Hands-On Help for Young Hearts

Recently, I saw wood turn into water.

It sounds like a magic trick, but it wasn’t. It all started with a bored 9-year-old who was looking for something to do after school. Landon has a mop of curly dark hair, mischievous eyes, and so much energy that he never stops moving.

His brother and cousin told him to check out the Lighthouse Youth Center that had recently opened in a church not too far from his home.

He enjoyed hanging out there, and especially liked participating in the Kingdom Workers construction program called Build Up that takes place there once a week. Through that program Landon has been able to work on projects like constructing cornhole boards and building a picnic table (his favorite project so far).

But even more important than the wood projects has been Landon’s budding relationship with Jeff, who runs the Build Up program. Important because Jeff has been able to help Landon learn how to use tools, and hold life-changing conversations about faith at the same time.

While Landon worked on the wood projects, Jeff spoke of God’s love, grace, and purpose. Landon was intrigued.

Before long, he began riding his bike to church by himself nearly every Sunday—all by himself. Often, he would sit with Jeff and his family. His own family wasn’t churchgoing, so this weekly routine became important for him—a beacon of love and stability.

Recently, the story took a remarkable turn when Landon said he wanted to be baptized. He had seen others get baptized during the services, and knew he wanted that, too. He asked his mom, but she was reluctant.

Landon wouldn’t give up. He asked Josh, the Lighthouse director, for help. Josh happily reached out to Landon’s mom, and while they talked, the Holy Spirit worked: not only did she agree to Landon’s baptism, but she also wanted her other three sons to be baptized!

This transformation didn’t happen by chance. The Holy Spirit used Jeff’s consistent mentorship, unwavering faith, and the supportive community created by the Build Up program in partnership with Lighthouse Youth Centers. Landon’s story is a testament to the power of these connections, showing how our efforts touch lives hearts.