This book contains hope-filled stories of redemption and transformation from the rehabilitation program started by the largest Protestant church in Spain. From the seed planted in one church in Madrid, there are now over 50 communities. They are known as Betel - a Spanish word meaning House of God. The men and women that have formed this community of grace are affectionately called Betelitos. This is their story. They used to be involved in horrific abuse, multiple suicide attempts, overdoses, gang violence, prison, prostitution, and homelessness. Three quarters of the congregation have been addicted to heroin and nearly all have spent at least one night in prison. Five years ago, half the church was HIV positive. There have been too many funerals. Every Betelito has a past they would rather forget. Desperate and alone, they came to the program and found hope. Now they have experienced forgiveness, belonging, restoration, healing, and community. They have joined a family and experienced love and welcome few of them had even seen before. Through the power and grace of God, they have come to know redemption and transformation. Not only are they off the streets but free of their past and passionate about their future. There is hope.

This book contains hope-filled stories of redemption and transformation from the rehabilitation program started by the largest Protestant church in Spain. From the seed planted in one church in Madrid, there are now over 50 communities. They are known as Betel - a Spanish word meaning House of God. The men and women that have formed this community of grace are affectionately called Betelitos. This is their story. They used to be involved in horrific abuse, multiple suicide attempts, overdoses, gang violence, prison, prostitution, and homelessness. Three quarters of the congregation have been addicted to heroin and nearly all have spent at least one night in prison. Five years ago, half the church was HIV positive. There have been too many funerals. Every Betelito has a past they would rather forget. Desperate and alone, they came to the program and found hope. Now they have experienced forgiveness, belonging, restoration, healing, and community. They have joined a family and experienced love and welcome few of them had even seen before. Through the power and grace of God, they have come to know redemption and transformation. Not only are they off the streets but free of their past and passionate about their future. There is hope.

This book contains hope-filled stories of redemption and transformation from the rehabilitation program started by the largest Protestant church in Spain. From the seed planted in one church in Madrid, there are now over 50 communities. They are known as Betel - a Spanish word meaning House of God. The men and women that have formed this community of grace are affectionately called Betelitos. This is their story. They used to be involved in horrific abuse, multiple suicide attempts, overdoses, gang violence, prison, prostitution, and homelessness. Three quarters of the congregation have been addicted to heroin and nearly all have spent at least one night in prison. Five years ago, half the church was HIV positive. There have been too many funerals. Every Betelito has a past they would rather forget. Desperate and alone, they came to the program and found hope. Now they have experienced forgiveness, belonging, restoration, healing, and community. They have joined a family and experienced love and welcome few of them had even seen before. Through the power and grace of God, they have come to know redemption and transformation. Not only are they off the streets but free of their past and passionate about their future. There is hope.