The Lighthouse News

By Esther Milne

Sinésio Dutra Veiga is from Brazil and still lives in his birthplace of Rio de Janeiro. As a young man he graduated from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro with a degree in Accounting and then worked in this profession for almost 40 years. Just recently he entered into retirement and instead of looking at numbers all day, he has dedicated himself to the Arts. He has been exploring his creative talents by learning to play piano, singing in choirs and also learning how to draw.
Before the Coronavirus pandemic Sinésio studied painting on canvas at the Brazilian Society of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro. Once the country went into lockdown he switched to online classes but it wasn’t long until he contracted the coronavirus and was forced to stop all his creative activities. His case was so severe that he was hospitalized for the entire month of March and intubated for 5 days. After being so sick with COVID-19, he says that his recovery can only be explained by a miracle. Sinésio has been able to go back to drawing and currently he loves drawing faces from photographs. Every day he thanks God for his health and for all the blessings that he receives from being involved in the Arts.

By Esther Milne

Papa Vince, based in Gulf Shores, AL. is a celebration of all things Sicilian. At the heart of this small business is a desire to bring back traditional Italian family values of love, food and spending time together around the table making memories.
Since 2012 owners Stefano and Vitina Feo have been partnering with Italian family members to bring a selection of Sicilian gourmet foods to the US. market. From their signature Extra Virgin Olive Oil to artisan crafted pastas and sauce, vinegar and even whole bean coffee, every product promises to deliver the delicious flavors of Italy combined with nature’s own nutrition.
The story of Papa Vince begins in Sicily in 1935 when a young apprentice name Vince started to learn the art of olive oil production while working at the estate of a noble family. He learned that the quality of the olive oil depended on the care given to the trees and the soil in the olive grove. Not all olive oil was created equal and Papa Vince wanted to take this ‘liquid gold’ and make it available to everyone, not just the wealthy.
The Feos caught the dream and worked hard at local and national festivals offering free samples to everyone who visited their booth. Gaining loyal clients who were giving 5 Star reviews, the Feos next branched out on Amazon to gain a bigger share of the market. It is not a task for the faint of heart, to sell clean crafted products next to those that are produced by the commercial giants.
Papa Vince seeks out the discerning consumer who is looking for foods produced without artificial additives, flavorings, chemicals or enhancers, which will boost instead of harm your health. There have been many testimonials from clients who have seen improvements in their health since consuming the Extra Virgin Olive Oil on a regular basis.
To find out more, check out the website at: papavince.com where you’ll find the complete catalog of products along with a variety of recipes based around the Mediterranean diet.
You can visit the Papa Vince store front at: 3757 Gulf Shores Park Way in Gulf Shores or contact Vitina at: 251-269-6000, she would love to hear from you.

By Mansoor Pirzada

Protecting your financial accounts from the hackers has been a challenge in this new cyber world. We randomly use open internet connections that are provided free of charge in public places, but have you ever thought how dangerous those connections can be? You could lose a lifetime of savings, that’s why I decided to share a few tips on how to protect yourself and your information.

Say no to public Wi-Fi
You should never access your financial information or personal files when connected to public Wi-Fi. When you check your financial accounts make sure that you are using your own secure Wi-Fi connection.

Use complex passwords
When you create a new account or also for existing accounts, make sure your password is at least eight characters with a mix of upper and lower case letters and add in some numbers and a symbol.

Use security for your passwords
Turn on Two Factor Authentication (2FA) using any Authenticator app or route to your phone. When you log in to an app with your username and password, you are asked to enter a validation code. This code is sent by text to your phone, email or any Authenticator app. Hackers will not be able to access your information without your phone and the code.

Be careful about links and attachments
The easiest way for hackers to gain access to your accounts is by sending emails that trick you into “logging in” again to review something. You may also receive an urgent message asking you to check the security of your account. NEVER EVER click on suspicious links or open these attachments when you don’t know what they are.

I hope this helps.

Stay safe, stay blessed.

