HISTORY

Bethel Colony of Mercy was founded in 1948 by Mr. and Mrs. James N. Claffee as a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian ministry to men in bondage to alcohol and/or drugs. Bethel Colony has offered help to thousands of men from all walks of life. Having received new life in Christ, scores have experienced restored health, renewed minds, redeemed reputations and reunited families.

PURPOSE

The purpose of Bethel Colony is best summarized in our slogan, "Victory Through Christ." God has provided the cross of Jesus Christ as the only true escape from bondage. At Bethel Colony we seek to point men to the reality of the indwelling Christ as the present Savior from sin and His provision of the Holy Spirit who transforms men in every area of life.

TYPICAL DAY

Wake-up call is at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast at 7:00. After making beds and cleaning rooms, the men assemble together in the classroom for 25 minutes of devotional and quiet time, including assigned Bible study. Morning Bible teaching continues from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Work assignments for the day are then made and residents work until approximately 4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch, and a mid-afternoon break. Work assignments do not produce an income, but are designed to produce discipline and responsibility. Evening services are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, and study-related videos are shown on Wednesday evening. This required schedule teaches participants to better manage their time and supports the goal of adding more manageability to their lives. For a detailed overview of the program schedule, click here.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in the Divine Inspiration and Authority of the Scriptures. By this we mean a miraculous guidance of the Holy Spirit in their original writing, applying to all parts of the Scriptures equally, even to the choice of words, so that the result is the very Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Moreover, we believe that God exercised such singular care and providence through the ages in preserving the written Word, that the Scriptures as we now have them and in every essential way, as originally given, contain all things necessary to salvation.
We believe in one God, revealed as existing in three equal persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe in the Deity and the Virgin Birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe in the Holy Spirit as a Divine Person, a personality distinct from the Father and the Son, who indwells every believer.
We believe that as through one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, in that all have sinned.
We believe in the death of Jesus Christ as a perfect substitute for man, and that His atoning blood was a sufficient expiation for the sin of all men.
We believe that Christ arose from the dead and that those who receive Him by faith, as their personal Savior from sin, have been given a new life from God that brings victory over sin.
We believe that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone, and that we are accounted righteous before God, only through the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We believe in the everlasting conscious blessedness of the saved and in the everlasting conscious punishment of the lost.
We believe in the visible and personal return of our Lord Jesus Christ for His church, and then with His redeemed to establish a world-wide Kingdom of righteousness and peace.
We believe it to be the supreme responsibility of every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to make His gospel known to all men.
We believe that due to the unique ministry of Bethel Colony, and in keeping with Ephesians 5:18 and other portions of Scripture, no member of ministry shall use, to any extent, or traffic alcoholic beverages or other controlled or addictive substances or be a member of any secret society.

FUNDING

Bethel Colony of Mercy, Inc. is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization. Our policy is full information without solicitation. Through the years Bethel Colony has been entirely supported by voluntary gifts from former residents and their families, churches and other concerned individuals. Confident of the Lord's provision through His people, Bethel Colony provides its services without charge to the men that come. There is a $60.00 entry fee that helps recover the expenses of notebooks, reading materials, and workbooks. For more information on funding of this ministry click here.

LOCATION

Bethel Colony of Mercy is located on State Route 18 North in Lenoir, North Carolina. It consists of a complex of modest, attractive buildings overlooking the peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility includes a chapel, administrative offices, gym, weight room, recreation areas and resident dorms. For more information on where we are located click here.