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Lakewood Missions
Missionary of the Month - May 2012 Tim & Toni Ghrist – Lighthouse for Christ Mission, Mombasa, Personal Background: Tim was in the 1st grade at a Christian elementary school when his teacher asked if anyone wanted to receive Jesus as their Savior. On that day he became a child of God. By the 5th grade Tim felt called to be a missionary and in the 7th grade his parents became missionaries to Kenya, moved to Mombasa, and began a small clinic and Sunday school that soon turned into a church. Tim left for seminary, planning to pastor in the US for 4-5 years before he returned to Mombasa to join his parents in their work. But in 1982, his father’s fast growing cancer changed Tim’s plans. In 1983, five months before his father’s death, Tim resigned his position as Associate Pastor, took a 4 month missionary training course, and began ministry with the Lighthouse for Christ Mission. Toni accepted Jesus as her savior at age 4 through her grandmother’s witness for Christ, and her call to be a missionary came after she heard a message on Missions. Shortly after Toni and Tim were married, she became pregnant and developed Toxemia. Their first son, Jason, was delivered 10 weeks early, after which Toni had a major stroke that left her in a coma and completely paralyzed. Slowly she began to be able to talk, walk, and care for herself and their family. Toni found that after the stroke, God had released her from many of her past inhibitions and fears of witnessing. Their move to ministry in Africa was a fulfillment of a life dream, and she rejoices that her “small handicaps” open up many opportunities to witness and evangelize.
Tim & Toni have been missionaries with the Lighthouse for Christ Mission & Eye Centre in Mombasa since 1983. Tim oversees the clinic to ensure it stays focused on a balance of high quality care with a strong emphasis on evangelizing patients. He serves as Headmaster and teacher of the Lighthouse for Christ Bible Institute, disciples young pastors, and is the Mission Director. Toni is very involved in the ministry through quiet means, praying and talking with the patients.
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We are a body of believers dedicated to making disciples who worship and glorify Christ, love people, and see themselves as essential participants in fulfilling the Great Commission. We give purposeful and prayerful effort toward completing the task of local and world evangelization, by involving, equipping and sending people and resources. Mark 16, Luke 24, Acts 1:8; Matthew 28
KENYA