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Published by TLC CONTACT Magazines, 2023-09-07 19:56:28

Night Of Joy (2023)

Night Of Joy (2023)

Night of Joy TLC Ministries Report 2022 / 2023


Elders 4 Administrator 5 Ministerial Administrator 6 Family Ministries Children’s Ministry 7 Youth Ministry 8 Widow’s Ministry 9 Outreach Communications 10 Foreign Outreach 11 Special Events 12 Shepherd Shoppe/Library 13 HCW & Mercy Fund 14 Sponsorship 15 Someone Cares 16 Q8 Food Care 17 Discipleship Christian Education 18 GSOL 19 Life Groups 20 Trauma & Healing 21 Prayer L.A.D.Y.S. Prayer 22 IntercessoryPrayer 23 Mountain Top / 3 Day Fasts 24 Praise Night / Month of Prayer 25 Services Fridays Lighthouse 26 Fridays Mishref 27 Service Ministry Chart 28 Sundays NECK 29 Music Ministry 30 Ushers 31 Support Staff / Human Resources 32 Facilities 33 Volunteers / Interns 34 Sound & Media 35 Information Technology 36 Affiliations NECK Common Council 37 TLA 38 Salvation Army 39 Volunteer Application Procedure 40 Ministerial Application Procedure 41 TLC Ministry List 42 Table of Contents 3 2023 Annual Congregational Ministries Report of The Lighthouse Church Kuwait English Language Congregation of National Evangelical Church of Kuwait P.O.Box 80 Safat 13001 Kuwait Tel. 2240 7195 [email protected] www.tlckuwait.com General Layout and Editing: Pat Golbeck Administrative Assistant: Luisa Tobias Printing: Royale Printers


Elders Our report beings with words of thanks: thanks to God for His faithfulness and steadfast love in granting us freedom to be and do church in this country. Thanks to the Deacons who meet regularly to assist in the oversight and management of the many ministries of TLC. Thanks to the ministry leaders, their leadership teams and all ministry members who provide a wide range of services as is reflected in this annual ministry report. And thanks to each believer who participates in one or more of TLC ministries. Service Elders The most visible ministry of TLC is the public services. Each service is overseen by one or more persons who have a heart to ensure that all who seek the truth are welcome and will be ministered to. Our team (for most of the year): Council Of Deacons Patterned after the early church, Acts 6:1-6, TLC is blessed with a quality team of deacons assisting in the many ministerial and logistical ministries! The monthly meetings where Elders and Deacons discuss the overall progress of TLC are a blessed time when reports are reviewed and future plans are discussed. Thank you for your nominations for upcoming Deacons - we look forward to the coming year with thankfulness and even greater expectations! Great Command & Great Commission Discipleship and proclamation remain the key compass points of TLC. Prayer and the Word are at the core of fulfilling John 17:3, to truly know God! A revisit on our Life Groups (LG) has begun and we are prayerfully seeking quality leaders and hosts. By joining an LG, each member will experience Acts 2:42 in an caring community. Our public Worship services are just that – public – anyone is welcome. We hear testimony after testimony of those who are learning what it means to be a part of a local church as a result of increasingly participating in the core ministries, starting with prayer. Eldership Team A heartfelt ‘Thank You!’ to Nick Forbess who served faithfully and sacrificially as Elder in TLC from 2016-2022. Nick also served as Vice President of the Council, Service Elder of the 9am Mishref Service and in numerous other ministries the past coupe decades. As an Eldership team we take seriously the mandate of I Pet 5:1-4 to care for, feed and protect God’s flock of TLC. Our Prayer Our prayer is that TLC increasingly be a community for believers in Kuwait to belong, not mere ‘go to’. We aim to see Eph 4:11-16 an ever increasing reality within TLC! We look forward to another great ministerial year with joyful anticipation of how Jesus will continue to build His Church here in this country! Our prayer is to serve with diligence as God’s stewards, II Tim 1:7. Welcome to approach any of us directly or via [email protected]. With thanks, TLC Elders Ajith Mendis Gerald Golbeck Safari Paul Sherry Oommen (specific oversight:) Prayer, Counselling CE, Outreach Music Life Groups 8am NECK 11am NECK 8am Mishref 11am 6pm Sunday George Thomas Joseph Zachariah Manoj Oommen Justin Michael Sherry Oommen Matthew Sam Ajith Mendis Nick Forbess (retired) Gerald Golbeck Safari Paul Yvette D’Sousa (late) 4 • Gerald Golbeck (President) • Ajai Philip • Manoj Oommen • Vishak Soman • Justin Michael (Vice President) • Durga Prasad Ande • Sunil Gatty • George Thomas (Secretary) • Innal Anthony • Susan Reuben • Matthew Sam (Treasurer) • Joseph Zachariah • Vijay Kale


Administrator Staff birthdays, welcoming new staff as well as farewells were celebrated on the last Wednesday of the month with a time of fellowship and lunch. On Dec 20, 2022, Staff embarked on a much-anticipated staff outing to Failaka island. It was a day filled with laughter, team building, creating lasting memories. As Christmas was round the corner, gifts were exchanged. With heavy hearts we said farewell to Pr. Yvette as she entered God’s glory on June 16, 2023. She led by example. She ran the race of faith with all her heart, soul, mind & strength. She imparted grace to many hearts and lives. No doubt she will be sorely missed by staff as well as the church. Our staff work diligently with excellence and creative intelligence and we are blessed to have each of them on board. And, As always, we are grateful to our elders and deacons for their guidance and prayers. Our sincere thanks to elders Gerald & Safari and Mrs. Pat for their leadership and support on the ground. Blessed to serve! Shaji V. George Administrator "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor." Ecc. 4:9 What an amazing year! Well, it’s time to look back at God’s faithfulness which is truly worth celebrating. At the Church office it’s all about teamwork. Staff, volunteers, and interns work to ensure prayer meetings, ministries, and special events are organized, coordinated, and well managed as the team steps up to serve the increasing service attendees. We oversee the smooth functioning of the Facilities, Finance, Sound and Media, Shepherd Shoppe departments along with their various committees. Our office also acts as the liaison for TLA facilities, maintenance, and visa requirements. We also maintain excellent relations with the NECK sponsor’s office and work closely with the 85+ churches on the compound. We also initiated projects to improve and enhance the compound building façades and ambience. Our staff meets Sunday through Thursday, for morning devotions, with Wednesdays utilized for staff training and development. This year we reviewed the TLC staff ethics and code of conduct, the Holy Spirit, book of Ezra and subjects related to spiritual growth. 5 We are blessed to serve you as the TLC Staff


Ministerial Administrator Farewells Nick & Gynger Forbess were bid a heartfelt farewell from Mishref 11 am service. They have been an integral part of TLC over the many decades during their tenure here. Also we bid farewell farewell to Innal & Mary Antony and children returning to India. Baptisms It was a joy to see many young people take this step of dedication to the Lord. 6 Funerals and Memorial Services “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15. Pastor Yvette was called to her eternal home on June 16, 2023 after serving TLC in various key positions for the past 17 years as Service Elder, Ministerial Administration, GSOL Director, Pastoral Ministries and many more. She was known for her strength of will, for her generosity, compassion and devotion. It was her unwavering faith in Christ and love for the Lord that kept her through until her last breath of life. Indeed Pastor Yvette has fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Now there is in store for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award her on that day! Though she will be deeply missed, we are comforted knowing that we shall meet again one day on heaven’s beautiful shore! Administration is a ‘gift’ to be used in the church (1 Corinthians 12:28). We assist in the above in addition to providing clerical administration for all Public Worship Services, Christian Education Classes, GSOL, baptisms, baby dedications and premarriage counseling. Kindly visit our website www.tlckuwait.com for more details. Manoj Oommen Ministerial Administrator Baby Dedications At TLC we welcome new life with a special dedication service & pray over each precious child, for God’s blessings upon God’s gift to the parents & church family.


