When United Methodist Reporter newspaper named its “United Methodist of the Year” for 2009, they selected “The Military Chaplain” instead of one individual – a “composite of the many ordained clergy who work tirelessly and even sacrificially to bring spiritual comfort to our military personnel.”
Also nominated for the national award were four individuals, including LH’s own Pamela Clark, director of Off Campus Ministries at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church. OCM serves multiple apartment communities in LH, providing afterschool programs, addiction support groups, a financial training class and all manner of support, from the spiritual to the practical. “I was surprised by this nomination and quite humbled,” Pamela told me, “especially since the chaplains honored are fighting wars on our behalf. A perfect choice, as I often think that our soldiers are not recognized nearly enough for all that they do to keep us safe.”
Pamela founded OCM, which recently added “The New Room,” an outreach center located next to Cici’s Pizza at Skillman and Whitehurst. There, students can hangout after school to get help with homework, and parents receive support – like the upcoming class for parents of children with learning disabilities.
“I am proud of our church for supporting this ministry for so many years,” Pamela said after learning she was nominated. “We have made an impact on the community. The folks I get to meet are just incredible,” she added. “The kids know me as ‘The Church Lady.’”
“Pamela has such a heart for people, and that motivates her to help meet their physical and spiritual needs,” said LH’s Jill Goad, who volunteered with OCM before taking a job as Pamela’s assistant. “She recognizes the gifts of those around her and has a unique ability to delegate while letting people shine through doing what they do best. She’s not afraid to reach out to people others might fear or shun.”
Also nominated was Lisa Tichenor from Dallas for her work supporting Africa University, Methodist Children’s Home and other causes. Lisa also founded “WillieBuild,” an outreach of Habitat for Humanity named for her son, Willie, who died of cancer. Willie was close to many friends at LHHS, and many of Lisa’s friends in LH are proud to don their toolbelt each year to build homes for WillieBuild. Lisa’s family also created the WWWW (“What Would Willie Want?”) Foundation to support cancer research, mission trips, and higher education.
LH deserves to be proud of the work of Pamela Clark in our neighborhood and of the dedication of Lisa Tichenor and military chaplains all over the world. Congratulations all.
