Always Shining
by Sherrie Norris
It's no secret that young people often feel misunderstood and alone and want nothing more than to “belong” — to someone, something or somewhere.
Many adolescents and teens search aimlessly for just a little corner of the world where they can feel safe, secure and wanted.
Thanks to the husband-and-wife team of David and Dawn Ward, who, along with their three daughters, Joy, Jenny and Juile, established Son's Light Ministries almost 10 years ago, countless youngsters have found their haven of rest here in the heart of the High Country.
Located behind Burger King at 174 Boone Heights Drive, Son's Light Coffee House serves as the “home base” for the multi-faceted community outreach that provides a shelter from life's storms through a variety of ministry opportunities.
It began, the Wards said, as a joint ministry with First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock for the youth and college students.
The couple soon realized that the need for a safe place aimed at the spiritual development of local youths was much greater than they first thought.
The need stretched across denominational lines and, perhaps most importantly, Dawn said, to those young people who were not active in, or ever been a part of, the traditional church setting.
The Wards felt that providing exposure to the gospel in a more casual, fun and perhaps less intimidating setting would be more conducive to reaching the young people they hoped to serve.
They were not wrong.
Son's Light Ministries quickly expanded to a coffee house atmosphere in which young people from all walks of life began coming together to learn, worship and fellowship on Saturday nights at the Blowing Rock Ruritan's Clubhouse.
As word spread of the concept, the Wards attracted both high school and college students, youth pastors and community leaders who began to take part in the activities and leadership of the ministry.
Within four years, the ministry began to feel far-reaching effects. Moving to a more centralized location — the basement of First Baptist Church of Boone and within steps of Appalachian State University — seemed like the perfect plan. And it was, the Wards said, with the exception of scheduling special events, which often conflicted with regular church services.
They moved just a few blocks away and shared space with Cornerstone Summit Church, prior to finding their current location at Boone Heights.
Vision doesn't change
It's a new day at Son's Light Ministries, but the vision of the Ward family has never waivered, nor have their priorities changed.
“It is our hope that Son's Light Ministries continues to help youths and college students come to know God,” said David. “We want to bring honor and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as we never forget to thank our Heavenly Father for all he has done for us.”
The arms of Son's Light have been far-reaching through a variety of events, such as Saturday Night Coffee House Worship, where talented musicians, speakers and gifted individuals are always welcomed to participate.
From September through April, Saturday services are from 7:45 p.m.-10 p.m. and are centered on praise and worship activities, including music led by the house praise-and-worship band, drama, testimony, prayer and scripture reading.
Saturday Night Fellowship takes over in the summer — from May through August — starting at 7:30 p.m. each night with Open Mic at 8 p.m.
Thursday night weekly Bible studies are also well attended.
Compassion on Campus
The ASU Club Ministry is offered on campus, Ward said, “for the purpose of enhancing the spiritual lives of students by offering membership in a service-oriented Christian organization.”
The Club supports Operation Christmas Child and provides Christmas food and gifts every year a less-fortunate family in the community.
“Following a request for specific items from the recipients, we attempt to provide for them the best way we can,” Ward said. “This project is an awesome opportunity to bless others the way God has blessed us.”
The ASU Club also provides a time of prayer and praise for students each semester on Reading Day — with food and fellowship as well as an environment suitable, both mentally and spiritually, to prepare for exams.
Back at the Coffee House
Back at the Coffee House, “The Joseph Project” provides care and support for individuals suffering from addiction and troubles that eventually lead to life on the streets.
“We strive to assist people in this troubling situation without enabling socially unacceptable behaviors,” Ward said. “We are not equipped to shelter, feed or clothe those in need. However, we are there to love and build healthy relationships.”
The ministry's “Heart to Heart” program is designed to create and nurture relationships — with recoveries — in an effort to compliment what rehabilitation centers already provide, Ward said.
“Research seems to indicate that individuals recovering from addictions with adequate support networks experience a greater chance of success when attempting significant life change. Many rehabilitation centers give the recoveries a lot of helpful tools for overcoming addiction but don't always supply sufficient support outside their facilities.”
“Vision Quest” is an after school “hang out” program that operates Monday - Thursday from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., and provides homework assistance for middle school and high school students.
