In 2008, longtime Hillcrest Members and ministers, Doug and Terrie Fuller, accepted a fulltime position at "The Brook at Bethpage."  In 1 Kings 17:5, God instructed Elijah the Tishbite to hide himself "by the brook Cherish which is before the Jordan."  Elijah had been preaching words that the people didn't want to hear and had come under attack.  At the brook, God protected him, fed him, and provided water from a brook that didn't run dry until God was ready for him to re-enter the world.  Today, many of those that have devoted themselves to fulltime Christian service are suffering from a variety of emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems.  Overwork, family and church-related stress, and spritual attack have taken a terrible toll on ministers struggling to make sense out of crammed calendars, hectic homes, splintered dreams, starved intimacy, and shriveled purpose.  More than 1500 pastors are leaving the pulpit monthly.  Ministry challenges are literally choking the hope out of pastors' souls.

The Brook at Bethpage offers a place for weary pastors to find rest, refuge, and and restoration in the midst of God's Creation.  "The Brook" is located in the foothills of southwest Missouri.  If you know a pastor or minister who would benefit from a sabbatical at "The Brook" take an introductory trip via the world wide web at www.brookatbethpage.com .