Helping People Since 1952
The Lighthouse Gospel Mission, Inc. has been reaching out to the poor, hungry and disadvantaged in our communities since December 12, 1952, when it was founded by brother J. A. Lennard. After a radical conversion to Christ, he began the mission in order to provide a hot meal, clothing and encouragement to the homeless in downtown Tampa in the form of a small soup kitchen.
our history.
Over the years we have consistently expanded the scope and volume of human services provided to the less fortunate. Through the love of Jesus, The Lighthouse is now impacting thousands of lives as we serve the hurting, hungry and addicted in our communities all across the entire Tampa Bay area, through our extensive hunger relief program (Operation Hope of Florida) and our long term, residential and faith based recovery program (Faith Home Ministry). We also have a community-based church (Lighthouse Freedom Center) which was originally founded as a place for the graduates of the Faith Home Ministry to call a “church home,” but has blossomed into the family and Jesus orientated bunch that it is today. Finally, we have a thrift store which is our social enterprise (Lighthouse Thrift Store). All proceeds come back to the organization, especially the Faith Home Ministry, so that we can continue our mission of serving the hungry and addicted.
The ministry grew over the years and Brother Lennard decided to move the ministry to a tract of land in what was then, the “real woods” of Riverview, FL. The idea was to establish a facility to bring men who had given their life to Jesus to a place in the country to concentrate on the Bible, away from the familiar influences and temptations in Tampa. Thus, the first home for alcoholics was started in Riverview, and the foundation was laid for a bright future reaching thousands with the transforming power of the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ!
