Sonlight Lex

Over the summer, Renee Wolfe-Smith, took a Christian mission trip to Iquitos, Peru.  Before the trip, and even more having visited the city and experienced their work first-hand, she was convicted about Seeds of Love and their special calling for the children of Iquitos.

Renee contacted SonlightLex.com with excitement about the possibility of her business, Creative Memories, sponsoring a feature about Seeds of Love and spreading the word about them.  We’re so happy she did and that we can bring the young organization to readers of this blog. 

As a Creative Memories independent representative, Renee offers the very best products for celebrating your memories, your way through scrapbook albums and digital StoryBooks. In the comfort of your own home through Get Togethers, Renee will help you get start capturing and reliving the best moments of your life.

To learn more about Creative Memories, visit Renee’s website here.  Don’t waste any more time before breathing new life into your special moments.

Josué and Rachel Ahuite have been working in the missionary field since they were merely children themselves. The two were married in February 2009 and have since become a formidable pair in improving the lives and spreading God’s Word to children and families in Iquitos, Peru, through their fledgling organization, Seeds of Love.

Iquitos is a city, in the middle of the Peruvian rainforest, with a population approaching 400,000. The Ahuite’s have a huge battle ahead of them; one-third of the children of Iquitos suffer from hunger, one-quarter from malnutrition, and only one in five children are literate. Here are the tools the Ahuite’s bring to the table and how they are and plan to use them with Seeds of Love.

Rachel, a native of Kentucky, began her mission work at age 12, teaching children’s clubs with Child Evangelism Fellowship and working with at-risk youth alongside her father. After graduating from college with a degree in education, she completed Youth With a Mission’s (YWAM) Discipleship Training School in Leticia, Colombia in 2005 (where she met Josué). She then worked with YWAM Iquitos for a year. She received a master’s degree in English as a second language in the US. After completion of her master’s degree in English as a Second Language, she returned to Iquitos to work with Josué.

Josué, from Iquitos started working in missions at age 17, traveling to river villages with his father, a local pastor. Upon completing YWAM’s Discipleship Training School (DTS) in Cartagena, Colombia in 2003, Josué worked for 3 ½ years with YWAM in Leticia, Colombia, teaching children in river villages, doing maintenance and accounting for the base, and helping with evangelistic events, especially in the logistics and children’s events. He returned to Iquitos to study accounting and graduated in 2007. At that time, he joined with a fellow missionary, who has a local ministry, where he began several children’s clubs, planning the logistics for mission trips both to Iquitos and outlying villages, and acts as the ministry’s accountant.

After their marriage, the couple bought property in May 2009 and have started construction of a children’s home on the site. The home, called Seeds of Love, will be a place where children can spend their after-school hours doing homework, taking classes (cooking, construction, English, etc), playing, and learning about God; some will be live in the home. It will be a safe environment - offering food, health resources, education, and love and encouraging the children to know God, to grow spiritually, and to become ministers of the Gospel.

Although they are actively building the home and bringing God to the children now, the plans the Ahuite’s have for their ministry are grand. Here are just a few of their goals:

• Open a children’s center “Seeds of Love” in Upper Belen

• In the back yard, have a soccer field, jungle gym, fruit trees, and a vegetable garden

• Invite more neighborhood children into the Children’s Club; share the Good News and invite them to have a personal relationship with God

• Have weekly Bible studies, prayer and worship meetings, and discipleship programs for boys and girls, including poetry for inner healing, interpersonal relationships, and moral values

• Take river trips to minister to children in the villages

• Take our ministry children to the river villages to evangelize through dramatizations of Bible stories

• Evangelize in the marketplace in Lower Belen (a very poor neighborhood on the River); open a Club for regular ministry

• Organize children’s events several times a year on a large-scale to evangelize throughout the city

• Have mission trips from the US to help with construction, house needs (painting, cooking), and VBS, workshops, etc.

• Visit the children at their homes and invite the parents to come to church

• Partner with the local church to involve the parents, to raise money to pay for electricity and water, and to organize events (soccer games, cookouts)

• Open a dining hall to offer lunch every day, for a small donation

• Open a clothes and food closet, for a small donation

• Have a study hall; tutor Spanish literacy, English, mathematics and logic, and arts and crafts; offer workshops, games (ping-pong, board games), computers, and books

• Offer job training workshops and job opportunities; encourage high school and college graduation

• For parents, offer parental classes/ Bible study, also workshops in sewing, beautician training, hand crafts, First Aid, health, technology, etc.

