Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – Have you ever driven down highway 60 just outside of Dexter and wondered why there is a lighthouse on the hill? Where did it come from and why is it here in Dexter of all places?
Pastors Tim and Tina Russell or any member of the Lighthouse Church can enlighten you on what is behind 20 years of serving the Lord. Tim Russell explained, “My wife and I began this ministry in 1993 when God inspired me through a vision. I could actually see the vision unfolding and I new I had to take this chance. God would provide.”
As I sat with Pastor Russel and discussed the church and how he has been so successful with his ministry, he told me, "It's like this, the message is the same, but it's the method that has changed." And he is correct with all that the Church does and their 500 members plus, they utilize everyone in their congregation to convey the Lord's word.
The Lighthouse Christian Center offers a Smiles of Hope free dental clinic, one Saturday each month with a multitude of volunteers, even serving breakfast that morning to many. They recently prepared 89,000 meals for Nicaragua and 100,000 meals for Springfield food pantries with their Hope International of Bernie, Missouri and the Wesley United Methodist Church in Springfield. Each year they have a back to school bash offering backpacks and supplies to young students who are in need. Just this week they took a truck of food supplies to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission and the list of good deeds continues daily.
The ministry sits on 43 acres of ground, on top of a hill at the intersection of State Highway 25 and State Highway 60 with a lighthouse structure that lightens the sky for miles. There are plans to announce the blueprints for their new building and south wing for the Smiles of Hope dental clinics.
“Our vision is about loving God and loving people,” commented Pastor Russell. “We offer a place for anyone to come, no matter your social status, race, age or if you have addictions, you have a place here. Everyone deserves a chance to feel the love of God.”
On June 2, 2013, the Lighthouse Church will celebrate their 20th Anniversary and they are going to be positively without a doubt “loud” about it.
First they are excited to give away a 2013 Dodge DART vehicle that was donated to the church for this event by Harry Blackwell Doge of Dexter.
Second they are going to have Monster Trucks and a Demolition Derby on the Lighthouse Christian Center Grounds just behind the church. Now that’s "loud" entertainment!!
There will be plenty to do that day with bouncers for the kids, prizes given away throughout the day, lots of great food, and entertainment. So bring out the kids and a lawn chair, it’s going to be a BIG and LOUD day praising the Lord and celebrating twenty years of serving the Dexter community.
The Demolition Derby will offer a $1,000 to the winner, 2nd place will be $400, 3rd place $200 and 4th place $100. Trophies will also be awarded. This is a singe run event for the first 30 FREE entries. For rules or to register please contact Jess Short at 576-5341 or Josh Short at 820-2629.
For more information about the Lighthouse Christian Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration contact them at 624-2500 or if you would like to attend their Church, service begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
