A New Beacon for Families: Inside Mount Vernon’s Salvation Army Learning Lighthouse

Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army in Mount Vernon is excited to share news about a long-awaited project that’s finally becoming a reality — the brand-new Learning Lighthouse.

She spoke to WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about what started back in 2017 as a vision to better serve the community and expand social services has now grown into a place designed to meet one of Mount Vernon’s biggest needs: quality childcare.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The Learning Lighthouse reflects the same mission as The Salvation Army itself: “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name, without discrimination, upholding the dignity of all people.” Simply put, this new space allows that mission to continue in a very practical way. The Lighthouse will provide a safe, nurturing environment for children from as young as six weeks old through 5th grade, offering both childcare and opportunities to learn about Christ.

Captain Moretz walked through the journey of bringing the Lighthouse to life, from early planning to construction and staffing. Ground was broken in 2024, and the building is now in its final stages, with just a few finishing touches left. The official opening will be Monday, January 26, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m., followed immediately by a dedication service.

Once open, the Learning Lighthouse will serve up to 112 children, offering not only childcare but also meaningful programs that support families and help children grow in a loving, faith-centered environment. Captain Moretz shared how this project has shaped her personally, especially in learning more about childcare, trusting God fully, and depending on Him through every phase of the process.

She also spoke warmly about her team, expressing gratitude for their dedication and support. While challenges came along the way, she credits the strength of the team and her faith for helping her stay focused on doing good and not growing weary.

Thanks to incredible community support, $5.4 million has already been raised toward the project’s just-over-$6-million total cost. The team even came in under budget, though they are still working to raise the remaining $649,000 needed to fully complete the project. Captain Moretz continues to ask for prayers and community support as they move toward the finish line.

She extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make the Learning Lighthouse possible and looks forward to thanking supporters in person during Sunday’s dedication ceremony. The community is warmly invited to attend and celebrate this milestone together.

Click HERE to stay connect on Facebook!

Click HERE to visit their website!

NOAH – LIVE is coming to theaters this week!

The Morning Thing talked with Stephanie Lefever, Communications Manager at Sight & Sound Theatres about the exciting theatrical release of NOAH – LIVE!
Sight & Sound’s flagship production, NOAH, is setting sail for movie theaters nationwide!
Stephanie talked about this special 30th anniversary celebration and the process of taking this extraordinary production from the big stage to the big screen.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation with Stephanie and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.

Click HERE to find a list of show times and theaters. 

Here is the Trailer:

Mariya Tatarin talks to WNZR about Operation Christmas Child

Mariya Tatarin is from Ukraine and received a shoebox at the age of 10 and she talks about how she felt from this, the box had hygiene items, school supplies and toys.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mariya talks about her favorite toy when she got her shoebox growing up as well as some of her story when she grew up and the massive impact receiving the shoebox made on her life. She also talks about the book she received “the greatest story ever told” and she ended up gifting that book to her neighbors and it helped share the gospel to them.

Mariya shares more of her story and because of the shoebox, the kids around her saw that God knew who needed that shoebox and how people all over the world who do his work.

She talks about how she moved to America due to religious persecution and the how the process took a long time. Now she travels to Churches, schools and communities to share her story and get to be a real person to see the impact of Operation Christmas Child. Mariya shares how you can pray for the people of Ukraine struggling with the war, she says to pray for God to intervene and bring and end to the war.

Mariya shares a message for people packing shoeboxes, she’s very grateful and thankful for people taking their time to help pack shoeboxes; so many people who receive the shoeboxes have never even heard of the gospel and it makes a huge impact on the lives of kids. She says 11.5 million shoeboxes are packed each year and she talks about how important it is to see the people who sent the shoebox. She still keeps the picture of the family who packed the shoebox for her in her bible in hopes of meeting them.

She talks about why you should take the step to help support Operation Christmas Child and shares a message to people who haven’t ever packed one before. Its intimidating at first, but Mariya says to just start with the basics and you’ll start coming up with new things to put into your box. It makes an impact and it makes a difference.

Mariya Tatarin is sharing her story this Friday at 7pm at Gilead Friends Church, and she talks about how you can pray for her and how she wants God to speak through her to the people listening. Pray for Operation Christmas Child to have all their volunteer needs filled with people trying to share God’s love and good news.

Click HERE to learn about Operation Christmas Child.

Are you feeling grateful today?

For some of us, it might be difficult to say yes to that question.
As we approach Thanksgiving next week, The Morning Thing is spending time to focus on gratitude.
Crosswalk.com has a list of 5 scriptures to help guide our gratitude this Thanksgiving.

Click HERE to read the full article.

