By Amanda Boston
Since 2003, the Lighthouse Gospel Mission has hosted its annual Thanksgiving of Hope dinner for families who need food assistance. This year’s outreach will take place on Friday, November 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lighthouse Revival Center in Riverview.
Every year, Thanksgiving of Hope feeds about 175 families. Pastor Tony Samuels is the Director of Operations and explained that those who wish to participate can register at the event starting at 6 p.m. No photo identification or documentation will be required.
Pastor Samuels described the evening, “We start with a church service and then feed everyone a hot Thanksgiving meal. We also send every family home with a food basket that has all the Thanksgiving trimmings.”
The Lighthouse Gospel Mission consists of multiple ministries such as its 18-month substance abuse rehabilitation and discipleship program, a nursing home ministry, a community food bank and a prison outreach program.
Nikki Santana heads the media department for the Lighthouse Gospel Mission. She is also a 2012 graduate of the 18-month rehabilitation and discipleship program. Santana, along with other graduates, plan to volunteer at Thanksgiving of Hope.
“We know, and many of us from experience, how hard things can be for people during the holidays, so we’re blessed to open our doors to the community and offer a great time of encouragement, prayer and a lot of food to all,” said Santana.
Next month, the Lighthouse Gospel Mission will host its annual Christmas of Hope on Friday, December 15 at 6 p.m. Like Thanksgiving of Hope, Christmas of Hope will follow a similar format, but with the addition of Santa. Children ages 2-10 years can visit with Santa and receive a gift.
For more information or to donate nonperishables, call 677-5220. To make a monetary contribution to Thanksgiving of Hope or Christmas of Hope, please visit www.lmin.org. Lighthouse Revival Center is located at 7211 S. 78th St. in Riverview.
