Lighthouse Mission Ministries

Cloudy Or Clear - God Will Fulfill His Purpose For Us

2010-06-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

This morning when I arrived at work, it was raining. It is now afternoon and I look out my office window to see hints of blue peeking from behind the same clouds that brought the rain. In my experience I have come to realize that circumstances are a lot like the weather, always changing with little regard to my own plans.

When it comes down to it, we have to learn to say with David, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Both clouds and sun have a purpose - just like times of struggle and comfort in our lives.

Rain brings replenishment and the sun brings energy and God has a purpose for every drop and ray that enters our lives; different circumstances help us to grow in different ways.Some people staying at the Mission seem to find only gray clouds through bad attitudes and foolish actions, while others get caught in a sudden downpour. Whatever their reasons, Lighthouse Mission does everything it can to share hope and to help people weather the storms of life.

It is your provision that allows us to minister to physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of many local people. Thank you for your gift; as we speak, your generosity is bringing light into stormy and dark lives. The Lord is fulfilling His purpose and showing love through your generosity!

Bellingham Kinanis Helps Provide Agape Playground

2010-04-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

National Child Traumatic Stress Network reports:

"Homeless children are sick at twice the rate of other children. They suffer twice as many ear infections, have four times the rate of asthma, and have five times more diarrhea and stomach problems."

"Half of school-age homeless children experience anxiety, depression, or withdrawal compared to 18 percent of nonhomeless children."

Exercise is a great way for children to combat sickness and cope with stress. We are looking forward to the assembly of an outdoor playground at Agape Home to help the children remain healthy and happy.

Bellingham Kiwanis has generously raised the funds for the playground and will begin assembling is on May 8th! Thank you Bellingham Kiwanis!

New Life Graduate Receives College Scholarship

2010-04-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Bellingham Herald published an article about one of our most recent graduates from the New Life Program.

Many people know we serve meals and offer shelter to those in need; however our programing challenges people address their anger, addiction, and bitterness. It is a rigorous program and we are overjoyed to see Parris' success and the success of all other program members. God is so good! Please continue to pray for us and those in the New Life Program.

2010-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Please be our guest at our Spring Banquet. There is no ticket price - all you have to do is call to RSVP (360) 671-1562 to reserve your seat.

Sandwich Odyssey will be serving roasted chicken and roast beef with grilled vegetables, a spring salad, twice baked potatoes, and cheesecake for dessert!

Entertainment will be provided by the End of the Road String Band, and two of our most recent graduates from the New Life Program will be sharing their testimonies.

It will be a great time to enjoy some good food and entertainment and hear about how God is working through this ministry.

Attendance is absolutely free, but an offering will be taken to help them continue to serve people who are in need.

We hope to see you there!

Super Bowl Sunday Party!

2010-02-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

The Drop-In Center will extend its hours this Sunday so local hungry and homeless people can enjoy Super Bowl Sunday. Little Caesar’s Pizza will donate the pizzas for the Super Bowl Party, and Walton Beverages will be providing the soft drinks.

Volunteers from the community will be at the event to serve and clean up. Anyone is welcome to attend the event. When asked about how this benefits people who are homeless, Hans Erichinger-Davis, Men’s Ministries Manager, said, “It is important for people to be able to recreate in a positive way and in a safe environment.”

Through the Drop-In Center, Lighthouse Mission is able to help the homeless with their immediate needs while facilitating positive change in their lives. Open seven days a week, and located at 1013 West Holly Street, the Drop-In Center is a safe place for homeless individuals and families to go during the day.

Alone and yet not unwanted

2010-01-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

Just as the ocean wave gradually erodes the cliff side, unobstructed loneliness gradually erodes the heart. Loneliness creeps up on everyone at some point, and if we let it, it can cause us serious damage. We often see this damage in the people we serve at the Mission.

The Bible tells us that we were not made to be alone; we are made for connection, relationship, and community. As a result, isolated people who do not know where to turn write themselves prescriptions for their loneliness. They begin to self medicate with drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy relationships. All of these medications seem to work well at first, they temporarily ease the sting of the heart’s erosion, but they only numb the pain for a little while. Eventually loneliness will return, and their makeshift prescriptions have brought more damage than repair.

We’ve seen people go through this cycle time and time again. They are all in search of one thing, meaningful and intimate relationship. At Lighthouse Mission we desire to introduce the lonely to a Friend who "will not leave or forsake" so that in the hardest of times they will not pick up the bottle, or return to their abusive lover. But they will run to God’s open arms because He is the One who forgives all iniquities, heals all diseases, and redeems life from destruction (Psalm 103).

