History of Bethel

Bethel began in Jamaica in 1950 with the intention of starting a children's home. Shortly after completion this ministry moved to Haiti (where it is still operating today) due to political and economic issues.

The abandoned house and property were put up for sale. During this time, an Anglican minister (who later became Bishop to Africa) used it for the purpose of teaching Bible to the young boys in the community. Soon afterwards, the property was purchased by the Open Bible organization. They planned to develop it and use it for a church camp.

In the early sixties, the property was leased by an American missionary who resided there while ministering in the Jamaican prisons system. He realized most the men in prison could not read or write, so in 1965, he and his wife started Bethel Christian School, which consisted of elementary grades 1 - 6. During this time, Mr. Swett also relinquished a portin of the schools facility to the Caribbean Center for the Deaf. This opened up an opportunity for American missionaries Bruce and Lois Dunggan to open the deaf school while they searched for a suitable piece of property on which to build. The deaf school remained at Bethel for two years. Property was then purchased and the Jamaica School for the Deaf was finally built. Still in operation today, this school of three hundred students recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

In 1973, Mr. Swett retired and sold Bethel Christian School and it's remaining eleven year property lease to American missionaries Herb and Vivian Adkins of West Indies Christian Outreach. The school continued to grow over the next eleven years, as enrollment grew to over 300 students. In 1982, the school was donated 40 acres of land and relocated its school to this new location.

The Bethel property was sold again, this time it was purchased by Youth With a Mission (YWAM). It was to become this organization's mission base for the next seven years. In 1989, YWAM sold the property to David and Marla Day. The new owners began to remodel it to use as a retreat center for short-term mission teams from the United States and Canada. Two years later, the Days returned to the U.S. and sold the property to a group of Christian businessmen in Louisville, Kentucky. This group is presently the board of directors of Bethel Christian Retreat.

From 1992 through 1995, Rick and Diana Graham became the administrators and continued to host short-term mission teams from the United States and Canada.

In 1995, missionaries Joe and Judy Robinson of Intercessory Action Ministries who had previously spent five years on the field in Jamaica were asked to oversee operations at Bethel. The Robinsons were willing to provide this service until new directors could be found. God, however had a different plan for the Robinsons. In March 2003, the Robinsons returned to the United States to serve God in other capacities.


In 2003, missionaries Dean and Karen Dawson came to Bethel to direct the operations of the camp. The Dawsons are excited for the opportunity to serve Jesus in Jamaica while at Bethel. Pastor Dean and Karen have experience 'serving Jesus in Jamaica' and we welcome their love for the people of Jamaica.

Once called, "The Hidden Jewel of Jamaica" because of its panoramic views, Bethel is aptly named for "God's dwelling place." Bethel is a place where God's purpose prevails and His provisions for salvation, healing, deliverance, and blessings continue to deeply touch the country Jamaica. Bethel continues to operate today to serve the people of Jamaica and the furtherance of the Gospel.