Lighthouse Christian Ministries History, So Far

 ^“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Lighthouse Christian Ministries was originally founded as Bay Area Christian Services (BACS) in December 1997 after years of praying and preparation, led primarily by Bayview residents Chuck Gussler and Karl Newmann, pastor of Bayshore Friends Church.  A local businessman, who preferred to remain anonymous, committed to match all donations up to $10,000 to begin the Resale Shop and Gift Emporium that would provide revenue to continue the mission of the ministry. The original location for the ministry was at 1201 State Highway 146 in Kemah.

The name of the resale store changed to the Bay Area Trading Post and funded several community services at BACS.  The services included limited financial assistance for utilities and gasoline, food from local food pantries, a clothing allowance for families, job interview techniques, access to job boards, contact information to local employers and resume reviews.  The ministry made resource packets available for additional services available through area churches and organizations.  The packets included information on local programs and events for seniors, families and youth, referrals to parenting workshops, financial management and pastoral counseling to promote strong families and self-reliance.

The Bay Area Trading Post was such a success in Kemah a second resale shop was established in League City in July 2000 under the name Lighthouse Resale and Gift Shoppe.  Both resale locations closed when the BACS ministry expanded and moved into a larger building at 800 Grand Avenue in 2004. With the expansion, the ministry added an educational scholarship program and launched a medical services component while extending its reach through new partnerships with area churches and businesses.  In 2007 Hurricane Ike caused extensive damage to many residents in the community.  The BACS facility also sustained heavy damaged, but the ministry continued to provide hurricane recovery services to those affected.

In 2009, the newly rebuilt facility opened at the same location and the name of the organization was officially changed to Lighthouse Christian Ministries.  The facility expansion included a new medical clinic and room for new programs. Under the direction of newly appointed Executive Director, Erika Steele, LCM began expanding the services and the reach of the ministry.  Lighthouse continued to grow and expand by adding a Houston Food Bank Summer Nutrition program and a GED tutoring program. Partnerships with the local Lions Club provided free eye screenings and eyeglasses, and a Pregnancy Center providing services to pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of three.  Dental health services were added in 2013 to provide free or low-cost dental care through volunteer dentists.  The Kidz Dayz summer youth program was launched the next year and continues to provide 3,000 meals each summer. Mobile food distributions in San Leon and Bacliff became possible through a partnership with the Galveston Food Bank providing food to hundreds in the community.

Most recently, a tutoring program for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test was created for neighbors who plan to join the military.  A community garden has been established at K.E. Little Elementary School to provide fresh vegetables for our community neighbors.  Ministry volunteers have established a Senior Gathering twice monthly at the Grand Avenue site for our eldest neighbors to fellowship, have lunch, and hear speakers present topics of interest. 

From its humble beginnings in 1997, Lighthouse Christian Ministries has remained true to its founding principles of service to the community and spreading Christ’s love to its neighbors and beyond.  In 2017, LCM provided $670,000 in food distributions and financial assistance, given $33,000 in scholarships, made available $300,000 in health care services, served 275 dental patients with $736,000 in dental care, and provided $50,000 in community services through their many outreach programs.

The mission of the ministry continues to be “Building relationships through service, to shine Christ’s love and hope in our community.”  As when the ministry was begun, a portion of the ministry funding is still provided by the Lighthouse Resale Shop which continues to offer quality donated household goods, furniture, antiques, collectibles and gently worn clothes at a fraction of the original cost.  Generous donors and loyal benefactors provide support for the ministry as well.

The LCM board of directors recently approved the purchase of a plot of land adjacent to the current location and discussions have begun to expand the LCM facility once again.  The Lighthouse Christian Ministries began with a courageous plan to spread the love of Christ to all our neighbors through our good works.  He has been with us and our tasks have been greatly rewarded through the years; and now He calls us to even greater works.  Through Him, the beacon of God’s love will perpetually shine in all our neighborhoods.

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