SPOTLIGHT
Story and Mission
On December 12 , 2001 , a coordinated ambush targeting policemen took place inside the Queens Court Apartments . Automatic gunfire ripped through the late afternoon , cool air wounding two policemen and killing Kearis Bonham , an eight-year-old boy .
Four days later , while delivering gifts to a family , then volunteers John & Dolores Eads felt the Divine nudge to organize a Christmas party in that same courtyard . The idea made very little sense ; however , through careful planning , a Christmas party was held for the children inside that small courtyard at the Queens Court Apartments on December 20 , 2001 .
In the place where gunshots had cracked only eight days before , Christmas carols were sung , gifts were distributed , the birth of Jesus was proclaimed , and last but not least – a ministry was born .
As Light of the Village celebrates its 20th anniversary , our purpose remains the same : to help youth and families encounter Christ , fight addiction , educate their children , escape poverty , and live better lives .
The communities we now serve - the Alabama Village and beyond - are oppressed by violence and poverty . In fact , so many murders and deaths occur from drugs , gang activity , and other violent crimes that young people in Alabama Village have referred to their neighborhood as “ Death Valley .” These young people see no way out . Yet , the mission of Light of the Village is this : to share the faith , hope , and love of Jesus Christ with the inner-city one person at a time in word and deed and in truth and love . We do this by providing quality , consistent programming including :
• After School Programming • Summer Bible Camp
• Teen Night • Teen Candle Making and Life Skills
• Sunday Bible Study • Ladies ’ Bible Study
Our After School Programs and Summer Bible Camps now serve Plateau , Toulminville , and Maysville via partnerships with the City of Mobile Parks and Rec . Additionally , we offer outreach events and services such as our annual Easter Block Party , Thanksgiving Eve Meal , and [ Grocery ] Bags of LOV .
How To Do Some Good :
Come and see ! Set up a tour . Volunteer . Provide a meal . Purchase a candle . Intern at Summer Bible Camp . Sponsor a TeenLeader . Organize a food drive . There are countless ways to join our mission ! Our programming calendar is available on our website or feel free to email us at volunteer @ lightofthevillage . org or call 334-406-0221 .
“ We are a front-line , hands-on Christian ministry designed to share Christ ’ s message of faith , hope , and love to the inner city .”
Our Organization Values :
• Consistency in relationships , operating 5-6 days a week year-round ;
• Equal opportunity for all families despite financial status , offering all programs free of charge ;
• Quality programming , ensuring a safe , fun-filled environment for children and families ;
• Never “ aging out ,” offering opportunities for growth and community to all ages ;
• And remaining debt-free , growing slowly and deliberately as God and funds allow .
Sponsored By :
Dolores & John Eads LOV Founders and Directors
John 8:12
Left : On November 9 , 2008 , Light of the Village held its first baptism service . Since then , they have had the opportunity to baptize 116 individuals over the past 20 years . They are thankful to God for these beautiful moments , for the work that He does in hearts , and for every opportunity for discipleship He provides .
Contact Us
251-680-4613 www . lightofthevillage . org PO Box 1641 , Bay Minette , AL 36507 Dolores and John Eads , LOV Founders and Directors john @ lightofthevillage . org Facebook . com / LightoftheVillage Instagram . com / Lightofthevillage
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2022 Fundraisers & Upcoming Events
Opportunities to volunteer or get involved are on-going .
Subscribe to our Newsletter online at www . lightofthevillage . org / contact
Check our Web Calendar to see upcoming programs and events at www . lightofthevillage . org / events-1
Email us at volunteer @ lightofthevillage . org or call 334-406-0221 if you ’ d like to come out !
22 Get out and # DoSomeGood in 2022 !