A brand-new ministry for helping those in need has opened its doors here in Titus County, with the vision of coming to the aid of those suffering from addictions and introducing them to a life with Jesus Christ.
The Light Ministry helps those who are lost in addiction to find freedom through a Christ-centered Biblical based program. Their mission is to love the one God has placed in our path and guide them towards God’s will for them. Directors Larry and Brandie Tobin have been in ministry for more than 25 years and the couple has answered a call from God to help others.
The Light Ministries of NE Texas will be a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of alcoholics and/or drug addicts that were lost in society and bound to their addictions back to Christ centered productive lives. Enabling them to return to their families free from the control of substance abuse becoming useful members of society with a renewed understanding of their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Located on the site of the old Midway Store north of Harts Bluff, The Light Ministries director Larry Tobin says they work with men who are suffering from all kinds of addictions whether it be drugs, alcohol, pornography and others. He says that what they do is not a 12 Step program, but rather an urging to lead men to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Tobin says that after they find that, there are no more labels. The men then are not recovering addicts, they are just free.
The ministry provides housing for those who need it, and though that housing comes with expense, Tobin was led of the Lord to provide what they do at no cost if those seeking help are without the money to pay for it.
Tobin also says that the program is a minimum of two months, but most stay with him for 6 months to a year. Some are come and go, but all are after the same thing and Tobin calls that a culture change.
He says, We are a kingdom building ministry-once they are free it is a culture change. These men and those around them get them to see what their lives can be in the kingdom of God and we let them know God is willing to use them for His kingdom.” Tobin notes that he and his wife are just tools and vessels for God to use, and their efforts are already seeing fruit, as two men recently surrendered their lives to Christ.
Tobin stated, “We need prayer most of all, but we could use some support. We are solely based on donations. We are a new local ministry and not many know we are out here. Sponsorships, either monthly, or a sponsor one of the men here would be a blessing. If they can’t afford to be here, we do not turn them away, so if someone wanted to sponsor one of our men, that would be such a blessing.”
Non-perishable food items are also always needed.
Tobin has a vision for the ministry that does not stop with men. He notes, “We feel the Lord wants us to expand and not be just a ministry for men, but there is a need for women fighting addictions as well. We want to help women. There is also an issue with the homeless in our area.”
If you would like to make a donation of any kind, offer a sponsorship, or help the ministry in any way, you can contact Larry Tobin at The Light Ministries of NE Texas by calling 903-220-9940, or look them up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100083860034444