“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 The year was an exciting year, beginning in August with a Teachers’ Training Session facilitated by the HWT team & Dr. Feba Paul. She taught us how to identify abused children, and procedures to follow to protect the child. The second session by our Elders challenged and encouraged the teachers to be good witnesses to the children. Starting in September, 160 children in Mishref & the compound regularly attended CE Classes. The younger children learnt Bible stories and verses from Old Testament through the New Testament until the book of Acts. The middle school had age-appropriate topical lessons. The teachers and children participated in our annual Harvest Fest and joined other leaders & CEF to understand the need for missions. A video made by children of missionaries in Papua New Guinea captivated the children. TLC’s Christmas Festival provided a platform for 60 children to dress up and sing their best! The teachers organized snow play for little kids and gave away free candy bags to nearly 500 children. In April, the upper elementary and middle school kids had a seminar on personal hygiene, bodily changes, and sexuality. Dr. Arthi and Dr. Milind addressed the girls and boys in separate classrooms. Parents signed a permission slip to acknowledge their child’s participation. 40 children participated in this session. May 6th the Child r e n ’ s P r a y e r Fair feat u r e d five stat i o n s w h e r e children prayed for TLC leaders, NECK leaders, Kuwait & Middle East and unsaved, children. The youth team lead by Sis. Veera went a step ahead to pray for the TLC staff. We had 130 children participate in the Prayer fair. This year, we switched between a teaching role and a student role! CE classes were scheduled every Friday meaning our families could worship together and take a CE class. We’re so blessed to have a Council of Elders, Deacons and Ministry leaders who prioritize the Spiritual growth of the whole family. Teachers could teach children in one trimester and were equipped in a Christian Education course the next! Christ is indeed building His church! Vinita Justin Children’s Committee Chairperson 7 Children


Youth visited our Hot Chocolate Stand. Christian Education (CE) Classes: After the Christmas break, the Youth Ministry aligned its CE classes with the Christian Education schedule, offering a structured learning experience. With separate classes in both the N.E.C.K Compound and Mishrief, we reached a total of around 50 youths. The engaging "Habits of Jesus" series, as well as lessons on "Sin," and the "Cross & Resurrection of Christ," were pivotal in shaping our youth's understanding of their faith. Transformative Youth Retreat: A defining moment of the year was the 3-day Youth Retreat held in Khairan under the theme "Sent Out - Ambassadors of Christ." This retreat was a powerful encounter with God, with many youth dedicating their lives to Jesus. We delved into important topics such as “Sexual Purity” and what it means to be a true ambassador of Christ. Witnessing the Holy Spirit move among the attendees was truly awe-inspiring. Around 54 youths and 10 Leaders attended the retreat with special sessions by Elder Sherry and Elder Ajith. Farewells and Higher Pursuits: As the year drew to a close, we bid farewell to some of our youth members who embarked on their journey into higher education. Joshua, Kevin, Kenneth, and others left with our blessings, equipped to be ambassadors for Christ wherever they go. We witnessed growth, spiritual transformation, and vibrant engagement with the community by our youth. We are grateful for your support & prayers making this journey possible. As we look forward to the future, we are excited to continue our mission of equipping and sending out young ambassadors for Christ, sharing His love and light with the world. With gratitude and anticipation, Vishak Soman Youth Facilitator & Committee “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Ps 119:9 NIV Greetings to our beloved Lighthouse Church community, friends, and supporters of the Youth Ministry! As we recount the events and blessings of the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we have experienced together. Here are the highlights that made this year exceptional Rejuvenation After Summer Break: The Youth Ministry resumed with renewed energy in September 2022 after a refreshing summer break. We continued our gatherings on Fridays from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm in the N.E.C.K Compound. It was a time of worship, learning, and building meaningful connections among our youth. Growth in Numbers and New Teachers: This year saw the addition of enthusiastic new teachers to our team. Their dedication, coupled with the vibrant atmosphere, led to an average attendance of around 40 youths every session. We're delighted to have reached more young hearts with the message of Christ. Active Participation in C h u r c h E v e n t s : O u r youth actively participated in church-wide events, and one of the highlights was their involvement in the Harvest Fest in which special sessions on Missions were organized, featuring inspiring speakers from abroad. These sessions ignited a passion for missions in our youth, broadening their perspective on global outreach. The Christmas Festival Our youth showcased their creativity, spreading warmth and joy to everyone who 8


Widows Where earlier, a sister shared the Word with the women from a podium, we changed it to where we sit in a circle to have a closer feeling of a community. One of the sisters would read the scripture verse aloud in Sinhalese for the benefit of the group for better understanding and sometimes act as a translator. The committee members of this ministry meet over Zoom for discussion and planning. In one of these meetings, we planned to throw a surprise birthday party for Mrs. Jacque Zandstra, who turned 80. It was arranged to meet for lunch at her favorite restaurant. She walked in to find the committee members seated and awaiting her arrival. Mrs. Jacque was touched, and it made this celebration memorable for her. Our yearly Christmas celebration with the Widows is a special one where we have a potluck, share a meal around the table, and give away Christmas gifts. This year was a bonus wherein one of the congregants, led by the spirit, bought lovely warm shawls to give to the widows. 'Don't forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices' Heb 13:16 The church came through for one of our longstanding TLC widow who has been attending since 2000. She had to return to her home country due to health reasons. The sister needed financial support for her treatment, and the TLC office sent help. Ministering to Widows is an honor; we, as a church, do it wholeheartedly where they receive the timeless truth of God's love and power. We pray that peace and grace be given in increasing abundance, freedom from fears, and to walk in the light. Susan Reuben Widows Ministry Committee “Carry each other's burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal 6:2 The widows have found their true husband who never leaves nor forsakes them. They come downhearted, broken, and in need of a Savior; with time, there is a beautiful transformation in their lives. The Lighthouse Church fulfills its calling to care and minister to this group of widows. We meet monthly to worship, pray and share a word of encouragement. These meetings have drawn them closer to a relationship with God. They come in joyfully with anticipation of sharing miraculous testimonies they experience. The women rejoice with one another, cry for one another's burdens, and pray with fervor. We started bimonthly meetings this year from Sept 30th through Jan 27th. From February, we changed to meeting monthly through June 16th. The change was due to the schedules of the Christian Education classes. The widows' meetings totaled 14 in all through this ministerial year. Attendance has been steadily rising, with 15-16 members at the start and now with an attendance of 22 and more. The women cannot contain their joy, so they call and bring in other women who need deliverance. 9


Communications - Reaching Out! Jesus says in Matt 16:18, “I will build my church and gates of Hades shall not prevail.” The TLC body continues to reach out to our local community in Kuwait as well as around the globe. The various media platforms used are the TLC Youtube, website, whatsapp groups, Zoom meetings, and the Reflections monthly publications. The TLC Youtube channel is useful way to update yourself with the sermons by our preachers from each service. The sermons are now aligned (within the Playlist) based on the series followed at the services e.g. Sermon Series: Acts, Ephesians etc. These sermons are also being uploaded as podcasts on the website. The Lord has helped us reach out to many nations around the world, providing sound teaching and doctrine through these channels. New Website In an attempt to revamp the current website to create a better online experience we had invited you to share your views and suggestions. Well, based on the information gathered the new website development has begun and we will update you with the progress in the coming months. With the leading of the Lord this new season, we want to strengthen the distribution and growth of the gospel, working together with all the other Ministries and Committees making effective use of technology platforms and innovative ideas. We also look forward to strengthen the communications committee with your participation, so together we are able to explore and implement fresh thinking. Get connected with the body of Christ Register on the ‘TLC Admin’ whatsapp group and receive weekly bulletin updates. Register on the ‘TLC Intercessory Prayer’ whatsapp group, so you can join in the prayer meetings Subscribe to ‘The Lighthouse Church Kuwait’ Youtube channel and never miss a sermon Vijay J. Kale Communications Committee 10


In the face of unspeakable tragedy and suffering from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, as a body of Christ, we came together and prayed with our brothers and sisters. TLC donated KD 1,185 ($3,900) to support the afflicted in Turkey and Syria. TLC recently had the privilege of hosting evangelist Manoj Abraham from the Harvest for Nations Ministries. He is on a ten-city ‘Bless India Movement’ ministering holistic healing to the now largest country in the world! In addition to TLC's regular financial support to his ministry, the church blessed him with a special Love gift of KD 2,000 / $6,500. He was very grateful to receive this generous gift from TLC. In the coming year, we aim to increase our Outreach giving by vetting new recommended partners aligned with the vision of TLC. We seek to increasingly minister in areas of the world plagued by sickness, disease and poverty. Through our local and international partners, we aim to reach more lost souls than ever before. We pray that TLC becomes more influential in bringing the lost generations the Good News. There are still thousands of unreached people groups in the world, and when the body of Christ works together, we can get busy ministering to them. The Elders and the Council of Deacons thank you for your continued giving and prayers. Thank you for being part of God’s missional plan; we continue to receive encouraging messages from our partners about the positive impacts they are making to the glory of God. Matthew Sam Outreach Committee Foreign Outreach “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matt 28:19-20 The Great Commission is the greatest revelation of Jesus’s love for humanity and His power to redeem and restore everything. It tells the Church that this message of forgiveness and hope is for every single person and people group. It declares that Jesus wants to write a redemption story in every language for every tribe. Our outreach effort aims to work with our trusted Outreach Partner to reach souls for the Lord, equip them in the faith and assist in establishing churches with the same aim wherever the occasion presents itself. TLC endeavours to support local, regional, and international outreach programs and partners prayerfully and financially. “Thanks to your faithful, wonderful financial gifts and prayers, TLC provided financial support of KD 37,450 ($122,200) to thirty-five General Outreach partners during the financial year ended July 2023. The TLC currently partners with six orphanages and a church that supports senior citizens in five countries across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Southeast Asia. More than 170 children and ten senior citizens are in the sponsorship program, which is growing yearly. Thanks to the TLC sponsors, the church was able to provide financial assistance to the tune of KD 18,835 ($61,500). May the Lord bless our sponsors for your love and giving. We welcome more sponsors as many children and seniors need financial assistance and prayers. 11 Nawansega Church of Uganda Native Missionary Movement - Pst Finny Philip