“Remnant” is a teen fellowship gathering that meets on selected Tuesday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. and offers students a time of positive social interaction with their peers through Bible study, character building activities, music, games, and more.
The ministry would not be complete without a prayer team on board and available to pray with individuals and/or groups that need or request assistance, and to act on opportunities to share the plan of salvation (acceptance of Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior) with those who do not know him. “This is a 24 / 7 ministry,” Ward said, and accessible by calling (828) 264-2007 or through the website, listed below.
Draws The Crowds To Boone
In 2003, the ministry sponsored a one-day Praise and Worship Festival at the old Watauga County High School.
The event eventually evolved into the annual High Country Praise Festival and is held each year on Labor Day weekend at the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University.
The festival not only attracts thousands of young people from all over the southeast, but also nationally known speakers and musicians. It also includes the “Stars In His Crown” Christian Talent Search “and the “SonRun Ratrace 5k” on that Saturday.
The Next Big Thing
A long-held vision of opening a recording studio and a school of music is fast becoming a reality for Son's Light Ministry.
“We understand the impact of music in our society and we relize that there are no better means of building relationships in our community than with the use of music,” said Ward.
“We have recently opened Son's Light Records and The Stephen Thomas School of Music in the space next to the Coffee House,” he said. “We hope to have a state-of-the-art recording studio in the future. We are teaching music lessons there now and open it to local bands for weekly practices.”
There is a need for instructors, Ward said, as well as for volunteer praise band musicians.
It Takes A Community
We are so grateful to the High Country community for all the support that we've received over the years,” Ward said. “Son's Light Ministries simply could not do the things it attempts to do in our efforts to advance God's Kingdom without the sacrificial giving of the time, talents and resources of so many people. We are so blessed to be able serve our young people community by offering a wide range of programs and events that will draw them to a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
When the Wards felt God leading them to start this ministry nearly 10 years ago, they had no idea what to expect.
While they have continued to work full time jobs — David as a coach and Dawn as a nurse — they have remained obedient to the vision the Lord entrusted to them. The success of Son's Light Ministries is living proof of their faithful journey.
For more information, visit http://www.sonslightministries.com , or stop by the Coffee House at Boone Heights or call (828) 264-2007.
Many adolescents and teens search aimlessly for just a little corner of the world where they can feel safe, secure and wanted.
Thanks to the husband-and-wife team of David and Dawn Ward, who, along with their three daughters, Joy, Jenny and Juile, established Son's Light Ministries almost 10 years ago, countless youngsters have found their haven of rest here in the heart of the High Country.
Located behind Burger King at 174 Boone Heights Drive, Son's Light Coffee House serves as the “home base” for the multi-faceted community outreach that provides a shelter from life's storms through a variety of ministry opportunities.
It began, the Wards said, as a joint ministry with First Baptist Church in Blowing Rock for the youth and college students.
The couple soon realized that the need for a safe place aimed at the spiritual development of local youths was much greater than they first thought.
The need stretched across denominational lines and, perhaps most importantly, Dawn said, to those young people who were not active in, or ever been a part of, the traditional church setting.
The Wards felt that providing exposure to the gospel in a more casual, fun and perhaps less intimidating setting would be more conducive to reaching the young people they hoped to serve.
They were not wrong.
Son's Light Ministries quickly expanded to a coffee house atmosphere in which young people from all walks of life began coming together to learn, worship and fellowship on Saturday nights at the Blowing Rock Ruritan's Clubhouse.
As word spread of the concept, the Wards attracted both high school and college students, youth pastors and community leaders who began to take part in the activities and leadership of the ministry.
Within four years, the ministry began to feel far-reaching effects. Moving to a more centralized location — the basement of First Baptist Church of Boone and within steps of Appalachian State University — seemed like the perfect plan. And it was, the Wards said, with the exception of scheduling special events, which often conflicted with regular church services.
They moved just a few blocks away and shared space with Cornerstone Summit Church, prior to finding their current location at Boone Heights.
Vision doesn't change
It's a new day at Son's Light Ministries, but the vision of the Ward family has never waivered, nor have their priorities changed.
“It is our hope that Son's Light Ministries continues to help youths and college students come to know God,” said David. “We want to bring honor and praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as we never forget to thank our Heavenly Father for all he has done for us.”
