

On October 22, 2024, in the city of Norristown, Pennsylvania, the fraternity of pastors from the “Greater Norristown Area Ministry” (G.N.A.M.), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, held a special reception to recognize the work and commitment of spiritual leaders in the region. These leaders have provided invaluable opportunities for people to know and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ through community events, acts of service, addressing social concerns, fellowship, and prayer.
The event gathered over 200 attendees who came together to thank God and celebrate the selfless service of the body of Christ, represented by a diversity of races, genders, and denominations, holistically benefiting the local community throughout 2024. This community is facing significant challenges, such as poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, and housing insecurity.
Among the recognized spiritual leaders was Pastor Lisa DePaz of Haws Avenue UMC, whose work has been crucial in supporting those marginalized, forgotten, and rejected by society. Over the past year, her church has served hot meals to around 175 people on Sundays and Mondays, as well as on special occasions such as Easter, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. Additionally, they provide fresh and canned food to over 75 families twice a month. Last winter, Haws Avenue UMC opened its doors for 86 days, sheltering 2,795 individuals, offering them a clean bed, a light dinner, and breakfast.

In the field of immigration, the offices of IL&J-DV, based at the church, offers free legal advice and representation to those in the asylum process and assists minors in obtaining residency, allowing their guardians or parents to secure work permits and protection from deportation.
Pastor Lisa said, “All glory to God. I am simply representing the true protagonists—those who generously give their time, resources, and talents in service to God through acts of love. I also represent the United Methodist Churches of Mission Link, who have faithfully supported efforts to alleviate the spiritual, physical, and emotional burdens faced by the Norristown community. Furthermore, I stand on behalf of those who have benefited from the church’s social ministry and, in their gratitude, now offer their time so that others may receive the same blessings they have experienced.”
The president of G.N.A.M., Rev. Byron Craig, along with Vice President Ed Crenshaw and state representative Greg Scott, expressed their gratitude to God for the volunteers and pastors who have responded to the biblical call: “I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was naked, and you clothed me. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” In this way, these leaders continue to extend God’s Kingdom through their loving and selfless service.