 1964. The Lord miraculously helped them find the church building and arrange financing. Many miracles and signs along the way assured them that were in God’s perfect will.

The church was built in 1986 and sits on a 1.2-acre lot in Lakewood, Colorado. The church is approximately 10,000 square feet with paved parking with a beautiful, traditional looking steeple that rises over the housetops in the area. The architecture is described as traditional Christian with rich red brick and pure white trim, including the steeple. The building and surrounding area was beautifully landscaped with grass and trees.

The interior area consisted of a large sanctuary, platform, and foyer with vaulted ceilings and high-quality wood trim with complimenting beautiful rich red brick walls. The facility included an office, Sunday School classrooms with nursery and a large multi-functional space with a full kitchen.

Bethel Biblical was a non-denominational church that believed the Bible is the infallible Word of God. They believed in Baptism by Water, the Gifts of the Spirit, and the wonderous message of Salvation. Together the congregation worshipped the Lord and learned about God’s great love, His transforming power, and His sacrifice for all man. They believed in the miracle of God’s spirit in each person’s life. The congregation was a very active and thriving body of believers. Persons of all religions were welcomed and encouraged to participate and enjoy an array of activities. Bethel Biblical offered Sunday morning and evening services with Sunday School for nursery through teens and a mid-week service. Over the years, the congregation grew.

Bethel Biblical was exceedingly blessed by the Lord. My sister and I recall a message preached by our father many years ago entitled, Handfuls on Purpose. We are sure you remember the Bible story of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth suffered a great loss when her husband died. We read in the Book of Ruth that several years later her two sons also passed away. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law were in what seemed like a dire and hopeless situation. They were cut off from their families with no means of providing for themselves. We know that one of the sisters-in-law returned back unto her people. Ruth tells Naomi that she will not leave her in that well-known scripture, “… whither thou goest, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people and thy God my God.” Ruth and Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem because there was no longer a famine in that region. Their return coincided with the start of the harvest. Naomi tells Ruth she has a kinsman of her husband’s. He was a man of wealth and his name was Boaz.

Ruth decides that she will go into the fields and glean ears of corn after him and says, “in whose sight I shall find grace.” And Naomi said unto her, “go forth.” She ended up gleaning in a field owned by Boaz. Boaz asks his servant, “Who is this woman”? We know from reading the scriptures that Boaz instructs Ruth to only glean in his fields, where he offers her protection and a safe place. She was told to glean with the other maidens. She can even go to the vessels of the men when she is thirsty. Boaz showed favor to Ruth where it is recorded that Boaz commanded his young men saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves and reproach her not and let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her and leave them that she might glean them and rebuke her not.”

Our parents’ prayer for Bethel Biblical was that it be blessed. God answered their prayers with Handfuls on Purpose. From the very time that they were instructed to start Bethel Biblical, just as with Ruth, we believe that the MOST HIGH GOD established the field in which the Lord wanted them and the good people to gather and worship the Lord.

Our father has always possessed a great ability to communicate a deep and firm scripture-based message to his congregations. Throughout his years in the ministry, he has demonstrated a love for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the lost and encouraging Christians to become spiritually mature, living a life centered around the Holy Spirit. He was devoted to prayer and Bible study. He easily transitioned back into the leadership role of senior pastor responding to the needs and care of his congregation with the heart of a shepherd.

Blessings abounded and Bethel Biblical experienced a great outpouring of the Holy Spirt upon its people. Attendance grew so much that the church built a balcony off of the sanctuary for additional seating. People experienced healings both physical and emotional. The Lord opened up jobs for those in need and families who needed healing found the words of the Lord for restoration and forgiveness. Bethel Biblical and the people prospered financially. Worship and prayer were the pillars of this body.

The church was home to a talented, vibrant group of vocalists and musicians including organ, piano, drums, and guitars. The song leader and music teams presented both traditional and contemporary Christian music. Bethel Biblical was rich in talent and provided opportunities for special music programs and soloists. Bethel Biblical was a place of true worship. The congregation at Bethel Biblical loved to lift their voices and sing songs that glorified the Lord; they loved to worship the Lord. It was a place of warm and joyous greetings amongst the people.

Many people gave of their talents to enrich the body of Christ. The body ministry flourished in this richly blessed environment. Bethel Biblical was a place where you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit; it was a place where you could find peace and rest for your soul and it was a place of reverence and holiness.

Bethel Biblical was a place where you heard a message that stirred your heart to grow in the Lord; a message that challenged you to rise to a new level in your walk with Jesus Christ. Pastor Bob, our father, stayed true to the ways of the Lord that had blessed him with a great understanding of the Bible. He was blessed with a new refreshing and stronger anointing. As he began so many years ago, he continued to memorize scriptures and quote them often in his messages. Through Jesus Christ our father was able to make the Word of the Lord relevant and alive. We remember the words of our mother in her personal testimony, when she said, “I am alive because God has done a work in me.” Neither one of them ever forgot those powerful words.

Bethel Biblical was debt free and was blessed to own the church building and all the surrounding property early on in its tenure thanks to the generous giving and tithing of the congregation. When Pastor Bob retired in 2015 there were significant funds for the continuation of the ministry. The grounds located behind the church were updated to accommodate church gatherings and youth outdoor activities including a basketball hoop, horseshoe pit, covered picnic table area, and volleyball sand pit.

Bethel Biblical Ministries

In addition to Bethel Biblical’s message of salvation, the evangelical outreach included pastors and missionaries both in the United States and abroad. As a result of our father’s many contacts, Bethel Biblical hosted many guest speakers. One of their outreaches resulted in funding the construction of a church in South Africa. He continued to accept invitations to minister at other churches and Christian meetings. Our father participated in many outreaches to other countries.

Our father has had the privilege to touch many lives through his pulpit ministry and teaching. He established a layman’s Bible college and has authored numerous publications on Christian Living, other Biblical themes, and prophetic end-times. The Foundations Class, taught by one of the men in the congregation, was very popular. Those who completed the course were blessed in their walk with the Lord.