Please continue to pray for the lonely people we serve, loneliness can truly eat away at your heart if you let, it is our prayer that they will turn to God’s promises and take refuge in Him in the darkest and lightest of times. Thank you for your loving support of this ministry.

Pulling Together

2010-01-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

It has been hard to avoid the news of the devastation that has gone on in Haiti after the earthquake hit. The reports of casualties and the brutal pictures are almost more than one can take. As we think of the people who live there, we cannot help but feel the pain of their suffering.

It certainly has been amazing to see the world reach out to the people of Haiti, bringing together people of different backgrounds in the name of compassion and generosity. Their culture may be foreign to us, but suffering is universally understood.

On a smaller scale, it is encouraging to see our community continually pull together to help people who are living in homelessness right here in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Many of them victims of circumstances beyond their control. Individuals and businesses have been coming together for the past 87 years in support of the Lighthouse Mission.

As the demand for our services increases, we see God’s provision increasing through your prayers and giving. Each time you support us, you are a blessing us, and more importantly the people we serve. We cannot escape suffering and pain; it surrounds our families, our communities, and our world; however you have a part in sharing hope and relief. And your gifts that do just that- they help us provide relief through food and shelter, and share the hope and everlasting joy that comes with knowing Christ.

2010-01-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

We had a full house at the Agape Home this Christmas, with over 30 women and children! It was an exciting time for all of them. On Christmas Eve the children were running around in excited anticipation for Christmas day.

There were cookies and ice cream to enjoy. One boy wanted to make sure that Santa got his cookies and milk; he picked out some choice cookies, added a candy cane, and made a special note, so nobody else would eat them. Then for the remainder of the night, he continued to ask if Santa would be coming and if he would eat the cookies.

After that three or four of the kids got to talking about Santa while playing games, this created a very sweet moment. It amazes me how among life’s difficulties children are able to hold on to that which is innocent and pure. Even with the hard experiences, when it comes down to it, all they desire is to be loved and to have hope in something. In this case, their hope was in Santa, but it’s our prayer that their hope will soon be in Jesus.

When the kids were put to bed, one of the moms took it upon herself to make sure the cookies had bites taken out of them and the glass of milk was emptied. She even wrote a very nice note to the kids thanking them for the treats they had left. I was touched by this simple gesture. It has been great to see the women come together and support each other.

On Christmas morning everyone woke up with a house full of gifts! It was said that everything was opened within thirty minutes. What a great time! They were overwhelmed with the generosity of people and so glad to have a safe place to stay with their family. Then around lunch time, all the kids got together and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and released some balloons.

I just want to thank you for your generous support this Christmas. The women and children were able to witness Christ-like giving and it is our prayer that they would see this throughout 2010. You truly helped many women and children have a Merry Christmas. Have a blessed New Year!

2009-11-11T14:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, those fall colors are amazing! Every year I’m taken aback by the beauty of fall in Western Washington; the mixtures of yellow, red, orange, brown, and gold blend together to make a fiery grand finale of color. I can’t help but remember Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” I find great comfort in those words, a gentle reminder that God is in control of everything. When chaos swirls up around you like a gust of wind and your world seems to be falling just as much as the leaves on the trees, God has a time and purpose for everything.

This is what we desire to share with those who come to the Mission; the hope of a new life in Christ, and the knowledge of a sovereign God who holds us in the palm of His hands. Our Thanksgiving meal gives us an amazing opportunity to serve a wide variety of people who are grieved by their broken lives. They come to us with burdens weighing down their hearts and loneliness reflecting in their eyes.

We welcome them in as they are, and lovingly serve them a hot Thanksgiving meal. Soon enough, the room that was full of quiet strangers is alive with joy and thanks. Pains and problems are set aside, and laughter and smiles fill the room. Thanksgiving is a joyful time, where those who have nothing are offered everything. Just as Solomon says in Ecclesiastes, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh.”

It’s amazing what God does through one meal- what He does through your support. You’re helping us provide hundreds of meals to hungry people. Your help fills the hearts of grieving people with laughter, so that they may realize that although life seems chaotic at first glance, behind it all is a loving God. Your support is invaluable.

2009-10-26T11:48:00.001-07:00

This morning I listened to the sound of the rain; the gentle pattering sound was calming as I was getting up to face the day. Once I was up, I took a look outside, and realized how thankful I am. Although I love the sound of the rain, it’s quite a different when you have no way to escape it. Just thinking of constantly having wet shoes, socks, and clothing puts a dark cloud over my head. And yet some people live like that every day- they live in survival mode: stay warm, stay dry, and stay fed.

