07/30/2026
Bethel Lutheran Foundation Director, Joel Babcock shares about "A New Place to Call Home" in the Beacon. https://www.blfnd.org/bethel-beacon
A project of this size requires all of us. It requires people who:
▪️ Believe - believe in the vision
▪️ Share - spread the word & build excitement
▪️ Pray - pray in faith and with confidence
▪️ Support - financially support the mission
A New Place to Call Home: A Journey Worth Pursuing
Galatians 6:9 reminds us: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
This verse has been an encouragement throughout my time as director. Large goals require patience, commitment, and perseverance. Recently, I experienced a personal reminder of what perseverance looks like when I completed the Williston Half Marathon. Crossing that finish line was exciting and rewarding, but the accomplishment didn't happen on race day alone. It was the result of months of preparation, training runs, discipline, and pushing through the days when it would have been easier to quit.
A half marathon is not completed with one single step. It is achieved through thousands of steps taken consistently over time.
The same is true for Bethelﾒs building project, A New Place to Call Home. Reaching our goal will require many people taking steps together. Every conversation, every commitment, every donation,
and every act of support moves us closer to the finish line. And just like completing a race, the satisfaction of reaching this goal will come from knowing we worked together, persevered, and accomplished something that will make a lasting impact.
One of the most frequent questions I hear is, "When are you breaking ground?"
I love that question because it shows excitement, interest, and an eagerness to see this project move forward. It reminds me that this is not just a building project; it is a community vision and an investment in the future.
The short answer is, "Not yet, but we're getting closer!"
The Capital Campaign goal is $28 million, and we currently need an additional $22 million before we can break ground. Yes, it is a significant goal, but it is certainly a goal worth pursuing. The
impact of this will extend far beyond bricks and mortar as A New Place to Call Home represents dignity, compassion, quality care, and hope for generations to come.
What will it take to get us across the finish line?
A project of this size requires all of us. It requires people who:
▪️ Believe - believe in the vision
▪️ Share - spread the word & build excitement
▪️ Pray - pray in faith and with confidence
▪️ Support - financially support the mission
Each person has a role to play in helping us see A New Place to Call Home become a reality. The finish line is ahead, and I believe the best is yet to come!
With hope and gratitude,
Joel Babcock
Director, Bethel Lutheran Foundation
www.blfnd.org
