We have discovered there is a tremendous opportunity to encourage and teach open hearts in prisons through reading material.

The devil and his workers are already using literature to influence the masses. Today we also have an open door to plant the seeds of God’s Word in the hearts of the masses in prison. In fact, they are begging us to.

Loaves & Fishes is already touching tens of thousands, but we see an urgent need to increase its impact by publishing more often. Our goal is to publish the magazine four times a year instead of only once.

As you’ve probably heard, we’re trying to build a team of partners who together can pledge to give $350/day. An increase of $350/day would cover the hard costs of publishing Loaves & Fishes four times per year.

So far official monthly sponsorships have grown to $46/day, which means we have $304 to go. We are sincerely grateful for these commitments.

One-time gifts are helpful and make up the bulk of our income now. However, monthly sponsorships create the dependable support stream that enables us to plan ahead and publish on a predictable schedule.

The needs in prison are great, the doors are wide open, and the night is coming when no man can work.

We are confident there must be 304 more people somewhere that want to partner with us in this goal.

Will you make this a matter of prayer and consider becoming a monthly partner with your gift of $1/day?

Click here to learn how you can give.

“I saw [Loaves & Fishes] and was deeply moved and inspired. Especially the article ‘Paid in Full’… Me being a new born Christian could really use that type of encouraging network in a place like this.”

Jamal Spence • ACI • Fairfax, SC

Quick Updates

• It’s a blessing to have Darold back in the office again full-time. His greenhouse business is shut down until next year, so now he has a lot more time to work at Lighthouse. He does too much to list here, but his work includes processing mail from prisoners and maintaining the mailing list.
• In the last months, Robert and Verba have cut back on their time commitment here. Robert works with a local construction crew to support his family, but they still support the work in their hearts and help with mailings, etc.
• We are doing another small mailing of the most recent issue of Loaves & Fishes, which we published in January. There are 4,600 new single subscriptions that came in since we mailed out the first mailing of this issue.
• We have some ministry presentations scheduled for October. Several churches in Missouri want us to come share. Presentations are a good way to raise awareness and build face-to-face relationships. If you know of a church or group of people that would like to learn more about Loaves & Fishes, let us know.
• The next issue of Loaves & Fishes has been prepared for about six months now. It will take around $30,000 to publish this issue. After using some funds for promotional literature and overhead, we would have close to one-third of this amount left.

Let’s work together to touch more hearts in prison while it is day!

For the Kingdom,

Lavern Gingerich

“Your book is very inspirational and I would love to read more. I’m ready to change my life, and I feel reading your books will lead me in the right direction.”
Keith LeGrand, Smithfield, NC

“Your Loaves & Fishes publication is a real inspiration for me and helps my drive to study God’s word. My prayers will include you always.”
Charles Finchum

“I really like Loaves & Fishes. It helps me a lot and I really enjoy reading the poems. But I read Loaves & Fishes from a friend. I have sent in three requests to receive my own book, but for some reason I still haven’t got it.”
Michael McKinney, Fort Worth, TX

“Thank you for producing the book. It is a tremendous help to me. I pray the Lord Jesus continue to bless you. Amen!”
Name unknown

“I read two of your poems for prisoners and I really thought they enhanced my spiritual walk.… Your ministry has a powerful impact on my life. Keep up the good work.”
James Hairelson, Duncan Unit, Diboll, TX

Click here to learn how you can help us make more of an impact in the prisons.

Worse yet, imagine being torn from everything familiar and buried alive behind block walls and razor wire, with no hope of escape for 5, 10, even 50 years.

I can’t imagine the helplessness of that feeling. But over two million of our neighbors faced that reality when they woke up this morning in jails and prisons across the U.S.

Step into their shoes for a moment. You long for home. You try to remember what it was like to be free, to go to work in the morning and return to your family at night. You dream of holding your child and embracing your wife. The years ahead look endless.

That’s life in prison, and the people living it face the same loneliness, discouragement, and condemnation you or I would.

