Lisa Whittington may be originally from out of state, but she is making a big impact in Dillon. She has been “called to serve” and that’s exactly what she’s doing. Here’s her story in her own words.
My name is Lisa Whittington, and I am originally from Baltimore, MD. I moved to Dillon in 2017 to support my sister, who was battling cancer and needed me. As a teleworker, I packed up my job and my youngest daughter and made the move. I am the mother of five children: AJ (40), Victoria (37), Alan (36), Nicholas (33), and Christina (19). I am also the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren.
I was inspired to do outreach because I’ve seen homelessness firsthand through close family members, and I understand the mental and physical toll it takes on an individual. Before moving to Dillon, I worked in outreach at my previous places of worship and did outreach on my own whenever I saw a need. I have been an advocate for the homeless and the needy for many years, assisting Sarah Hope Hanna More House in Reisterstown, MD, and their Fort Meade, MD location, providing meals, movie nights, and clothing. The homes served upwards of 40 people at each location.
God called me into ministry in 2014, starting as a missionary, visiting strip malls and project housing areas with a heavy presence of needy families. I’ve held the role of Sunday School teacher for all ages and am now a Minister at Great Expectations Church. I also work with different churches on their outreach events. I took on the role of Outreach Minister for The Apostolic Fellowship Conference of Churches out of Lanham, MD, and was slated to speak on how to engage in effective outreach in Kenya this June. I’ve even had discussions about partnerships and expansions into other states, to replicate what I’m doing locally in Dillon.
This journey of helping others has not been inexpensive, but through donations, we are able to continue the work that God has called us to do. I thank God for the amazing volunteers who reached out to me and asked how they could help. I love their hearts for people.
Called To Serve’s ultimate goal in outreach is to help every church and every community learn how to function effectively in outreach. If we all played a part in providing help—whether mental or physical—our presence in the community could be the catalyst that helps the homeless buy homes, the needy become donors, and our seniors become more self-sufficient. We have the power as a community to invoke change. When you see a need, ask how you can fulfill it. Don’t criticize those who may have fallen on hard times; be the one who helps them out of their situation.
I also want to recognize my big sister, Wanda Leach, who is now cancer-free, for helping get things off the ground and for always being there to help when I need her.
