Looking back through the history of LGC, all I can say is that in all my experiences within this assembly, I have seen the hand of God operating within this body of believers! Having begun in the 1970’s as an EMMC church plant, this little church was considered to be a revolving door for those who attended for many years. Attendance would continue to fluctuate well into the 90’s. God began to bring about a great revival to the church, beginning around the year 2000.
Until this point, the church was located in the small rural community of Houghton Centre, Ontario. When I started attending in 2001, attendance was approximately 80-90 people on any given Sunday. Pastor Henry Wiebe, my predecessor, was a man of prayer and great faith. God led him to start a prayer meeting in 1999. Through prayer, over the next few years, the church tripled in growth.
Average attendance was around 250-300. The church then sought the Lord for a larger building, that would be able to accommodate the growing crowd. We had begun to fill every space within our current facility. We decided at this point to put our church on the market, not thinking we’d generate much interest. God far exceeded our expectations however, and we were able to get asking price for it in a very slow market, and in a perceived undesirable location. We were then able to miraculously purchase the building we are currently in, for the amount we received from our sale, as well as what we had currently in our building fund. We had about $5000 left over.
It was an incredible story, and God received all the glory. In Port Burwell, Ontario, the church continued to grow, many were coming to faith in Christ from various religious and traditional settings. We expanded our building, only to run out of room. Around 2011 we started a second church plant in Tillsonburg, now operating as Beacon Bible Chapel. We were also able during this time to start another church plant near Milverton, Ontario.
LGC has continued to grow, and through God’s grace and many faithful workers, we have also been able to expand into other regions, such as Mexico, and have had the opportunity to build about 7 churches and one school in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Pastor Henry is now working in Campeche, Mexico, and is in the process of increasing church plants in that region. Currently in Campeche, Mexico, three church groups and two schools are either in the planning process or already functioning.
The work in Port Burwell has also increased and continues to grow in amazing ways. I have been in the role of pastor for almost 7 years now, and by God’s grace we have had the privilege of continuing to see God show Himself strong on our behalf. We have been able to add a dining hall in the last number of years, as well as start a growing private school (approximately 135 children), now approaching its 6th year.
During our recent challenges with the Covid crisis, we have again seen a large number of traditional Mennonite families coming to faith in Christ and joining our attendance, and again we are faced with the prospect of a full church and the need to possibly start another local church plant. In the last few months, God has also opened a door of ministry to us in the Niagara Region, and we now have a functioning and growing church community meeting regularly there.
Considering Niagara, this again was all God! Without us expecting a church plant to occur so quickly and efficiently, again, a large and effectual door of ministry has been opened to us, and we are praising God for His goodness! Throughout all of these things, what can we say, but that God is indeed building His church! We have nothing to boast about except in the cross of Christ! To which belongs all the glory and praise forevermore! Isn’t He good?
Pastor Herman Bueckert
Lighthouse Gospel Church