The good news is that Jesus died for their sins and He rose again from the dead, so that these 2 million prisoners could be set free in their hearts and experience the life, hope, and freedom that only He can give!

We realize the majority of these people are locked up because of a law they have broken. But we also care about their pain and need for meaningful relationships.

Many of them who are seeking after God are young in the faith and need discipleship and encouragement to overcome the temptation to sin around and within them.

And perhaps the biggest encouragement to them is the example of others who are living in victory, joy, and peace behind the prison walls!

That’s why we give prisoners an outlet in every issue of the Loaves & Fishes magazine. “Free on the Inside” is our section dedicated to prisoner writings. Poems, testimonies, and short writings from prisoners are common in “Free on the Inside.”

Poems and testimonies from Christians in prison are a special blessing to other inmates because the writers can identify with them in a way that I can’t. Prisoners devour these blessings from fellow-inmates and it gives them a sense of fellowship through the Spirit of God.

We hope to soon have enough funds to print another issue of Loaves & Fishes. You can help us  spread the message of hope and friendship in Jesus Christ with a gift of even $1/day.

Click here to learn how you can give.

Let’s work together to point the prisoners to the life-changing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Until the night comes,
Lavern Gingerich

“Your magazine, Loaves & Fishes, is awesome. It truly is a blessing. When I was reading the different poetry, stories, and testimonies from the different inmates, I was truly fellowshipping.”

Sarah Markovitz, York Correctional Institution, Niantic, CT

Staff Updates

Robert and Verba are doing a fine job with the requests in the mailroom. They share the burden of the ministry and have decided to stay here indefinitely. Robert has taken on a part-time job to support his family. They are not living off the donations you send, but are freely giving the time they spend here. We are deeply grateful for their support.

My wife and I also enjoy volunteering here and carry a burden for the prisoners in our country. I normally try to be at Lighthouse two weeks every month. I often sense a need for more wisdom and strength in the work, but the Lord gives us grace and fulfillment as we serve Him here.

Anthony Hertzler from Oklahoma is still working for us part-time by the hour. His editorial and writing skills are truly an answer to prayer.

Exciting Publications

We are preparing a printed version of our ministry presentation similar to what we share in churches. This full-color booklet will introduce potential partners to Lighthouse Publishing. It explains the vision on which Lighthouse is founded, the needs and open door in prison, how Loaves & Fishes is helping to meet that need, and how others can partner with us.

Next is 3 Marks of an Effective Missionary, which draws examples from the life of Christ, encouraging readers to live for the cause of God’s Kingdom, work before the night comes, and enjoy the nourishment that God gives His workers.

Both these publications will be distributed free of charge. They will also form the basis of info packs designed to introduce the work of Lighthouse and recruit new partners to help us reach our goal of making Loaves & Fishes a quarterly magazine.

These tools will be freely available to existing supporters for distribution among their friends, families, and church groups.

It will likely take at least several thousand dollars to print and distribute this literature. Please pray for the wisdom we need to be faithful stewards in all these projects.

For Christ,
Lavern Gingerich

Recent Prisoner Feedback

“Could I please have a subscription to Loaves & Fishes? The few copies sent to the chapel disappear quickly.”
Gary Field

“I am writing to subscribe to your ministry in literature. It’s very uplifting to me. And I’m sure others feel the same.
“Blessings are spread throughout the country for what you do. And if no one else has said it, allow me to be the first to say Thanks!”
Reginald Malone • LLC • Lincoln, IL

“I enjoyed reading Loaves & Fishes so much I am glad you have made it possible for us as prisoners to receive it. It’s wonderful.”
Tina Bryant • Federal Medical Center Satellite Camp•Lexington, KY

But praise God! Many inmates have turned to the Lord, finding a lasting hope and eternal refuge in Him! Through prison chaplains, church group efforts, and ministries such as Loaves & Fishes, the word of God is reaching the darkest corners of thousands of prisons all across America.

