The Beacon Newsletter

Men's Director Draws on His Own Experiences to Help Others in Need of God's Love

By Christina Noll
Photo by: Shaun Ring Photography

Adam Smith wears many hats as the Men's Director at Lighthouse Ministries, but the hat he wears best is Christian. In any given day Adam is coach, mentor, teacher and counselor to the men who come to the Lighthouse looking for answers. In a nutshell, Adam is responsible for helping someone find their way into the program and walking them all the way through to graduation. "I see myself as a growth facilitator," says Adam. "I'm here to help these guys get better."

It's a role he feels born for, although that wasn't always the case. Adam spent the first part of his life denying God’s love. He ran his own automotive business for 25 years and, he admits, he made some bad choices. Finally, it all came to a screeching halt and his whole life crashed and crumbled. "I did things my way," he says, until it got to a point where he couldn't go on. He was able to find his way back through the Grace of God. It's why he can say to the men he counsels: "I've been there and done that. I can really identify with these guys," he says.

Adam met Tay Henderson through a friend at church and began volunteering at the Lighthouse about 4 years ago. He slowly began taking on more and more responsibility and eventually became the Men’s Director. When he's not at the Lighthouse, Adam is doing his other job as a contractor for maintenance and cleaning at Northeast Christian Church. He has even been able to utilize some of the men from the program at the Lighthouse to help him with the job at Northeast. Otherwise, he is available to the men at the Lighthouse full time, Monday through Friday.

Adam draws on his own experiences and self study to craft lessons that teach the men responsibility and boundaries that will help them get a hold on their lives. "I find great meaning and satisfaction in my role," says Adam. "I look forward to being here every day."

Adam has great heart for his ministry and it shows. In the end, he knows that hitting rock bottom was the best thing that could have happened to him. "My pain became my passion," says Adam. But now, thanks to the work of Lighthouse Ministries, Adam is able to share his lesson and God’s love. "We are all growing together," he says.

Letter from the Executive Director: Keys to a Successful Ministry

Photo by: Shaun Ring Photography

2010 was a great year for the Lighthouse Ministries. What makes a ministry successful? There are several things that make it a success.

First, is having dedicated staff that love the Lord and who love this kind of ministry. Adam Smith is one such person who has made this ministry what it is today.

Second, is communication and unity among the staff. This year has been a growing time for me in that area. Since I have always had my hand in everything it’s been hard for me to let go so other people can succeed in their position. But I am learning to let go so God can give us more.

Thirdly, people who believe in us by donating their time and money. We appreciate it with our whole heart.

Fourth, is having order. This is what we are working on now. Because of the rapid growth we are experiencing it is necessary for us to expand our policy and procedures to meet the growing needs of the Lighthouse Ministries.

I want to be the kind of follower of God that listens, so I can be the leader that He has called me to be. I am learning God’s way and God’s heart. He has placed around me people, Godly men and women, that pour into my life.

God Bless You!
Valerie "Tay" Henderson,
Executive Director

Thanksgiving & Christmas

Both events were a success! Thank you to Paula Smith, Stephanie Werne and Danielle Masters for making it one of the most organized events we have ever had.

• 305 men, women, and children were sponsored and provided with Christmas gifts.
• We served 300+ for both occasions.
• Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus were a hit. They stayed the entire evening taking pictures. It was priceless.

Everyone Welcome at Interactive Bible Study

A few Lighthouse Life Group participants: Ronnie, Jackie, Bill, Sallie, Eric, Rodney, Sherry, John, Virgil, Michael, and Richard.

Photo by: Shaun Ring Photography

"After meeting in the Lighthouse basement for a year, it became clear to me that I’m facilitating a life group more than a bible study," said Jackie Powell. Each Friday at 10:30 a.m., friends new and old gather to share praises and concerns, and watch and discuss a DVD. Everyone enjoys the messages that are produced by City on a Hill Productions.

We just finished up H2O, and are now working through The Easter Experience series. Whether you are just curious, a brand new Christian, or a life-long student of the Lord, please join us for these insightful sessions all about relating the Word of God to everyday situations in our lives.

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