By Donna Marable

Congratulations to South Baldwin Literacy Council and Executive Director Mitchell Lee and staff on being awarded a grant from Impact 100 Baldwin County. These grants, awarded annually to 501(c)3 non-profits, are a direct result of the dreams and mission of the Impact 100 membership of women vitally interested in the betterment of our communities.
There has been a huge increased demand for the Literacy Council’s services, necessitating study nooks even in open-doored closets. This year alone SBLC has served over 700 clients. Just in the last half of 2021, because of restrictions from the pandemic, their on-line tutoring in preparing for the GED certificate has served over 60 students. Various other services are provided, such as ESL (English as Second Language) classes, and various other adult and youth programs. Mitchell feels the value of the physical plant is not only for classes, but that students may come into the Council offices whenever they wish – – to talk, receive in-person tutoring or to have a designated study atmosphere. Expansion of a storage/garage area into classroom space will enable educational services to an additional 100+ students.
November was National Literacy Awareness Month and the Council celebrated with the Gulf Coast Alabama Zoo in a month-long dynamic 5-session reading/animal education program. Through future fundraisers the Council intends to match the grant by 1/3rd, so watch for opportunities to help in upcoming months on facebook@southbaldwinliteracycouncil and www.southbaldwinliteracycouncil.com or visit anytime at 21441 US Hwy 98, Foley, Alabama, 36535, (251) 943-7323.
Executive Director Mitchell Lee emphasizes the value of many local service organizations cooperating together to provide various client services. The fact that “literacy and helping people” is Mitchell’s stated passion, in addition to the dedicated staff and volunteers, is what led to this distinguished award.

By Jeff Sutherland

Nicole Solas of Rhode Island filed suit against the National Education Association, the country’s largest teacher’s union, requesting 200 pieces of information be shared as to what they were teaching her child. The NEA immediately filed a restraining order to keep Solas and other parents from finding out what they were teaching, according to the New York Post article. Follow up articles from the Washington Examiner and others confirmed that Critical Race Theory and Gender issues indeed are being taught.

On the NEA website, NEA.org they state, “Despite a legislative push to ban critical race theory, educators are committed to helping students examine the systems in which we all work and live and help build a better future for everyone.”

The NEA sees parents trying to discover what is really being taught as an attack on them personally as professional educators. They also say loudly that if this truth is not allowed to be taught, we will continue to live and be controlled by white supremacists.

Herbert Marcuse, seen as of the founders of critical theory in his 1965 paper ‘Repressive Tolerance’ wrote, our founders were trying to suppress people through tolerance. Basically, people are too stupid to realize they are being oppressed. They can’t even see it, so it is up to educators to reveal real truth to them.

NEA trained educators, and those who have been indoctrinated by their teaching should by now simply accept what is being taught as truth and quit asking questions. We can thank John Dewey, considered the father of American Education, for seeding this thinking. Like Marx, Dewey believed America’s only hope was to get rid of Capitalism and create a classless society. The idea being that we must shed all vestiges of our founding, get rid of the constitution, the Declaration of Independence, our antiquated ideas of God and any idea of one person doing better than any other person.

We are all equal. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. That savior is not an education system trying to overthrow our Christian heritage. Back in the day, we had debate teams who would argue one side, take a few minutes break, and then argue the other side. Our educators used to believe it was their responsibility to teach children to think, to point them to the Truth of God’s Word.

It is critical that we expose this uncritical theory for what it is, a theory based on Marxist theology, an ideology based on selfish idolatry.

By Carlos De Miranda

Leftist parties and the Supreme Court, with the support of the great media, are plotting to impeach President Bolsonaro and reinstate Socialism/Communism.

Since President Jair Messias Bolsonaro was elected in 2018, the way political issues were conducted in Brazil have changed significantly.

President Bolsonaro main commitment on his first term has been eradicating the systematic corruption implemented by the socialist governments that preceded him.  This has been a herculean task.

Besides his daily fight against corruption and its incommensurable embezzlement of federal funds, President Bolsonaro has resumed numerous infrastructural public works in benefit of the population, especially in the northeastern region.