Bethel Biblical was not only a place of worship, but they also had a facility which supported many types of activities for children and adults. Some of the activities included Men’s Prayer and Breakfast on Saturday mornings, Women’s Bible Study, Foundations (Bible) Class, Music Team, Sunday School and Nursery Teachers, Jail Ministries and more.

Other activities encouraged people to make connections in a more casual, social environment. One of the most popular groups was the Threaders. This group of women met regularly, not only to enjoy the company of each other, but to take on projects such as sewing scarves, knitting, and crocheting a variety of items which were sent to Israel and others in need.

Age-related Sunday School classes were offered in addition to special events such as river rafting, skiing, and game nights for the teen classes. On several occasions, many families sat together at Coors Field to watch a Colorado Rockies game, or attend a church picnic.

The Ending Better Than the Beginning

In I Chronicles 4:9-10, we read a story about a prayer uttered by an obscure man called Jabez. The Bible says, “And Jabez was more honorable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, because I bare him with sorrow.” Jabez was simply seeking to be blessed by God. The word blessing in Hebrew (baraka) means the giving of a good gift. Jabez requested a good gift from the Lord and so Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.“

We looked up the word enlarge and learned that it means to increase, expand, or add on. So Jabez asked the Lord to increase or expand his borders and his prayer was answered. Bethel Biblical’s borders were expanded far beyond the initial vision of our parents and the congregation. Bethel Biblical’s stakes were strengthened. One of God’s wonderful attributes is that He does not change. Just as He faithfully gave Abraham, Joseph, and David their hearts’ desires after they had waited before Him, He answered the prayers of our parents with Handfuls on Purpose. We know that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17).

Many times, our parents received prophecies that said their ending would be better than the beginning. What an inspiring and awesome word of the Lord to receive. Today, we celebrate the fulfillment of that message. The Bible says in Luke 1:45 “that you are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.”

It was during the initial formalization period of Bethel Biblical that Pastor Bob and Carol, along with many in the congregation, set a goal to someday bless Israel and the Jewish people with a significant financial donation. Much later you will read about the fulfillment of this goal and there is only one conclusion that you can draw from it: God mightily blessed this body and used them to carry an irrefutable message of love to the Jewish people and Land of Israel…Handfuls on Purpose.

We had been taught from the Bible that God will bless them that bless Israel and curse them which curse Israel (Genesis 12:3). This was an important truth and principle in the ministry of Bethel Biblical. Who would have ever imagined that a goal set back in 1999, often forgotten about, would be fulfilled? Three words tell the story: GOD DID IT. You will read in more detail about the amazing fulfillment of this goal in A Legacy’s Journal located here on Words for Living. Here is a short excerpt from the journal . . .

Cindy Morrison, Elisha Noy, and Dianna McDowell had the great privilege of traveling as ambassadors to Israel for the purpose of meeting with Major General Shabtay and the soldiers of the Israeli Border Guard about Bethel Biblical’s donation. As with any story there is a beginning, a middle and an end. Sometimes, you know the ending before the story really develops. We have been blessed to know through countless persons of the Lord that the ending was going to be better than the beginning. Little did we know that even the middle and the end would far exceed anything our human minds could imagine. Little did we know that we would experience such miracles all the way to the very end, even during times of testing. Little did we know that our reference to “the end” would be challenged and redefined by General Yaacov Shabtay, Major General, Commander of the Border Guard on our last evening. You will have to read A Legacy’s Journal to find out more about this extraordinary event, but we will tell you that without ever hearing the words, “the ending will be better than the beginning,” General Shabtay said to us that the legacy of Pastor Bob and Carol is not over. Elisha, Cindy, and I were somewhat stunned to hear this. The General went on to say that every time a soldier goes swimming in the swimming pool or reads the commemorative plaque, the legacy lives on.

In the Words of our Father, GOD DID IT

Handfuls on Purpose

Pastor Bob – A Man with The Heart of a Shepherd

We have had members of his congregation tell us that our father was a shepherd, not just a pastor. In their minds and hearts, he was more than a pastor. A shepherd is someone who watches over, or looks after, or guides somebody. The role of a shepherd or pastor comes with great responsibility, but it also requires someone who is willing to put others before themselves.

From as early as we can remember we recognized that our father’s calling would require sacrifice and that it was not like our father’s previous work as owner of a small business. We knew that God’s calling on our parents’ lives was all-encompassing. This recognition also came from observing our grandfather and two uncles who all pastored churches. Most kids played school, or army, or other games. My sister and I played church with our cousins. Our uncle used to let us go in to the sanctuary of his church in California where we played church. We sang in the choir loft; we took turns being the minister; and we took turns sitting in the pews. We also practiced being slain in the spirit. Well, actually one of us had to catch the person who was practicing being slain in the spirit. Sometimes, we just can’t help but laugh at this precious memory.

When we think of shepherding as defined above, we knew our parents watched over their flocks. They prayed for them and they met with them. They were observant and knew when someone was in need. Our parents were always available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We learned that life’s tragedies, emergencies, and other needs don’t necessarily happen during daylight hours. We remember the telephone ringing in the middle of the night on more occasions than we care to remember and our parents getting dressed to rush to a hospital or to someone’s home to pray with them as they dealt with one of life’s harshest misfortunes or devastations. Sometimes, it was a very long telephone call that continued for hours.

We recall many times when our parents brought someone to our home because they needed help, they needed a place to stay, or just a new fresh start. Some would stay for a night and others would stay for much longer periods of time. Some stayed for several years as honorary members of our family. As preacher’s kids, you learned and accepted this aspect of your parents being in the ministry. In all honesty, there were probably times when we were frustrated with sharing our parents or giving up a special night out because of someone’s emergency but we never would have wanted our parents to disregard someone in need no matter what the occasion. As preacher’s kids, you learn what compassion and caring are about and if you are fortunate, these wonderful lessons stay with you for a lifetime.

