Lantern and Compass Project

Clarity and Direction

Highlights

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.

What Would HE say?

Have you ever entered into the Holy of Holies? Have you ever stood on Holy ground and been in the very presence of God? Have you really thought about sitting next to Jesus in your most favorite place? What did the conversation with Jesus sound like as you sat and talked with Him? Did you feel the warmth of His presence as you sat there with Him, saying nothing?

I wish I could adequately share the experiences that a group of PK/MK students were having at a weekend retreat; experiences that potentially changed the direction of their faith walk with Jesus.

But that’s exactly what happened for a group of elementary students. Each chapel Jesus wanted to meet with them and spend time with each one individually. What happened looked different for each student. To give you a glimpse of the time spent with Jesus take a look at what one student wrote in their journal.

I had just finished sharing the story of Moses giving his attention to and going to see the burning bush and how God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was on Holy ground. I further shared the conversation that God had with Moses there.

As each student was led into their own Holy of Holies and the very presence of Jesus they were encouraged to share their thoughts and ask Jesus some simple questions.

The first was, “Jesus, what do you want to tell me today?”, to which one student wrote this.
Then the students were prompted to ask Jesus what they were to do with what was just shared and this was the answer.

The final question was simple, “What else do you want me to know?” Very simply said was the following response.

So went the entire weekend. Going into the Holy of Holies and spending time with God himself. The students began to realize that their time with Jesus could be more interactive and more intimate. They recognized that Jesus wants to spend quality time with them and desires to have a two way conversation. 

I know that Jesus spoke to students that weekend as evidenced by feedback, comments and testimony. Here is just one from the camp director. “We’ve gotten such good feedback about the kids time at PKMK Retreat. The kids had a blast but the best part has been hearing how they’ve talked with their parents about listening for God in prayer and endeavoring to continue the practice at home. One parent said that her son “took a leap forward in praying.”

Another testimony was from a student that shared, “Jesus told me that I am blessed and I need to share that with others”

A chaperone shared, “Jesus told me that I am loved as much as anyone else and that I need to tell the world.”

Pray that more War Rooms (Prayer rooms for students) will be established, giving our younger believers the experience they need to carry their relationship with Jesus to a whole different level of intimacy.

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.

Superpower Unleashed

It’s a bird, it’s a plane. No, it’s superman! We’re all familiar with this superhero’s powers yet even he was vulnerable to kryptonite. The Kryptonite “pushes” out Superman’s stored energy and replaces it with poisonous radiation he cannot process! Even Superman has a weakness that renders him powerless.

Aren’t you glad that you have a power that nothing can render useless. Paul writes to the believers in Ephesus and encourages them as he shares the magnitude of God’s plan and the power He gives us through Holy Spirit.

“Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”

Through Superpower Unleashed, the third in our Unleashed series, our team shared how God’s power works through ordinary people and how each person can receive the power that will help them understand, love and accomplish God’s plan for their lives.

Eric Valentine, founder and owner of Team Works, shared each week how God has empowered him through his business and how the skills and gifts that God has given him, enables him to do more than he would ever dare to ask or hope.

Each one of us have access to that power. The power that enables us to do far more than we could ever imagine through Holy Spirits power living within us as followers of Jesus Christ.

Anticipated Prayer

As a children’s pastor and missionary to children, I know the value and the importance of bringing children into a better understanding of prayer and the impact that it can have on their lives. For years, God has been stirring my heart to provide opportunities for kids to experience prayer in different and meaningful ways. It started nearly 10 years ago at district camp. God was leading our team to emphasis prayer options following the evening chapel. That was the beginning of something absolutely beautiful. Over the years prayer during day camps, overnight camps, midweek services and Sunday morning classrooms have become the time that kids look forward to with great anticipation.

July 2021, “The War Room” was introduced at The Good Shepherd Ministries day camp. (The War Room is the name given to our prayer room) Pastor Kenny and I had talked in great length about the idea, the implementation and the expected outcome but I couldn’t articulate exactly what that would look like in a real setting. We might not have known the particulars but Holy Spirit knew exactly what needed to be done to draw these kids into a spiritual realm where they wanted to be and expected to meet with God himself.

The week began with 30 minutes in The War Room. We entered into the presence of God with reference and respect and left after having a meaningful encounter with God. By the end of the week each group was spending upwards of 60 minutes and wanting more time in the War Room with Jesus. They had experienced just a touch of God and were craving more.

Our kids can be drawn into the spiritual realm and have an intimate relationship with Jesus. Are we providing them with the opportunities that they need to draw into that relationship? Are we allowing them time to practice their skills in hearing God’s voice? Are we giving them a variety of ways to enhance their time with Jesus?

Our children aren’t lost because they don’t know who Jesus is, but they don’t know him personally