Standing underneath the tower of a lighthouse I look up with fascination of the simplicity yet power that it holds in its tall stalk. As the structure of every lighthouse is unique, so are the stories that they hold within – stories of deliverance, hope, and guidance for the ships passing through their waters. They stand tall as beacons of hope; and by the diligence of the lighthouse keeper, it provides a constant beam of light into the darkness.
Growing up in Michigan has fed my fascination of lighthouses, where we have more than one hundred glowing towers lining the shore of the Great Lakes (I may like to brag on my state a bit). Studying history and seeing the important role they have played, and continue to play, feeds my curiosity even more. But the attention grabbing draw lighthouses have on me comes from the beautiful representation they are of Christ and the call He has placed on my life, and the lives of His followers!
I’ll be your lighthouse when you’re lost at sea, and I will illuminate everything Out of Hiding, by Steffany Gretzinger
Christ stands as the lighthouse in my life, His light offering guidance, direction, hope and salvation. Isaiah 49 speaks of the Servant of the LORD, and in verse six it says, “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Continuing that picture, John uses light to represent Jesus and His ministry.
John 1:4-5 – In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Light is used throughout the Bible as a perfect picture of the effect the Gospel has upon entering this dark world.
This month our entire squad has been placed with Lighthouse in Action here in Chiang Mai, Thailand! You can imagine my excitement upon hearing the name of the ministry. Lighthouse in Action truly embodies the meaning behind its name; they are shining into a very spiritually dark and heavy country, offering hope to those who are hopeless.
Lighthouse in Action’s Zion Cafe and Hostel literally stands tall amidst the Red Light district of Chiang Mai. Not only does it offer great coffee, pad Thai, and brownies. It offers a safe harbor to those exiting the sex industry, and has offered individual guidance to every person on my squad. It may take on a different shape than normal lighthouses, but that doesn’t mean it’s light isn’t illuminating this city, and offering guidance to all who pass through its doors!
I’m eager to see what other shapes lighthouses take on as I continue on the World Race!