The leftists have lost their main source of income that helped them to perpetuate themselves in the government.  This has caused an extreme reaction.  They’ve initiated a worldwide campaign against President Bolsonaro, disseminating fake news and accusing him of many things, in the attempt to impeach him and make him ineligible in the next presidential elections.

One of the major ongoing issue is Covid-19.  This health issue has been treated politically, which has taken thousands of Brazilians’ lives.  The Supreme Court has determined that any actions were the responsibility of the States and Cities, prohibiting the federal government from interfering in the governors’ and mayors’ decisions.  Most of them have taken this opportunity to deviate public funds destined for equipment and medication to help in the treatment of the pandemic.  Some used the funds to cover the delayed payroll of civil servants.  Some purchased overpriced equipment and took the difference as bribes.

Now, the Senate’s left wing, in an attempt to blame President Bolsonaro for the death toll, created a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission, where members of the Executive are intimidated to give false testimony against him.

Jose Dirceu, one of the main mentors of the Socialism/Communism implementation in Brazil, said: “We will take the power back, which has nothing to do with winning an election!”.

The leftists use all the Marxist strategies to regain the power in Brazil.  Because their source of income from bribes has practically ended, they are now partnering with the Chinese Communist Party, who is sponsoring most of their activism.

The leftists also count on the accessory of a partial and corrupt Supreme Court.  Nine out of eleven justices have been nominated by socialist former presidents. The Federal Constitution has been continuously vilified by those who are supposed to defend it. On top of that, the House of Representatives and the Senate systematically oppose any bills presented by the Executive that will reestablish order to the country.  It’s not just a matter of voting it out. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate simply don’t bring them to the plenary for vote.

The fact is that the leftists are using all legal and illegal means to bring Socialism/Communism back to Brazil.  The checks and balances are in jeopardy.

On September 7th, Brazil celebrates its Independence Day.  There will be a gigantic manifestation countrywide in favor of freedom.  It will be a landmark in Brazilian history.  Let’s hope that justice prevails.

Carlos de Miranda was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in 1954. He is married to Suzana de Miranda since 1982. Together they have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. He graduated in Social Communications in1976 from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica and moved to USA in 1999. He became an American Citizen in 2010. Carlos is a soccer fan and he enjoys good movies. His dream is to see his grandchildren to grow in a free and peaceful world,  where God, family values and fairness  are the main values.

By Eglaide Seiber Barroso

The terrorist attack on September 11th of 2001 happened 20 years ago, but the horrific memories are alive in everyone’s memories. No matter where you were in the country or elsewhere on the globe, the images of that horrific moment marked a time when America and the world would change forever.

Who can ever forget the images of people falling to their death from the twin towers? Who can forget the thick dark dust that covered the main streets of New York City, and the faces of people running in complete despair? Who can ever forget the images of an airplane hitting the second tower, the attack on the Pentagon, and the twin towers falling as a pile of steel rubble?

The country was shut down almost immediately. All airports, government facilities, and schools. We were under siege. The government raised the nation’s terror alert to Code Red, the highest threat level for terrorism.

Twenty years later, as we revisit these tragic events to celebrate and honor the heroes of 9/11 and pause for a moment in respect for the loss of thousands of innocent lives at ground zero, we also think of the lives lost in the last twenty years in the war fought in Afghanistan. We do it under the oppressive dark clouds of the COVID-19 pandemic, and under the oppression and shame brought by weak government leaders, whose agenda to destroy America’s Christian values will stop at no cost.

September 11th of 2001 has changed the way we live, but we were a nation still united in prayer. Our roar for justice began with people freely running to the churches to pray. To seek God’s face and His wisdom. Now with the new administration in the White House, we have lost our freedom to pray, to speak and to be who we are as a Christian nation. Now, we are not fighting a foreign enemy because our battle is fought with the country’s progressive democratic mindset, supported by the national media and big tech companies, whose ideology is to see the USA under the claws of communism.

