Anniversaries provide the perfect opportunity to remember God’s faithfulness. This month, October 2021, Lighthouse Ministries turns thirty! It seems like only yesterday when Larry and I discussed starting this ministry.
While on staff with Scope Ministries in Oklahoma City, both of us felt a definite pull to North Carolina. Neither of us knew a soul here. We visited Raleigh seeking confirmation. Mike and Sharon Mahaffey, friends of my Scope Ministry trainer Kelly Hart (now Rogers), let us stay with them that week. We met their church small group and learned they’d been praying for biblical counselors. Was that the pull we felt to Raleigh?
We cashed in our individual retirement savings, packed our U-Haul, and set off for our fourth state in four years. Larry met clients at coffee shops until Bill Johnson, a kind businessman, offered him a room in his office complex. Women met me at our home, or I’d juggle office time with Larry. Kelly Hart Rogers and Heather Bunzey joined us in those early years after we began to bring in enough clients and money to rent an extra room. Later Steve Jones came.
After four years under Scope ministries, we sensed the call to establish our own local ministry. Lighthouse Ministries was established in October 1991.
Two distinctives have guided our ministry. We offer biblically based, Christ-centered counseling and teaching, and we operate on a contribution basis. We never want lack of money to keep someone from receiving the help they need.
Through the years God brought other wonderful people including Marilyn Harding to work with us. Now we’ve pared our team back and narrowed our focus. Larry specializes in relationship counseling. He helps individuals and families experience healthy relationships with others, themselves, and with God. I write our weekly encouragement blog and write and teach Bible studies and Christian living. I also offer personality coaching, speaker/writing coaching, and help over-achievers learn the difference between being responsible and being faithful. Our daughter Ginny offers a weekly Bible study for women.
Help Us Celebrate
Some dear friends are offering a matching funds gift of $20,000 for donations. This opportunity applies to new and existing donors that exceed their normal giving to Lighthouse. The offer goes until Thanksgiving Day. Donations can be mailed to our office at Lighthouse Ministries, 104 D Fountain Brook Circle, Cary, NC 27511 or given online.
Without the generosity of God’s people, we wouldn’t be here today. As we celebrate God’s faithfulness, we want to express our gratitude to our amazing board and to all who’ve supported us along the way through your prayers, gifts, and participation. You have fueled this beacon of hope. If we can serve you, please contact us.
Anniversaries provide the perfect time to remember God’s faithfulness. This month, October 2021, Lighthouse Ministries turns thirty! #LighthouseMinistries, #RefreshingFaith Share on XNow to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephes. 3:20-21 NIV).
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Blessings,
Resources
The Role of Faith in Your Everyday Life with Anne Walsh of Painless Universal
Anne Walsh asked me questions on my faith journey. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Anne.
Opportunities
In this time of heightened stress and anxiety most of us could use help in learning how to Subdue Stress and Anxiety. Tina Yeager has put together a course with fifteen presenters sharing their expert tips. The course includes a wonderful workbook. Is your well-being worth an investment of ten minutes a day?
This link takes you to the check out. You can click that icon, and it will take you to a page where you can more about the course.
Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
#InspireMeMonday, #InstaEncouraements, #TellHisStory #Recharge Wednesday, #Grace&Truth,
Congratulations Mr. Larry, Ms. Debbie, and Ms. Ginny. So very proud to call you my friends and brother and sisters in Christ. Happy Anniversary, and may God continue to bless you richly as you work to further His kingdom and help many in their Christian walk.
Thank you, J.D. How the time has flown! Glory to God!
Debbie that is amazing! Congratulations on 30 years of blessing people!
Thank you, Ann. God has truly blessed us!
Congratulations! And thank you for shining God’s light into wounded hearts for so long. God’s continued blessings on you!
Thank you, Nancy!
Congratulations, Debbie! You have demonstrated obedience to the Lord and a journey of faith and trust as you follow the Lord wherever He leads each season.
Thank you, Pam. I am grateful for God’s leading and provision. It is sweet to look back and see His hand.
Thank you for serving our Father and His people during your 30 years of service. What a blessing you have been for so many. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry of service.
Thank you, Katherine. Your words mean a lot.
Congratulations on 30 years! I remember volunteering for Lighthouse Ministries in those early years. What a privilege that was. Thank you for all your ministry has done for so many. God has truly used Lighthouse to light the way for people.
Debbie, I watched the whole interview with you and Anne. It was wonderful. I’m so grateful to know you.
I pray God will continue to bless you and your family more and more.
Love you both,
Ann (for Sam as well)
Ann, I remember! You and Sam have blessed us in many ways. Thank you for your encouragement!
Happy anniversary! Congratulations! So thankful for your families willingness to follow and serve the Lord as you minister to His people. And thankful to God for bringing you into our lives many years ago! To God be the Glory!
Sydney and Art, what a special place you have in our hearts. So good to hear from you!
Happy anniversary and blessings to you and your husband for your faithfulness!
Thank you, Barbara! God bless you too.
Happy anniversary! What a gift this ministry has been to me! So thankful for you and Larry. 30 years of faithful serving. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry!
Thank you, Heather! We appreciate you and Rod.
What an honor to serve with you both. Words don’t describe my gratefulness and honor at the choice you made in me. God used you both to start my own journey of healing and to identify and begin using my own God given gifts to help others on their journeys of healing. Thank you so much for seeing me- attuning- containing and blessing me. You saw things I couldn’t. I learned so much from you both. Such a gift. Thank you! You will both forever be close to my heart. ❤️
Heather, you are a gift from God! Larry and I loved having you with us. Your compassionate heart inspires us.