Our Story
Light of Hope CSO was formed in Lancaster City in 2001 by a group of pastors representing the city of Lancaster, PA. The intent was to form an entity that would focus on partnerships in ministry that would bring hope and transformation to the city and then to other regions around the world. The program was designed to be multicultural and urban at the core, focuses on the work of city churches. The ministry that has developed includes joint worship and prayer events, street evangelism, and Family Fest: a festival of food, fun, prizes, and prayer at a local park in the city. LOH has also hosted Evangelist Nicky Cruz at the local Barnstormers Baseball Stadium, where nearly 10,000 people were in attendance. The Lord moved, and many gang leaders were led to know Jesus that day.
Next, LOH developed a program to minister mental health and healing to prisoners in the Lancaster County Prison. Professional and pastoral care services were combined for inmates in this program, which resulted in a decrease in psychotropic medication use and recidivism. Subsequently, LOH offered similar services as an outpatient at Water Street Rescue Mission and Cornerstone Family Medicine. Finally, LOH developed a missions training school called Light to the Nations. Many cross-cultural and urban teams were introduced to short term missions and taken to various countries for practical experience and outreach. Nations such as Nicaragua, Honduras, Columbia, Haiti, Switzerland, France, and Iraq were part of this list.
In addition, LOH has partnered with Lancaster Alive for evangelism training and events in the city over the last several years and done a food distribution during COVID with Blessings of Hope at the baseball stadium. Currently, LOH is continuing and expanding the medical and human service model that began at the prison through the Transformation Health Services ministry and has started to activate mission training in order to send out again. We have many plans for the future. Please consider assisting us in furthering our ministry in this context so that we can continue to be a light to the nations.
Our Core Values
Lordship of Christ --Through worship, prayer, corporate listening and discernment we will do only what the Holy Spirit reveals and what the Father directs us to do
Harvest minded—We are compelled by Christ‘s love to minister the Salvation of Christ and the Kingdom of God to many.
The Gospel mandate—We are commanded by Christ’s word to share the gospel. We will not compromise preaching the truth of Christ’s gospel in exchange for monetary gain, political favor or access, “ministry opportunities” or any other aid, comfort, or benefit. The world will not dictate the content of our message or the execution of our ministry.
Integrity—Personal holiness and integrity will characterize the attitudes and action of those who serve with us. Failure to live sanctified lives as evidence of our faith and our calling disqualifies us for service.
Corporate Unity—Recognizing the diversity of gifts and styles within the body of Christ we will honor and respect each other, defend each other and maintain a covenant relationship as fellow workers
Embracing all gifts—We believe that the gifts are still active today as seen in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.
Our Vision
To see the kingdom of God advance in our community and around the world by supporting ministries and churches that work in partnership to fulfill the great commission through the great commandment.
Our Mission
To help churches, ministries and organizations working in partnership and secure financial, administrative and training resources needed to support the work they have been called to.
To network with ministries that provide healing and reconciliation ministry.
To train people in healing and reconciliation.
To transform individuals and communities.
