When Randy and Sandra Green moved to Almaty in June 2001, they soon became aware of the need for a teenage shelter to help the orphans of Kazakhstan. It was something that was on their hearts for a long time but they didn’t really know how or what to do. In December of 2001 a facility next to the church building became available for rent. When they saw it the very first time, both of them knew that this was a place that could be used for a teen shelter for the orphans living on the streets.
By faith, Randy and Sandra began to rent this facility. They sent out e mails to friends and relatives and churches asking for financial help to begin this ministry to the orphans of Almaty. From the very beginning the hand of God has been in the center of this ministry. People began to donate and send money to help the orphans.
The church in Almaty was the first to start helping support the Light house with their contribution and by a huge leap of faith everyone decided to support this ministry every way they could. By March 2002 we had enough money to start work on the facility. We hired a construction company to do some remodeling, painting and putting in new bathrooms a kitchen and other repairs as well. At one point we told the workers we would have to stop construction for a while because of the lack of funds. The construction workers who were working on the facility offered to continue to work on the project free of charge, if we would just supply them with materials. They even went out and found some free materials in order to be able to finish the work. It was a great testimony and wonderful blessing to the progress of the Light House. Three of those workers are now your brothers and sisters in Christ, because they later studied and became Christians. They are actively involved in the church here in Almaty. Construction was finished in May 2002 and before long we were ready to open “The Light House”.
Dick and Janelee Dillman from Conroe Texas came and spent 5 weeks, working here in Almaty making beds, furniture, bed slips, and curtains etc.
In May 2002, Sasha and Jenya Metso along with their family, moved from Moscow to come and be the house parents. They have been such a blessing to the ministry. They take great care of the teens that live in the Light House and they have shared the gospel with all of them. Sasha's organizational skills have proved to be a great blessing and asset to our over all ministry here in Almaty. The Light House kids love the Metso family and their children and they have turned the hearts of the children toward God.
By the grace of God we now have a home for orphan’s ages 16-22 years old. These are kids who are forced to leave the orphanages of Kazakhstan. Our desire is to provide a safe place for the children to live and to give them the opportunity to know Jesus as their personal Savior. We help them finish their education and try to teach them life skills that will provide an opportunity to succeed in life.
We currently have 9 children in the home. We provide food, shelter and some clothing as well as try to help them with some of their educational fees. We also provide monthly bus passes for them for their transportation. Eight of the kids living in the Light House have become Christians. We are funded by individuals and churches that have a heart to help the orphans. The Brackettville Church of Christ in Brackettville Texas has helped to ease the burden by their continued financial help. We opened “The Light House” for operation in June 2002.
Thanks to financial help of many people in 2005 we were able to buy a house for this ministry, but only after a year and a half we were able to move in. We thank everyone who prayed on our behalf!
A message from Randy and Sandra
We want to thank each and everyone who has made it possible for this work to be done. Your prayers, your financial support and your encouragement mean a great deal to us. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and your friendship.
Thanks so much for being a partner in one of the greatest joys in the world; helping the homeless find a home and become a part of a forever family, the family of God.
May blessings be upon you,
Randy and Sandra Green
Almaty, Kazakhstan
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27
Anyone wishing to contribute to “The Light House Ministry” should send their tax deductible donation to:
The Kaufman Church of Christ 27 Oak Creek Dr. Kaufman, Texas. 75142
Make your check out to “The Kaufman Church of Christ” and mark on it, “Light House Ministry” or “orphan’s ministry”