• Have weekly church sessions specifically for children

• Prayerfully select children to live in the home long-term

• Match a sponsor with a child, to provide clothes, food, medicine, and education

• Open an elementary school for low-income/ at-risk children

• Open more children’s centers in other parts of Iquitos led by Iquitos staff

Mission trips from Kentucky and the United States have already been taking place, as have sponsorships of children. According to Rachel, the cost of the goods, services and materials needed to sponsor one child for one year is relatively minor, $250. That amount will feed, clothe, provide medical care and education for a child.

God is working in these two young people and in their young organization. If you would like to learn more about the Ahuite’s and Seeds of Love, visit their website or contact them at the following address: PO Box 331, Iquitos, Peru.

This post was sponsored by Creative Memories, Renee Wolfe-Smith, Independent Representative.

What would a shining example of a young business person look like? Everyone will have their own vision of that person, but here are some things that might be common to most: The person would have a love of their business that showed through in their products or service. He or she would have the drive to always be improving the business and serving their clients or customers. A commitment to integrity would be as visible and noticeable as the shingle over the business door.

Before SonlightLex.com approached Adam Martin, owner of Martin Design Studio, a graphic design studio in Lexington, Kentucky, all of the above were apparent.

Adam’s talent and love of his profession is evident in the examples of his work and his list of clients. Eastern Kentucky University Athletics, Gratz Park Inn, Lowell’s Independent Automotive, iHigh.com, Host Communications, Raising Cane’s, and Ale-8-One are but a few of the happy clients of Martin Design. Martin Design has even expanded beyond design and is the director of Ale-8-One’s social media efforts, as well as being the founder of Social Media Club Lexington, which has grown to over 275 members. The drive to improve and grow is certainly present.

Another example of the Martin Design Studio’s talent is a recent award the studio received. Adam and his wife, Emily Martin, collaborated on wedding invitations that garnered the studio the 2009 American Graphic Design Award in the Announcements, Invitations and Cards category.

Integrity, as well as the place from where it springs, is not something Martin Design attempts to hide. A satisfied client list (only a portion of which is shown above) like Adam’s comes only from a commitment to integrity. When I approached him with the idea of his studio sponsoring a feature on SonlightLex.com, and he learned of the goals for this website, he didn’t hesitate at the chance to play a part in advancing Christ-centered charitable organizations in this area.

Although Adam Martin and his studio agreed to sponsor a feature story of our choosing for today, we decided to make Martin Design “the” feature. We hope he doesn’t mind. The business is operated on principles rooted in God’s Word. Simply an excellent choice, if we must say so ourselves, for today’s feature.

You can find out more about Martin Design Studio at their website, or give them a call at (859) 652-3895.

Yesterday, we learned that Christian Business Women United (CBWU) grew out of two friends lifting one another up in a difficult financial time. From that inception, Janie Moores, owner of BJM Staffing, and Rhonda Bartlett, owner of RB Design Studio, realized the near certain need for women in business in the Central Kentucky area; financial problems certainly weren’t limited to one or two people. The new group would also prove to be a perfect arena in which to share God’s word and the love of Jesus Christ.

The support provided by CBWU isn’t limited to friendly counseling and shoulders on which to lean during times of financial turmoil. No one can argue that the obstacles faced by women in business are greater, in many areas, than those of their male counterparts. So, the group was established to, and has remained, open to the gamut of concerns of women in business.

CBWU doesn’t charge dues for membership. According to co-founder, Rhonda Bartlett, “Everyone just brings their lunch and we get together once a month for a time of wonderful prayer and praise.” Their monthly one-hour meeting is a time set aside for the Lord. Says Ms. Bartlett, “Of course, we network amongst ourselves and refer people who may be looking for services, but we try to keep that to a minimum.”

The only criteria for joining CBWU is that you believe in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that Jesus is the Son of God and God the Son; and the Bible is the absolute Word of God Himself.

CBWU is certainly founded on solid ground. Women, indeed everyone in Central Kentucky, are fortunate to have the group in our midst.

The group meets the fourth Monday of every month, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Hill-n-Dale Christian Church. Find out more about them at their website.

Is the economy improving? Some say yes, some say no. For those feeling the difficulty of a financial crunch, it can be a lonely and trying time. An organization in Lexington, Kentucky, is helping to remedy such situations by providing support in good times and bad.

That group, Christian Business Women United (CBWU), is a group of business women who meet monthly for fellowship, to praise God, and provide support for each other. The non-denominational CBWU states as it’s purpose, “to put God first, then our families and businesses, and encourage a commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We want the light of Jesus within us to shine like a beacon in the workplace.”

