Submitted by Rev. Stephen White, Pastor of St. Paul’s-El Paso

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless” proclaims Isaiah to God’s people. (Isaiah 1:17)

Every year thousands of children enter Child Protective Services care. These innocents are removed with nothing but what they are wearing. Since 1993 Rainbow Rooms have provided new clothing, hygiene products, diapers and comfort items. The one in El Paso has always had limited availability: only during regular business hours. The people of St. Paul’s heard of a need and responded.

On April 15th, 2026, St. Paul’s UMC El Paso celebrated the grand opening of the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse will provide those resources 24/7. During emergency removals after hours, case workers can come to the Lighthouse and retrieve clothing, hygiene items, etc. instead of having to shop for them at some store.

Like many churches, St. Paul’s had rooms no longer in use because of declined membership. One of them was perfect to adapt for the proposed Lighthouse. It was of sufficient size but also had a door with outside access, so case workers would not need to enter the church to get to the room. Security could be upgraded with camera coverage.

So a team formed and proceeded to convert the space with seed money provided by the El Paso district Missions team.. Old junk was cleaned up. (The room was last used as a food pantry, so you can imagine what that might have been like.) Everything was freshly painted, shelves installed and stocked with clothing from newborn to adult XXL and the hygiene needed by all those sizes. Within several weeks everything was ready and dedicated on April 15th since April is Child Abuse Prevention month. Case workers attending the opening were delighted. The goal was achieved. Needed resources were there, but the attitude of the adults having to remove these children from danger will have a better attitude. God’s love flows to all, child and adult alike.