A number of visitors and new members of Olivet have asked me about the lighthouse theme we have running throughout our church. I can imagine that as our new building begins to take form and people see a lighthouse taking shape there may even be more questions that we will experience in the community. Here is a brief history and explantion of why we now call ourselves, Olivet "Beacon of Light" Lutheran Church.
A number of years ago a group from Olivet gathered in prayer to discern the will of God for our church. After much prayer and discernment we felt led to our current mission statement, "Sharing the Light and the Love of Our Lord." From this mission statement we developed a visual icon that we felt symbolizes our mission. We decided on a lighthouse. Encarta Encyclopedia says, "A Lighthouse is a structure from which light is projected at night, or which serves as a marker by day, to guide ships sailing in coastal waters. Constructed at important points on a coastline, on isolated or sunken rocks or shoals, and at entrances to harbors and estuaries, lighthouses have been employed to safeguard coast-faring mariners since early times." The lighthouse would prevent ships from being lost in the darkness at sea. It would keep them safe until they entered their port and safely docked at shore.
We believe that God has called us as a church to be a lighthouse of His love, forgiveness and grace. We are to be a beacon of God's mercy, peace and love to all people who are feeling alone and lost in this world. If your life feels like you are being tossed around in a dark, terrible storm we invite to to set your sails on the light of Christ Jesus. Come home to the loving forgiving arms of Jesus Christ and bask in His light and love.
Consider these thoughts, taken from the devotional book Lighthouse Psalms(copyright © 1999 by GRQ Ink, Inc.; published by Honor Books, Tulsa, OK):
"Darkness is nothing more than the absence of light. When the light comes, it fills the darkness and illuminates our way. As the captain of a ship nears the vicinity of the lighthouse, he grows stronger and more confident. He knows that very soon the light from the lighthouse will fill the darkness before him and guide him to safety. He knows that the light will be there. He can depend on it."
"Are you having trouble finding your way in the darkness? Walk toward the light of God's Word and presence. He may not choose to answer every question, but He will fill the darkness in your life with light so that you can walk confidently and without fear. Put your trust in God. He promises that He will always be there. You can depend on it."
Next time you see a lighthouse, I hope you'll take the time to thank Jesus for His guidance in your life. While waves crash the rocks, the lighthouse stands tall and firm; it's there for any drifter to see.
Join me in prayer as we build a lighthouse to share the life changing and life giving message of Jesus Christ.
- Pastor Dave