The group was started in 2006 by Lexington businesswomen Rhonda Bartlett (RB Design Studio) and Janie Moores (BJM Staffing). According to Ms. Bartlett, “I was going through a difficult financial time in my business and went to Janey and asked her to pray for me and my business.” The two then agreed that there was a great need for a group that provided just such support. It was then that CBWU was born.

If you are a businesswoman, not necessarily a business-owner, but involved in the business world in any capacity, it is a fantastic group. We’ll have more about CBWU tomorrow. In the meantime, if you would like to contact them to learn more, visit their website or call 859-278-0313.

Do you know any people, friends or relatives, involved in a creative profession?  “Creative” in the sense that thier living is made through the generation of ideas and putting those ideas in motion.  Well, they’re special people.  Some would say they march to the beat of a different drummer. Take one look at the Serif Group website and you’ll see a superb example of professional creativity in action.  They define the drum-beat of marketing agencies.

Serif Group, based in Lexington, Kentucky, defines the drum-beat for other marketing agencies to follow.  For businesses, groups, or individuals in need of brochures, more lengthy publications, direct mail, comprehensive marketing programs, social media consulting, web design, and more, Serif Group will take pride in creating what you need.  Just as importantly, potentially even more so, they will help you deciding what it is you need.

Serif Group Marketing is located at 207 East Reynolds Road, Suite 210, in Lexington.  Visit their website and contact them at (859) 271-0701.

When you talk to them, make sure to thank them for introducing SonlightLex.com to Lighthouse Ministries, or January 1 feature, and for sponsoring them on the website.

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.

In the world of sports psychology, golf in particular, they don’t come any bigger than Dr. Morris Pickens.  Dr. Mo, as he is affectionately known, is the mental golf coach for the current British Open champion (Stewart Cink), the current United States Open champion (Lucas Glover), and the 2007 Masters champion (Zach Johnson).

Dr. Mo, who is the mental performance specialist at Sea Island Golf Learning Center in Sea Island, Georgia, is also the author of the recently published Learn to Win: One Shot at a Time.  The book is written for golfers, but it has applications suitable for every aspect of life.  The book will be our January 16 feature.

Dr. Pickens is a proud supporter of the mission of SonlightLex.com and we are unbelievably fortunate to have him as a sponsor.

A few days ago, Mike Bruno, author of 5 Minutes to Tee Time, contacted me about a review of his book. I’m so glad he did!  It’s a great book and will lead to better golf, and more importantly, better fitness, for any and everyone.   Even better, he agreed to buy January 17.

Sonlight Lex looks forward to telling you more about 5 Minutes to Tee Time, and to another great feature story, on January 17.

Sometimes, simple words can reach a special place in our hearts. As heart-wrenching as it must often be for the staff and volunteers of All God’s Children, the stories of success, gratitude and change are equally as heart warming.

What follows are testimonials from former All God’s Children residents.  It’s evident from the words of these young women that the love and guidance they received during their time at AGC made a profound impact on their lives.  It can’t be said any better than their unedited testimony:

” I miss you all so much. I miss having talks with you. You were always there when I needed to talk. I miss your advice. I guess it would have helped a lot more if I had listened more than I did. I know that I didn’t always treat you with the respect that I should have. I just wanted to let you know I’m very sorry for all the wrong things I did while I was at AGC. It was hard for me to know how to act because I never really had anyone that cared and loved me as much as you did. You were like a mother and father I never had. I just wanted to let you know that I now understand that everything you did and said was because you loved me and you did not want to see me get hurt.” Amanda

“You have been exactly what me and my child has needed. You accepted me when my own family was ashamed of me. You led me to Christ and helped me to believe. You have made a big difference in my life. And even though my father can’t be with me, I’m proud to say that you are. Thanks for being there and caring so much.”  Lori

“Thank you for taking me in when I needed a good and safe place for me and my baby to stay. If you don’t mind, I would like for you to be my baby’s grandparents.” Heather

“Thank you for talking to me when I have problems. Thanks also for taking care of me and for being a mother I never had. You are the mom I always wanted, for somebody to love me for me. You’re the best mom.”  April

“Thank you for all you’ve done for me when I came. I didn’t know what direction I was going and you helped me see the light to what I need to do.” Brook

“I think you were a blessing from God to lead me to Him and it worked.  You gave me and my baby a chance to a brighter future. You are the mom I always wanted. I love my mom but she never showed me love like you did.”  Sandra

“I often wonder where I would be without AGC. I would not be a Christian and I might not have my daughter. But I did meet you and because of you, I can look forward to tomorrow and the days ahead.  My real mom and dad don’t want me anymore, but you do and that gives me the best feeling in the world. I want you to know that because of you I am going to heaven when I die and that I now have a mom and dad that love me for who I am.” Angela