[ Good News happening in our community ]
Lighthouses of Prayer continues to transform lives through pandemic BY DE NISE R. MAR CO S
T
o those visiting the Alamo City, San Antonio is easily remembered for its diverse cuisine, bustling tourist spots and its extensive list of must-do things. And if they stay long enough, they will undoubtedly describe it the same way locals do every day—a place of potential, growth and astounding resilience. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions that have continued in the months following stay-at-home orders, San Antonioians have displayed amazing perseverance. The community’s ability to adapt is one thing that pastor of River of Life Church and president for nonprofit Lighthouses of Prayer International (LPI) Pastor Gene Loeffler passionately describes as “a community full of diverse cultures and backgrounds”—a people, despite their differences, who work together to overcome hardship. LPI, whose purpose is to be a guiding light for Christians to fulfill their call to 18
OctNov_101220_PrintReady.indd 18
be disciples through united prayer groups, is one organization that has been able to continue its mission despite the recent circumstances. The abrupt stop to our daily lives due to the pandemic and racial strife that has surfaced is, as Pastor Gene coined, “A Devine Pause” and a time when prayer is needed most. “Prayer is how we talk to God. How we grow in our relationship with Him,” Pastor Gene said. “There isn’t a formality on how to start, just ask God to open your heart and whatever answer you’re seeking, pray. When the founder, Joan Courtney of Lighthouses of Prayer International, back then
Spiritual leaders gathered to pray while abiding to social-distancing restrictions.
w w w.sa B e a c o n .c o m
called Women’s Prayer International, started this ministry 20 years ago, she had a vision of women coming together to pray in unity for spiritual revival. Today, men are gathering for the same purpose—to glorify God through prayer.” LPI was established in 1997 as an outreach effort for the Christian evangelist Billy Graham. Courtney answered the call to be a prayer leader for San Antonio. And as the crusaders prepared for their way to South Texas, Courtney, together with fellow women, flooded the heavens with fervent prayer. Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, LPI’s mission has not changed. In the midst of city restrictions and personal reservations as a result of the pandemic, Pastor Gene says people still long for connection and prayer is the foundation of that fellowship. Thankfully, technology has made it possible to share the Gospel with the masses. To date, LPI has 19 prayer groups that encompass nearly every O c to b e r / N ove m b e r 2 0 2 0
10/12/20 11:52 AM