Dec 24th was the annual Christmas Bonfire night with beautiful carols filling the atmosphere besides the bonfire pits in the Bethel courtyard. Prayer was dedicated to all countries represented for the evening. We experienced unity in the body of Christ as we fellowshipped and celebrated with one another. Jan 16th- 18th Manoj Abraham, evangelist and prophet ministered for four days on the Power of Prayer, Power of Praise, the Power of the Holy Spirit and the Power of the Gospel. Those who attended were blessed and enjoyed the Lord’s presence. Feb 18th featured our annual Precious Love Banquet, an evening enriched with the Word of God. Couples were reminded of God’s design for love and marriage from 1 Corinthians 13. The beautiful décor, games and music contributed to the rich and colorful ambience that highlighted Godly marriages. Feb 25th had the Annual Family Picnic held in the Salmiya Gardens. It was a time of fellowship with worship, games for all ages. Food and with the Tug of war as the closing event. Sounds of praise and laughter filled the air! Mar 25th had 80 members of the music teams and their families came together to rejoice in fellowship, music and in praying for one another. The elders share the vision of the music team going forward. Sincere thanks to the Pastoral Team, Committee chairpersons for oversite. A big thanks to the facilities team ensuring all requirements are in place, on time. To God be the glory! Shaji George Administrator Special Events 12 Special events are a celebration of God’s goodness. Sep 3rd church members attended the Ministry Open House Forum followed by The Annual Night of Joy ( ACM) on the 10th Sept. It was a blessed time of ratifying the audited accounts, ministry reports and incoming council members. Sep 16th all TLC services gathered at the Divvan Hall to worship as the new ministerial year was ushered in. We had Kuwait Chamber Chorale participating with their singing and various displays from TLC affiliated ministries. Nov 4th TLC celebrated the Harvest Fest ’22, a multi church event featuring multiple seminars and plenary sessions to equip, inform, challenge and inspire us to understand the true meaning of the Great Commission. Attendees w e r e blessed with international guest s p e a k e r s who enlightened the church in Kuwait on the significance of true discipleship. Dec 9th Various churches came together for the Christmas Fest ’22 as an outreach event filled with music and performances. Life size displays about Christmas, Chocolate stalls from the youth Ministry, stalls displaying artifacts, play snow for the kids and international food drew in many people.


Ecclesiastes 3:11 God, in His sovereignty made everything beautiful in its time. He optimizes the outcome of all things , both what He has made and the products of mankind’s activity. Without Him nothing has been made and everything we have accomplished is because of Him and for His Glory and Honor. We would like to thank God for the knowledge and wisdom He provided us to enhance and improve the resources in the Shepherd Shoppe and Library. A new collection of in-house designs created by Juhn Ferma provides an increasing variety of gifts. Twelve percent of the Shepherd Shoppe total sales comes from our in-house production line. We also thank God for the Al Essa Medical Team for supporting our recent shop Inventory process which was very successful. It was conducted July 20, 2023. The Bethel Library added forty seven new members & forty four renewed memberships this year. We also received new reference books and children books to replenish the old books in the Library (total of 39 books.) The old bookshelves were replaced with new units built by Jerome to create a wider space and make your browsing more comfortable. We received ten shipments this year from Harper Collins, Christian Bookstore Distributors, Dickson, and gifts from the Philippines. An operational manual for Shepherd Shoppe has been complied and is soon to be released. Finally, the WhatsApp brochure product lists were all updated so browse the complete selection of Books, Bibles and Gifts in the Shepherd Shoppe on our WhatsApp platform. What a mighty God we serve. For the Lord is a mighty God, King over all. He rules over the whole earth, from the deepest caves to the highest hills. Let us serve Him faithfully and wholeheartedly. Archie Prado & the Committee Shepherd Shoppe & Bethel Library 13


Health Care Workers Prayer The Mercy Fund ministry’s mission is to provide financial aid to members of TLC who have financial needs arising from unexpected and often sudden events. During the financial year 2022-23, the ministry reached out to several members within the church and disbursed a total of KD 3,438 to those in need. Members who were helped included people in need of urgent funds to ensure medical bills could be paid on time. It was wonderful to see church members stepping forward to provide financial support to those in need, and in many instances, anonymously. With contributions coming from many of the congregants, we were also able to send money towards relief for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey. We are truly grateful to God for all that we were able to do over the year, His eyes, indeed, are on the sparrow and we know He watches over us. Justin Michael Mercy Fund Committee 14 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 Introduction: The HCW group was established under the patronage of TLC during the peak of the Covid Pandemic. Aim: The main objective is to meet together as healthcare professionals from various Hospitals both Government and Private sectors and Pray together for each other, to Intercede and to share each other’s burdens through Prayers. As we all know that it was very difficult emotionally for all the health professionals to sustain ourselves as there were long duty hours, separation from family and children, risk of being exposed to Covid (which most of us were) and fear of high mortality as well. But Thank God because of this group we were very encouraged through Prayers and words of encouragement. Target members were All Health Care professionals including Doctors, Nurses, Medical Technicians and others. It was started and lead by Dr Jacob Matthew and supported by the Council of Deacons and elders Gerald & Ajith who participated in every single meeting and Prayed with us and for us. Present status. Even though covid is behind us it was decided Prayerfully to continue this activity as it encourages and helps many Health care workers. We meet every 3rd week of the Month on Saturday between 7 to 8pm via zoom. Appeal: We encourage all HCWs to join and to participate in Prayers, Worship and sharing of Testimonies. Future plans: God Willing we plan to have a Inperson meeting of the Health care professionals in near future and seek God’s guidance how we can strengthen this group and expand our activities so the community is blessed through TLC and the HCW group. All Glory to God and Amen! If you would like to join us please contact Dr Milind Gosavi @ 60759458 Milind Gosavi Health Care Workers Prayer Coordinator Mercy Fund


Child / Senior Sponsorship The Lighthouse Church partners with six orphanages in five different countries. El Shaddai Child Rescue (India), Cornerstone Children’s Home and Academy (India), City of Hope (Tanzania), Vision Worship Centre (Sierra Leone), Filbata Student Centre (Philippines) and Hebron Home and School (Palestine). This year, we have had 81 sponsors investing in the lives of 175 children. The money is used to provide for these children physically, spiritually, emotionally, medically and in any other way that they require. Some children live with single parents, or a large number of siblings, or come from broken homes. The contributions have helped to lift the standard of life for many of our children. Through these children, many families have also been able to hear about the Gospel of the Good News. The children are incredibly bright and work hard at their education. In India, a few have gone on to write civil service examinations, some have started businesses, and others have gotten married and live very happily and are able to be independent. The children always write wonderful Thank-You cards every few months to their sponsors to thank them for their financial support. The faithful contributions of sponsors have blessed the children. Over the last year, many have been rescued from slums and oppressive situations, joined schools and colleges, and learned about the Good News. Every organization has a different story. Some locations are not allowed to proselytize because of the rules of the country. However, the Lord has still opened doors, and children are hearing about Jesus and what only He can do. One of our homes is in the process of constructing a new school building for their children so that they are better able to support them. We encourage you to prayerfully consider giving into the Lord’s work by supporting the lives of these children, and the organizations that work hard to help these children and their families. Cover them in prayer “that God may open a door for our message so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3). Pray for the children that they would have all they need and be raised for God’s glory. Afterall, the Lord, Himself, is their Defender (Psalm 68:5). Bless a child by investing KD 10 per month or KD 120 per year. Contact Mrs. Shubhangi D’Souza, Outreach Coordinator, in the Admin office for further information. May we take pleasure in putting our hands to the plow for the Kingdom of Christ (Luke 9:62). Jenny George Child Sponsorship 15


