Carl Warnock and Jim Welch
Former liquor store on Kentucky
Avenue and Bay Street
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In the 1970’s, Carl Warnock, a
businessman in Lakeland, Florida, was asked to assist a
young man in starting up a homeless shelter. Carl had
visited a shelter in the Tampa area and knew that
location was a key step in the process. Lakeland needed to bring a shelter to the
people. Carl understood that the location must be near
the train stations and bus terminals. The two men chose
a former downtown liquor store as the ideal location.
Carl spoke with the owner about
purchasing the property. The owner agreed as long as Carl
took full
responsibility of the purchase. Putting his trust in
God, Carl agreed and the building was purchased. A short
time later, the young man had to pull out of the project
leaving Carl with a rundown liquor store.
Determined to continue, Carl called his good friend Jim Welch, a
judge and practicing lawyer. Jim met Carl at the store
and listened as Carl explained what had happened. Jim
responded with these words of encouragement, “God’s
using you. God knows you’re available.”
Carl and Jim stood on the street corner
and prayed for the Lord’s will and direction over the
project. In 1977, the former liquor store opened as the
Lakeland Lighthouse Rescue Mission. Dedicated to
reaching the least, last, and lost for Jesus Christ, the
ministry grew and later became Lighthouse Ministries,
Inc.
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