Lighthouse Alumni Testimonials

Check out Shane Finison's testimony given at Lighthouse on May 8th  below

Rob Morlock

Apr. 1999 - Apr. 2000 

Dear Fellow followers of Christ,               April 3, 2000,

"for me, as like many other soldiers in Korea, I was away from home for the first time.  I was scared and worried. I've heard so many stories about Korea that I got there and thought, what do I have to lose. In Korea there were no rules, no parents, and no guidance. I've always went to church, back before I joined the army, but I never felt God. I had morals but in Korea you couldn't help but think were is God? I'd look at people coming back from the clubs drunk, I used to scream in my mind, "Jesus, are you up there...Listening to anyone at all?! I'd see people at the post chapel praise God on Sunday, and dancing at the clubs with women all around them on Saturday. I started to get fed up with it. Then God led my future roommate to Korea.  He asked me if I wanted to go to Church at this scary little church off of post. I'd always see these people hanging around the gates of Camp Humphreys bugging and annoying people, handing out these little pamphlets and yelling "Jesus loves you!" Needless to say I didn't want to go, but I to be a good room mate I went. I can't remember what the pastor talked about, but I do remember the invitation afterwards. I was sitting in my chair with my head bowed, eyes closed.

There was this tiny little voice in the back of my head that just kept on saying, "raise your arm, raise your arm." I did and even went up to the alter.

There a man named Bro. Keith Pease led me to the lord. The verses he shared with me I've heard all of my life, but I never understood them before. That split second I had more understanding than I ever had. So there I was, feeling alone in Korea. I missed my family and I missed my friends.

At this Church I found everything I was ever looking for. I was saved and baptized at this church. I became one of those scary people handing out tracks to people I never knew. I've seen God work, and been blessed with so much. Most of my favorite moments in Korea, where spent in that Church.

I do not really miss Korea a whole lot, but I DO miss that church. Thank you for all of your time and God Bless you,

SPC Robert Morlock US ARMY

Andy Carlson

2002 - 2003

Every time I see a Lighthouse I will forever be reminded of you and Lighthouse Baptist Church. Your enduring warmth and love has guided many travelers including myself along life's paths. Thank you for providing a home away from home and a place of opportunity to serve our Lord and Savior. 

Thank you for your daily sacrifice and labor of love. And, thank you for letting your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. I'm sure there is a glowing spot over in glory full of fruit and treasure laid up to your account. 

I look forward to visiting you again some day-But until then I will continually keep you and the church in loving memory and prayer.

God Bless you,

Andy Carlson

March 2003           

Shane Finison July 03- May 05 

Shane Finison

July 03 - May 05 

In the past 2 years I’ve seen many people come and go, and witnessed many parting testimonies. Each has been a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit when you trust and obey the Truth of God’s Word, and stand firm to the fundamentals of the faith. And after each testimony I thought about what I would share with you today.

Many who know me now would not recognize the Shane Finison of four years ago; and I’d like to think those who knew me then wonder what’s gotten into me. What’s gotten into me is that the Lord got a hold of my heart, and I pray I never let him go.

I’ll start with a brief background of my life, because someone here this morning may be on a similar journey, just a few mile markers back.

I grew up in N.C. Both sides of my family attended a Presbyterian Church. My father usually worked on weekends so my mom would get me and my brother dressed up about one or two Sundays a month and we’d attend Sunday school or church. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you one thing I learned in that time. You went to church because that is what good people are supposed to do.

The people were nice, but all remember is eating cookies in Sunday school and drawing pictures in the bulletin, anxiously awaiting lunch at Grandma’s house. I don’t remember seeing anyone carry a Bible into the church or taking notes in the sermon. The Bible just seemed to be the book beside the Hymnal behind the pew.