We also supplied hygienic kits (basic needs) to those in dire circumstances. Again in May 2023 we visited the Shelter with a Medical & Counseling Team. We gave away : *650 Basic Hygienic Kits * Bibles in English & Tagalo * Free Medical consultations and medicines * Counseling In addition to this, we received permission to visit IPC Maternity Ward quarterly, where young single mothers and their new born babies are victims of forced pregnancy. We suppled below according to their requirements: Baby’s clothes, wipes, Johnson shampoo, powder, baby soap, etc. For Mothers – hygienic Kits, undergarments, gown, sanitary pads, towels, slippers, etc. We also visit hospitals where ladies are victims of mental disorder. Unfortunately we do not have permission to enter the ward and pray for the ladies however we deliver hygienic kits and other basic requirements. God revealed that in addition to meeting needs, we have a greater purpose to engage in spiritual warfare. We are called to intercede and to demolish strongholds. Children of God are given authority to speak to the atmosphere that binds people to set them free and to release the blessings of God upon them. Year 2023-2024, God willing - our new vision is to encourage men to visit male wards in various hospitals. What a privilege! Once again I am Thankful to The Lighthouse Church and all the volunteers who are involved in this vital outreach. Renuka Temgire Someone Cares Coordinator “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalms 82 3:4 To Love God is to love what he cares about. Of all his creation, it’s people who he gave His son for. The little time we spend for others is like a cup of water to a thirsty soul. The Harvest Festival 2022 gave us the privilege to conduct a seminar to share in depth the impact of reaching out to the oppressed. Many new volunteers registered their names with Someone Cares Ministry. With the support of The Lighthouse Church, we visit various Hospitals, Deportation centers and Shelters throughout Kuwait. We specially minister to maids/ladies who are alone and facing numerous challenges away from their family and homeland. We share the love of Christ, minister in prayers, comfort them and encourage them with the hope of the Lord. Many request prayer for healing. We always see deep appreciation, confidence and joy on their faces, in every visit of ours. Year 2022-2023 – we took an opportunity to minister runaways maids who have sought refuge in a shelter. During Christmas time we gave gifts and around 400 hygienic packs. 16 Our faithful & joyful volunteers who helped pack the hygienic kits Joy in serving the needy Someone Cares


Q8 Food Care Introduction: FoodCareQ8 ministry has been in existence for over 15 years. This year the aim was to provide life giving sustenance and support to underprivileged workers residing in the Mahboula and Mangaf areas. This involves visiting multiple buildings, consulting with each building harris, organizing the visit day, ordering the food items and then distributing the various essential food parcels on a monthly basis. Distribution Locations and Beneficiaries: Teams visited various buildings within these areas to distribute food parcels. Each building contained approximately 300 individuals, comprising workers facing economic hardships. The effort was centered on reaching out to these vulnerable communities and ensuring they had access to vital basic and essential nutrition. Food Parcel Contents are as follows: The food parcels distributed were designed to provide essential sustenance to the beneficiaries that could sustain one person for a month. Each parcel included a carefully curated selection of items, including: 1. Rice: A staple food providing carbohydrates and energy. 2. Lentils: A source of protein and essential nutrients. 3. Salt: An essential seasoning for flavor enhancement. 4. Sugar: A basic sweetener for beverages and food preparation. 5. Cooking Oil: A vital source of healthy fats for cooking. 6. Tea Bags: A comforting beverage option. 17 Collaborative Support: The success of this ministry was made possible through the combined efforts of various individuals and entities. The program received support from multiple people who volunteered their time, resources, and assistance in organizing and executing the distribution process. Additionally, different churches played a crucial role in contributing to the program's success by providing financial aid and volunteers. Distributing to 300 persons per/ month means approximately 3,600 food parcels are delivered every year. Impact and Achievements: The FoodCareQ8 ministry made a significant impact on the lives of the underprivileged workers in Mahboula and Mangaf. The provision of essential food items contributed to improved nutrition and eased the financial burden on the beneficiaries. As well Food Care supplies our monthly food packets for our TLC Widows Ministry. Conclusion: FoodCareQ8 stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and compassionate outreach. The efforts of numerous volunteers and the support of various churches played a pivotal role in making this initiative a success. It serves as a model for community-driven initiatives aimed at alleviating hardship and promoting well-being. Shubhangi D’Souza On behalf of: Ricardo De La Roche Director Q8 Food Care Ricardo de La Roche


Christian Education is Christ-centered education. Our tools and methods are built upon Christ as the Cornerstone. “His purpose was that now through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known.” Eph. 3:10 We thank God for the hunger and thirst for the Word of God as 278 TLC members enrolled in C.E. classes last year. The Christian Education hour timing between the 8am and 11am services has made it more convenient for the entire church family to grow in Knowing God. The Church & You In Ministry focuses on the Biblical knowledge and skills needed for Christian service. It’s designed to help each believer understand the importance of a local church in God’s plan for the world and your role in Christ’s plan for the church. Theology Of Outreach is designed to establish the foundational biblical aspect of outreach and to equip God’s people for the proclamation of the Kingdom of God in a diverse cultural environment. Financial Breakthrough is a study on the Biblical perspective on money matters, in-depth looking at “Tithing”, “Offerings” & “Almsgiving” with structuring of expenditure to stay within one’s income. The Marriage Course aims to equip you with tools to build a healthy marriage and to strengthen your connection as a couple. Interactive activities involve discussions, reflections, plans & hopes for the future and many more! Effective Parenting offers creative & effective ways on empowering parents based on Biblical principles. Through video teaching and interactive discussions, parents were revitalized & equipped in the pursuit of raising Godly & confident children. Total Worship is about worshipping God in spirit and truth, knowing how to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. This course helps you to glorify God through a balanced spiritual life in every area. ISOM 5 Trimesters: (Trimesters 1-3 leads to a Certificate & Trimesters 4-5 a Diploma). We currently have 3 students in the Trimester 1 and 2 students in the Trimester 3. Manoj Oommen Ministerial Administrator Christian Education 18 Pray and ask God for His vision for your life and Ministry. BE EQUIPPED. Blessed to be a blessing!


TLC is offering globally accredited higher education through Global School of Open Learning (GSOL) to equip the students to minister the Word of God with scholastic skills. Based in Bangalore, India, it is accredited with Asia Theological Association (ATA), a globally recognized accrediting body and a member of ICETE. We are catering to meet the needs of a variety of students including those who are currently engaged in or plan to be in full-time ministerial service; those who simply desire stronger theological enrichment; and those who intend to pursue an academic degree. In 2021, TLC started offering courses for Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity in partnership with the Global School of Open Learning (GSOL). The Bachelors program is conducted through physical classes in TLC compound and the Masters program is offered online directly with GSOL Bangalore. Bachelors Students: Currently, we have three batches for the Bachelor’s program with a total of 28 enrolled. students. Global School of Open Learning 19 Masters Students Currently there are 2 batches of Masters level with a total of 4 students enrolled. You are welcome to join and learn more about the Word of God while growing in spiritual strength & insight! Proverbs 15:14a states; “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge.” God has provided us with the opportunity and privilege to get equipped here in Kuwait. Manoj Oommen Bachelor of Theology Batch 3 Ministerial Administrator Bachelor of Theology Batch 2 BTH 1st & 2nd Year Students with Pst. Yvette, Rev. J. Silvanus, Pst. G. Golbeck, Masters Students


Life Groups "And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our worship meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Heb 10:24–25 Life groups at TLC, are designed to develop deeper spiritual values as we grow together in our r e l a ti o n s h i p with God and with each other. This happens when we meet together regularly in small groups for Fellowship, Bible study, Prayer and Christian Accountability. It is the best place to connect with fellow believers to encourage and strengthen each other, as well as to challenge one another to consistently apply the truths of God’s Word to each area of our lives. There are some exciting changes that the Elders of TLC will be implementing within our Life groups, as part of TLC’s restructuring plan. Elder Sherry Oommen will be spearheading this initiative along with the Eldership team, who are committed to enhancing the impact & effectiveness of our Life groups. On May 13th, 2023 we had a Life group Orientation meeting for all Life group leaders, interns and hosts where the Elders outlined the way forward with TLC Life Groups. Here's a glimpse of what to expect from this reorganization: Leadership Empowerment: Our Life group leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of our members. The Elders plan to offer enhanced leadership training, resources, and ongoing support to ensure leaders are wellequipped to shepherd effectively. Deeper Connections: Life groups are about nurturing authentic relationships and building one another's faith. With these changes, we seek to build even deeper relationships within our Life groups, giving a forum for meaningful sharing of joys, concerns, and progress. Community Impact: Life groups are not just about our internal growth but also about our outward impact. In our reorganization, the Elders will explore opportunities for Life groups to participate in various outreach activities that spread Christ's love to our neighborhood & the nation. In all of this, we remember what Paul said in Romans 12:4-5; "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” The vision for our Life groups, is to spread across the length & breath of this nation, connecting individuals and families, sharing the love of Christ, teaching the truth from His Word, and mentoring & discipling them into Christian leadership. So let us come together in prayer, unity, and anticipation for greater things that God has in store for & through our Life groups. Joseph Zachariah Life Group Leader & Committee Member 20