Still, hundreds are crying out for individual correspondence and discipleship. There is a tremendous opportunity to minister to souls and make an eternal difference by taking the time out of our busy schedules to write a prisoner and share the glory and grace of the Lord Jesus with them.

Perhaps it isn’t possible for you to personally visit prisoners. But writing is a splendid opportunity to do as Jesus taught in Matthew 25:36.

If you are interested, please email your request to me at mail@lighthousepublishing.org. (Or call or write us.) We will be glad to provide you with contact information and letters that prisoners wrote to us along with a list of guidelines for corresponding with inmates.

May God be glorified as you represent Him!

Robert Miller
Mailroom

“The Loaves & Fishes are such a blessing to the inmates….

I left 50 at the Rudd Unit in Brownfield, TX. Most of them were taken quickly by the 80+ offenders that attended the services.”
Don Castleberry
Freedom in Jesus Prison Ministries • Lubbock, TX

How $1/day Supports $125,000
Loaves & Fishes Project

If 350 people would decide to give up $1/day for the cause of Loaves & Fishes, that would equal $125,000 every year. Based on the costs of the latest issue, this would cover the hard costs of one issue every quarter—our goal!

Charles D. Kleiser, Chaplain Supervisor • Apalachee Correctional Institution

“Loaves & Fishes helped me to feel close to the Lord even when my hope was fading.”
Linda Vetterly, Aliquippa, PA

“The 450 Loaves & Fishes that we received on January 20th, 2009 are truly a blessing to the men here. Thank you for your faithfulness even in these difficult times. It is because of ministries such as yours that we are able to minister to almost 2,000 men here at Jackson Correctional Institution. Please continue to remember us in your prayers.

“Thank you again for your help on behalf of the men at Jackson Correctional Institution. We pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and your ministry.”
Ron Evans, Senior Chaplain, JCI, Malone, FL

“Thank you so much for your wonderful magazine. I always enjoy the stories and beautiful poems. And it helps my understanding and walk with Christ. Thank you.”
Nancy Wright, VSPW, Chowchilla, CA

“Many of the men are seeking to grow in the Lord. Your publication is a blessing to them. Again, thank you.”
William Ohl, Institutional Chaplaincy, SCI Mercer, Mercer, PA

“The women like inspirational reading and love to read the reflections in your magazine that draw us all closer to God. It means so much to the women when they realize others remember them.”
Mary Ann Collins, Chaplain, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills, NY

“I’m learning a lot with yall’s help…. I’m a recovering addict and this book is giving me so much inspiration to want to know more about God.”
Sebastiana Avalos, Lubbock County Jail, Lubbock, TX

“I really enjoy reading your magazine, the testimonies especially touch me, keeps me always looking up—not down.”
Joe Bowers, Tenn Colony, TX

“I got a copy of your book Loaves & Fishes from my cell mate in the box at Liberty C. I. Your book opened doors in my life that I might not have ever known existed…. Since then the blessings haven’t stopped. Thank you.”
R. W. Putty, Jr.

I had high hopes of maintaining the quarterly schedule and publish another issue in April. I thought God would provide, that we had the support backing it up that we needed. I thought the donations would keep pouring in as they had been. Instead, donations have dropped so much that we are receiving only enough for an operating cushion to cover bills and overhead.

Even though our plans and dreams may be disappointed at times, we can be assured that God is in complete control. His plans are not disappointed. The Psalmist in deep distress comforts himself with this promise about God, “They cried to You and were delivered; they trusted in, leaned on, and confidently relied on You, and were not ashamed or confounded or disappointed” (Psalm 22:5, Amplified).

Please continue praying for this need. We need approximately $16,000 to get Loaves & Fishes printed and brought into our building. Will you partner with us and help us reach our goal of one issue of Loaves & Fishes every quarter?

“I would like to thank God for Lighthouse Publishing. With your help I found Jesus, and I want to learn more about Him.”

