Our Story

In 1998, our first mission went to The Gambia, Western Africa. The needs of the people were immediately clear, but their warmth and appreciation transcended their suffering.

The impact made on our hearts was tremendous and solidified a bond and subsequent lifelong relationship with the African people.

Since then, LMM - along with various partners - has organized medical missions around the world.

Our Board

Robert Hamilton, M.D.

LMM Coordinator

Dr. Hamilton is a general pediatrician who has practiced in Santa Monica, California since 1984.

"It has been an incredible journey witnessing people worldwide uniting to aid those in need. Numerous remarkable individuals have joined me, serving tens of thousands of needy people around the world. My hope rests in the divine blessing of God, illuminating and perpetuating light across the world where it's needed most."

Christa Cardenas, N.P.

Board Member

Christa Cardenas is a nurse practitioner practicing in LA County. Her first LMM trip was to Sierra Leone in 2007, when she was 17 years old. She knew for certain, during that trip, that she wanted to enter the medical field and to return to Africa as a health-care professional.

Since then, Christa has gone on medical missions to Africa, Central America, and South America as a student, a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner.

Lawrence Czer, M.D.

Board Member

Dr. Czer is a professor in the UCLA School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California. His experience as the director of surgical cardiology and transplant cardiology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center has influenced modern medicine. He has joined us on numerous mission teams and served on our Board since 2001.

"Numerous adversities including Ebola, malaria, and lack of necessities are encountered in the countries where we go. The people we treat remain hopeful and thankful for the care they receive from us and receptive to the good news of the Gospel. They are blessed by what we give them and we are blessed in return by their gratitude."

Harrison Sommer, J.D.

Pastor/Board Member

Pastor Harrison has been a part of several mission trips throughout Africa.

"My many journeys to Africa had one purpose: to bring dignity and hope to people who are in great need, and although these needs seem endless, the answer is clear: the love and provision of the Lord Jesus Christ will always be enough. All we have to do is go, give what we have to give, and then go again."

Joe Peterson, A.I.A.

Board Member/Architect

Joe is an architect doing project management and owner’s representation in the West Coast and in the Midwest.

"I’ve had the privilege of visiting West Africa five times. It's been a blessing to help with acquiring land and constructing churches and schools in Sierra Leone cities of Kenema, Makeni, Lunsar, and Waterloo. These facilities are a lasting means to help the Africans educate their children and preach Jesus for years to come."

Support Staff

Dalphina "Dal" Basile

Medical Logistics Coordinator

For 25 years, Dal has fulfilled her childhood dream of serving the needy with passion and commitment. Her efforts involve the meticulous management of medications, supplies, and relief efforts.

Cheryl Tormey

Financial Manager

Cheryl aids LMM by assisting the team in coordinating essential paperwork for travel, visas, and other necessary documentation. Additionally, she oversees the mission's financial matters and fundraising initiatives.

Bethany Ashcraft

Administrative Assistant

Raised in a household that instilled a deep-seated desire to serve others, Bethany has recently joined LMM as an administrative assistant, facilitating the team's logistics and communication.

Our Mission

Through Lighthouse Medical Missions,

we bring the love of God to those

suffering across the world.

Our teams consist of volunteers who help heal and care for those in need through medical treatment and the Gospel of Christ.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a vessel of God, providing aid to those living in poverty and crisis, with the hope that our work will bring light to the world; and thus, fulfilling Jesus' words "come to [Him] all who are weary and burdened and [God] will give you rest."

Your Support Makes Our Work Possible!