The arms of Son's Light have been far-reaching through a variety of events, such as Saturday Night Coffee House Worship, where talented musicians, speakers and gifted individuals are always welcomed to participate.
From September through April, Saturday services are from 7:45 p.m.-10 p.m. and are centered on praise and worship activities, including music led by the house praise-and-worship band, drama, testimony, prayer and scripture reading.
Saturday Night Fellowship takes over in the summer — from May through August — starting at 7:30 p.m. each night with Open Mic at 8 p.m.
Thursday night weekly Bible studies are also well attended.
Compassion on Campus
The ASU Club Ministry is offered on campus, Ward said, “for the purpose of enhancing the spiritual lives of students by offering membership in a service-oriented Christian organization.”
The Club supports Operation Christmas Child and provides Christmas food and gifts every year a less-fortunate family in the community.
“Following a request for specific items from the recipients, we attempt to provide for them the best way we can,” Ward said. “This project is an awesome opportunity to bless others the way God has blessed us.”
The ASU Club also provides a time of prayer and praise for students each semester on Reading Day — with food and fellowship as well as an environment suitable, both mentally and spiritually, to prepare for exams.
Back at the Coffee House
Back at the Coffee House, “The Joseph Project” provides care and support for individuals suffering from addiction and troubles that eventually lead to life on the streets.
“We strive to assist people in this troubling situation without enabling socially unacceptable behaviors,” Ward said. “We are not equipped to shelter, feed or clothe those in need. However, we are there to love and build healthy relationships.”
The ministry's “Heart to Heart” program is designed to create and nurture relationships — with recoveries — in an effort to compliment what rehabilitation centers already provide, Ward said.
“Research seems to indicate that individuals recovering from addictions with adequate support networks experience a greater chance of success when attempting significant life change. Many rehabilitation centers give the recoveries a lot of helpful tools for overcoming addiction but don't always supply sufficient support outside their facilities.”
“Vision Quest” is an after school “hang out” program that operates Monday - Thursday from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., and provides homework assistance for middle school and high school students.
“Remnant” is a teen fellowship gathering that meets on selected Tuesday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. and offers students a time of positive social interaction with their peers through Bible study, character building activities, music, games, and more.
The ministry would not be complete without a prayer team on board and available to pray with individuals and/or groups that need or request assistance, and to act on opportunities to share the plan of salvation (acceptance of Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior) with those who do not know him. “This is a 24 / 7 ministry,” Ward said, and accessible by calling (828) 264-2007 or through the website, listed below.
Draws The Crowds To Boone
In 2003, the ministry sponsored a one-day Praise and Worship Festival at the old Watauga County High School.
The event eventually evolved into the annual High Country Praise Festival and is held each year on Labor Day weekend at the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University.
The festival not only attracts thousands of young people from all over the southeast, but also nationally known speakers and musicians. It also includes the “Stars In His Crown” Christian Talent Search “and the “SonRun Ratrace 5k” on that Saturday.
The Next Big Thing
A long-held vision of opening a recording studio and a school of music is fast becoming a reality for Son's Light Ministry.
“We understand the impact of music in our society and we relize that there are no better means of building relationships in our community than with the use of music,” said Ward.
“We have recently opened Son's Light Records and The Stephen Thomas School of Music in the space next to the Coffee House,” he said. “We hope to have a state-of-the-art recording studio in the future. We are teaching music lessons there now and open it to local bands for weekly practices.”
There is a need for instructors, Ward said, as well as for volunteer praise band musicians.
It Takes A Community
We are so grateful to the High Country community for all the support that we've received over the years,” Ward said. “Son's Light Ministries simply could not do the things it attempts to do in our efforts to advance God's Kingdom without the sacrificial giving of the time, talents and resources of so many people. We are so blessed to be able serve our young people community by offering a wide range of programs and events that will draw them to a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
When the Wards felt God leading them to start this ministry nearly 10 years ago, they had no idea what to expect.
While they have continued to work full time jobs — David as a coach and Dawn as a nurse — they have remained obedient to the vision the Lord entrusted to them. The success of Son's Light Ministries is living proof of their faithful journey.
For more information, visit http://www.sonslightministries.com , or stop by the Coffee House at Boone Heights or call (828) 264-2007.