Many of us have never been down that road before, but it’s not hard to imagine how it must feel to be homeless. Of course, for some people it is a choice, they have given up. Entrenched in drugs and alcohol, they no longer see anything but their life-dominating issues. They learn to live with the cold temperatures, just adding another coat or finding a better pair of gloves to stay warm. They get used to the wet shoes and socks and soon enough, it’s not the problem it once was. As a result they become hardened, isolated, and used to harsh conditions, all as a way to feed their habit and simply exist.

At Lighthouse Mission, we do not want this for people; we desire to help them change. We desire to help them realize that there is hope. At the Drop-In Center we bring people out of the wet and cold weather. Give them an opportunity to remember what it’s like to have a place where they are welcome. They are able to get clean, dry clothing, and even have a meal. It’s these simple things that are the small steps leading to recovery and restoration. It may only take a new pair of dry socks and a friendly smile to remind them what it was like before they lost hope.

Thank you for your support of the Mission. It’s because of your support that we are able to help those who need it most. Your gifts allow us to provide shelter and hope for people whose lives are stormy and dark, so that one day they will wake up to the sound of the rain thankful for where they are at in their lives. It’s not an easy process, but because of your help, it is possible.

Keep Living

2009-10-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it’s hard to keep living, it’s hard to get up in the morning and face the day knowing your pain and hurt will still be there. For many who come to the Mission, this is the case. It seems like there is a fog around them; a fog containing their sorrow, anger, pain, and loss, while hiding all possibility of lasting joy and hope.

This fog impedes their ability to live life to the fullest, and they’ve exhausted all of their resources trying to clear themselves of it. Exploring every possible avenue that may retract the haze, they then become enveloped in addiction, depression, and selfishness. The things they sought for comfort and relief have only made their situation worse. They are seeking a cure, but find that the symptoms are only temporarily relieved in the process.

Thankfully, their seeking has brought them to us, and through God’s power we are able to show them the clarity that comes with knowing Jesus. We desire to share the hope we have with them, so the fog recedes and the light is welcomed with joy and gladness.

Of course having hope does not erase life’s hardships and past pain, but through counseling and prayer with staff, those who come to the Mission have the opportunity to work through these problems and learn how to handle hardships when they come. Restoration is not an easy process, and there are days when the fog will come rolling back in, but if Christ is their cornerstone, then the fog will clear and they’ll see that they are standing on solid ground.

Thank you for investing in the lives of people who live in a foggy haze. Your support brings provision, safety, hope, and peace to many people who are lost and lonely. We could not serve them without you. Thank you for your loving kindness and sacrificial giving.

"I want to help you"

2009-08-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

I believe that the Mission's supporters are the best in the world. Besides helping local men, women, and children get back on their feet, they help the staff by including words of encouragement.

Here is a note that we received, "We recently sent you a check for $16.55 which represents the amount of money collected by one of our primary students on your behalf. She decided, on her own, that she wanted to collect money for the Mission to contribute towards your good work in feeding and housing people in Jesus' name. Thank you for all you do." There was also a hand written message, "I want to help you so you all get $16.55 - Bekkah."

All Corvette Show & Shine

2009-08-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

So many Corvettes! 1952 to the present, it was a fun day for Corvette owners and admirers at Jerry Chambers Chevrolet last Sunday. Corvettes Unlimited put on the All Corvette Show & Shine to benefit the Lighthouse Mission and Agape Home and what a fun event for such a good cause in our community. They were able to raise over $1,100 for us!

Neiner Neiner Weiner was there to feed all the Corvette owners and fans, as was Sweet Nothings with their organic cotton candy. The food was donated so all the money spent on the yummy hotdogs, drinks, cookies, cotton candy went to the Mission. And Sunset Music DJ volunteered their time and equipment.

We appreciate the generosity of these business owners and the people who came to support it. Thank you.

Little Caesars serves pizza to local needy people

2009-08-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you Little Caesars and Walton Beverage for providing FREE PIZZA & pop to Bellingham's hungry and homeless today. Those in need are welcome to come to Lighthouse Mission's Drop-In Center at 1013 W Holly Street between 11am and 7pm for hot, fresh pizza.

