ELKHORN CITY, Ky. (WYMT) - Missionaries that visited a Pike County ministry is back for a second time, but this time they come bearing gifts.

The truck and trailer full of donations was stolen while on their way to Kentucky during their first trip.

Yet, this time an assembly line added to the piles of new donations at Lighthouse ministries.

And ministry leader Terry Thacker held back tears as they opened the trailer doors.

“I saw the food and diapers for our Little Lambs ministry, and I said Christmas has come to Lighthouse,” said Terry.

This is the second time Iowa missionaries Connie and Doug Mertens have visited the ministry

“Once we got through the shock of having it gone we just decided that we were going to rally and do this again,” said Connie.

However, this time they came with a full load of clothes, toys, and food, even 420 individual meals for kids.

With each new donation carried in, Terry sees something much more.

“I see smiling faces from children at Christmas from this. I see children being clothed and warm and that's my Christmas present by itself to know that they're fed and clothed,” said Terry.

She says she couldn’t be more thankful for this gift that will continue to give for months to come.

If you would like to donate to Lighthouse Ministries of Elkhorn City contact Terry Thacker at 606-754-3216.