Our father made countless hospital calls and visits to homes during his ministerial years. He spent many hours in prayer for the members he served. Many times, the Lord would give him a specific Bible verse or an encouraging word for someone. He was there when individuals or families experienced the worst of life, or when they needed a friend or confidant. He ministered to them from the Word of God, telling them that God loved them, and that they were not alone.

He provided counsel or guidance to those requesting help with challenges in their lives. It could have been about family relationships, addictions, or any other burdens that were holding them back from living a full life that was guided by the Holy Spirit, a life of joy and freedom in the Lord. Sometimes, he had to deliver a hard message, but it was always done with a compassionate heart. He often met with individuals once or twice a week for months to help them fight their way to a victorious life in Jesus Christ. Yes, this was shepherding.

Over the years, our father has preached thousands of messages. The Lord blessed him with a great gift to share God’s Word in a way that made the scriptures come alive and stir the hearts of people in his congregations to seek the Lord in all that they did. He communicated a deep and firm-based message about Jesus Christ. As children and even through our adult years, we knew that prior to delivering a message, our father would set himself aside for a time of prayer and Bible study. He knew that the Holy Spirit would help him prepare a message that was relevant to the people and a message that would help people grow and mature in the Lord. He knew that in those quiet moments of study and prayer that the Lord would answer him and give him the right words. You ask us how we know this; it is because he would later tell us that the Lord changed his message, sometimes at the last moment before a service. This is shepherding — knowing the needs of your people and allowing the Lord to determine the message.

Our father especially enjoyed children. After a service was concluded it was not unusual to find several children visiting with him in the front pew of the sanctuaries. They knew he would eventually take them back to his office to get a piece of candy. They would tell him all about their Sunday School experience, a new toy or what they were going to do when they got home that particular day. To the mortification of many a parent, the kids seemed to enjoy passing along family secrets. There were some great stories, that’s for sure!

There is one more area that seems worthy of recognition. One of the pillars of their ministry was that they believed in and fostered the body ministry. As a shepherd, they wanted to help people flourish and grow into their own ministries. Each member is needed and valued by the Lord. The body ministry is the ministering of one member to another. Ephesians 4:11-16 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”

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There are other services or activities undertaken by a church that a shepherd or pastor provides for his people. Some of these support the primary mission of the church, others provide opportunities for service within the church, and finally, some activities allow the church to strengthen its relationship with its members by responding to their needs in a more social environment.

Primary Mission of the Church

President and Founder of Faith Bible College

Robert Hooley was the President and Founder of Faith Bible College which was established in 1969. The College was a two-year program. The program was open to anyone who wanted to attend. During the first five years of the program, approximately four hundred students graduated. What an incredible legacy to leave, God’s Word does not change: it is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Over the years, many people have expressed to Pastor Bob their thankful appreciation for the depth of teaching that he provided.

Sunday School Teachers and Nursery Workers

The goal of Sunday School is to teach the Bible to the children and teens. It is a place where they can learn about God’s love as they hear stories and parables from the Bible. Through these experiences in Sunday School, they learn to recognize how important it is to have Jesus in their lives. Pastor Bob and Carol knew the importance of teaching the children about Jesus from an early age.

Special Music and Drama Programs

These activities provided opportunities for musicians, actors, etc. to share their talents within the church. The Lord often uses these types of programs to share the salvation message winning people to Christ. The church orchestras and choirs were a special way for people to use their talents.

Student Youth Home

Pastor Bob and Carol implemented a Youth Home which was begun in downtown Denver (near the church at 9^th and Acoma). The Youth Home was later moved to the Faith Bible Chapel International campus in Arvada. The establishment of a youth home was in response to the critical and often desperate needs of young people. The Youth Home aided and supported many young people from all backgrounds who needed a place to stay, nourishment for their bodies, or simply a caring person who would listen to them. The Youth Home was used in a special way to help many young people turn their lives around from drugs and alcohol, living on the streets, or minor criminal wrongdoings. Some needed a place to stay while relationships with their families were strengthened or healed.

Authored Books and Pamphlets – General Bible Topics

Robert Hooley has authored many books and pamphlets over the course of his years in the ministry. You will find many pamphlets or booklets on topics relevant to Christian Living and other subjects. These books will help you grow in your relationships, strengthen your personal relationship with the Lord, and navigate life from a Christian perspective. The keys outlined in his books will help guide you into a more abundant, happy, and godly life. By faith we accept that all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (II Tim 3:16). You can read his books and pamphlets here on Words for Living.

Authored Books Specific to Prophetic End-Times

Early on in Pastor Bob’s ministerial years, the Lord encouraged him to begin an in-depth Bible study on Israel. It was through many visits to Israel and meeting many extraordinary people and military personnel who contributed to his great love for studying the Bible with a specific emphasis on prophetic truths, especially in connection with the latter-day events involving Israel and the Jewish people.

His depth and understanding of end-time events has grown over the years through his vigorous Bible study. He has spent a lifetime scouring newspapers (many from Israel), magazines (secular and religious), listening to the news, speaking with informed individuals, and looking for information related to current events. This gathering of information complimented his Bible study over the years and has made so many of his books and messages come alive and relevant to the times we live in. Additionally, he has traveled extensively throughout Israel and is very familiar with its history and biblical historic sites. All of this information contributes to his ability, along with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to illuminate these obscure but all-important events of our day and the days ahead.

Some of the books authored by Robert Hooley early in his career such as An East Wind about the restoration of the Jewish people (1973); Israel (1974); and Russia’s Sudden Defeat (1978) are relevant today. Many of his words from these early books are in play today. We are living in an exciting time as related to Bible prophecy. Every day we read about Israel and other countries in the Middle East. If you want to understand how current events relate to biblical scripture, his books will provide you with a great understanding.

In total, four of Robert Hooley’s books were published in Hebrew and distributed by the Association for the Welfare of Soldiers in Israel. Before the books could be published and distributed in Israel, he had to appear before the Rabbinical Board in Jerusalem. These books could not have been distributed anywhere in Israel without the unanimous consent of the Rabbinical Board.

