|
There is a tendency today for people
to look upon the homeless and addicted and blame them for their plight. The fact is that no one sets a life goal
to become homeless or addicted. At the Lighthouse, we understand that every person that comes to us is on a journey, and has
a unique story. We know that they did not set out to reach the lowest point in their lives, and we believe that their
lives can be restored through a relationship with "The Highest." Jesus Christ commissioned His people
to carry the Gospel throughout the world. Unfortunately, ministry to people in our own communities who struggle
with addiction or who have no place to go is particularly difficult for most churches. In the cities that we serve,
the Lighthouse has become a "bridge church" for men and women who face major obstacles on their way back to
normal life. In other words, we are uniquely prepared as a church to support them and minister to them in a way
that helps them make the transition back to independent living and participation in the support community of
their choice when they leave us. Ultimately, we hope to eventually see those we serve go out into the world and share their
own stories of success and hope with others who are struggling.
At the Lighthouse, we believe that
God can restore even the most desperate addict or alcoholic. We believe that there is hope for everyone, and that every follower
of Christ has an obligation to use their gifts to touch and improve the lives of others. Our programs include transitional
housing; drug and alcohol recovery support services; transportation; and a back-to-work program that prepares them to
re-enter the workforce and then pairs them with local employers who give them a chance to prove themselves. The Nehemiah program
is intended to help people overcome their addictions and return to their home communities sober, employed, capable
of independent housing, and engaged in helping others as they were onced helped. Our vision includes expanding our Nehemiah Program throughout
cities across the United States though our Safe Harbor church affiliation program, and one day, the across world.
|
