A celebration worship service, ribbon cutting, and grand opening of the Lighthouse Boys’ and Girls’ Ranch at Lighthouse Christian Camp was held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 30th. The service was followed with a delicious meal and tours were given of the two Ranch homes and the camp facilities. The event was well attended by many from DeKalb County, Nashville, Putnam, and other areas of Middle Tennessee.
The Lighthouse Boys’ and Girls’ Ranch is a ministry of Lighthouse Christian Camp, Inc., and the homes, one for boys and one for girls, will provide a permanent home for children in need of a safe, secure, and loving environment. Children, ages five to 12, will be accepted by referral from grandparents and others, who find it difficult to provide for the basic needs of children in their care. Many children are being left with grandparents, relatives, and friends, and find they are unable to provide the care that children from difficult circumstances really need and deserve.
Joe and Kim Madden are the parents for the boys’ home, and Clint and Jeanne Underwood are the parents for the girls’ home. Each home will accommodate six children. The beautiful, two-story homes have spacious living areas, large kitchen, and dining room, library, and five bedrooms. Every bedroom has a private bath, and every bath has double vanities.
The Lighthouse Boys’ and Girls’ Ranch will provide programs and services designed to strengthen and support the total development of the children. This will be accomplished primarily through the parents, attendance in church, and participation in all the programs at Lighthouse Christian Camp.
“We get so excited thinking about the opportunity to provide a Christ-centered, biblically based, stable and loving home for precious children in such desperate need. A mom and dad that love the Lord Jesus Christ will provide consistent love, discipline, and direction children need and deserve,” said Bro. Ben Chapman.
The children that come to live at the Ranch will be assured of a permanent home through high school and will be provided an opportunity to live in a transitional home on the property until they graduate from college, technical school or until they are gainfully employed.
Those that may know of children that would benefit by being a resident at the Lighthouse Ranch are encouraged to call Bro. Ben Chapman at 615-597-1264 for more information.
For those that are interested in serving or supporting the ministry of Lighthouse Boys’ and Girls’ Ranch or Lighthouse Christian Camp, please call any of the staff at 615-597-1264 or visit the website at www.lighthousechristiancamp.com.
(Pictured:Front Left to Right: Chamber Director Suzanne Williams, County Executive Mike Foster, Circuit Court Clerk Katherine Pack, Ben and Ermeda Chapman, President & Camp founders; Donna England, Executive Board; Stacey Hancock, Ranch Advisory Board; Jeannette Gaw, Ranch Advisory Board; Kay Quintero, Ranch Advisory Board; Kim Madden, Ranch parent
Middle: Jeanne Underwood, Ranch parent; Clint Underwood, Ranch parent
Back: Gordon Parham; Ranch Advisory Board; Pastor Larry Green, Ranch Advisory Board; George Robinson, Executive Board; Adam Whitecotton; Joe Madden, Ranch parent)
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