History of Harbor Lights Fellowship

During the summer of 2003, Maureen and Gerard Haberstro were traveling to Brazil as itinerate ministers under Times and Seasons Outreach and Foundation which was based out of their home in Orchard Park, New York.   While in Brazil, the Lord began to confirm to Maureen and Gerard about returning to pastoring once again. The Lord challenged them about planting a church and raising up individuals to go to the nations.  Seven days after the trip to Brazil, Gerard and Maureen went out with another team from the United States where they worked with the Gypsies in Romania.

While in Romania, the Lord spoke to one of the Romanian overseers, Brother Augustine, about Gerard and Maureen.  He shared with them what the Lord had placed on his heart concerning them.  He then encouraged them to return to the USA to start a congregation that would travel to nations and impart the Love of Christ; the same love that had been shown to Brother Augustine's beloved Gypsies.

After returning to Western New York, the Haberstro's went to Lima, New York to share with Rev. Paul Johanssan of Elim Fellowship their burden to start a church in Grand Island, New York.  Rev. Johansson encouraged them to move forward with the purpose of God in establishing a church and continuing Times and Seasons Outreach and Foundation as an integral part of the purposes of the church.

At the same time. individuals were praying for the Lord to establish a work on Grand Island that would be a Presence-based fellowship.  They all began to seek the Lord's will in prayer for direction and clarity in order that the purposes of God be established here on Grand Island. So, in November of 2004 a Bible Study was established with the intention of growing into a fellowship. The Haberstro's sold their home in Orchard Park, New York and moved to Grand Island, New York.  Others began to join together in the vision and planting of Harbor Lights Fellowship.

In January of 2005, Harbor Lights Fellowship initiated Sunday mornings in the Haberstro home. They soon began to outgrow their home and the leadership started to look for a more permanent place to rent.

In May of 2005, a place to rent was found at 1821 Grand Island Blvd.  The property was located on eight and a half acres of land which included a house and an old auto shop.  Harbor Lights' realtor inquired with town officials concerning zoning and the use of the property and an agreement was made to rent this piece of property.  After much cleaning and renovation of both buildings, the congregation began to meet together on the property. 

Six months later, the fellowship was informed by Grand Island officials that there was a zoning misunderstanding and it was necessary for the congregation to vacate the property in thirty days.   This fellowship of thirty-five moved off the property and began holding Sunday evening services at McMahon's Family Restaurant, which was next door to the church property. This move created a setback and great hardship for the attendees because they could no longer meet on Sunday mornings. Some of the attendees were unable to make such difficult transitions and moved on to other places of worship. The church continued to work with the Town of Grand Island to make the necessary zoning changes.

During June of 2006, all obstacles were overcome and an agreement was entered into to purchase the eight and a half acres closing in December of 2006. That June, the congregation was able to return to the property and a site plan was submitted to the Town Council.  That October a building permit was issued to begin renovating the back building into a sanctuary for Harbor Lights.

At the same time, the Grand Island House of Prayer, a ministry of intercession and worship was being established by Anne and Mike Rizzo, Jan Popielski and Catherine Cherry- Myers.  The group contiues to meet every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm with the vision of developing a 24/7 House of Prayer ministry.

In Dec of 2006, the closing on the property was complete for the purchase of 1821 Grand Island Blvd.and during April of 2007, the renovations were completed on the sanctuary and the fellowship moved into its new facility.

Though it seems to have been a very long road, it has been exciting to see the faithfulness of individuals and families that established this fellowship here on Grand Island.  We extend great joy and thanksgiving to our heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for Their faithfulness to us, His people here at Harbor Lights, and to the Holy Spirit who has guided, enabled, and led us to this day.