Little Caesars Love Kitchen Serves Free Pizza To Needy People

2009-08-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen will roll into the Lighthouse Mission Drop In Center in Bellingham to provide fresh Little Caesars pizza meals for approximately 250 Mission people in need on August 17 and hundreds of more meals from other charities invited to this event. The Drop In Center location (1013 W. Holly Street) allows this event to be held rain or shine!

A kitchen on wheels, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen travels across the continental United States and Canada meeting the needs of the hungry, the homeless and disaster survivors.
‘The Love Kitchen was created to provide quality meals for people who need them,” said Little Caesars local franchisees Raymond Caldwell and Robert Nevitt. ‘As members of the area business community, it’s important to us to support people when they need it and help make the community stronger. We’re excited to support this program with food and staff to provide a quality meal for people who otherwise may not get one.”

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has fed more than two million people in 48 states and four Canadian provinces. It has also responded to disasters such as the recent floods in North Dakota and Iowa, the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast Area, the site of the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001, and the 1995 Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. Established by Little Caesars in 1985, the Love Kitchen exemplifies Little Caesars strong tradition of giving back to America’s communities.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush awarded The President’s Volunteer Action Award Citation to Little Caesars for its volunteers’ contributions to the Love Kitchen. Little Caesars also received a Presidential Citation for Private Sector Initiatives for the Love Kitchen program under the Reagan administration. It has received a certificate of appreciation trom the State of Michigan and was recognized by the Detroit City Council for its efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

Little Caesars franchise owners and company regional offices donate all food and labor costs ; for the Love Kitchen servings. An estimated 40,000 Little Caesars franchise owners and employees have volunteered their time over the years to support the program in their local communities.

Broken

2009-07-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. -Psalm 51: 17

Seeing beauty in brokenness seems contradictory and is not our natural inclination. In today’s society, broken things are discarded without a second thought. Letting go of the old and clinging to the new is the all too familiar way of the world. It is sometimes necessary to move on, but I’m glad God does not have such a short attention span! If that were the case, we would have no hope at all.

It is simply beautiful to see the broken people who stay at the Mission introduced to respect and love. These are people who have had self-inflicted pain, as well as a lifetime of beatings from the world. Weary, broken, frustrated, and angry do not even begin to cover their spectrum of feelings. Our society has cast them out, and here they are standing in front of us inwardly hoping to be accepted.

Accepting them is the not easy route; it is difficult to work with severely broken people. Our staff needs to have the right amount of love and firmness to best serve our guests at the Mission and Agape Home. They have to ask God for His eyes, so they can view the broken and angry person as He does. But I believe that the most beautiful event a Christian can witness is the life-changing work of God -transforming broken and hopeless people into joyful people of faith. We all know that the change process is not an easy path, but it is well worth it in the end!

We are thankful to be a part of this process, and so thankful that you are as well! Your continued support of this ministry is a blessing to the broken outcasts of our community. With your donations you are not just providing meals and shelter, you are also helping to spread the beauty of God’s life-changing grace to people aching to be valued. Your loving support is priceless!

2009-07-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Mission houses about 100 people a night. Which adds up to a lot of dirty sheets, towels, and clothing. It's easy to see how our washing machines and dyers would get worn out.

We are currently in need of commercial washers and dryers for the Mission building. The approximate cost will be $15,000, if you are interested in donating money towards commercial washers and dryers, please call 671-1562. Thank you!

Light in the Darkeness

2009-07-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

We all have our own struggles in life; personal struggles that cause us unbearable pain. Even as the sun shines above us, we fail to feel its warmth on our skin. It is during these trying times that God strengthens us and reminds us just how much we need Him. Going through tough times also teaches us how to empathize with others and to truly love them through the most difficult of times.

Although you may have never been homeless like those we serve, I would bet that you know what it feels like to lose control of your life. Maybe you haven’t lost control in a way that is as destructive as drug and alcohol abuse, but I believe that at some point, we all wonder how we got where we are and where we are going next. We all struggle to see the light when we feel surrounded by this world’s darkness.

As we are lost in the darkness of our trials, the most important thing is to know where the light comes from and that we always have access to it. It’s this simple and beautiful truth that we want to share with our guests at the Mission and Agape Home. People come in utterly lost, dazed from a lifetime of struggles, not knowing the hope that is within arm’s reach. Food and shelter are the beginning, a gateway to help us reach out to souls lost in darkness. We desire to share the hope we have, to help them see past themselves and their problems, and to experience the loving embrace of Jesus.

