Lantern and Compass Project

Clarity and Direction

Events

Sharing Hope

Serving Families Through the Mobile Clothing Closet & Christmas Program

Over the past season, I’ve had the joy of volunteering with Anchored Ministries through both their Mobile Clothing Closet and their Christmas Program—two outreach efforts that quietly, faithfully, and powerfully change lives in our community.

A Closet on Wheels, and A Whole Lot of Love

Anchored Ministries hosts two to four Mobile Clothing Closet events every month, which means that on any given week, you might find a small team of volunteers unloading racks, setting up tables, and welcoming families with big smiles.

I’ve had the privilege of stepping into that space—helping shoppers find clothing that fits their needs, offering encouragement, bagging items, chatting with parents and children, and keeping everything running smoothly.

But the real heartbeat of the Clothing Closet isn’t just the shirts or jackets—it’s the conversations, the prayers whispered quietly, and the simple ministry of showing up with kindness. Each event becomes a moment where people can bump into Jesus through a friendly face, a warm coat, or even a listening ear.

Christmas Joy That Reaches Farther Than Gifts

Anchored Ministries’ Christmas Program is a special one-day event, but the impact lasts long after the wrapping paper is thrown away. Families come from all over seeking help and hope during a season that can feel heavy when finances are tight.

Volunteering at this event reminded me how powerful it is when the local Church links arms with community partners to make sure no child goes unseen. Gifts, stocking stuffers, and a whole lot of Christmas joy are offered—but even more, families are reminded that they matter and that they are deeply loved by God.

This year, one of the most meaningful additions has been BGMC stepping in to provide Bibles for children who don’t yet own one. What a beautiful gift—a child’s very first Bible wrapped into their Christmas sponsorship! It’s not just a present; it’s planting seeds of hope, faith, and lifelong discipleship. A huge thank you to all the boys and girls who faithfully give to BGMC. Your generosity is making this possible! Funds raised through BGMC help meet critical needs around the world—with a special emphasis on Kids Helping Kids. Your giving is changing lives, one Bible and one heart at a time.

Why Partnerships Matter

Serving with Anchored Ministries has reminded me how vital community partnerships are. When churches, ministries, and volunteers work together, doors open. People are served with dignity. Families experience compassion. And hearts become more open to God’s love.

Every Mobile Clothing Closet, every Christmas gift, every Bible placed into the hands of a child—these are all opportunities for people to bump into Jesus in meaningful, everyday ways.

Grateful to Be Part of the Story

I’m thankful for every conversation, every smile, every chance to serve, and every moment when Jesus meets someone in the middle of a clothing rack or a Christmas gift line.

Anchored Ministries is making a difference—and I’m honored to play even a small part.

If you’re looking for a practical, heart-level way to serve your community, these outreach events are a beautiful place to begin. You never know how your simple “yes” might become God’s moment in someone’s life.

Camp That Transforms

Ability Camp is something truly extraordinary—two weeks of summer camp that offers adults with special needs a place to grow spiritually, form lasting friendships, and experience God’s love in tangible ways. Designed to be fully inclusive, Ability Camp is a haven of acceptance, joy, and faith. Here, every camper is invited to deepen their relationship with God, experience His grace, and embrace the truth that they are beautifully made in His image.

At Ability Camp, each camper is seen as a beloved child of God, created with purpose and worth. Disabilities are not viewed as limitations but as part of the unique and intentional way God has crafted each individual. In this loving community, campers are valued, welcomed, and reminded of their belonging in the Body of Christ. Surrounded by others who share their faith, campers experience an environment of true acceptance—a place where they are treasured just as they are.

From fishing to spirit led chapel time, every Ability Camp activity is carefully adapted to ensure all campers can fully participate. These activities go beyond fun; they are spiritual experiences, too. A peaceful morning fishing at the pond becomes a time to marvel at God’s creation, while a chapel service turns into uninhibited worship. Campers are encouraged to encounter God in every part of their day, whether through prayer, Bible study, or simple moments of reflection in the beauty of nature.

At Ability Camp, adult campers are given a unique opportunity to grow in both faith and independence. Many activities are designed to allow campers to practice making decisions, assisting with daily tasks, and developing confidence in their own abilities. Through structured Bible studies, prayer times, and moments of personal reflection, campers are encouraged to trust God’s guidance in their lives. They leave camp knowing they are capable, strong, and supported by a loving God who walks with them through life’s journey.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Ability Camp is the chance to form deep friendships, rooted in a shared faith. As campers pray, worship, and share experiences together, they create bonds that can last a lifetime. These friendships offer spiritual encouragement and support, providing a sense of community that continues even after camp has ended. Many campers find lifelong mentors in their counselors, who offer guidance, compassion, and a constant reminder of God’s love.

Above all, Ability Camp is a testimony of God’s boundless love and grace. Here, every camper is reminded that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that God’s love is unconditional. Through moments of worship, personal reflection, and the kindness of counselors and friends, campers experience God’s grace in real and powerful ways.

In a world that sometimes overlooks individuals with special needs, Ability Camp shines as a reminder of the Kingdom of God—a place where every person has purpose, every voice is heard, and every life is cherished. Ability Camp offers more than just a summer experience; it provides a sacred space where adults with special needs can walk in faith, grow in confidence, and know beyond a doubt that they are cherished by a loving and faithful God.

Ability Camp isn’t just a break from the routine; it’s a transformative time for campers to draw close to Christ, discover their gifts, and celebrate the truth that they are beloved members of God’s family.