We were hit or miss attenders until I was in the ninth grade. Then I thought it was important to get a job so I could buy a new car. I worked with my father at McDonalds every Sunday throughout high school. Many times while cleaning the lobby or restroom I would come across a gospel tract left by a Bible believer. It clearly presented the Bible’s plan of salvation and the consequences of denying Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

Does anyone here know what I thought? It just sounds too simple, that can’t be right. I’d see "Jesus Saves" spray-painted on an overpass and was confused. I never remembered any of this in my church. Seeds were definitely planted, and I know that if I was presented the gospel, I would have been received Christ and been saved.

I think back then I believed in what I now call the 51% theory. That is that God is always taking account of your good deeds and sins, and when you die, you just hope that your good deeds are at least 51% to a 49% bad. And that would get you in heaven, 49% good would get you hell. Worse sins count for more % point to the bad side. Of course, only God can see the scoreboard in this game. This is of course not what the Bible says about God’s plan for salvation.

Around that time, between ninth and tenth grade I was up late one night flipping the channels on the TV in my bedroom and happened to stop on the 700 Club. At the end of the show Pat Robertson had an invitation based on God’s Word. He asked me to pray with him to have Jesus enter my heart and forgive me of my sins, and that no one can earn heaven on their own good deeds. If you don’t know, God requires a perfect score, 100% that no one can achieve. No one but Jesus and he wants you to be his teammate. I said the prayer, and meant it.

"Bible knowledge does not save you, but if Jesus’ blood is on you, you’ll be saved" AMEN.

And God did save me. I broke down as the guilt of my life was lifted. I’m pretty sure I have some doctrinal differences with Pat Roberson now, but do I credit him for leading me to the Lord.

So I see my spiritual birth as similar to a baby born in a bathroom, or a car on the side of the road, with no one to help the mother with the delivery. Not in a hospital with a highly trained staff, the latest medical equipment or incubators and an operating room if needed. Newborn Christians have as many needs from others as a newborn baby.

1Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.

THE FIRST OF LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH’S THREE PURPOSES IS TO EVALGALIZE TO THE LOST. THIS IS WHY WE HAND OUT TRACTS. THIS IS WHY WE SOUL WIN, & INVESTIGATE PEOPLE’S SALVATION. THIS IS WHY WE KNOCK ON DOORS AND INVITE PEOPLE TO CHURCH.

Members here are expected to go Soul Winning. This is an awesome experience and great opportunity to identify yourself with the Lord, strengthen your faith, and push you to go further in your testimony, especially knowing you’ll likely experience persecution. Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Pro 11.30 He that winneth souls [is] wise.

Someone is pleading for you to knock on their door. They know they are looking for something but not sure what.

As I hasten, I’ll fast forward a bit. In I attended The Citadel, a Military College in S.C. There were opportunities for spiritual growth there but I was too caught up in trying to earn cadet rank and make good grades to secure an active duty commission in the Army in a branch I would enjoy. Satan tricked me into being too busy for God. He did it again at my first duty assignment at Ft Campbell, Ky. As Mary and I felt we were ready for children, she again made it clear to me her desire to raise our children in a Christian home. I concurred without reservation. The last weeks before PCSing to Ft Rucker we attended the Chapel. Sorry to say, but we were not fed.

In November 2001, at Ft Rucker, AL the starving Babe would begin to be fed. We visited Heritage Methodist Church in Enterprise, AL. The preacher actually preached a focused sermon over 30 minutes long, using scripture throughout. It was so refreshing. A Sunday school teacher invited us to their weekly Bible study and I began to grow. We attended Sunday school and morning worship services every week. Looking back, we were not challenged much, but I did learn that nothing was as important as your personal relationship with Jesus and that there is no way to heaven but by the blood of Jesus Amen. Both of these truths were reinforced repeatedly.

But I was still holding back a bit. I pretty much acted the same around old friends, listened to all the music the world had to offer and thought little of my testimony in matters such as drinking alcohol or sharing my faith. I figured maybe if I gave more to God he’ get me out of trouble a time or two. Maybe I would get a few extra rubs out of the magic genie? God by the way is not your spiritual genie. I would obey God so long as it was convent and didn’t cramp my style. If I read something in the Bible "I" did not agree with, I’d find a way to justify it or explain it away using the practice of "select and neglect".

