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Using the only available resource, a storehouse belonging to her mom and dad, some paint, and a good measure of "Elbow Grease", she transformed a little 12' X 28' 2-room building, into a children's church . The LittleChristians Mission opened its doors on a Saturday night, in late October, 1968. Getting off to a slow start, it took nearly a month before children started coming to services on a regular basis. Finally, Jonelle, her niece, Wrendy and nephew, Brad, the only ones present at earlier services, were joined by crowds of 15 to 30 young people each Saturday night. Songs and Bible stories headed up each service, while games and refreshments (served by Ma & Pa Troutt) offered a pleasant and "Child-Pleasing" conclusion. God, indeed, smiled down on this Little Christian's haven of Gospel Light! The following summer, the first Vacation Bible School was established. God's "Welcome Mat" was put out for all children, regardless of denomination or ethnic background. The successful outcome of the VBS endeavor resulted in an ever increasing attendance roll from 1969 to 1971 (a record attendance in the 70's was recorded in 1971). The little tin building started to "shrink"! Jonelle and her family sent up fervent prayers to God for guidance in obtaining larger facilities. Land, for a larger structure, was made available by Ma and Pa Troutt, who deeded two lots to Jonelle. Now, erecting a suitable building on the new site required money, something the local banks didn't have the confidence to loan. Here was Jonelle with a congregation of children, and no visible means of repaying, asking them for money? With the feeling that doors were closing all around her, discouragement abounded! It was time to shift her prayer gears in high!! Jonelle discussed her predicament with her sister and brother-in-law, Jeanie and Andy Quails and was given a wonderful scripture, Philippians 4:19: "But my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory, by Christ Jesus." She accepted this as God's own commitment to the Little Christians Mission and a prayer of thanksgiving was offered up. Following the doctrine that faith must be accompanied by works, the Little Christians Mission set about raising money for the new church. Many bake sales and poster advertisements later, the needed money started coming in, together with donations of labor. Armed with a bank account of over $1,300.00. the Little Christians Mission began the battle of erecting a new building. In July 1971, a 30' X 60' foundation was poured, and the bank account was suffering from severe dehydration! There was less than $200.00 left! Back to the Prayer Closet! Behold, God used Brother Andy to instill the confidence that the banker lacked earlier in approving a loan and within 24 hours, the money was made available. The Church was completed in December 1972. The children had their own special dedication service on December 9, 1972. In May 1973, a more formal dedication service was conducted. Approximately 120 persons attended. On June 4, 1973, Jonelle was united in Holy Matrimony, with Garry Robert Hammack...thus. the first wedding ceremony had been performed in the church. Brother Andy Quails officiated. Toward the last of 1973, God began dealing with Brother Andy about making the church available to people of all ages. A family in Hempstead had requested this change. It was time to broadcast God's Word to all who would listen! Little Christians Mission had its first church and Sunday School service on February 3, 1974. Sixteen people were in attendance. Brother Andy's message was based on Romans 1:16..."For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth... ' On May 8, 1976, 30 "young" people (actually, the oldest participant was 65 years old) volunteered to walk 15 miles to the KACO Radio Station in Bellville, in order to raise money to build an annex on the church. Many businesses in Hempstead and Bellville sponsored this walk-a-thon, and a total of $1,500.00 was realized. Also realized and deeply felt were 30 pair of weary feet and 30 thankful hearts. But, thanks to the mercy of a loving God, we had our 30' X 30' annex...in the bag! December 28, 1981, Little Christians Mission was incorporated. People around the community began to refer to the church as a Lighthouse...an Oasis of Light in a Darkened World. Was God, once more, requesting some additional action? Brother Andy was in a Kenneth Hagin's seminar when the words Word Church leaped out and inspired him. What exactly did God have in mind? Lighthouse Word Church! It was again time for a change...consequently, the name Little Christians Mission was legally renamed Lighthouse Word Church in April 1985. Very early in the 1990's, Lighthouse Word Church had once again outgrown its space. A new and larger church was visualized, prayed for, and believed for. This truly made the devil nervous but, try as he may, he could not prevail against what God had ordained to be. Without a blueprint, God revealed to Brother Andy what He wanted in the church, and as Brother Andy told Lonnie Maynard, the contractor sent by God, he was anointed and moved upon by the Holy Spirit to erect the beautiful sanctuary that you see today. This building was dedicated to the Lord for His people in February of 1997 during our 23rd church anniversary, God has only just begun to minister to Waller County through our church! Lighthouse Word Church, Inc. is an independent non-profit tax-exempt organization: A non-denominational church. The Pastors, staff and people present to you a church that is growing. The fastest growing church in Waller County. We are growing spiritually as well as in numbers. Large Enough to Serve You and Small Enough to Know You!
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