From Crosswalk Author, Whitney Hopler

Thanksgiving invites you to reflect on God’s goodness and give thanks for the blessings in your life. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a spiritual discipline to give thanks. The Bible repeatedly encourages you to give thanks – not only when in good circumstances, but in all situations. Practicing gratitude is a powerful act of faith, reminding you that God is present, faithful, and good. Here are 5 scriptures from the Bible to guide your Thanksgiving gratitude. They can inspire you to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but on every day that God gives you to enjoy.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

Hebrews 12:28

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28

Click HERE to read Whitney’s valuable insight on each bible verse.

Kicking Off Dad Week!

It’s Dad Week on The Morning Thing! We’ll be sharing all things dad related on the show to get you ready for Father’s Day Weekend, and we kicked things off today by looking at 5 Biblical Fathers Whose Actions Influence Dads Today. The article, from Crosswalk.com, details the stories of five biblical father’s and the impact they had and can have on fathers today!

Plus, in true Dad fashion, we shared some terrible dad jokes along the way. Here’s a few to give you a quick laugh and eye roll this morning:

  1. Why do Swedish warships have barcodes on them? So when they dock they can Scandinavian.
  2. The recipe said: “set the oven to 180 degrees.” But now I can’t open it because the door faces the wall.
  3. What happens if a frog parks illegally? It gets toad. (Get it?)

Tune in for more fun and laughs weekdays mornings 6-9am on 90.9fm, WNZR!

Are you stressed? These bible verses will help!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared 5 bible verses to reflect on when you are stressed.

Stress impacts all areas of our lives – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. God wants us to come to Him when we find ourselves in stressful situations. He is there, ready to take the burden.

Please take a few minutes to read this full article from author, Vivian Bricker. Click HERE to read her insight and the full article shared on Christianity.com

1. Matthew 6:34

 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

2. Matthew 11:28

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

3. John 14:27

In this Bible verse, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

4. 1 Peter 5:7

 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 

5. Exodus 14:14

This passage from the Old Testament says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

The Morning Thing talks with Nick Shakoour from The Chosen

Alyssa Sidle of The Morning Thing had the privilege of talking with Actor, Nick Shakoour who plays Zebedee on The Chosen. Zebedee is the Father of James and John.
He shared his excitement about the CW Network’s plan to air the series. He shares why he thinks the story has been able to connect to so many people all around the world.
Nick also shares how the Holy Spirit’s presence on set changed the way the crew and cast were able to engage with the story itself.
Nick shares his journey with The Chosen Project and how his life has changed.

Click HERE to hear their full conversation.

The Chosen will debut on the CW Network this Sunday, 7/16 at 8pm. A new episode will air every Sunday night until the finale airs on Christmas Eve.
Click HERE to see the schedule for the CW.

Click HERE for more information about The Chosen.

God Is In These Bible Stories!

This morning, we dug into the Bible to see how God was at work in the stories in the Old and New Testament. We specifically talked about creation, Noah and the Ark, Joshua and the battle of Jericho, David and Goliath, the fiery furnace in the book of Daniel, Daniel in the lion’s den, Jonah and the Whale, the birth of Christ, Jesus feeding the 5,000 men, and the crucifixion and resurrection.

God was present from the very beginning when he created the world and Adam and Eve, and we know that he’s still with us today! We want to hear how God is in your story! Tomorrow we’re dedicating the show for a time of prayer, praise, and sharing testimonies. Call us starting at 6am to share with us! Call our office line 740-392-9090 option #1 to talk to us.

Click HERE to read all 10 stories on Christianity.com.

Finding blessings and hope from God in 2023

There’s no better way to kick off the new year than digging into the Bible! We can find many verses that can encourage and inspire us as we look at this new year. We shared 25 of the best verses that tell us about the hope that we can find in God for being refreshed and renewed in 2023.

Click HERE for all 25 verses for Christianity.com

It’s Bring Your Bible To School Day!

Every year, the first Thursday of October is Bring Your Bible To School Day. This was started in 2014 by Focus on the Family in response to Bibles being removed from schools. Today, students are encouraged to bring their Bible to school to share their faith.

Click HERE for the history of Bring Your Bible To School Day.

Click HERE for information from Focus on the Family about today.

Focus on the Family also has year-round Live It Challenges to help students and families live out their faith, not just on Bring Your Bible To School Day but all year! You can sign up to receive monthly challenges to help strengthen your faith.

Click HERE to read more about the Live It Challenges and sign up.

We also talked to Emerson Collins, the Project Manager for Bring Your Bible To School Day. Emerson shares the history of the day, how to participate, and conversation guides for students who are bringing their bible to school.

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

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