An 8 month stay at Ft Hood,TX beginning in July 2002 did not change things drastically. We were regular attenders at a Southern Baptist Church in Killeen. My fire for God and personal relationship continued to strengthen through prayer throughout the day and faithfulness to my devotions, but looking back I see that I became more interested in Christian books than the Bible itself.

I still believe many of these books can be very helpful to your walk and did help me grow. They taught me some tactics, techniques, and procedures on how to be an effective Christian, but as Eph 4.14 says, as a child, I began to be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.

I still did not take the 1^st step of obedience in a new believer’s life: scriptural baptism, even though they occurred weekly at the church.

I thought I was really on my way by substituting classic or hard rock music with CCM or country gospel songs with a beat no different than worldy music.

As I was preparing to move to Korea I knew it was a dangerous time. I would be away from Mary and Luke for over a month as I got settled here before bringing them over. I knew temptations would be at an all time high as I arrived with an entire squadron of over 320 soldiers, and no one really knew I was a Christian. Yes, they know of the devils playground of An Jung Ri in Texas. The last thing I did prior to leaving for Korea was to buy a few Christian books for the trip. I guess that could be considered a spiritual appetizer since the books contain scripture or some versions of the Bible.

We prayed for a good church home in Korea. I thought I would have to go back to the chapel to attend English speaking services. One of the books I read on the trip and during this transition time was Every Man God’s Man by Stephen Arterburn. Again, I now have a few doctrinal discrepancies with my beliefs and those of this church with the authors, but there is a lot of meat in that book. Bro Kent Hovind says "eat the meat, spit out the bones". The book is about Spiritual Integrity and Boldness for God. Not holding back. Giving God your all to Him and being more fearful of disappointing God than Man. One of the things the book teaches is the importance of memorizing and quoting scripture.

I eagerly complied a list of scripture to combat every conceivable situation and began to memorize. I thought it was great that there were so many Bible versions to choose from. Some verses were NIV, others NKJV, some The Message, Living Bible, etc. I wore myself out just deciding which version to memorize.

1Cor 14:33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace

I can’t remember what prevented me from attending the next day but I know Sunday, May 24^th 2003 was my first time at Lighthouse. I noticed the music seemed Old Fashioned and many of the men wore suits, I felt a little bit out of place in my kaki shorts and polo shirt. But when Pastor Rosko preached the sermon on Salvation by the blood of Jesus, that God demands perfection, and of the Sanctification by a personal relationship with Him, I knew this was the place I had to be.

ANOTHER OF THE THREE PURPOSES OF LIGHTHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH IS TO EDIFY THE BELIEVER. I was fired up. I darted back to the Royal Hotel, ran up the stairs and called Mary, "I found our Church". I was a regular attender for the next month and finally took the first step of obedience by being scripturally baptized over 12 years after my salvation.

But I still had to overcome some hurdles to join the church. Lighthouse was different. I learned no only to worship in spirit, but also in truth.

The church constitution said I must believe the Bible is errant in the KJV. But how can I? Hasn’t the Bible been translated by many different people. Why is one version more pure than another? My education on this topic immediately began during discipleship training. After a great amount of study on the subject, I am now thoroughly convinced that the Auth KJV is the Bible God preserved for these last days as described in

Ps 12.6-7 The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

I direct you to "One Book Stands Alone" and "New Age Bible Versions", each available in our Church Library. Jesus said in

Jn 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Jn 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Many resources are available in the library to strengthen you faith in the Word of God. In particular the Creation Science Evangelism series by Dr Kent Hovind. If you believe what you’ve been taught in school about the earth being millions of years old and that we evolved from other animals. You must see his series. You’ve been taught lies.