Healing the Wounds of Trauma “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” – Luke 4:18 The emotional and mental scars left by trauma harms our relationships, our bodies, minds, and faith. We will never be free of the pain that keeps us bound to traumatic memories until we have the courage to recognize our wounds and work on the source of the grief. Healing the Wounds of Trauma (HWT) lessons guide us on how to work through our heart wounds by giving us a safe environment and right resources to let God seal it with His love, which leads to forgiveness from the past. “I had been escaping the reality of trauma for more than ten years and was doing my best to stop my bleeding heart with work, alcohol, cigarettes, and superficial relationships. The opportunity to attend Trauma Healing helped to heal me; it also freed me from the bondage of unforgiveness.” Testimony Healing Group (HG) is a Bible-based small group to help hurting people find healing. Three sessions were held between October 2022 and January 2023, with 27 participants; below is one of their testimonies: “The session has opened our eyes to see healing from trauma as a lifesaver. The best part of the session was that we felt like a family setup as soon as we entered the session. Not sure if we credit it to the humility of the other participants or the ability of the organizers, but for sure the calmness was unique. There was definitely a caring atmosphere.”– Participant 21 In October 2022, 9 facilitators received training from Dr. Feba Percy Paul, a Clinical Psychologist, and Facilitator, on how to intervene in cases of Child Abuse. On 15 April 2023, we facilitated a session on Domestic Abuse with 22 participants to be equipped to minister in their respective ministries. Community of Practice (COP) is where all the facilitators gather via Zoom to network, encourage and learn from one another as they share their experiences. TLC hosted the Regional Gulf COP April 13th. Elder Gerald shared the importance of Trauma Healing as a means to equip congregants in reaching maturity in Christ. Mini Sessions addresses specific trauma such as suicide, domestic abuse and addictions. We were privileged to have Ms. Rehna Pinto, Master Facilitator and Communications and Projects Manager of the Bible Society in the Gulf, visit us. She expressed the importance of a new curriculum designed to be more effective in guiding people in healing from heart wounds. HWT ministry is encouraging you to take part in these sessions to be equipped to deal with various people here in Kuwait with such a vast diversity of cultures and beliefs as we proclaim the gospel in love and forgiveness. Suzanne Caro Secretary HWT Committee Healing Group October 2022 Community of Practise with Gulf Director Rehna Pinto


L.A.D.Y.S. Prayer (Learning And Doing Yeshua’s Service) Our Aim: Is To Help the Ladies grow stronger in the Word Of God. Also to encourage Ladies to take part in church activities and help them to experience the power of prayer. Goal Of LADYS: Is that every member of the LADYS will bear spiritual fruits and be examples in our homes, neighborhoods, community, and church. Activities: This past year we participated and served in the following events at the church: Christmas Festival Harvest Fest Bible Study Taking Part In Church Programs LADYS Potluck We also helped to pack 750 Hygienic kits for the Philippine Embassy Outreach. Our Accomplishments This Past Ministry Season We Completed the Study on Revelation On 26th February 2022. We Started the In-Person Prayer Meeting in The Neck Compound from March 2022. We Started a Bible Study on Ephesians called “Seek The Treasure” in March 2023. We also fervently prayed one for another and took up special requests that came in from our Intercessory prayer line. What We Plan Ahead God Willing! We hope to assign Ladies to be Group Leaders’ in the various Kuwait Districts. This way we can arrange House Prayer Meetings & invite many neighbors & new Ladies living in those areas. In addition we are hoping to have Christian Education classes on topics specifically for women. By God’s grace we are also looking ahead in planning to have a yearly half Day Ladies Conference as God leads. Jyoti Gosavi Director L.A.D.Y.S. 22 Motto: Ask, Pray, Believe Slogan: Pray Without Ceasing. Scripture: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 When Where Time Every 2nd Saturday of the month On Zoom 10 am to 11 am Every Last Saturday of the month In -Person 10 am to 11:30 am


Intercessory Prayer Over the past months, we have heard many testimonies of amazing breakthroughs and have also witnessed an overwhelming display of true Christian unity and genuine selfless love during challenging times. Beyond empirical measurements, the effectiveness of Intercessory Prayer continues to be a fundamental tenet of our church's theology. This spiritual growth is essential to the maturity and vibrancy of our faith community here in Kuwait. Every personal testimony that has resulted from GOD's answering to prayers in His way and in His time has further strengthened our reliance on the power of prayer. That is why we at TLC can confidently say that when the church family unitedly intercedes, God supernaturally intervenes! Our vision is to be a Lighthouse that dutifully answers the call of God to prayer, faithfully interceding for HIS will to be done throughout the earth, and tirelessly laboring to see HIS church unified in and through prayer! "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 Prayer Coordination Team “Confess your sins one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16) PRAYER is the source of power to see things change! We can not fulfill God’s work in our own strength – it is impossible! By standing in the gap and crying out to God in prayer, we are asking Him to do what only He can do! Prayer has always been pivotal to the spiritual growth of 'The Lighthouse Church' (TLC) with Christ, the Chief Shepherd, at the center. One of the prayer segments, the weekly Intercessory Prayer, is an essential part of our church life because it fosters a strong sense of community and support among our members. This has been a disciplined practice at TLC, where we see approximately 35-40 members joining together every Wednesday to intercede for the needs of the Church, the Body of Christ & the Nation of Kuwait. The overall well-being of our congregation has benefited from the regular Intercessory Prayer participation. Our church family has also grown closer together as a result of how well we know one another's struggles and victories through prayer. 23


Prayer Ministry Monthly 3 DAY PRAYER & FAST / FAMILY PRAYER “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col 4:2 "We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there's nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all." Oswald Chambers Prayer & fasting helps discipline & strengthen our prayer life. It is a time where we prepare to hear from GOD as we humble ourselves before God, expressing repentance and a return to God, and to seek HIS guidance as we strive to live our lives pleasingly before HIM! Joel 2:12 At the onset of every new month, it’s been a great blessing to start with 3 days of Prayer and Fasting wherein we could meditate on various “Truth Statements” from the word of God and plunge into a time of thanksgiving, repentance and a prayer for revival of the church and nation. The last day of the prayer culminates on Tuesday evening, in -person, with a corporate family prayer time. Our Christian faith places a strong emphasis on biblical fasting and prayer. In essence, it is the decision to deny ourselves in order to focus on seeking God through prayer. MOUNTAIN TOP PRAYER WALK “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14 "He who kneels the most, stands the best." — D.L. Moody As the Lord put in us a great burden to pray for the land and for the church compound, an army of intercessors rose up to the clarion call, in obedience and gathered in the Amphitheater along with other church leaders. A time of worship unto the Lord followed and we walked around the compound praying in groups and prophesying to the north, the south and the east and west. We blessed the nation and prayed for a great harvest of souls and for God’s glory to rest on the compound. We Praise God for this glorious time of prayer. As intercessors and prayer warriors, we have the privilege of shaping history before the throne of God. As a result of Moses’ bold intercession, God changed His mind. God listened to the voice of a man and changed His mind. 1 Pet 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood..” As priests unto God through Jesus Christ we have the right and privilege to “stand in the gap” between God’s righteous judgements that are due and mankind’s need for mercy. Therefore, we stand before God on the people’s behalf, pleading on the basis of his eternal love and finished work of the cross at calvary interceding for this nation and the church compound that God has given us. If your heart is burdened to cry out for this nation, watch out for our next invitation. Come, join us - let’s Pray together! 24


Prayer Ministry MONTH OF PRAYER Month of Prayer & Fast for Nations was scheduled from March 25 to April 22, 2023 wherein church members voluntarily fasted during the month and prayed for the “Most Persecuted Nations” for Christ, around the world. During this time, church also prayed for empowering of various “TLC Ministries” to lead, guide and equip them in fulfilling God's plan and purpose. All the Prayer Meetings were virtually done in Zoom meetings where everyday more than 45+ people of God attended the meetings. During this period, many Prayer requests were shared and we saw the hand of God working and all the requests turned to PRAISE REPORTS. All glory to God alone!. Prayer Coordination Team EVENING OF PRAYER & PRAISE Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” “Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a godly Christian weapon.” Martin Luther Without the Holy Spirit of God building his church, no amount of planning or preparation will be successful. Jesus will establish his church, but he accomplishes it by means of the obedient work of devotion, and intercession by his people. As we continue steadfastly in this special time of prayer, we know that our God is able to do above and beyond all that we ask, think, or imagine. Eph 3:20 Every third Thursday of each month we join together as a church family for a special evening of prayer and worship. We gather to pray for our church family, and for the vision of TLC to fulfil the mandate set before us as per the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. During our night of prayer, we usually see an average of 20-30 prayer warriors in attendance. When we collectively seek a closer relationship and personal communion with God at His throne of grace, our prayer meetings can be a time of great value and greater reflection. “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" Corrie ten Boom 25