Service Activities

Missionary Trips

Pastor Bob has been used on many speaking tours and over-seas gospel crusades to share the message of salvation and love and to minister to people in need. He has been tremendously used to bring spiritual refreshing and encouragement to pastors and their families who struggle daily to bring the salvation message to people in places such as India, Africa, Hong Kong and Korea, Japan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the Philippines.

We have heard our father on many occasions, with tears in his eyes, speak about how his hosts gave him the best bed and prepared him their best food not knowing where their next meal would come from. Carol would always pack extra clothes for him when he went on these trips because she knew that he would leave most of his clothes behind for the pastors and people in need.

We remember messages where he told us how he and other pastors would walk miles to minister in small churches where people risked their lives to even mention the words Jesus Christ. From very small groups of Christians to large rallies of people in Mexico, Pastor Bob and other ministers were privileged to see a great movement of the Lord. They were greatly encouraged when they received letters from those who had been saved and who were flourishing in their walk with the Lord or those that reported back confirmations of healings.

Pastor Bob always returned from these missionary trips humbled beyond words and thankful that the Lord had chosen him to witness these great moves of God. We do not think there was ever a dry eye in the congregations of Faith Bible Chapel or Bethel Biblical after he shared the details of some of his trips. These messages were often followed by a great refreshing and renewal to expect miracles in your own life.

Thriving Radio Ministry

Pastor Bob, in his early years, had a thriving radio ministry where he preached short 15-minute messages on salvation, hope, love, and many more subjects for both believers and non-believers. Every Sunday evening, the youth choir or soloists arrived early at the Church on West 59^th Place where several recordings for the week would be made. On other occasions, my sister and I would accompany our father to the church and help him record messages. We would start and stop the tape recorder and watch the clock holding up time cards, so that he knew how much time he had left. We enjoyed these times with our father. We were always amazed that he could easily record four or five messages from handwritten notes on just a few index cards. These messages reached many people.

Mentoring and Coaching

Pastor Bob participated in mentorship and coaching roles at both churches that helped people maximize their potential.

During his years at Faith Bible Chapel International, he also helped young pastors establish works of the Lord in other parts of the country. At one time, five different families were pioneering similar churches. This was a vision established by the original founders of Faith Bible Chapel International.

Elderly Visitation Teams

There were teams of persons who visited the sick and elderly in nursing or private homes.

Correctional Facility Ministry Teams

On a regular basis, many men and women participated in programs at correctional facilities.

Puppet Ministry

This ministry was a favorite at nursing home visits and events with children.

Complimentary Activities

Community Support

Pastor Bob encouraged people to be involved and support their communities.

A program (Mothers of Preschoolers) was organized within the church and open to mothers living in the area. (Faith Bible Chapel International, 1960’s)

Aerobic classes which were held in the church gymnasium. The classes were widely attended and open to the community. (Faith Bible Chapel International, 1960’s)

Sponsorship of a church softball team which participated in one of the community’s leagues. The team went to the state finals several times.

Men’s and Women’s Retreats

Our parents recognized the need for men and women to occasionally get away together for a weekend of Bible study and prayer. These special weekends provided a time for concentrated Bible study and prayer. The events also provided time for Christians to bond together as well as having some fun. Guest speakers were frequently invited to share inspirational testimonies and special Bible studies.

Some of the most extraordinary memories many children from the founding originators of Faith Bible Chapel International have are the long weekend retreats at the YMCA Camp in Estes Park, Colorado. These retreats provided both spiritual enrichment as well as good family fun.

Special Family Activities

Attending sports games and amusement park picnics allowed families to enjoy fun-filled activities.

Church picnics were always a big favorite. The men enjoyed cooking burgers and hot dogs and taking turns playing horseshoes or other games. Volleyball and badminton were popular activities. Croquet was always an enjoyable activity for the kids and parents. Kids just loved sending their parents’ colored croquet balls into oblivion.

In Appreciation of the Members

As their daughters, we always enjoyed reading cards from the members of the congregations and other people for special days like their birthdays or Pastor Appreciation Days, holidays, etc. The heartfelt words of so many brought joy to them and our family. Many people shared their appreciation for our parents’ guidance and care over the years, for their willingness to share the truth, and for their unwavering service to the Lord. They inspired so many people to press toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). When we think that they were able to do this for over fifty years, we get a glimpse of how dedicated they were to their congregations. Serving Jesus did not get tiresome for them; quite the opposite, it invigorated them and made them thankful for the many blessings they had received.

We have spoken in another section about how much the congregation of Bethel Biblical meant to our family. There were many reasons, but perhaps the one that stands out the most to us is that they supported our parents and helped them finish their race that began so dramatically in the spring of 1961. May the Lord bless you and honor your commitment.

Carol Hooley’s Passing to Her Heavenly Home

In August of 2008, our mother went home to be with her Lord and Savior. Her immediate family was with her as she passed from this world to her heavenly home. Word of her passing spread quickly and as her husband and two daughters departed her room, we found many people in the hospital lounge near her room worshipping and praying. There were tears and expressions of love, but there was also rejoicing in the Lord because we knew she was home with the Lord. She had finished her race and was now walking the streets of gold singing praises to her Lord. Our father often joked that she would finish her race with her boots on. This was because she never slowed down, even in her late years. She was always up early and about the day’s work.

Carol wrote in her testimony Caught Up to Heaven, which is the account of her glorious experience when she was taken up in the spirit that “in the presence of the Lord there is constant joy. I saw the angels worshipping and blessing Jesus, and His praise and adoration is unending.” We know that upon her arrival in heaven she entered a spirit of worship and praise. For those of us who know her well, we can almost picture her raising her voice to sing these words from that beautiful song, When They Ring Those Golden Bells written by Daniel de Marbelle, a European immigrant in 1887:

There’s a land beyond the river,
That we call the sweet forever,
And we only reach that shore by faith’s decree;
One by one we’ll gain the portals,
There to dwell with the immortals,
When they ring those golden bells for you and me.