If you’d like to be part of Ability Camp 2025 reach out and request additional information. We’d love to have you join this special family.

Trailbreaker Fun & Faith

Ah, Camp Wannahockalugie—the name alone sparks a smile, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of place where kids trade their screens for sunshine, their everyday worries for water wars, and their usual routine for something extraordinary. This summer, we embraced the theme of Trailbreaker, inspired by Isaiah 40:3: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” And what a week it was!

Each morning began with a skit featuring our delightful underground-dwelling dwarfs, who had lived their whole lives in the dark—until they met the Trailbreaker. This mysterious guide, who lived above ground, was carving a path through the wilderness, preparing to share the light of Jesus.

Through laughter, mishaps, and poignant moments, the dwarfs discovered that the light wasn’t something to fear but something to embrace. By the end of the week, the entire underground crew decided to step into the light, joining the Trailbreaker in pointing others toward Jesus. It was a beautiful reminder for all of us: the light of Christ changes everything.

After the skits, kids dove into breakout sessions that blended fun with faith.

  • Arts and Crafts: Tiny hands painted, glued, and glittered their way to masterpieces that reflected God’s creative nature.
  • Music: Voices rang out in joyful songs, some accompanied by stomping feet, clapping hands, and a few surprise dance moves.
  • Prayer Room Time: A quiet, sacred space where kids could meet with God, talk about their week, and listen for His voice.
  • Recreation: Whether it was a relay race or an epic tug-of-war, every game reminded us that teamwork and laughter are gifts from God.

Camp Wannahockalugie isn’t just about learning; it’s about living the adventure. Water wars left everyone soaked and smiling, while pool time provided splashy fun for kids and leaders alike. Camp Harding offered a playground for carefree play, where friendships blossomed and memories were made.

But the highlight of the week? The baptisms. Seeing kids declare their love for Jesus and their desire to walk in His light was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The week culminated in a celebration service that brought everyone together—kids, leaders, and families—to worship, laugh, and reflect on the journey we’d shared. Songs of praise echoed through the camp, and the story of the dwarfs stepping into the light reminded us that we’re all called to be trailbreakers for Christ.

As the sun set on Camp Wannahockalugie, we packed up our crafts, wrung out our waterlogged clothes, and said our goodbyes. But the lessons we learned about stepping into the light, blazing trails for others, and preparing the way for the Lord? Those we carried home in our hearts.

Here’s to the Trailbreaker who guides us all—and to the kids of Camp Wannahockalugie, who are ready to shine His light wherever they go!

You have no idea what filled the week until you take a look at the recap video!

Mark your calendars for next summer… June 23-27, 2025 so your kids don’t miss out.

Unleashed Road Trip

PLANKS AND SLEDS AND BEARS, OH MY!

No, we were not heading to the Emerald City where we might have met the Great Wizard of Oz, instead we were heading to Crucible Performance gym where we met the man behind the business, Ryan Morse. 

Come on team! 15 more seconds. Last set, best set!

For five weeks Coach Ryan has been training and coaching a group of kids physically, socially and spiritually through the use of fitness and his love for Christ. 

Just like Tin Man, Lion and Scarecrow were transformed through their journey to Oz with Dorothy these kids are being transformed in mind and body as they journey through Underdogs Unleashed with Ryan. Through the use of his gifts and talents, Ryan is sharing his knowledge and personal relationship with Jesus to help these kids discover how God created them and how they can have that same relationship with Jesus.

Ryan’s path to their hearts and minds might not be by following a yellow brick road although we did see a lot of yellow when we arrived at Crucible Performance. Ryan took the kids through high knees, planks, sleds, bear crawls and endless ropes with the hopes that they would be worn out for the trip home. Sadly for me they weren’t worn out and instead were famished on the return trip. Good thing we had a picnic basket that would have rivaled Dorothy’s. And no, we did not have a dog inside but we did have some healthy snacks.

There are many journeys that lead to a personal relationship with Jesus and each person’s journey is going to be different. Each will have its own set of trials, challenges, successes and questions. The important thing about every journey is that you keep putting one foot in front of the other and know that the journey brings growth that will help you be ready for anything.

Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

James 1:2-4

Underdogs Unleashed

Lightning and Leslie, two characters from the Alps of Chicago, kicked off the evening by getting the students pumped up and ready to face some physical and spiritual challenges. I’m not sure how you can turn mowing the grass into a workout routine but these two had all the moves. Luckily for the students, Ryan showed up just as they were finishing a workout that could only be described as questionable and quite odd .

Ryan Morse, Christian and Crucible Performance owner

Ryan, our guest professional and owner of Crucible Performance, was invited to come and share with the students what he does in his business and share how Jesus is part of his fitness center.

This first session of an 8-week course called “Underdogs Unleashed” focused on being prepared for what God has planned for our lives. Ryan was an underdog growing up and could relate to David, a true underdog in scripture. Both learned to see the challenges in their lives as opportunities to grow in their faith, which prepared them for something bigger. James 1:2 says “Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort.” Ryan encouraged the students to ‘Cherish the Challenge’ that they face each and every day.

David faced some incredibly big challenges in his life. Did he always get it right? No, but he learned to trust God through them and became known as a man after God’s own heart. What are some of the biggest challenges that you’re facing right now? Why do you think you’re going through those challenges? What bigger purpose do you think these challenges could be preparing you for?

You can find the joy in those challenges when you look to the one who is preparing you for something greater. Don’t give up. Keep preparing. Persevere. God will give you the courage and the strength you need to prepare and have the confidence to be everything God has made you to be.