We give praise to God for a wonderful year spanning 2022 to 2023. While some members have left the country, the Spirit of God has added many new members, leading to growth within our TLC 8 am family. Elders Gerald Golbeck and Safari Paul, along with assistant service elders George and Romeetta, and Joseph, and Shirin, had the privilege of collaborating with the prayer team, music team, ushering team, sound and media team, as well as other staff and volunteers, in building the service for the glory of the Lord. During this time, we've been delving into the book of Ephesians, which has proven to be an immense blessing. Besides the elders and service elders, we've had the pleasure of hosting some outstanding in-house speakers, including Ajai Philip, Vishak Soman, and Vijay Kale, who have shared insights from the Word of God. Throughout 2023, we've also been honored to welcome guest speakers from outside, such as Gideon Reuben, Manoj Abraham, Alwyn Mathew, and Augustine Jebakumar. These men of God have strengthened faith in us by recounting stories from their ministries and sharing principles from the Word of God that they've applied in their own journeys. Each week, we gather for pre and post-service prayers to intercede and offer support through prayer. During these times, we've heard numerous reports about the wonderful things the Lord is accomplishing. We're deeply grateful for a dedicated group of volunteers who faithfully stand with others week after week, joining in prayer. We firmly believe that the Lord is already at work within His people, and as time progresses, we'll continue witnessing His plans unfold in our lives. May we remain steadfast in fixing our gaze on Jesus, consistently coming together for worship and fellowship. Through this, we will experience steady growth, bringing joy and pleasure to our Heavenly Father. George Thomas Service Elder Assistant The 11 am service at the NECK compound (the 10 am service previously) has enjoyed a peaceful and fruitful year. The congregation has many dedicated members who bring their best to serve in their respective roles. We are thankful for the individuals of outstanding character whom God has given us, as they reflect Christ's goodness and bring honor to His name. The change in the time from 10 am to 11 was a significant shift for many, nevertheless, attendees were able to adapt to the changes quickly. Being the last worship service on Friday, people are able to take time for fellowship after service. During the last year – many people, old-timers and new have stayed back after the service to either pray with someone or ask questions about the sermon so that they can apply it in their life. Many have joined in to pray in room A103 before the service. This was very encouraging to the service elders and the team. Our congregation is currently engaged in a systematic study of the book of Mark, and our preachers have done an exceptional job of revealing the author's intended truths for the readers. Initially, adapting to expositional preaching was challenging, but we are now learning and beginning to appreciate the benefits of this study method. Occasionally, we take breaks to focus on topical teachings for special occasions. We were fortunate to have had excellent preachers like John, Alwyn Matthew, and Augustine Jeba Kumar visit us. During their time with us, we made sure they felt welcome, and they, in turn, encouraged us through the word of God. During the year, we witnessed Water Baptisms, we hope and pray for many more to take that step of obedience. Though we joyfully welcomed those who joined TLC for the first time, we also bade farewell to those who left to join a college and others who retired to their home country. We will surely miss them. To conclude we can say that it has been a year full of grace and peace; God has been faithful through it all. 8am & 11 am Lighthouse Public Worship Services 26 Justin Michael Service Elder Assistant


Mishref Public Worship Services Our GOD is a God of new beginning and multiplication. After Covid the 9am and 11am Mishref services were merged into one 10am service. As GOD added to our numbers, it was time to start the new service in Mishref. With the pastoral oversite of Elder Sherry Oommen, our 8am service in Mishref began on 20th January this year. We started with 40 attendees and 2 ushers helping us with the arrangements and grew to 60 attendees with 7 ushers. We had Vijay Kale serve faithfully in forming the worship team. TLC preachers are working through series of expositional sermons from the Gospel according to John. Prayer teams gather together before the service in the Prayer Room near the Entrance, covering the service and the attendees, dedicating to the LORD. After the service, we enjoy fellowship and share our love with tea and snacks. Regardless of their age, everyone enjoyed an hour of Christian Education (Winter and Spring) classes for 10 weeks immediately after the service. We had congregants leaving Kuwait for good and we wished them farewell with prayer and blessing releasing them into GOD’s hands. From June 30 we combined for a 9am service in Mishref with around 100 attendees. We enjoyed a love feast, where we all brought food and fellowshipped together. We had two child dedications one during the spring and another in summer. People met the service Elder after the service for prayer and counselling. We celebrated Mother’s Day and Father’s Day with special Sermons, honoring the mothers and fathers in the congregation by giving them a token of love. We witnessed the joy of the LORD and the anointing of the Holy Spirit throughout the services. As we look forward to the new ministerial year, we look forward for multiplication and new series of Christian Education after the service. We are grateful to all members who serve in the various giftings in the body of CHRIST in equipping the saints. May God bestow His abundant grace to all of us to serve with humility and love. Shuma Rose GSOL Masters Student / HWT Facilitator on Behalf of Sherry Oommen - Service Elder 27 Twenty minutes drive from the NECK compound, The Lighthouse Church hosts a multi-purpose facility in Mishref neighborhood. This facility with an ample shaded car park nearby provides a carpeted cry room for toddlers, play areas for children, private rooms for counselling and Christian Education. It also has designated areas for services, retreats, seminars, a prayer room, kitchen, and a fellowship area creating a great family ambience. A guest suite offers a comfortable stay for visiting pastors and evangelists. Every Friday we have 70+ faithful TLC congregants gathering at the 11 am service in Mishref for a blessed time of worship. Ministry begins 30 minutes prior with intercessors coming together to pray for the service. As this happens, a team of ushers welcomes the congregants, assisting them with seating and bulletins. The Sound and Media team would have already been present to set up and assist the music team. Singing begins at 5 minutes to 11am and the service generally closes by 12.30pm. Thereafter, the payer team is available for those congregants needing specific prayer or counselling. Elder Ajith Mendis, one of 4 elders serving TLC, is dedicated to this service and serves people from all walks of life. I thank God for the privilege, over and above my admin responsibilities, to serve as a Service Elder Assistant. The service’s attendance continues to grow and we thank God for all the resources provided to cater to the various needs of the congregation. Greater things are yet to happen. We thank our volunteers, support staff, and ministry leaders for their hard work and dedication in serving the Lord. We also thank God for the vision given to the Elders and the council of Deacons for their dedication to wise governance in all respects. Last but not the least, sincere thanks to Suresh and Aravind, the housekeeping team, for maintaining high standards in the facility. God is good! Blessings. Shaji V. George Service Elder Assistant


Sunday 6pm Public Worship Service 29 “Give Praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 Year 2022-23 has been a year of Blessings and steady growth in the number of congregants attending the 6pm Sunday service. Faithful intercessors along with our Elders gather in the Prayer room for Pre-Service prayer at 5:30 p.m. and dedicate the service unto the Lord. Elder Gerald Golbeck and Safari Paul are faithfully serving as Overseers for the Sunday service. Late Yvette D’Souza Ministerial Administrator and minister of the Word of God served as a Service Elder with authority and power in the Holy spirit till her last breath. Though truly missed, we know that “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” Psalm 116:15. We were enriched, through the Book of 1st Peter,2nd Peter and Philemon. Currently we are expounding “The Gospel of Mathew.” We welcomed many newcomers and visitors each week. We thank the Lord for those who committed their lives to Christ through Baptism & for parents who dedicated their children. The Elders and Prayer team ministered to those with burdened hearts for deliverance, miracles and healing. Many came with testimonies. After service the congregants Fellowshipped with tea and snacks. We welcomed Chaplin Alex Oommen from the US Army who ministered to us and we hosted the Kuwait Chambre Chorale during Christmas. We had to bid farewell to Faithful members who served in different ministries but who returned home to their own countries. Special thanks to the Music and the Worship team in leading the congregation in Praise and Worship. We appreciate our Sound and Media Team for ensuring quality music and sound. We thank the congregants for their faithfulness in Tithes, Outreach giving and offerings. Many thanks to congregants involved in Prayer and Service leading. Above all our thanks to our dedicated team of TLC facilities, Volunteers, Ushers /Greeters & the Ministerial Admin team in coordinating the order of service. Sunil Gatty Service Leader


Music Ministry God through music, dance and sound. We were also able to serve at major events, including Combined service, Journey to Christmas, Christmas services, Christmas-eve bonfire, Unity Conference, Good Friday and Easter services. In the coming year, the music ministry and ministers aim to meet more often and conduct seminars, workshops and other methods to build individuals and teams towards a better team functioning experience. Following a few turnovers in our Praise Dancers team, they are also gearing up with newer team members and have set aside time slots for prayer, praise, and practice. May the Lord continue to bless them and their families. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our sound and media volunteers, the facilities team, and the lyrics projection teams for their untiring effort and dedication to serve every week to enable the various services to flow smoothly. In closing, we remind ourselves, as Paul says in Colossians,"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) Vinod Cherian Music Ministry Chairman "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV) We thank God our Father for one more year of ministry and service in TLC, Kuwait. This has been a year of growth and expansion. We have six teams playing across five different services and about 40+ individuals ministering in various capacities. Last year, we solicited your prayers for the various services and teams asking for new team members. God has been faithful and did answer those prayers. We have also been asking the Lord for an elder to lead the Music Ministry and GOD-provided Elder Safari Paul. Among various events, this year, elder Safari, introduced Total Worship as a Christian Education class. In this class, attendees get to understand what total worship truly is and how to give God total worship. On March 10, we had a Music & Media Appreciation Night. We had the privilege of honoring and thanking our music teams members, praise dancers and the sound and media staff and volunteers. Thank God for faithful people who work diligently to steward the presence of 30