You will be challenged here by the Word of God. Not the preacher- he’s just the messenger. Biblical standards are taught and every effort should be made to obey them. This is not comfortable.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. …

The book of Psalm orders us again and again to praise him in song.

This brings us to the area of MUSIC

I did not have a particularly hard time with this one but many Christians do. I have been educated greatly on this topic here and feel it is of great importance and worth mentioning. The best references I know on this are from Dr David Cloud.

Godly music is different than the world’s music. More than just the lyrics matter. It’s not supposed to make you shake your pelvis. The Soul Stirring Hymns are just that, every once in a while you can get little preview of heaven when we’re clicking on all cylinders, and it’s a sweetness that only comes from music that pleases God.

Worshiping in Spirit, walking by faith, not sight thru the power of prayer.

Prayer before church, for souls, at Wednesday evening prayer service, and by the prayer list.

There is no other explanation for how this church could continue. My two years here is but a vapor compared to those who will not PCS, the Malmins, Bro Curtis, the Koreans. But I have seen many come and go, and the only reason this church remains is because it walks by faith, not sight, God directs it, and stands by the fundamentals of the faith from the word of God.

I first heard the term Independent Fundamentalist. What does that mean? The pastor reports to God. Not to a denomination, or a convention, or a Pope. The whole Bible is fare game to be preached based on what God directs. No tip-toeing around to try to make a point. No fear of or need for political correctness. Fundamental means based on the Bible, Not rules of religion made up by man. No voting on God’s Word. The Bible says it and that settles it.

Pastor Rosko, your vision, leadership, enthusiasm and trust in the spirit set an example I can only hope to emulate.

We can’t operate in the flesh and please God.

Every time I’ve been away for a few weeks due to an exercise, TDY or leave; I felt I did a pretty good job of keeping up my devotions of prayer time and reading the word. Or as much as possible in simulated combat conditions. But every time I returned to be with all of you, and hear the refreshing, clear, and yes; challenging preaching from the Bible; to sing praises to the Lord (even off key), my baseline was reset.

I again feel like a like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Ps 1.3), restoring my fellowship to a greater level, one which I cannot attain alone. The most important time is your time alone with the Lord; but that is not enough.

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

ROM 8.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. So as we transition back to Ft Campbell, please pray for us to find another church family that has shown the love, encouragement and faith that you have.

I was still an infant when I arrived and I’d now rate myself around the first grade. I fall short every single day. But I am forgiven.

If you’re not saved you need to receive Jesus today. After the service come forward and someone will show you God’s plan of salvation in the Bible. If you are saved but not growing, please don’t be like I was for so long.

From my sermon notes on 24 May 03:

Saved but wandering around in the wilderness because of no sanctification (the process of growing to become more like Christ). Without sanctification you’re putting a limit on your heart.

The Promised Land for the Christian is not in heaven. There’s no war in heaven. The Promised Land is a victorious life in Christ.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION

August 2002 - November 2003

Bob Jones August 2002 - November 2003 Ez. 33:6-7

Shandee Bowman

Jun 02 - Jun 03

I grew up in a traditional Filipino home. Both parents catholic and was raised as such. In 1996 a family friend Pastor Eddie Nicandro led me to the Lord. I became hungry for the word but was never fed. I spent many years as a lost sheep until my Shepherd led me here to Lighthouse.

I arrived on station on June 30, 2002 and about a week later was lead to Lighthouse by Brother Roger Waggoneer. I had no idea what the Lord had in store for me. Since I arrived here I have been able to rededicate my life and stand secure in my salvation knowing that if I was the only sinner in the world Jesus would have still taken up his cross and died on Calvary for me. He had me in mind that day. On September 8, 2002 I took my first step of obedience and was baptized with my now husband Steven.