The restrictions and mandates imposed on the American people under the COVID-19 pandemic, threaten our constitutional rights, our freedom to pray in public arenas and our choice to teach our children and grandchildren godly family values. We are called racists and homophobes for holding dear to our hearts, our Christian family values, but the people who are dividing us as a nation are using our skin color, religious preferences, and sexual orientation as the main message in their “Build Back Better” campaign slogan.

The reasoning behind this campaign slogan is then laughable. As a nation, we cannot correct our past mistakes by beating our backs or trying to erase by destroying our historical sites. We always rebuild from where we are, choosing to make changes that will take us as a united nation to become stronger, powerful, respected, trustworthy and an example to the world. Rebuilding our nation cannot be accomplished with the lack of God’s Word being taught in the schools and in public places, nor by us allowing our children to be brain washed being taught to hate their own country, to think of themselves as the oppressor and of America as “The great Satan”.

Let’s pray that we continue to be a United Nation under God, living with Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, with Justice for ALL.

Issac Stooksberry’s passion for helping people in drug and other addictions with their recovery and their finding a grounded ‘center’ for a purposeful life began 18 years ago with his own 1-year residency/recovery at The Foundry in Bessemer, Alabama. After studying at the Impact Team School of Ministry in 2004, he went from there to serve 10 years as the men’s Program Director at the Center of Hope in Anniston, Alabama seeing the program grow from 60 students to over 200. It was there that a group of court-ordered inductees arrived saying, “Man, there’s no program like this down in Alabama’s Baldwin County!”

Isaac could not get this need off his mind. In the fall of 2014 he traveled to Baldwin County where God gave him divine appointments making connections with others who had this same concern on their hearts. Isaac was told the need was recognized, but no one knew exactly how to proceed and that he seemed to be an answer to prayer! He led Celebration Recovery meetings at Liberty Church in Foley, Alabama as he laid the groundwork for a Baldwin County recovery center.

After just 18 months from arrival, they had a presence on Gulf Shores Parkway, a sales yard to generate funds in front of a garage apartment where they brought the goods undercover every evening, then returned them in the morning to the highway’s edge. In February 2016 Big Fish Ministries officially took on their first “student”. Before they knew it, the apartment was bursting at the seams with 10 men students/residents, not only receiving immediate help for basic needs of life, but learning and realizing the availability of a permanently transformed life, free of the sins and grips of addiction, through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

This was the beginning of Isaac’s walk of faith, and it is simply amazing what has been accomplished in the succeeding 5 years. Isaac states: “Our goal for each individual that comes into our ministry is for them to successfully return to society as productive, responsible citizens with hope and a vision to fulfill God’s will for their lives”.

By Donna Marable

Growing exponentially since its 2014 founding is an understatement about Big Fish Ministries! They were created to restore hope and rebuild broken lives through Christ-centered recovery solutions. In the first 5 years since accepting the first student/resident, Big Fish Ministries in Foley, Alabama has served over 500 men and women, provided over 40,000 nights of shelter, 140,000 hot meals, numerous counseling sessions, education hours and graduated from their faith-based recovery programs over 50 people who are now living independent, addiction-free life styles as contributing residents of the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Executive Director Pastor Isaac Stooksberry says: “We don’t believe once an addict, always an addict. We passionately believe in true, lasting freedom in Christ who makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17). If the person coming to Big Fish Ministries does not know Jesus, the aim is to reach him/her for Christ. Everything we do is Christ-centered because we believe He is the way, the truth and the life.”

The 12-18 month Pathway to Purpose recovery programs are Bible-based and tailored to those experiencing hopelessness because the Ministry knows there is hope for every person! After living at BFM many struggle upon re-entering mainstream society. Finding freedom from addiction and self-defeating behaviors is an enormous first step in the recovery process requiring a lot of support; therefore, a new transitional residence has opened with the residents working full-time in the community. An open house is scheduled for November 11, 2021.

