Help a mission thousands of miles away while enjoying food and fellowship at the second annual LightShine Ministries Dinner. The benefit will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster.

"We will be presenting all the different aspects of our ministry," shared Tom Denlinger, founder and ministry director of Mount Joy-based LightShine Ministries. "Our goal is to mobilize followers of Jesus Christ here in Pennsylvania who desire to use their gifts and talents for building local churches in wilderness areas, building Bible camps for Alaska native teens and youth, as well as serving many other ministries in Alaska."

The dinner will feature a buffet of entrees, sides and salad, served along with a dessert bar featuring homemade desserts from LightShine volunteers.

"The meal will be prepared by the pastor of the Lancaster Alliance Church along with the LightShine volunteer staff," Denlinger said.

Ken Thomas will be the banquet's keynote speaker.

"Ken Thomas is a pastor and Bible teacher who has 38 years' experience living in Alaska," Denlinger explained. "He will be sharing some amazing stories, including a harrowing experience being stranded on a mountain southeast of Fairbanks after a plane crash."

Proceeds from the banquet will be used to support the work of LightShine Ministries, which has been serving ministries in Alaska for 31 years.

"The money being raised at this event will be used for purchasing building materials that will help finish two important buildings that were built last year at our missions base," Denlinger remarked.

LightShine Ministries began as a follow-up ministry for a music outreach to the biker and rock music culture, founded by Denlinger and Jeff Zimmerman. Influenced by Keith Green and Resurrection Band, the ministry initially focused on Christian metal music before transitioning to mission work in Alaska after Denlinger felt called by God to serve people in the state. Since 1995, LightShine has sent teams to support churches and youth camps, expanding its reach through leadership training. With a base in Palmer, Alaska, the ministry continues to grow, strengthening local churches and other outreach programs.

"We love people and desire for you to join our family of people who love Jesus Christ and want to be used by Him to serve others," Denlinger said.

He emphasized that there are many ways people can serve the ministry.

"Many people think that if they don't have an 'up-front' gift like a pastor or worship leader, that they can't be used by God in ministry," he said. "We specialize in connecting people with a willing heart to serve with the perfect assignment in a beautiful place that has a lot of needs."

Tickets for the benefit must be reserved by Saturday, Feb. 28. To make a reservation, contact Nancy Shaffer at Nbrown.brahma@gmail.com.

To learn more about LightShine Ministries, visit https://lightshineministries.org.