Ushers 1 Peter emphasizes the importance of using our unique gifts and talents to serve others. Just as ushers selflessly dedicate themselves to guiding and assisting worshippers, this verse encourages all believers to embrace their roles as faithful stewards of God's grace. Through acts of service, we can create a welcoming and harmonious environment that reflects God's love and grace to those we serve. Lastly, we sincerely thank all the Ushers who volunteered throughout the year in both the compound and in Mishref. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the ushers who volunteered their time and skills, embodying the values of service and love for one another. May God continue to bless and reward you all as you serve Him in the calling He has given you! Nomer Candidato Ushering Ministry Chairman The Ushering Ministry has been making significant strides in fostering a welcoming and organized environment for worshippers. This past year, a total of 24 dedicated ushers volunteered their time and service to ensure the smooth flow of various Church services. Our ushers were present to guide congregants to their seats, distribute materials, assist with any queries, and efficiently manage the influx of attendees by maintaining an orderly atmosphere within the hall. Aside from the regular services, the ushers also helped with major events of TLC such as Harvest Fest, Christmas Fest, Christmas and New Year Services, Family Picnic. Holy Week Services, and more. The Ushering Ministry's vital role in maintaining order, assisting attendees, and creating a warm atmosphere cannot be overstated. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit of service and unity that strengthens our Church community ties. As we move forward, we encourage more members of the congregation to consider joining the Ushering Ministry. Your participation will contribute to the seamless operation of our church services and foster a sense of belonging for all who enter our doors. "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) 31


Staff / Human Resources “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” Acts 20:28 The Lighthouse Church HR Committee continues to provide expert guidance in matters related to staffing, training, development, compensation, new hires, labor law, safety and health, staff relations and much more. Over the years, The Lighthouse office was able to bring on board dedicated staff who have blessed our church in various departments or ministries. Many of them were then able to move on to achieve higher grounds in their career or ministry either in Kuwait or abroad. Some of them chose to retire. We praise God for their contributions. The past year also had several valued staff moving on; Sarah Athyal and Cyreel Candidato resigned for other opportunities. Sailu Chippala returned to India to take care of his aging parents. The passing of Pst. Yvette was a very sorrowful event for all of us as she had become a true pillar in the TLC staff over her many years of dedicated service. She will be truly missed. 32 Joining us were Manoj Oommen as Ministerial Administrator, Leah David as Administrative Clerk, Aravind Kumar in Facilities with Jerome Albelar as Technical Assistant. Morning devotions are mandatory with Wednesdays dedicated to staff training and development. Along with games on team building and group discussions, the pastoral team provides spiritual guidelines on work ethics and biblical principles of conduct. Over a period of 12 months we had 10 interns helping us in all our TLC departments. It is such a joy to see our youth coming to serve the Kingdom of God. Their average span of time in internship is approximately three months, after which they leave us to pursue their higher education. The HR Committee works closely with the Finance Committee and Administrator to oversee staff-related matters. Regular in-house staff meetings give staff opportunities to raise their concerns for administrator to address or escalate them to the HR Committee for guidance or counsel. The HR Committee is grateful for the cooperation of the TLC staff and thankful to the congregants for their support in prayers. Dev Reuben Human Resources Chairman Staff Team Building Activity Staff & intern birthdays are celebrated every month


Facilities For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown for His name in ministering to [the needs of] the saints (God’s people), as you do. Hebrews 6:10 The Lighthouse 6-member Facilities team plays an invaluable role in maintaining the functionality, safety, and cleanliness of its facilities. If we purpose to love the Lord with “all” of who we are and love people in true ministry (Matt. 22:37- 40), then even setting up, cleaning, sanitizing, and everything else is done for that purpose. The team tirelessly ensures that everything runs smoothly, making our work environment a better place for all. The team is now trained for a proactive approach to preventive maintenance. They save us from potential disruptions and maintains everything in top-notch condition. Their ability to handle various challenges efficiently makes daily operations smoother. The team is constantly being trained to create a welcoming environment for all who visit our church premises and strives to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Some of the major tasks undertaken and completed were: 1.Upgrade the seatrain to a fully equipped work-shop and storage area. (photo above) 2. New shelving units for the Library & conference room. 3. Repairing and refurbishing various rooms in the facility. 4. Ensuring electrical units and plumbing in the premises are serviced and working. 5. Restoring a cry room to accommodate privacy, a water closet, baby feeding lounge, and a TV screen. 6. Creating functional facades for 18 ministries on our regular tents. These are being rented as well. Projects currently work in progress are: 1. Modifications in Lighthouse to install 2 fullfledged soundproof dividers to accommodate three rooms for Christian Education or similar events requiring smaller meeting areas. 2. NECK sanctuary stage décor, NECK sound and media operations room, North and South Tent façades, baptism pool – for which TLC is a vital member to take the projects forward. The team of Chandra, Babu, Suresh, Daniel,, Satya, and Kishen are dedicated hardworking men despite being away from family and loved ones showing utmost care and concern when it comes to the TLC family. We pray and hope that the grace of God continues to bless them abundantly with good health, divine favor and bless their families so they may continue to serve in the house of the Lord. Shaji V. George TLC Admin & Facilities Committee 33


Volunteers & Interns “My heart is with the willing volunteers amongst the people.” Judges 5:9 It is such a blessing to have young people stepping up to serve the Lord here at TLC. Normally the average term of service for interns is three months as most are in a gap between studies waiting to enter their undergraduate or post graduate programs. Interns are expected to join us for regular work days being able to serve for 25 hours/week. As well, they are included in our staff devotions, and training sessions. They learn how to serve in the office, Shepherd Shoppe and other departments as needed. While focusing on skill development we trust they will be instilled with spiritual disciplines during their time with us. It is such a blessing to hear their testimonies when they write or visit us. Each one who completes their Internship receives a certificate or letter to use in their CV. We also attempt to connect them with a Bible based church where they are studying. Sometimes Internship has led our young people into joining our TLC staff and this year two of our interns, Leah & Percis were welcomed into clerical positions. They continue to serve with joy & diligence. We count it a privilege to be able to invest in this next generation of emerging leaders as a church. Though difficult to see them move on in their career journeys, we are confident that they will represent Jesus as His ambassadors wherever they go. The following is the list of Intern Volunteers In this past year. We thank God for each young person who finds purpose and meaning in serving the Lord at TLC. We know we are passing on a baton of faith and a standard of service to them. We believe they will rise to take their place in Christ’s church wherever the Lord leads them. Pat Golbeck Volunteer Internship Committee 34 Ashish Ashok Timgire 16-Feb-22 6-Mar-22 David Rueben 30-Aug-22 30-Sep-22 Jadoun Nadeem 31 -Aug-22 Till date Arpitha Sherry 10-Oct-22 30-Oct-22 Joshua Almeida 2-Nov-22 28-Feb-23 Leah David 5-Jan-23 2-Feb-23 Percis Masih 5-Jan-23 23-Mar-23 Elijah Khan 3 -May-23 30-July-23 Kenneth Alan 3-May-23 22-Jun-23 Aaron Manoj 3-May-23 Till date


Sound & Media “But be sure to fear the LORD, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”1 Samuel 12:24 Our team’s vision is to utilize audio/video technologies to support TLCs services, enhance the ministry speakers, vocalists and musicians and bring about an atmosphere of reverent worship in co-operation with other teams. Our Church has the potential to reach anyone, anywhere and at anytime. Our day to day activities include supporting our affiliates, online ushering, Christian education, post production, troubleshooting audio and video equipment and any other requirement concerning audio and visual setup. Our team makes sure to only provide the best of what we have and to ensure smooth running. Our major highlight as of yet took place during this year’s CE education sessions where we would document and capture moments of the sessions, it was truly an interactive time. Audio/ Video Improvements and upgrades in the year 2022-2023. 1. Two New remote control PTZ Cameras have been installed in the Lighthouse and Mishref. For a number of years we were shooting with manned professional videos cameras on stand. It’s fortunate this new pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras from Canon integrate several features that eliminate the complexity typically associated with video production. It enables inexperienced volunteers to come up to speed quickly and take control over shots. Operating the cameras is technically easy. 2. New digital audio mixer for Sanctuary/ Parish hall enhances the worship with better sound quality. The in-ears monitor system has replaced the stage speaker monitors for the worship teams for a consistent audio production every week. Sound and Media facilitators It’s a blessing and privilege to have the support of our congregants, elders, administrators, staff members, our volunteers and of course the unfailing support of the finance department working with us to create a well working system, week in and week out. Team members are always technically upgrading and are trained to ensure every service is provided with exceptional skills. May the Lord’s will be done in every meeting, service and special events in the years to come and days to pass, as we continue to work together in the Lords house. May our team of Daniel, Alvin and Samson continue to work efficiently and with sincerity for the church’s vision. You are welcome to volunteer with us in the sound & media ministry, be it talented in videography, photography or audio mixing. Training sessions if needed for the above are available. Daniel Thomas Sound & Media Team Leader 35