We shall know no sin or sorrow,
In that haven of tomorrow,
When our barque shall sail beyond the silver sea;
We shall only know the blessing
Of our Father’s sweet caressing,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.

Don’t you hear the bells now ringing?
Don’t you hear the angels singing?
‘Tis the glory hallelujah Jubilee.
In that far-off sweet forever,
Just beyond the shining river,
When they ring the golden bells for you and me.
When They Ring Those Golden Bells

When They Ring Those Golden Bells Lyrics Copyright Sure Fire Music Co., Inc.

After our mother passed away our father shared this touching and moving story with us. One afternoon, Carol was sitting quietly in her room when he walked in and she said, ” I want to tell you something.” He paused and let her speak. Paraphrasing her words, she said I want to thank you for giving me such a wonderful life. She went on to say that it was her great privilege to work and stand alongside him. He was touched by these words, but it was not until after her passing that he really felt the impact of her words. My sister and I believe that she sensed her time on earth was coming to an end.

There is one other event that deeply touched our mother that we want to share with you. Several weeks before she passed away the International Singers had contacted our parents to say they wanted to perform together one last time in honor of both of them. She enthusiastically communicated her excitement to us about this event.

The morning of that concert at Bethel Biblical, Cindy had gone over to pick up our mother and they had planned on driving to church together. Our father had gone ahead, as that was his usual schedule. He liked to be able to pray and study prior to service. Cindy was helping our mother with her hair when she simply dropped to the floor. Cindy knew that this was more than just fainting and in those first few seconds debated if she should call for help or take her to the hospital herself. Our mother regained consciousness and Cindy talked to her about going to the hospital. She absolutely and firmly responded, “No.” She was not going to miss this concert for anything – her final words on the matter. She sat up front in the sanctuary at Bethel Biblical so that she could see the International Singers perform. Alongside of her sat Elisha Noy, dear friend, and integral part of the International Singers.

Between songs, one of the International Singers, on behalf of the group, asked for Pastor Bob and Carol to come forward where they were presented with a beautiful crystal piece in the shape of a flame. The engraved words said:

2008 Robert and Carol Hooley

Appreciation Award Presented by the International Singers

Thank you for your extraordinary dedication, and fervent passion for Israel
and the International Singers.
Your commitment ignited the excitement and energy
that made the International Singers a reality and a success.

We are not sure that the International Singers knew what had happened to Carol that morning; how determined she was to hear them sing. There are no words that can adequately describe how touched and moved our parents were by the International Singers’ music, gracious words, and loving gift. The gift remains in their home today. Our parents deeply loved this group of men and women. I think we can say with assurance that our mom just might borrow the phrase of one of her great-grandsons — “Best Day Ever.”

It all began years ago when God gave our parents a vision to carry a message of love and support to the Jewish people and Land of Israel through song. John 15:16 says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

Carol Hooley Honored in Israel

In 2010 Bethel Biblical hosted a seven-day tour to Israel for about twenty-five people including Pastor Bob, his two daughters, and Elisha Noy. The primary purpose of the tour was to dedicate an outdoor exercise-obstacle course and covered picnic area at Tel Nof Airbase in honor of Carol Hooley, our beloved mother. The outdoor area was for the soldiers on Tel Nof Airbase also known as Air Force Base 8 located near Rehovot, Israel. Tel Nof Airbase houses several fighter, helicopter, and airlift squadrons. Pastor Bob, his two daughters, and Elisha were privileged to meet with the Commander of the base. A reception following the dedication ceremony was held at the new facility. Guests included Brigadier General Natke Nir and General Avigdor Kahalani (Ret) and other dignitaries from the base. Guests shared beautiful memories of the early years of the International Singers, Carol, and Pastor Bob. Carol is warmly remembered for her great capacity to show and extend the hand of friendship. Many of the dignitaries attending said,

Carol Hooley’s Final Years

We spoke about Carol’s early years, so it seems fitting that we might share a few words about those years at the end of her life. Carol deeply loved the congregation of Bethel Biblical. These people held a special place in her heart because of their great capacity to love and to support both her and Pastor Bob in their desire to finish the call that the Lord had placed on their lives in the spring of 1961. Although Carol’s passing was unexpected, she finished her race strong and had maintained her profound and deep relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our mother was a woman of prayer. People who knew Carol from as far back as her early days at Faith Bible Chapel continued to contact her, sometimes in secret, and asked her to pray with them. Some of these calls took place in the late night or early morning hours to which she never complained. You see, they knew she knew how to petition the heavens for a special need; to beseech the Lord on their behalf. She also taught them how to come before the Lord with a humble heart and thanksgiving and share their burdens and troubles with their Lord. Sometimes, she was simply a listener when no one else would just listen. She rarely spoke of these experiences. She just quietly ministered to these individuals. She always gave God the glory when someone called her back to say God answered their prayers. These were joyous times for her.

Our mother was a never-ending source of love. She was warm and caring and she was approachable. She was gifted from the Lord with the ability to easily speak with people, to make them feel comfortable, and she was able to show great compassion. Two stories comes to mind about our mother.

Carol was someone who always shared the awesomeness of God. She knew what it was like to be rejected and persecuted. She also knew and felt genuine love from so many. She knew the power of a kind word, a smile, or a word of encouragement. People she knew, even strangers who had brief conversations with her, saw her authenticity and genuineness and were drawn to her.

Carol knew it was not her, she knew it was the Holy Spirit that lived within her. If she were here, we are sure that she would share that scripture in Galatians that says, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

In Tribute to Our Mother

Not a day goes by that we don’t miss our mother and think of her. She was a beautiful woman, one of courage and love, strength and caring, and humility and generosity. She was a godly woman. She had a twinkle in her eyes and a smile that could brighten your day.

Bethel Biblical Closure

In the late spring and early summer of 2019, the Corporate Board of Bethel Biblical, after much prayer and review of the Church financials, attendance numbers, and other data, made the decision to quickly close the church and try to sell Bethel Biblical to another church. When this option failed, the Corporate Board listed the property with a real estate broker.

