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Introducing……...Lisa D a w s o n
Children's, Youth & Families' Development Worker with
StEdward's Church, Eggbuckland
A desire to change her community and introduce God into the lives of people
struggling with the rigours of modern society has enabled Lisa Dawson
(nee Usher) to walk a beautiful path through life. This dedication to providing
a positive influence in the lives of people she meets has seen Lisa, 31,
flourish in her current role as Children's, Youth and Families' Worker at St
Paul's Church in Stonehouse.
Originally from Severn Beach in Bristol, Lisa's upbringing was far from perfect.
She lost her father aged 11 and it was at this point that she met with
God, letting His Spirit into her life and transforming her from an angry lost
youngster into the person she is today. This transformation took time and
only really kicked in when she moved to Plymouth at 18 to work for Youth
with a Mission, culminating in the Sanctuary Project in Borne Barton that
ran for eight years. She said: "I felt God calling me to Barne Barton and from
the moment I arrived, I knew I was in the right place. Those eight years
were amazing and to see the change in the youngsters over that time was
what made it all worthwhile. I was burnt out by then and needed to step
away as I didn't feel the community was ready to let God into their lives.
But now the churches together in St Budeaux have started church on the
estate once a month and it is thriving and I feel so privileged that I played
my part in it."
Having developed her pioneering skills, Lisa decided to take time out and
work as an administrator in the NHS, allowing her to develop further organisational
skills and patience as well as being a strong witness. And it certainly
worked out well in the long run. Having waited for the right opportunity
to come up, she was presented with the chance to apply for her current
post after meeting Rev John Money, the Vicar at St Paul's.
Since starting this position in August 2010, the direction of the church is beginning
to shift and the youngsters and families are starting to have more of
a presence. In her role, Lisa has taken on the JAM (Jesus and Me) Club at St
George's Primary School and this has really grown, with up to 30 children
attending each week. She has also played an active part in developing the
church's Youth Club, helping to bring more focus to the group. These 12-18
year olds are now opening up to God and his presence and the focus on introducing
Him into their lives has transformed the group dynamic massively.
Over the last few years, Lisa has worked hard to get younger children involved
in the church outside of school and has run many successful Holiday
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