Information Technology “To equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.” Eph 4:12 Mission: The Information Technology Service (ITS) Ministry promotes proactive services and provides the TLC community with secure, reliable, high-quality information technology resources to meet diverse needs. Vision Information Technology Service (ITS) Ministry strives continually exceed expectations of The Light House Church community by providing innovative IT resources, safeguard information, quality services and enhance productivity through collaborative efforts for the daily activities that foster effective teamwork and promote excellence. Achievements: • Successfully implemented Microsoft Office 365 Cloud Outlook Emails, One Drive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS-Forms and Publisher replacing Google Workspace (G Suite). • Conducted training program for TLC Office staff & elders for effective usage of new technologies. • TLC staff use Microsoft SharePoint Forms for collecting ministerial reports data. • Desktop Files & documents migrated from local PCs to OneDrive for secure access. • Protected TLC network infrastructure by implementing FortiGate Firewall & Antivirus software. • Improved staff productivity by upgrading desktop PCs & Laptops with new SSD Hard Drives & Microsoft Windows 10 thereby avoiding costs of new computers & reducing e-Waste as well. • Upgraded CCTV Network and Cameras with high resolution cameras and Gigabit POE Switches. • Provided state-of-the-art high end Media computers with large screens for Light House Church Media team. • Installed new high range Wi-Fi Access Points at Mishref & TLC Admin Office. • Renewed existing software licenses & added new licenses to protect TLC IT Infrastructure from pirated software in respect of intellectual property rights. Goals: • Secure, reliable, efficient access to information and resources. • Implement Active Directory and Workflow process management! • Proactive support for TLC Office staff, quality service & effective communications. • Commitment to the state-of-the-art information technology. • Understand TLC community expectations through collaborative, inclusive relationships! • Create an environment that promotes teamwork & creative thinking! I thank our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the opportunity to serve in this ministry for the church. Durga Prasad Information Technology Service Ministry Team Leader 36 Network Layout & Infrastructure


TLC Representatives on NECK Common Council, Gerald Golbeck Ajith Mendis Ezekiel Tuma NECK Compound Beautification : The Common Council recently approved several upgrades to make the compound more visibly attractive. Thanks to our multiple gifted staff such as, Chandar (our quality craftsman) as well as our creative designer Juhn Ferma, all churches at NECK will be blessed by the forthcoming and m u c h n e e d e d r e n o v a - tions! TLC Representatives: Since the closing of the Medical Mission Hospital by the Reformed Church of America, the NECK has been governed by a Common Council consisting of three entities, each with 3 representatives: A. Arab Language Congregation: Senior Pastor as President plus two representatives. B. English Language Congregation: Senior Pastor as Vice President plus two representatives. C. KTMCC (coalition of Malayalam churches): Appointed person as Secretary plus two representatives. Special thanks to Nick Forbess who faithfully served on this council for years and also to Ajith Mendis who has this year joined in replacing Nick who returned to the USA. NECK Common Council 37 Harvest Festival: The highlight this year has been the cooperative effort of several NECK churches to join together hosting the revamped Harvest Festival! Churches and ministries gathered in a united forum to exhibit their contribution to the common call to Harvest - the Great Commission! Guest and local speakers shared their experiences and challenged believers to actively bless this nation. Colorful and attractive exhibit booths gave attendees opportunity to be informed about recourses and ministry opportunities. Special relevant sessions were held for both children and youth. So great to see such wonderful cooperation of a shared vision among churches! Church Leaders’ Prayer Breakfast : The foundational unity builder of prayer, continues on the NECK compound. Again this year church leaders met to collectively pray for: each other, respective churches, this nation and the region. Unity Conference: The annual unity conference held on Feb 25 was a blessed time. Delegates from most of the NECK churches attended the morning celebration. Before After


“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding. It is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with All precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24: 3 – 4 The Lighthouse Academy is a big family in a big house! For 50 years the Academy has been on the N a t i o n a l Evan geli cal Church Compound which is God’s House. The students have been able to pray and worship and grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord. September and October are always exciting months for all of us as we open the school year. Our students are from 17 different nations and often they travel in the summer. It is a joy to come together when the classes begin the new year. The Academy has 450 students from the ages of 3 years old to 17 years old ( the 12th grade). We are unique in that most of our students come to the Academy at 3 years old and some stay until their 12th grade graduation on the Church Compound. The Academy is God’s gift to our students. Our curriculum gives them a Christian World and Life View. When you leave the compound the words are: “Go Ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation.” I believe God ordained our students to come to this special compound as He teaches them and sends them out to make a difference in our world. In September we will have 2 representatives from North Star Academy in the States come to train our Staff, students and parents. Our students are studying on line with the assistants of our teachers from 7th through 12th grade. They get their transcripts from the United States. They are loved and taught Christian truths and values… “ Precept upon Precept and Line upon line.” I asked the Seniors this past May how many of them read the words over the gate at the entrance. When your enter the compound the words are: “Come Unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” . For 50 years the Academy has been faithfully training up children in the way they should go. Many have gone to countries all over the world. My prayer is that not one of them will be lost to G o d ’ s K i n g - dom. As the 2nd Semester came in January 2023 we began to plan our special events for our 50th Golden Anniversary! The Academy began in 1973 as a Day Care Center. Our Anniversary Theme was ‘Blessed to be a blessing.’ On February 24, 2023 we had our Kickoff Celebration on the Compound which included a Flag Processional and an Olympic Torch Run among many more fun Events. We were blessed to have many special guests to bless and celebrate this wonderful event. We continued to highlight the Anniversary throughout the year. We will put out a special video in October that we hope to share with you. The people who came to serve and the students over the last 50 years have helped to make the Lighthouse Academy what it is today. It is God’s Ministry and “ He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Thank you for letting us share the Lighthouse Academy with you. God bless you. Jacque Zandstra Director The Lighthouse Academy 38


Salvation Army Greetings from the leaders and congregation of the Kuwait Corps of the Salvation Army. What a year 2023 has been and continues to be under God’s grace and guidance here in Kuwait. SA Leadership in Kuwait and the Middle East: At the end of October, Major’s Jeff and Margaret Stafford who lead the SA expressions in the UAE return to their home country of South Africa. We thank them for their service, passion and diligence as our region recovered from the Covid experience, and we moved back to the ‘New Normal’. Replacements for them have been identified and we are awaiting approval from our International Headquarters in London, and hope that they will be in place by Christmas. Weekly Worship Services: Like other congregations, we have been challenged with the Kuwait family visa rules currently in place, and many of our congregation are still separated from their families who are still back in their home country, unable to reunite. We continue to pray that the powers that be recognise the impact that this has on the family unit, and that a way will be found for families to return to living together. Certainly, this supports better productivity and harmony, benefitting all those concerned. Salvation Army Mission: The Salvation Army in Kuwait continues to work with a range of service partners including local organisations and embassies present in Kuwait to support their citizens who find themselves in situations unmanageable on their own. We seek to assist in the facilitation of repatriating these individuals where we can, where possible connecting them with agencies and support services back in their home countries. Prison Ministry: Serving and supporting those in Prison is a core Salvation Army ministry around the world, and we are privileged to do this in Kuwait in partnership with the Kuwait Prison Ministry. It is so encouraging to join with men and women within the prisons and deportation centre that have such a strong and evident faith. Due to a shortage of bibles, a recent request for congregation to bring some back with them from their vacation resulted in over 30 bibles of various languages and translation being received and handed over. C-Clinic: In partnership with NECK and TLC, CClinic aims to provide a safe place for people who would otherwise not have access to basic health advise and simple checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels. At the writing of this report, volunteer medical staff have assisted over 860 people with basic medical support. Many of those presenting were surprised to find that they had elevated blood pressure or high blood sugars, and were encouraged to seek further medical checks. We are blessed and excited to continue in partnership with The Lighthouse Church, and the other partner congregations, serving the ‘Who so ever’ in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 39 Captains Doug & Janet Newman


40 PROCEDURE FOR GENERAL VOLUNTEER APPLICATION


41 PROCEDURE FOR MINISTERIAL LEADERSHIP APPLICATION


TLC Ministries Quick Reference • Committees □ Sub Committees FAMILY SERVICES OUTREACH • Administration • Ministerial Admin • Finance • Human Resources □ Volunteers □ Interns • Facilities • Sound & Media • Communications □ Reflections □ Website □ Youtube • Information Technology • Public Services □ Friday & Sunday □ Combined Service □ Special Services • Music □ Worship Night • Ushers • Harvest Festival • Journey to Christmas • Mercy Fund • Shepherd Shoppe/ Library • Someone Cares • Food Care • Foreign Outreach • Child Sponsorships • Care Clinic SUPPORT • Children’s Ministry □ Nursery • Youth Ministry • Widow’s Ministry DISCIPLESHIP • Christian Education □ General C.E. □ GSOL □ ISOM □ Trauma & Healing • Prayer □ Intercessory □ LADYS □ TLC Family □ Pre\Post Service □ Overnight □ Prayer & Fasting □ Month Of Prayer □ Mountain Top Prayer □ HCW Prayer • Life Groups • Seminars/Conferences AFFILIATIONS • NECK Common Council • TLA (Lighthouse Academy) • Salvation Army


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