REPORT: LIGHTHOUSE GREAT MISSENDEN 2007
We celebrated 20 years of Lighthouse in Great Missenden in 2007. It started as a vision of 4 or 5 people back in 1987 and they thought 50 – 100 children would attend. More than 250 came the first year, 1988. Each year the attendance grew until 2000 came in 1999. The next year Lighthouse Hazlemere opened and four more Lighthouses have started in the area, High Wycombe , Burnham, Marlow and Princes Risborough. A total of 4,000+ children now enjoy the fun and the love of Jesus.
At the close of Lighthouse each year people often ask; “Did you have a good year?” The answer is, “Yes we did”.
We welcomed over 1,000 children this year and also over 500 helpers.
It was cold and damp and on Thursday it poured. We had many operational difficulties. A couple of parents had concerns and needed to talk to me about them. Someone always needed help somewhere. Were we bothered? No.
The theme this year was; “It is time to celebrate”. I believe we did this in so many ways. We celebrated God and His Son Jesus. We told all who would listen about God’s creation and that he does look after us. We told all who would listen about the birth of Jesus and the unconditional love of Jesus. We encouraged all to accept the Holy Spirit and to go away in faith and confidence that God is with them.
Many parents came up to me at the end of Lighthouse and gave thanks for the time the children had during the week. The friendships they had made, the love they had received and the fun time.
People then ask me “Are you pleased it is all over?” The answer to that question is emphatically “No!” I will miss the celebrations and the fellowship.
Am I tired? Yes. Do I need a rest? Yes. Will I be back helping next year.? YES.
Alex Eaden
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