The closure of Bethel Biblical was a heart-wrenching decision for our family and the congregation. Bethel had been home to so many wonderful Christians — it was family. It was a tearful and sad time. The Lord, through the ministry of two other pastors, witnessed the Corporate Board’s plan to close. The Board was encouraged to hold dear to our hearts the words, the ending would be better than the beginning. Little did we know at that time that this closing process would be punctuated with miracle after miracle.

Although Bethel Biblical was blessed financially, the reality of the situation was that the Corporate Board could not continue to operate the church and maintain funds to hold us through the time it might take for the church building to sell. Realtors, city projections and data, and other research all said it could take up to five or more years, if at all, for a church to sell. At the time we listed Bethel Biblical there were at least nine other churches for sale in the greater Denver area and several of those had been on the market for over seven years. Thankfully, the Lord already knew the outcome. To the surprise of our realtor and our attorney, we were approached with an offer for full price within three months of listing. I can tell you on the evening of that notification, many of us could hardly speak because of the tears of joy that God had answered our prayers and those of so many of you. We knew that the Lord had defined the timing of Bethel Biblical’s closure. We had witnessed a miracle.

You know, the Lord just sometimes wants to make a statement to His children, so He decided that we should not just have one offer, there would be two offers at full price. We still get goosebumps just speaking about this. Due to some contract changes regarding required inspections, our realtor advised us that the closing date for Bethel Biblical would be moved to October 8^th, which just happens to be our loving mother’s birthday. When Pastor Bob’s daughter called him and Cindy to update them on the change, she said, “Guess who is going to be at the Closing”? The answer was “Mom.”

As a result of the sale of Bethel Biblical, we can proclaim that this extraordinary, deeply committed group of people (Bethel Biblical), have been able to make a substantial donation to the soldiers of the Israel Border Guard. After several months of communication with the Israel Border Guard, it was agreed that Bethel Biblical would be a donor for an Olympic size outdoor swimming pool for the soldiers on one of its bases. We were ecstatic that the donation would result in such a large and prominent project as a swimming pool. The pool would be used for the enjoyment and welfare of the soldiers as well as training. We had been taught from the Bible that God will bless them that bless Israel and curse them which curse Israel (Genesis 12:3). This was an important truth and principle in the ministry of Bethel Biblical. Who would have ever imagined that a goal set back in 1999, often forgotten about, would be fulfilled? Three words tell the story: GOD DID IT! What an amazing and powerful legacy for all of us to share. A copy of A Legacy’s Journal has been placed right here on Words for Living.

Pastor Bob’s Post-Retirement Years

We have shared throughout From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose that our father’s ministerial career has exceeded over fifty years. What we did not tell you is that after Carol, his wife, passed away in 2008, our father went on to serve the Lord in the capacity of pastor and president for at least seven of those years before he retired in 2015 at the age of 85. We look back to that time in 1961 when our parents attended a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Convention where our mother was miraculously healed, and our father recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with such wonder and amazement. Today, he remains unwavering in his proclamation that God is so good, and that by raising Jesus Christ from death, He gave them a new life and a hope that will live forever. (I Peter 1:3)

In 1964 our father was officially ordained by the Lord and began his many years of service. The man who ordained him prophesized over his life that he saw our father running. He has not quit running since that prophecy. He is now 91 years old and to this day, aside from his personal spiritual growth and maturity in the Lord, has not changed in his pursuit of serving the Lord since that moment he became new in Christ and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. God chose our father not because of anything he did, but because God loved him and saw that he was willing to serve Him faithfully. We recall the Bible verse in Luke 12:48 that says, “ . . . to whom much is given, much will be required.”

There is only one way that our father could have remained in the ministry all these years and still possess that deep agape love for His Lord and Savior. We would substitute the word thrived for remained. What does the word thrived mean? It means to grow vigorously, to flourish, to prosper, to progress toward or realize a goal. Our father lived with every fiber of his mind and body the words in Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

The reason why our father could stand up week after week and deliver a message inspired by the Holy Spirit, or witness for Jesus Christ many times over, or bring comfort and encouragement to someone in need is because He has the most beautiful and deepest relationship with his great shepherd. God is the kind of good and gentle shepherd with which sheep will thrive. God knows his sheep and He provides for and nurtures those sheep with knowledge and understanding. He guides the sheep past any dangers to a place of rest. Psalm 23:1 says, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” We can hear our dad speaking those words in Psalm 103:1, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”

There are many elements of a personal relationship with the Lord. We are going to address a few of them that we believe help underscore the kind of personal relationship our father had with his Lord. It was the kind of personal relationship that allowed him to flourish in the ministry for so many years. We can hear him speak these words, “The Lord is my strength and my song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2)

Praise and Worship

From our earliest memories, we have told you how our father would set himself aside to pray and worship the Lord. On a lighter note, I think we have the only father that when sitting outside one of our school classrooms for parent-teacher conferences could be overheard saying, Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, or Lord help us. Laughingly, we have to admit that we always did wonder if he was praying because he thought our teachers were going to give him bad news about our educational progress. Turns out, if you spent any time at all with him, you learned that some people talk to themselves, our dad talked to the Lord. We can think of several verses that we know our father spoke out loud when praising and worshiping the Lord.

When we read God’s Word, we open communication with our Lord. It is in times like these that we recognize the power of the Holy Spirit. We feel close to our Lord and we know that the Holy Father is seeking people to worship him. For those of you who sat under our Father’s pulpit ministry, we know that you will remember occasions when he finished a message by simply quoting scripture after scripture. Almost always, the congregations became quiet, and you felt the anointing of the Lord ascend into that place of worship. Individually, you felt the Lord speaking and calling to your heart. This is an example of how our father showed us the power of worship and praise. He showed us how pleased the Lord is to be worshipped. He would encourage you to memorize some of God’s promises and quote them during your private time of praise and worship. I Chronicles 16:29 says, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name, bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”

We end this section with sharing the words to our father’s favorite hymn, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, by Julia Ward Howe (1861).