I found myself in discipleship class feeding off the sincere milk of the word, growing leaps and bounds in my walk with Jesus. After a while my walk stagnated but I didn’t know why until Pastor Rosko preached on the importance of forgiveness. I realized I had been bitter for a very long time. My heart was hardened towards my grandfather that sexually abused me from the age of six and my mother that didn’t believe me. I became self-reliant and always defensive with my heart. It was revealed to me that most of my relationships did not blossom because of this past and because of fear! It became apparent to me that to grow I must give it to the Lord. I took it to the altar! Instantaneously the burden seemed to be lifted from my shoulders. My mother has been missing now for over 2 years and I pray I can tell her that I love and forgive her before it’s too late.

Soon after this truth was revealed to me I was convicted to join the church on November 24, 2002 where I made a commitment to help evangelize to the lost, edify the believer, while exalting the savior. I learned to trust again because of the genuine love of my brothers and sisters in Christ. You all are my first real friends. From you all I learned the truth about what relationships should be and opened my heart to love and marry my loving husband on February 02, 2003.

Since joining the church I have been able to work in the nursery and share in good Christian Fellowship, which has truly blessed my heart. I observed the conduct of other Christians and their families, such as the Rosko’s and the Cunningham’s. I appreciated the love and respect they shared. I began to wonder how we could build a Christian Home. I asked many questions! Everyone was always willing to hear my thoughts, answer my questions, and pray with me. My husband and I listened and prayed over the Home Series that was preached and it really blessed us. We learned the importance of a married couple to be equally yoked, keeping each others eyes on Jesus at all times, and separation from the things of the world. We are both convicted on searching for God’s plan for our lives.

Throughout my year here at the Lighthouse I have been more than a conquerer through Jesus! I have been given victory over drinking, cursing, immodest dress, worldly music, and debt just to name a few. As I saw the many miracles in my life I continued to search for answers in God’s word. Now my daily devotions continue to be geared towards learning the infallible and inerrant word of God in the King James Bible. I have a desire to show others this living water which I have been given. I love being a fisher of men for my Lord Jesus! I have witnessed many souls saved at Lighthouse Baptist Church and led a few souls myself including a good friend Elaine Moore!

Most importantly I want to praise the Lord for the comfort that He has given me. As you know this is not an easy tour; away from family and the comforts of home. He brought me good friends, chances to serve in ministry, and given accessibility to His ear and His word. The Lord has eased my mind, comforted my soul, and encouraged my heart. Whether in on a mountain top or in a valley He was there and most times through one of you! Thank You, I will never forget the blessed tie that binds us!

Today is a very bittersweet day. And as I shared with my sisters, no matter what the future holds it will never have a special place in my heart as here and now at Lighthouse Baptist Church. Now the end is near and I must say "see you soon" on the other side of glory. But until then as we always say "keep the end in mind and your eyes on Jesus."       

June 22, 2003

Manny Fernandez

Apr. 2004 - May 2005 

This testimony was given at the Servicemen's Center's 4th Anniversary 

What the servicemen's center means to me:

When I first arrived here at Lighthouse Baptist Church, I arrived as a man bitter against God.  I thought within myself, "Why would God put me in such a god-forsaken place?" (Korea) I thought within my self, "Surely God won't remember me here, and if he does I'm sure he'll forget where!"  But let me just say that coming here to Korea was probably the best experience I've ever had in my life. And Lighthouse Baptist Church made me feel like I had a home away from home. And one of the things that really struck me about this church was the servicemen's center.   

I had not seen anything like it before in my few years of being a Christian. This is a place that will help you Grow and take off spiritually. Because it is a place of Comfort.

 It is a place of Casting (you cast cares upon the Lord)                            

 It is a place of Caring  (People really care for you, the hospitality was great!)  

It is a place of Concerned individuals (People are really concerned with your burdens)   

It is a place of Edification ( I was exhorted in the Faith)                                                                                                     

It is a place of Encouragement ( I was challenged in the things of God)      

It is a place of Example (Biblical standards were demonstrated)                

It is a place of Enlightenment (I have leaned so much from other Brothers at the Center.)

I thank God for the Lighthouse in Korea!

Manuel Fernandez