Lakeland, FL – Running a multi-million dollar business could be considered a normal occurrence in today’s business market. But Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit organization that started in a liquor store, is taking that kind of business to a new level.
Situated in downtown Lakeland, Lighthouse Ministries has been in operation since 1977. Currently, they run nine community programs from their three million dollar budget. The big news is: they receive no government funding. Instead, Lighthouse is funded through donations. 
“When you have government funding, you can’t mix your program and your message,” said Sharon Johnson, Operations Manager at Lighthouse Ministries. “But because our mission is sharing the gospel, it has to be in everything we do.”
The vision of Lighthouse Ministries began with two area businessmen, Carl Warnock and Jim Welch. Planning to begin a shelter, Warnock purchased a former liquor store, knowing the shelter had to be near the train a
nd bus stations.
In the beginning Lighthouse served as a nightly men’s shelter where the Gospel message accompanied a meal and a bed. This continued until 2001 when an accompanying women and children’s shelter opened.
Even in their extensive growth, Johnson assures that Lighthouse Ministries has not lost its primary vision.
“We have many different areas, but it’s all within one ministry,” Johnson said.
Lighthouse Ministries still maintains both shelters today in its downtown Lakeland location. Its programs include the Gospel Rescue Mission, a night shelter; two thrift stores; a community preschool; and a new hydroponics garden titled “Project Green Thumb.” The Adult Learning and Career center offers self-improvement courses, while the KidCare program offers resident children pediatric, academic, and assessment care. H.O.P.E. Outreach is also available for families in need of case management, food, clothing, household items, furniture, and referral services. 
These programs run alongside the Men’s and Women’s One-Stop Care centers, which offer a year-long program where candidates live at Lighthouse and take courses both for self-improvement and career experience. Advancement and graduation from this program are based on individual need and progress.
With so many programs running simultaneously, Lighthouse depends on approximately 200 volunteers.
“We are a non-profit organization, which means we can’t pay everyone,” said Linda Robinette, Assistant to the Executive Director of Lighthouse. “We interview each volunteer and then place them according to what their passion is.”
Aside from staffing this organization, Lighthouse has the enormous task of raising millions of dollars each year. According to the 2006 statement of funds, Lighthouse received over 3 million dollars in donations.
Even with numerous programs Lighthouse is known for its fiscal responsibility. In 2006, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability extended its prestigious membership to Lighthouse. This recognition continued when Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, named Lighthouse Ministries a 4-star organization in 2007 for its financial management.
So how does this organization, run by few staff and an army of volunteers, raise millions of dollars? And after the money is raised, how do they manage it with incredible wisdom? Johnson says it all boils down to community involvement and faith.
“Letting the community know what you’re doing and what your ministry is all about is so important.” Johnson said. “Also, following God’s direction and seeking His will in all things is important. We don’t do anything around here without prayer.”
For more information on Lighthouse Ministries, follow the link to www.lighthousemin.org.
Pictures are copyright Lighthouse Ministries.