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord:
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat:
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make man holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.

The Battle Hymn of the Republic Lyrics are public domain.

Prayer and Submission to Your Heavenly Father

We learned from our father personally and from sitting under his ministry about the power of prayer and submission. We are all called to be in submission to the Lord. Job 22:21 says, “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee,” and “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (I Peter 5:6).

We learned that it is in those quiet times of prayer before the Lord, that even though the Lord is listening to your request, He is calling on you to desire a close and profound relationship with Him. We have heard our father speak from personal experience that it is in those times of prayer that you begin to know your Savior. It is in that quietness that you will receive strength from the Lord, that He will provide you with the patience and endurance for everything that comes your way. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God . . .”

At 91 years of age, the Word of the Lord is imprinted on our father’s heart. He began in 1961 to memorize God’s Holy Word. Daily, he was dwelling in the Word by committing to memory so many of God’s great promises. He may stumble over a few words today, but his heart knows the words, his heart knows the meaning and depth of those words. “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16). Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1). “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:50).

Trust and Believe

In our father’s testimony recorded in 1977, he spoke how he and Carol simply believed that the Lord would answer their prayers. Their faith was strong, and they were not overrun by doubts. Because of their unwavering faith, we have seen the Lord establish Faith Bible Chapel International and Bethel Biblical – Handfuls on Purpose.

We have heard our father minister time and time again, how the Lord wants to give His people the desires of their heart. Yet, many times we simply fail to ask. We want our father’s experience and testimony to encourage you to seek the Lord and simply believe that He will do as He promised. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

As we conclude, we want to be clear that it is not our desire to lift up our father, but rather to lift up the Holy Spirit that lives within him. The Bible speaks about great men of faith and how they loved the Lord. These Bible accounts can enlarge our faith; they provide hope when we feel there is none; and they speak to the greatness of the Lord and remind us that yes, we too, can have that greatness manifested in our lives.

Psalm 71:15 says that I will declare your righteousness and your salvation every day. We desire that our father’s testimony will encourage and inspire you to seek a more profound and deeper walk with the Lord and that it will be enduring. It would be his prayer that you recognize that God’s goodness and love are like never-ending springs of living water. There is nothing too difficult for your God. Our father spoke often about the riches and rewards of living a godly life. He has strived to live that kind of life and to be an example to others. Even in times of despair or great conflict, we never heard our father turn from the Lord. He knew in his heart that the Lord would watch over his coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” Finally, “ . . . He who watches over you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3). Our father knew confidently in his heart that the God of Abraham was beside him.

We close with these words, our father believed in God with all of his heart and with all of his mind. We can hear him raise his voice and say, “That I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“(Romans 8:38-39).

Our father lives in this world, but his mind and his heart lives in that place where he worships with his Lord; a place where he has communion with the Lord. It is a place where God comforts him, teaches him, and shares His wisdom. This place is where he finds the strength and perseverance to stay committed to his calling. It is where he finds the courage to speak the truth of God’s Word even when it means rejection or ridicule from man. He never wavers from the calling that God placed on his life. He is obedient to the Lord and he willingly does what God asks him to do. Why? Because he loves God wholeheartedly and without reservation.

Our father has shared some of the hidden treasures and promises of the Bible on how to live a life of joy and contentment in the Lord. He has admonished us to repent from our sins and to ask for forgiveness. He has shared the hope that we each finish the race we began and that we know that one day, we will worship around the throne of God.

Closing Remarks

We think of the story of Abraham. Abraham willingly did all that God asked him to do because he wholeheartedly believed and trusted in the Lord. The Bible says in James 2:23, “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.”

As his daughters, we have attempted to lift up Jesus Christ in writing From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose We know that we have succeeded because our hearts have been touched in a new way, encouraged in a new way, and strengthened in a new way to know that we will finish our race strong. You see, our father and mother have shown us how. We don’t know how much more time our father will have before he is called home, but we say to him, thank you dad for showing us the way; for showing us that the sacrifices are worth the times of testing AND that the joys are unspeakable.

We take this moment to tell him that as he prepares his heart to meet his Lord and Savior that he find rest and peace in knowing that he served his Lord well. You were called in 1961 to dedicate your life in service to the Lord. In 1984 when men told you it was finished, God most assuredly told you and showed you it was not finished. The indisputable truth is that God overruled the hearts of men and women long ago and purposed that you would serve him faithfully for many more years. He blessed you with many years that fulfilled the prophecy that “the ending would be better than the beginning.” You have received Handfuls on Purpose [Blessings]. You are loved and esteemed by so many people. Much like Gideon had to do, you must know and accept in the depths of your heart that God loves you and that he sees your great faithfulness.

It’s not unusual for people to create a bucket list or set goals when they are thinking of retiring from their life’s vocation. Even though there are likely more chapters to your story, we think that you should begin a new tradition which is to prepare a heavenly bucket list of all those Bible characters who you want to speak with or those things that you want to do when you arrive home to your final destination.

Thank you for the wonderful life that you have given us. Thank you for the spiritual inheritance that we will treasure every day forever.

We Feel Humbled and Honored to Say, We Believe
Our Father, Robert Hooley, Can be Called God’s Friend

Words from the Desk of Pastor Bob

Epilogue

When the idea to write our parents’ story was conceived, we felt it would be a powerful testimony of their commitment and dedication to pastoral service for over fifty years. It is our hope that reading From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose will be a blessing to all that read it. We also thought, in some small way, that it would lovingly speak to our father, who is 91 years old, about the completeness of his ministry and everything that was accomplished. We also wanted to pay tribute to our mother who passed away in 2008.

What we never expected was that writing From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose was as much for us as it was for our parents. As the process began to unfold over the period of several months, we experienced a spiritual refreshing that touched our hearts so deeply that we were almost speechless at times. We fully expected this process to be very sentimental and there were times where we laughed or shed tears from the memories but what we felt was far more than that. There were times when we found ourselves compelled to call each other; yet we could not find the words to describe what we were feeling. It was as though, we just needed to know the other person was there.

