The story behind the name First Light Ministries
It amazes me that most people in the world believe that everything happens by chance or happenstance. Some believe in luck or karma, but ask any true believer in Jesus Christ, and they will say there is no such thing as coincidence. Why is that? Because our God goes to incredible feats to prove Himself to his children if they only ask. Sometimes it is big events which are unforgettable, or perhaps a chance meeting, but many times it is the little things that stand out the most. Signs and wonder will follow those who believe!
I was asking the Lord for some inspiration to write an article for this website… When I flipped open the laptop, this welcome screen pops up. Now you can call this what ever you like, but in this one image God captured all the major themes behind this ministry. The sunrise or First Light. The Lighthouse set upon the rock which is the main element of our logo. Both a warning of impending danger and a beacon of hope. The flag hung from the lighthouse is called a ships pennant, and typically used as a banner to communicate a message. The “banners” on the screen also communicate messages. I chose the color blue signifying grace, which is captured in the ocean, a symbol that God has used many times in my life to express the the depths of that grace. As if that wasn’t enough, He chooses to make it more personal by capturing my birth date, February 17the on the clock. Needless to say, it was pretty clear which story He wanted me to write.
This story dates back to about this time of year, in June of 2013. That day I was on one of what I call a God-ventures. Following His leading, I went to a local beach to enjoy some quiet time with Him. I had no agenda and no plan, I just let him lead the way. The beach led to a lighthouse…then another lighthouse… Lol there are no shortages of lighthouses near our home in Maine. We enjoyed some amazing conversations throughout the day, but as afternoon was wearing on, I was growing tired and dreading an hour ride home. At this point I was just leaving Portland Head Light, one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the nation. It’s a beautiful place, but I was tired and wanted to go home. Yet the Lord had another plan. Instead He tells me to go to yet another light house, which I was rather reluctant about, but went anyway.
Now this lighthouse, called Bug Light, sits directly across the harbor from the city of Portland, Me. When I arrived at the little park there, I was asking the Lord what was so important that i needed to go there today. I had been there many times in the past, and knew it probably wouldn’t be too long before I came back again. He asks me, “What do you see?” I’ve learned not to be too quick to answer these kind of questions. Across the harbor, in a marina I was very familiar with, I could make out one boat that stood out, towering in the height of its masts above all the other boats in the busy harbor. The Lord says, “Go over there and look at that boat.” So I went over to the binocular mounted on the pedastool for a better view. But, no that was not good enough, and He says again, despite my utter reluctance at this point, “Go Look at that boat.”
Now bear in mind it’s now about 5:00 in the afternoon, and I’ve been out walking on beaches, sand and rocks since about 10 am. I’m really tired at this point and the boat is a 15 minute drive and a 10 min walk away on the other side of the harbor. But I went anyway, because I’ve also learned to be obedient when I know He is speaking.
The boat was docked at a semi private marina I knew well. Ordinarily, there is no way I’m getting into a marina without knowing a boat owner, but there is like zero security in this place and the gates are left wide open most of the time. When I got close I was awed by the beauty of this well crafted yacht, being a boat lover myself, but what really got my attention was the name… First Light.
I’ve always loved sun rises. They remind me of God’s glory, and his mercy being renewed each morning. I love to get up early and watch the sunrise while talking with Him. So the name obviously struck a chord, especially after visiting 4 lighthouses in one day. (lol the second stop actually has two.) But, he’s still not finished, and after He has me make a fool of myself trying to talk to the owner, who doesn’t speak english, we’re off to yet another beach a half our away.
When I arrived at the beach, the sun is setting. But, after the boat thing, I’m over the afternoon weariness, and start walking the half mile to a breakwater where I like to sit. This time of day there are many men fishing in the surf. To do so requires a large pole to cast beyond the breaking waves. Pretty standard fishing gear, which I’ve used myself on occasion. However, my eyes are now fixed on these two men walking towards me. They were carrying fly fishing equipment, which requires a great deal more finesse and skill, especially since the fish they were after were of significant size. A legal 36″ striped bass is quite a bit bigger than your average rainbow trout! So I was admiring these two for their apparent fishing experience, when I noticed something that stopped me in my tracks. They probably thought me odd as I had to laugh out loud in passing. Fixed on the front of the gentleman’s waist, was a woven basket used for carrying bait, etc. Displayed in letters big enough for me to discern from 10 feet away were the words First Light! As they say, you can’t make this stuff up.
In the days that followed, The Lord told me that He was going to give me that boat, and that First Light would be the name of my ministry. Well 11 years later and First Light has become the vessel which is literally building arks of refuge for God’s people in this season. The ministry is a metaphorical boat named First Light. He’s been elaborating on this idea all along the way. Confirming with little signs and wonders here and there, so that I know I’m still on course. God is so good!