Eliya Qubty is a prominent figure in the history of Baptist churches in Israel, not only because of his church and administrative service, but also because of his long-standing role in education and his contributions to youth ministry and the Baptist revival during pivotal periods.
Early Life, Education, and Joining the Baptist Church
Eliya Qubty was born in 1940 and received his schooling at the Nazareth Baptist School. In 1959, he officially joined the Baptist Church, beginning a long career of service within the Baptist community.
His Educational Service: 48 Years at the Baptist School
One of Eliya Qubty’s most notable achievements was his 48 years as a teacher at the Nazareth Baptist School, an exceptional period that reflects the depth of his commitment to the mission of education and serving future generations.
His service continued even after his retirement; He continued for ten more years as the matriculation exam coordinator until 2015.
His Role in Camp Service: The Potter’s Wheel and the Baptist Village
Eliya Qubty had a strong presence in summer camps service, particularly at the Potter’s Wheel camps in the Baptist Village. He managed the camps at the Baptist Village from 1972 to 1983. These camps attracted hundreds of young people annually, especially students from the Baptist School, and had a clear impact on shaping an entire generation of young believers.
His Ordination as a Deacon
Eliya Qubty was ordained as a deacon at the Baptist Church in Nazareth in 1980. This demonstrates that his service was not only educational but also ecclesiastical, with official recognition from the church.
His Presidency of the Baptist Churches Association
Eliya Qubty was one of the presidents of the Association of Baptist Churches, serving from 1992 to 1996. His presidency followed that of brother Fouad Haddad and preceded that of Rev. Philip Saad, who led the association from 1996 to 2000.
His Presence at the Inauguration of the Baptist Center in Eilaboun
One of the testimonies reflecting his leadership is of his participation in the inauguration of the Evangelical Baptist Center in Eilaboun in October 1995. He attended as the association’s president at the time, alongside local figures and servants from churches in the Galilee.
His Family Life: A Story of Pain and Faith
His First Marriage: Miladah
Eliya married Miladah, a girl from the The George W. Truett Orphanage in Nazareth. She was named Miladah because she was born on Christmas Day. God blessed them with three children.
But in 1974, Miladah was diagnosed with leukemia.
A moving testimony written by the missionary Chandler Lanier, describing how the faithful fought the disease with prayer, and fasting, amidst great hope for her recovery.
Her condition then deteriorated, and she was hospitalized. On Good Friday, March 28, 1975, someone heard her singing:
“He lives, He lives, Jesus Christ lives today.”
Late that same night, Miladah passed away.
His Second Marriage: Rhadia Shurush
Shortly after, Eliya married Rhadia Shurush. She was the first child to join the The George W. Truett Orphanage in Nazareth in 1940. She remained at the orphanage until she finished high school.
Then she studied in the United States and earned a second degree in social work, then returned and worked for about 30 years developing the social services department at Nazareth Hospital.
Eliya and Rhadia were blessed with three more children.
Eliya, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday February 17, 2025.
Based on information provided by Bader Mansour, author of Baptists in the Holy Land 1867-2026 (upcoming soon)