Thank you for your continued support. We could not share the hope we have without your help! People who are struggling are in desperate need to see the light in their present darkness. Knowing what it’s like to face hard times, you have given your help and have shown your love in a real way- a way that recognizes the harsh realities we all face and realizes where true comfort comes from. We are forever grateful for your loving support of this ministry.

Extra Produce

2009-06-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we have less than a week until summer officially begins! Are you wondering what to do with all the produce you have from your garden?? Well, you can bring your extra produce to the Mission. We are always in need of fresh fruits and vegetables to serve! So next time you're out in your garden, consider donating to help people in need! Thanks and enjoy your summer to the fullest.

Agape Walk on August 8th

2009-06-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Agape Walk & Run is only a few short months away!

What is the Agape Walk for?

The Agape Walk benefits Lighthouse Mission Ministries’ Agape Home for Women and Children. The Agape Home is emergency shelter for homeless women and children in the community.
Currently the Agape Home has 6 bedrooms and houses up to 16 women and children. In 2008 Agape Home for Women and Children had 4,162 safe bed nights and served 12,486 hot meals to its guests. We not only work to provide the necessary food and shelter, but also to give women and children life-changing opportunities. With no residency time limits, women are given the time they need to get back on their feet and permanently break the cycle of homelessness in their lives.
By Summer of 2009, a new building at 1215 F Street will be opened. This building will have 24 bedrooms and will house nearly 100 homeless women and children. It will meet the growing needs of our community, and Lighthouse Mission Ministries will be able to expand programs in parenting, goal setting, and spiritual skills that can help these vulnerable families end the cycle of homelessness.

Registration Fees

Registration….……………......$5.00
Registration includes an Agape Walk & Run t-shirt while supplies last! We have some great prizes, and of course there will be food! So bring the whole family!

Dog Registration………….…..$5.00
This includes a bandana for your pup to sport.
Please do your best to raise sponsorship for this event!

Go to www.TheLighthouseMission.org or www.NewAgapeHome.com for more information!

Agape Housewarming

2009-05-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to the Housewarming on Thursday! It was so nice to meet everyone and give tours. We had a great turnout and everyone was so excited to see the progress! Keep an eye open for the Grand Opening towards the end of this Summer!

Turned out - selflessness in the midst of suffering

2009-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 4:30 pm and it is business as usual at Lighthouse Mission. A call comes in from a woman in the St. Joseph emergency room…

"Hello, Susan, this is Hava (a Mission donor, I recognize her voice immediately). I’m in the emergency room and sharing a room with Joyce, who is homeless and I think that she is about to be discharged and I can’t bear the thought of her being turned out. I think that the hospital will make arrangements for a taxi for Joyce. Do you have room for her at the Mission?”

“Yes,” I answer, “There are beds available at the Mission – Joyce is welcome to come here. She can stay here as long as she needs. And how about you, Hava, you are in the ER, how are you doing?”

“Well, I think that I’m nearing the end” she slowly replies, “I can no longer walk and I’m having trouble with my lungs and heart. It sounds strange but I’m more afraid of living than dying; I’m ready to go home to be with the Lord”.
I know that Hava is all alone in the world so I ask, “What can I do, shall I come sit with you?”

I can hear the smile in her voice as she answers, “A prayer is always appreciated.”
For Joyce who will come to the Mission from the hospital, there is a great fear of the unknown. It accompanies her great physical pain. I tell our Chaplain and manager that Joyce will be arriving so they can let her know that we were expecting her. Their calm words put my concerns to rest. I know that they will comfort Joyce, as well.

I pray for Hava who was more concerned for Joyce than for herself. I thank God that the Mission is here to provide emergency shelter for Joyce. And I thank those in town who support the Mission and its programs. God bless you for all that you do.

Donors' Note of Appreciation

2009-05-05T11:04:00.000-07:00

"We cannot say enough about how you (Lighthouse Mission Ministries) are fulfilling the message and life of Jesus in your work. We thank you for the opportunity to participate in our own small way" - Charlie & Alice

A busy busy day

2009-04-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today has been a busy day in Lighthouse Mission Ministries' administrative office. Donations for the Agape Home have been pouring in from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. And we're so excited!

Dan of Launching Success Learning Store stopped by our office with a very kind donation of childrens learning toys for the kids at the Agape Home. Among these donations were special crayons that are easy for young children to hold, puzzle games, and work books! These donations will offer children at the Agape Home fun and enticing ways to learn. The store plans to continue donating educational toys and supplies over the next few years. Thank you Launching Success Learning Store!