In addition to the recovery programs, there are internships, discipleship and other small-group classes, life-skills education, job readiness training and the Outpatient Recovery program, offering a beginning journey to healing and life transformation. A ‘GRO’ community service (God, Redemption, Opportunity) is held every Friday evening with food, fellowship, worship and Biblical teaching. When leaving the program, students are already plugged-in to a supportive church home.

When the Ministry was first forming, the Bible story of ‘Jonah and the Whale’ was laid upon hearts: Jonah felt helpless, he found himself in a hopeless situation ready to drown, he called out to God who sent the big fish, while inside the big fish Jonah repented and decided to live a life fulfilling the purposes of God, then God spit him out; thus, the Ministry’s name/logo.

The 501(c)3 non-profit seeks to meet the needs of the homeless and addicted with no state or Federal funding. Provision is through support from individuals, churches, businesses and 2 flourishing thrift stores. The website, www.bigfishministries.org, has links for meeting staff, asking questions, reviewing program descriptions, becoming a monthly Freedom Partner, easily applying for acceptance into a program and more. There are multiple ways of becoming part of everyday miracles impacting those recovering, their families and our community. Big Fish Ministries goal of helping those in need to fulfill God’s vision for their lives is succeeding!

By LeeAnn Witzigman – Pearls & Presence

In the twilight hours a candle burns inside a workshop on the edge of time. From the outside looking in dust clouds create a haze in the doorway and shadows dance upon the ground. He has no concern for the day or the hour – only for the dirt in His hands. He breathes upon it and a cascade of living water pours out to soak every particle. He gently places the clay on top of His worktable and whispers her name.

As He kneads and rolls, a figure begins to take shape and He nods in agreement with what has been spoken over her life. Every word of His will for her becomes a holy landmark and a designated location where He deposits just what she’ll need to glorify Him. He sculpts her face and places an indent in her chin – the very spot her praying hands will rest over and over. He carves out a canyon in her ears which will hold the secrets of Heaven and receive His voice however He chooses to speak. Upon her tongue, He imprints a love language that only He will be able to understand and fully enjoy. He builds a chamber of praise deep within that will rival every other sound she tries to make for the world around her. Someday she will discern that her praises are the most beautiful echo, because they vibrate directly from the heart of her Creator, and they are always accompanied by a chorus of angels. He traces her lips with grace and humility and sets a Spirit defender to protect what He has locked in her heart.

He continues to sculpt and covers an area with His hand. From the softness, a delicate hand emerges and intertwines fingers with His. As His hand rises, His fingertips have embedded His mark directly onto the surface of hers. He extends the length of her fingers knowing that she’ll reach for him in desperation and the distance between them will be shorter because of it. One inch on the ruler of Heaven is the difference between death and eternal life. He folds compassion into every bend of her arms, trusting she’ll use them to embrace His children and carry them back home. As He rounds out her empty womb, He fills it with wild dreams and caresses the place where a birthing scar will be left as the evidence of His double blessing. He draws a map all over her legs and endorses the extravagant path she will take to leave His presence lingering in places long after she’s departed. When He crafts her feet, He washes them in love. He commissions the steps they will take and gives marching orders to reach as many people and as many places for the honor of His hallowed name.

At last, He holds her heart and takes His time tucking Himself into every corner, crevice, and pulsing place. Somehow, in some supernatural way, He fits perfectly. He begins to speak, and the beating rhythm of His beautiful voice causes her to come alive. As she matures, she starts a conversation with Him that never falls silent. And as the seasons come and go, she notices that He inhabits not just her heart, but her words, her spirit, and her praise. So, she refills the oil night after night that fuels the flame, drawing the Potter ever closer as He steadily works with His beloved clay.

LeeAnn Witzigman lives with her husband, Patrick, and five wonderful children in Cumming, Georgia. She enjoys being a mom and is co-author of Pearls & Presence, a Facebook page dedicated to offering articles and devotionals that speak God’s truth and give the encouragement of Jesus Christ to readers. She is passionate about writing of the beauty of God’s love and living her life in the Spirit.