Aurora, Colorado Lighthouse
The Aurora, CO Lighthouse has had a busy year reaching out in their community and even into Denver!
In June, the team hosted a fundraiser to help with different projects they had planned for the remainder of the year. Donna Knight, President, and the team made an arrangement with Dr. Randy Gilkay, a local Chiropractor. He agreed to cover the cost of the building and pay for a catered meal to present a program about his business, Innovative Chiropractic. Over 50 attended the event, where a silent auction provided another fundraising opportunity. The guests enjoyed listening to music provided by a DJ, a violinist, and a Christian Comedian. It was both powerful and fun, and everyone enjoyed each presentation.
Donna said that their next outreach at the park, called Aurora Aglow Mind, Body, and Soul Revival in the Park, was held on one of the hottest days of the year. Even though the temperatures were over 100 degrees, the turnout was over the top. Held at the Utah Park Pavilion, BBQ was provided for the crowd with all the trimmings. Because the team had canvassed the neighborhood prior to the event to introduce Aglow and invite those who may not have seen the advertisement banner that was displayed, many came. Local young artists were showcased, including praise dancers, Hopes Kidz Youth Army, singers, saxophonists, poetry reading, a live DJ, vendors, and a bouncy house.
Youth Pastor Atorvis was joined by the Mean Street Ministries to speak to the youth. Donna said, “It was designed for the youth of the community to see God in the different youth groups that participated with us. Youth need to see other youth who are sold out for God.” Many were touched.
As fall was in full force, the team held a special time of ‘Get Them Fed before Bed’. Having chosen a certain spot to be their base for handing out food, it wasn’t much of a surprise to find that some resisted what was planned and tried to deter them. Once God gave the assignment, the team refused to be moved, and more than 250 people were fed that day. They gave out Einstein’s bagels, bologna, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. There were chips, fruit, and water, too. Tables were stacked with backpacks, coats, blankets, socks, gloves, and hygiene items. Donna said, “We even had doggie bags filled with dog food. For those who didn’t find us, we had teams on foot and one driver who went out with food to hand out.”
Donna said that the team members carry coats, gloves, hats, and shoes in their cars, and they stop to hand them out to those standing on street corners as the seasons change. In Luke 14:23, a certain man was holding a banquet, and when the invited guests found reasons not to attend, he sent his servants out into the highways and byways and compelled them to come in. As Aglow groups reach out in their communities with the power of the Gospel and items to meet practical needs, hearts are touched that may not be touched in any other way. Don’t be afraid to go where God sends you. He will provide for you and those you are reaching out to meet.