Stewardship 2024
Can I Get A Witness:
Lisa Nimmer
I have been blessed to be a part of Good Shepherd since I was a little girl. I didn’t realize how my parish was shaping my life, but growing up I always had a passion to fight for injustice. My sister was born with a developmental disability called William’s Syndrome, so I was always standing up to anyone who would tease her. I’m embarrassed to say, but I got into an altercation (no one was hurt) with a 5th grade classmate who was bullying a girl in our class who was always getting picked on. I decided God wanted me to defend those in need.
Fast forward about eighteen years later to a Lenten Scripture study group led by Rich Harter. After Lent our group decided to stay together and study social justice teachings of the church. We studied a book called “Doing Faithjustice” and learned that the Old Testament was greatly linked to the gospel message. The Earth and people are all God’s creation, and God’s plan for us is to be interconnected in a way that we care for it and one another’s well-being, just as He cares for us. Every person deserves to have food, shelter and care, like Jesus said in Matthew 25. We are also called to be good stewards of the Earth. It filled me with a passion and the desire to do more.
As a group we volunteered at a men’s shelter called the Guest House. I was blown away by the upbeat and friendly nature of the men we served. I thought they would all be depressed, and I would help them feel better. The opposite thing happened. Those men lifted my spirits and showed me how precious life is and to be grateful for all that God gives us. Soon a Social Justice ministry started. We kept going to the Guest House and started the School Supply Drive that we still hold every year. My kids helped sort school supplies through the years. That time in my life was transformational, and I know the Holy Spirit was working in me in a way I’ve never experienced before. The words in the Bible came alive in my heart, and I’m grateful to all the people in that group.
Since then, I have been involved in Matthew 25 Workcamp, The Racial Justice Ministry, Ellacuria Ministry and Repairers of the Breach. I’m still amazed at how I see God, and feel close to His people when I am involved in those ministries. I discovered where God was calling me through prayer, discernment, and life experiences. Thanks, Good Shepherd for nurturing me along the way!
We are looking for more stories and people to highlight in our “Stewardship 2024: Can I Get a Witness” feature. Contact Bryan in the parish office if you would like to share your story of faith or would like to help tell the story of another emerging “Saint of Good Shepherd.”