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“I
am convinced that if we in the Christian community can mobilize and equip our
people to get out of the church walls and into their neighborhoods, schools,
apartments and offices and establish Lighthouses for their neighbors, we can
witness an amazing movement of God…”
(Dr. Bob Reccord) You
are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may
see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (M. 5:14a, 16) As
the new millennium begins, spiritual hunger is growing. Our neighbors, friends
and coworkers are seeking answers – trying to make sense of schoolyard
killings, war, broken families, alienated communities… empty lives. For
Christians, it is an opportunity to hear Jesus’ call to join together as never
before: To pray for and reach out in love to those around us: To reclaim our
neighborhoods and communities for Christ. It is a chance to share our faith and
shine His light. The
Lighthouse Movement is a coalition of Christians representing 70 + denominations
(with 200,000 local churches) and some 300 ministry organizations. Our unified
goal is simple: to pray for, care for and share the good news of Christ with
every man, woman and young person in America by the end of the year 2000. You
can be a part of this effort by making your home a Lighthouse. What is a Lighthouse? A Lighthouse is a person or family, a church or any group of people who commits to pray for and care for their neighbors (or coworkers, schoolmates, friends), and to sensitively share Jesus Christ with them as God directs. As conduits of His hope and love, Jesus can use us to shine so brightly that others are driven to Him. “Becoming
a Lighthouse for God!” This
will be the focus of our church during Lent. Our worship services and classes
will help us learn what it means to be a “light to the world!” by becoming a
Lighthouse. For
more information, you can go
online by clicking below at www.lighthousemovement.com.
Sowing Seeds Ministry is registered as a group. Join as an individual and give
this information: Group ID: 81274 and you will be registered in our ministry
group for updates. How
do we begin as a Lighthouse? It’s
easy! When you attend any of our worship services you will be offered a prayer
journal that will help you organize your particular Lighthouse by following
three simple steps. It’s what we call Prayer – Care – Share. Prayer:
“I
urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for everyone.” Being
a Lighthouse begins with prayer. Develop
a prayer list. Start by praying for those around you – perhaps the people who
live in the five or ten houses next to yours and across the street or it could
be your coworkers or your schoolmates. Pray for open doors to share Christ. Pray
regularly and practice “prayer walking” – lifting your neighbors to the
Lord as you walk past their homes. Perhaps you’ll want to team up with one or
more Christian friends, claiming God’s promise to be there when two or more
pray together in Christ’s name.
Suggestions
for prayer: 1.
Pray for people by name and ask God to minister to their needs –
physical, emotional and spiritual. 2.
Ask God to use you as a conduit of His love and care. 3.
Ask the Lord to build relationships and open ways for you to share your
faith with those around you in loving, non-threatening ways. Care:
“Love
your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) The
best way to attract people to Jesus is to be caring – like Him. As
you consider your neighbors’ needs, God will show you ways to reach out them
through warm-hearted acts of kindness. You can build personal relationships and
even get people together for coffee or a barbecue. What an opportunity this
affords to reclaim a sense of community within our neighborhoods – something
people yearn for that has gone by the wayside in our fast-paced, impersonal
society. Share:
“Go
into the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) As
natural opportunities arise, you can share your faith. You
can even pave the way by displaying The Lighthouse Movement window decal. As
people inquire, you can tell them you are praying for them.
Consider inviting them to outreach events or special events in your local
church or community. God will give you chances to share that are natural and
unique. As you embrace these opportunities and let your light shine in a
sensitive way, you’ll see how the love of Christ can transform the world
around you. Me,
an Evangelist? I’ve
never considered myself an evangelist. It seemed like a big job reserved for
ministers and “serious” Christians. Certainly, people around me knew of my
faith, that I attended church and a mid-week Bible study. When
my pastor challenged us to pray for someone and become a Lighthouse I wasn’t
sure what to do? Initially, I was able to pray for five minutes before running
out of thoughts. Then an interesting thing happened. My prayer time kept
expanding. I prayed for God to use me. I placed my life in His hands. More of my
thoughts & actions turned to God. Within
a few weeks, I found myself talking about Christ and how my priorities were
changing. I didn’t have to quote Bible verses or debate issues. I only had to
talk about Christ and pray. God must have done all the rest. Click here: Lighthouse Movement to check it out for yourself. If you decide to sign up use our group number 81274 and join along with Sowing Seeds Ministry. |