Also a representative from Soroptimist International of Bellingham came in to drop off donations of beautiful scarves, hand made socks, and costume jewelry. Women who face homelessness and poverty usually go without such items, so receiving these items will be very special to them. And it's just in time for Mother's Day! Thank you Soroptimist of Bellingham, for all of the time and effort put into collecting these wonderful items!

And finally a community member dropped in and gave us a beautiful piece of art for the Agape Home. The local art community has done a great job in lending their talents and donating their work. All the art that has been donated will make the new Agape Home feel inviting and warm to those coming to stay there. It can be an intimating and scary time, so a homey feel can make all the difference!

If your interested in helping or donating to Lighthouse Mission Ministries, feel free to contact us at (360) 761-1562 or visit our website for more information on what we do!

Another Changed Life

2009-04-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have been an addict and drunk for 30 years. Life was unbearable. I climbed on a bridge and was ready to jump – when something told me, “No.”

I decided to come to the Mission for help and joined the New Life Program. Now I’m involved in the lives of my daughter and granddaughter – life is worth living. I am so thankful for the life that I’ve been given. Thank you Lighthouse Mission.

Appreciation

2009-04-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Mission Staff,

I want you to know how much I appreciate you being in Bellingham. After suffering the tragic loss of my brother to suicide and having found him myself, I've been having the hardest time of my life.

Winding up somehow in Bellingham- yours were the only doors open to me. You have put up with my constant anxiety and panic attacks at all hours of the day and night; taking me to the emergency room when I needed a ride.

I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate and love you guys. The genuine love and concern that you have shown me and continue to in taking an interest even still in my well being and giving me an open invitation to stay here and even join the training program. This has shown me, for sure, that it is the Lord who has you here and that Christ's love is present here in Bellingham. Thank you again, your brother in Christ, JM.

A Changed Life

2009-04-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

After years of alcohol abuse and broken relationships Bill* decided it was time for a change. A lasting change.

When graduating from the New Life Program he said this, "Love was understood, never shown. The final straw came at age 46... No friends, no family- I had burned every bridge. It was the Mission or die. Through the staff at the Mission, I began asking questions. I needed help. The help that the Mission gives is incredible. They saved my life, and I love them for that. The possibilities of my life are endless now."

*Name changed for privacy

2009-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Agape Home for Women and Children is currently seeking donations of artwork for installation in common living areas, as well as handmade or printed cards/journals and other items as gifts awaiting each new arriving woman & child.

"My collage is the lives we help put back together." Ron Buchinski, Executive Director.

Let's inspire hope through art! Have it hung by our Housewarming on May 14, 2009.

Contact Susan Sutton at 360-671-1562 for more information.

Design based on 1920's poster by artist Alexander Rodchenko

Stuffed & Sealed.

2009-03-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Today we had a huge group of volunteers come in to help with our April appeal! We have a wonderful group of volunteers that faithfully come in each month to help us stuff and seal the letters. This week we had 4,000 to send out, and were able to finish by noon! Many hands make light work, and we are so thankful for all of our volunteers!

Next Wednesday (April 1) we will be preparing our spring newsletter to be sent out. We have 10,000 to get out and hope to have the same amount of help as we did today. If you're interested in helping call 360-733-5120 or stop in on April 1, we start around 8:30 a.m. and go until everything is finished! It's always a good time and a great way to help the Mission.

Agape Home Opening This Spring!

2009-03-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Lighthouse Mission Ministries is preparing for the opening of its 24 bedroom Agape Home for Women and Children, located at the corner of Holly and F Streets in Bellingham. This is a substantial expansion from the current Agape Home, which has only 6 bedrooms available to homeless women and children. This building will provide the space needed to establish long-term programs addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, such as substance abuse, incomplete education, and inadequate life skills. Agape Home is the only homeless shelter in this area with no residency time limits, so residents have time to get back on their feet and break the cycle of homelessness in their lives.

Construction for the Agape Home is projected to be completed this spring. A Housewarming Party will be held at the new Agape Home building on Thursday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Housewarming will be a time to anticipate the completion of the Agape Home and introduce it to the community. Tours of the Agape Home and Lighthouse Mission will be given, and refreshments will be available. With the opening rapidly approaching, we are in need of commercial furniture. People are encouraged to look at our Gift Giving Catalog to find out how they can help us furnish the Agape Home.

Let the blogging begin...

2009-03-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Lighthouse Mission has now joined the wonderful world of blogging... now you have yet another way to stay in touch with us! Get the latest news, events, and insights about the Mission. You can also check our Facebook and websites to get more information.