Two Foursquare pastors—Debra Nielsen from Moriah Christian Center (Shelton Foursquare Church) in Shelton, Wash., and Debbie Jameson from Lifegate (Downey Ave./Paramount Foursquare Church) in Paramount, Calif.—have both been honored for outstanding service in their respective communities.
Debra Nielsen, who co-pastors Moriah Christian Center with her husband, Kenneth, was selected by the Mason General Hospital Foundation (MGHF) in Shelton as one of three women to receive the foundation’s 2011 American Business Women’s Award. Each year, MGHF recognizes women who volunteer in the community and have successfully worked with and served others in Mason County.
Since 2005, Debra has been the executive director of the Mason County Homeless Shelter. She also is a board member for the Mason County non-profit organization Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC), an outreach in Shelton that is part of a national network of 150 Love INC affiliates in 30 states serving over 1 million people nationally each year.
“I am privileged to work with people in my own organization and in the community who give as a way of life and who tirelessly contribute their time and talents to see others reach their full potential,” Debra says.
Debbie Jameson, who co-pastors Lifegate with her husband, Larry, represents the congregation and the City of Paramount, Calif., as an ambassador for the Paramount Chamber of Commerce. Her volunteer role takes her into the business community, where she is able to share her faith with local and state officials. She was honored recently with the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year award for her service to the Chamber and the City of Paramount.
Leaders who presented the award to Debbie included Paramount Chamber President Martin Johnson; U.S. Representative Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.); California Assemblymember Isadore Hall III (D-Los Angeles); California Senator Alan Llowenthal (D-Long Beach); and Erin Stibal, representing L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Debbie says it has been very rewarding to be a part of the business community where she and Larry pastor.
“This award,” she notes, “allows me to share my faith and partner with the city in building healthy community relationships.”
Lifegate has also been the recipient of blessing, notes Debbie, specifically through financial gifts, community recognition and support for Lifegate’s outreach ministries.
By: Rod Light, an ordained Foursquare minister and educator in Los Angeles
