If it seems that, each day, there are fewer and fewer pure and good things in this world, then consider this statement: Changed lives for a lifetime.

There is an organization in the heart of Kentucky, in the heart of Lexington, that lives those words and strives to make them so for the most deserving of us. The Lighthouse Ministries seeks to change lives for a lifetime, but they do so much more than they realize. When lives are changed for a lifetime, they’re changed for generations and potentially, in a Christ-based environment like that provided by Lighthouse, for eternity.

In their own words, “The Lighthouse Ministries, Inc. is a non-profit corporation serving men, women, and children of Kentucky with a three-fold ministry designed to meet the practical and spiritual needs of those in crisis situations, resulting in ‘changed lives for a lifetime.’”

They’re governed by a board of directors and operate solely via tax-deductible contributions from caring individuals, corporate businesses, and missions minded churches. At its inception on March 5, 1993 The Lighthouse operated as a ministry to feed the homeless, poor, and needy of Lexington and its environs. Through the vision of founders Dan and Tay Henderson, it’s scope expanded in May 1994 to also include residential homes providing bible-based training in response to individual needs.

The Nehemiah House, one of the residential programs, is a crisis induction home for men of at least 18 years of age. The six- to 12-month program is designed for men with life-controlling problems and is comprised of a Christ-centered curriculum that assists them in developing a disciplined life-style based on God’s word and prayer. Upon graduation, the men may advance to The Nehemiah House Job Program, where they receive job placement assistance while continuing to live in the residence for up to ninety days.

The third response to the need of ministry is the Rachel House, a house of refuge for women and their children who are suffering from the anguish of abuse, the oppression of poverty, or the torment of life-controlling problems. Meeting these needs with love and understanding in a strictly confidential environment, this residence provides timely crisis management, a Bible institute, and a training center for those who surrender their lives and their circumstances to God.

As of this writing, the Holiday Season is at an end. Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are trying times for ministries like The Lighthouse. Compounding the immediate, physical needs of those they help are the added emotional stresses of holidays spent in circumstance which they did not choose. The economic turmoil of the past year has made the Lighthouse mission even more difficult due to reduced donations. Despite all of that, special annual Thanksgiving and Christmas programs for the men, women and families served by The Lighthouse were a great success. Through the help of many, and in many ways, Lighthouse was able to make the holiday season special for hundreds of people.

A very real desire to see “changed lives for a lifetime,” is truly at the heart of The Lighthouse Ministries.

As a side note, were it not for the love and excitement of Jackie Powell from Serif Group Marketing, SonlightLex.com would not likely have known how special Lighthouse is. We are all indebted to Jackie for helping spread the word of Lighthouse Ministries.

To learn more about The Lighthouse, and to learn how you can play your own special a part in their mission, visit their website, join their Facebook group, or contact them at (859) 259-3434.