Fifth Quarter To Mark 10th Year

For nearly a decade, Garden Spot High School (GSHS) students participating in Fifth Quarter events at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church walked less than half a mile to the faith-based activities planned to follow home football games. However, in late 2024, Lighthouse moved to its new location at 1279 Main St., East Earl, more than two miles from the high school. 

Landon Ritchey, youth and connections pastor with Lighthouse, was determined to find a way for Fifth Quarter to continue into its 10th year.

"Back in the beginning of the year, I saw 'Brave the Dark,'" stated Ritchey. "Brave the Dark" is the story of GSHS teacher Stan Deen, who takes in a troubled teen and walks with the student as the youth deals with his traumatic past. "While we were watching the movie, I felt a strong burden for our school," said Ritchey, a GSHS graduate who attended the Early Birds Bible Club Deen had started at the school. "I realized the impact Stan had as a teacher in our community," said Ritchey. "I realize now as a youth pastor leading Youth Alive (Bible Club), I can make the same impact as the Gospel witness for our school."  Driving home from the movie, Ritchey felt the Lord prompting him. "I knew in my spirit," said Ritchey. "The Lord said, 'Shake your school with my power.'"

With that mission in mind, Ritchey set about finding a place close to the school to hold Fifth Quarter events following games on Fridays, Sept. 12 and 26. For 2025, Fifth Quarter events will be held at 171 Tower Road, New Holland, beginning at 9:30 p.m. and ending at midnight. The location is across from the parking lot behind Garden Spot Middle School. "Thank you to Weaver Custom Woodworking for being willing to host Fifth Quarters," stated Ritchey.

Fifth Quarter events offer fun activities for students, including football; ultimate frisbee; volleyball; and yard games such as spike ball, a game involving four players and a net on the ground similar to a miniature trampoline. Free refreshments, specifically walking tacos and iced coffee, are also offered. Adult volunteers oversee the event and encourage interaction between students.

 The events also feature a time of preaching and prayer. "It's a powerful, life-giving message," said Ritchey, who will preach at both events this year. "Then we offer prayer for every single student." If a student responds to a call to receive Christ, he or she is given a Bible and materials to help guide the student in his or her new relationship with God.

In 2024, Ritchey preached at one event, and Youth Alive leader and then GSHS senior Abby Moyer took to the podium at the other. "Last year, more than 500 students attended the two events, and 251 responded publicly to receive Jesus," said Ritchey, who noted among the students who attended were those struggling with anxiety and negative thoughts. "A number were believing for miracles," said Ritchey, who noted that many of those students are now connected to the Lighthouse youth group, which meets at the church on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. or the Youth Alive that meets at GSHS under the direction of student Cheyenne Straub. 

"God has done a great work," said Ritchey, who added that when he visits GSHS for Youth Alive, students have stopped him and asked for prayer. "Students are hungry for the presence of the Lord and an encounter with God," said Ritchey. "Beyond a fun and safe after party, the walking tacos, and playing sports, I believe there are problems students in our school are facing that no amount of education, counseling, or self help will be able to help," he stated. "Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will solve that." 

Ritchey said he has a heart for GSHS and the lost students who attend there. He is looking forward to holding Fifth Quarters in the new location adjacent to the school. "Student safety is a big priority," he pointed out. "We have done this event for (nearly) 10 years. Our team has the (necessary) experience."

More information about Fifth Quarter and Lighthouse youth activities may be found on Instagram at @lighthouseyth and @gshs5Q and on youtube at "lhyth." Readers may also visit www.lighthouseag.com/youth.