Waymon Gabriel Coleman

Mail Room Report

Robert and Verba are faithfully keeping up with incoming mail and requests in the mail room. It’s been about two months since we mailed the last issue of Loaves & Fishes in January, so the mail flow has slowed down, but it still takes commitment to keep up with all the reading, sorting, coordinating, and data entry that goes on there.

For Christ,
Lavern Gingerich

Here are a few letters from prisoners and chaplains concerning Loaves & Fishes for you to read:

“I don’t want to miss out on any more of these books. This is the first time I’ve seen one of these. They are full of inspiration, grace, beauty, and knowledge.”
Kay Kelley, Eddie Warrior Correctional Center, Taft, Oklahoma

“Those pictures on the inside cover and back inside cover are beautiful and outstanding. I cried as I looked at each one for they both ministered so much to me. The issue was volume 8, issue 1, 2010. Thank you for sharing them. I won’t ever be the same after viewing them!! May I have Loaves & Fishes sent to me? Thank you so much.”
Dan Marshall, Estelle Unit, Huntsville, Texas

“I was reading your Volume 8, Issue 1, 2010 and received a powerful message, and would like to ask if I may receive a copy of this (message) book? Thank you… P.S. This is a great book. I LOVE IT!”
Anthony J. Vielma, Telford Unit, New Boston, Texas

“Your magazine helped change my life and convert my life and walk in the way of the Lord and lead a straight life. Thank you but most of all thank God for what He does for us on a regular day to day life.”
James Tisdale, Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, Florida

“Thank you for your time and ministry. May our Lord and Saviour continue to bless your ministry. All of us behind the walls really need this uplifting blessing.”
Daniel Nuñez, CSP Corcoran, Corcoran, California

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the reading materials that you have faithfully donated to our chapel at Everglades Correctional Institution.

“The books and calendars were well received and our inmates express their special gratitude for your thoughtfulness.

“Please keep us in mind for future donations, and may the Lord make all grace abound towards you in all wisdom and prudence in His love.”
Alex Lam, Chaplain Supervisor, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, Florida

“We have received your exceptional donation of the most recent Loaves & Fishes. Words cannot express my gratitude for such a huge donation.

“It had been difficult to find enough of one spiritual publication to give to everyone who requests it. Because of your generosity, I am able to provide for so many more than I normally would.

“You do make an enormous difference in the lives of so many inmates. God bless you for letting these women know that they are not forgotten!”
Chaplain Mary Anne DiVincenzo,  Central California Women’s Facility, Chowchilla, California

“Thank you from the mouth of my heart. Your booklet is bread for my soul.”
Andrea C. Martin, Lowell Annex, Ocala, Florida

This new issue of Loaves & Fishes covers a lot of teaching on thoughts. We hope it will inspire prisoners to develop positive thought patterns and to set their minds on eternal things. As they begin to embrace the mind of Christ and base their pursuits on the cause of God’s Kingdom, the course of their life will change and they will make spiritual progress.

2 Ways You Can Help

Our goal is to publish Loaves & Fishes every three months. To maintain this schedule, Loaves & Fishes volume 8, issue 2 must go out in April. Based on last issue’s printing costs, it will take at least $15,000 to get the books made and brought in here.

Let’s put this into perspective: If half of this month’s newsletters would get read and every person reading it would immediately send $25, we could move ahead with the printing of Loaves & Fishes!

We are earnestly praying for these funds to be available before the end of March, so we can get the books ready to mail in April. Please join us in this prayer, and if you would like to help financially, click here to learn more.

“The first time I picked up Loaves & Fishes, it was impossible to put it down. Once I did, it left me thirsting for more!”

Justin Freeman, Holmes Correctional Institution, Bonifay, FL

May God bless you for your prayers and support. Your labor is not in vain in the Lord!

For Christ,

Lavern Gingerich

We are making good progress, but there is still much work ahead of us until we are ready to finalize this issue.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Lavern

PS. Our goal is to publish Loaves & Fishes every three months. Will we be able to publish another issue in April? $1/day can help us reach our goal.