It was not until we were nearly three-quarters of the way through the process of putting the words to paper that we began to realize what the Lord wanted to show us. We were totally awestruck by the totality or completeness of our parents’ years in the ministry. Page after page of their written history came to life, their own words from old recordings were faith building and demonstrated just how miraculously the Lord had guided their lives. We knew the individual chapters of their journey, but the Lord wanted us to understand the full magnitude of His calling upon their lives. He wanted us to feel His power, to know that He himself, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, had directed their years of service.

We have walked alongside our parents throughout their ministry, some years as children, and many years as adults. As preacher’s kids we learned that shepherds do not go off duty. They are always on call to care for the people in their congregation whether by telephone or a late-night car ride to the hospital. Our home was home to many. We were proud of this and we were proud that are parents were a living example of the Words of the Bible. Many times, we were moved out of our bedrooms in the middle of the night to sleep on the couch because someone needed a place to stay. In a number of ways, we learned to be more adult at an early age than our peers. We learned to speak with adults and interact with them in a polite and respectful manner. There is a very social aspect to being a pastor which spills over to the family. Our parents were proud that they could take us anywhere because we were so well-behaved. As preacher’s kids we always felt that we had to be perfect; we did not want to create uncomfortable situations for our parents. Unfortunately, many people felt we had to be perfect too.

Our parents’ departure from Faith Bible Chapel International in 1984 just did not happen to them, it happened to us too. In a matter of days their world and our world was decidedly changed. We believed, in the literal and biblical sense, what we had been taught about confessing your faults and finding forgiveness; yet, in this instance we heard a completely different message from men and women that we once trusted and some that we held great affection for. Many of these men and women had great influence over our lives as young children, adults, and young marrieds. They were no longer recognizable to us.

With very few exceptions only a few of our closest personal friends were willing to stand by us. For the most part, there were no kind words for us — two young women who had young children of their own. Very few were there to comfort us, there was no charity extended, quite the opposite. People who once would have stopped to visit with us in a Target or a restaurant would no longer speak to us. We found ourselves in the position of trying to help our parents but at the same time were shockingly hurt by people’s behavior. Truthfully, we were deeply saddened and angered by how our family was treated.

We confess that for a season, we saw Christianity through a very cloudy lens. Over and over again, we questioned this situation. To be very blunt, we had to find a way to reconcile why the scriptures seemed to apply to some but not others. We were often very aware of circumstances that happened in people’s lives; we heard things and we saw things. What we saw during those days though were that some were welcomed back to the family of God; others were not so fortunate. Up until the time of writing From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose, we have remained steadfastly silent about our feelings.

Thankfully, we can tell you that the God we serve is a God of love, He is the Great Comforter, and He is our Refuge and our Rock. He is the one who held all of our tears and sadness. He never left our side. He gave us hope and He gently reminded us that our faith had to reside in Him, NOT man. Psalm 146:3 says, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.”

In times of hardship, families learn to pull together. Our family was no exception. Our parents remained strong for us and reminded us that God is true to His Word, and that He would not fail us. Time after time, we reminded ourselves to keep our eyes on the Lord and that God was not finished. It was not always an easy lesson though. We leave those memories with the Lord and we say trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding but in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When we look at the completeness of our parents’ years in the ministry, we see the majesty and greatness of the Lord; we see their dedication and commitment to the Lord’s ordained call on their lives. We see faithfulness and resolve to finish their race; we see courage and humility; and we see the Sovereignty of God lifting them up and encouraging them on to the finish line. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” We know that the children of Israel passed through several phases in their journey to the promised land. But much like that day that the Lord made a covenant with Abraham and said, to your descendants, I give this land, our inheritance was marked long ago when God called our parents, Robert and Carol Hooley, into His service. We intend to occupy our spiritual inheritance in the fullness, completeness, and richness of what He determined for us.

As our 91 year-old father says, “my desire is to still proclaim the full counsel of God.” Our father is still an example of not giving an inch to the carnality of this world, but rather praising the Lord today with as much enthusiasm and joy as when he first accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. We know that our mother would tell us to love one another, to keep our eyes on the Lord and to stay strong, to stay the course even when man or other factors try to pull you away.

Our parents taught us the true meaning of perseverance to all things in the Lord even in the face of great adversity as well as during times of great blessing. They have shown us honor, integrity, and uprightness. You will recognize the Hand of God on their lives as you read From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose. Their testimony is indisputable. It only brings glory and edification to the Lord, not Robert or Carol Hooley.

Someday both of our parents will be home with the Lord, but their powerful legacy lives on with us and in us. It is ours to cherish. We have seen and experienced the richness of living a godly life. We know that they would want us to finish the race that the Lord has set before us.

Right before we moved from California to Colorado, our parents called a family meeting. Our parents had saved enough money to purchase a small camper. They wanted to know if we should purchase the camper or use the money to move to Colorado and continue in the ministry. The vote, anonymous, was 4 to 0 to use the money to move to Colorado. Our mother said, in her personal testimony, recorded in 2008, that she thought the vote would still be 4 to 0 at that time. Today in 2021, we are confirming mom and dad that it is still 4 to 0.

We say a heartfelt and special thank you to the dear, wonderful congregation of Bethel Biblical. Thank you for finishing the race with our parents. We know that the Lord will bless you mightily, Handfuls on Purpose. We know that throughout their ministry many other people were a great blessing to them, and we say thank you. Some loved our parents from afar. We know that in the end though, we will all love each other around the throne of God as we worship the MOST HIGH GOD, El Elyon.

Many times, our parents were told through prophecy that their ending would be better than the beginning. What an inspiring and awesome word of the Lord to receive. Today, we celebrate the fulfillment of that prophecy. The Bible says that you are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.

We think the words that our father used so many times throughout his ministry are just the perfect way to close From Glory to Glory – Handfuls on Purpose.

Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus

The End