Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
Lighthouse can print and ship a magazine to an inmate for roughly 25–34 cents, yet Mike says they do “zero advertising” and depend largely on word-of-mouth; what does this approach suggest about trust in God’s provision versus human strategy, and if your group had to choose one concrete sacrifice (money, time volunteering at bulk mailings, sustained correspondence with an inmate) what would it cost you personally to follow through?
Another way to ask: If Lighthouse costs only pennies per magazine and does no advertising, what does that say about trusting God versus relying on human plans? If your group picked one real sacrifice—money, bulk-mail volunteering, or steady letters—what would it personally cost you to do it?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the transcript, Lighthouse operates with a simple, stewardship-minded model—low per-copy cost and growth mainly through word-of-mouth—while still acknowledging that more funds could expand output. The personal cost question isn’t answered directly, but the speaker clearly presents giving, volunteering, and correspondence as realistic sacrifices believers should embrace.
- Mike emphasizes cost effectiveness: about “25 cents per magazine” for printing/shipping per copy; later he cites about “34 cents per magazine” including broader costs.
- He states they do “zero advertising,” and circulation growth is “completely by word of mouth,” including “inmate word of mouth.”
- He admits strategy could expand with funds: with “limitless cash” they’d print “four issues per year” and could “advertise” to chaplains and ministries.
- He invites concrete sacrifice: bulk mailings need “20 to 30 volunteers” for “two to three hours,” two to four times per year.
- He calls for direct involvement: “Pray…Write to an inmate…send them $5 or $10…volunteer for a bulk mailing event.”