Lisa’s Legacy and the Importance of Family

Early on in my life of ministry I would attend large gatherings and speak of events to hundreds or thousands of people. Yet at the end of the day I would go home by myself. Something was missing, and that something was family.

My biological family was estranged from me because of my former additions and my own mother passed away a number of years ago. Before I met and married Emily my family was the Merideth family. 

Lisa Merideth blessed so many people. She and her family welcomed others into their home regularly. Two years ago this week Lisa went home to be with the Lord. As another year has passed without her I want to honor her memory and legacy of faithful service. If you are not familiar with her legacy I encourage you to read about it.

Sometime after leaving jail and getting my bearings in Chester, Lisa and her family took me in to do life with them. Lisa became like a mother to me by welcoming me into their home but also into their family. She would invite me over for holiday events and made me feel like I belonged. I could come at any time to their house and I am grateful for that.

Lisa breathed life into the vision behind Greenhouse Project. Lisa was a champion for the Kingdom of God, helping leaders grow, giving people opportunities to serve and lead.   God used Lisa to shape both the heart and vision of our ministry, and the person I am today. I can trace the clear line between the grace of God at work in me to the prayers Lisa has labored over on my behalf. 

Strong connected families are so important. God created the family unit intentionally. What about those who don’t have families? Those who have been orphaned, widowed, or estranged? These people need the love and care of the body of believers.

God Himself is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:5-6a).

As a Christ follower Lisa cared deeply for others following God’s example for us. All of us Christians have been adopted into God’s family and so we should be looking for ways to be a family of believers and build deep meaningful relationships with each other. To reach out to those in need of love and support, especially those who don’t have a biological family to turn to.

Luke 7:47 highlights this by saying, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 

Jesus shares about why people love much, because they understand the depth of sin forgiven and also what it cost. Good people don't go to heaven, only forgiven and forgiving people do.

Lisa lived in this love, and it's why we would move into the City of Chester, because we believe this kind of love radically changes people, families and communities. 

Lisa had a dream of buying a house and moving into Chester. We believe we are carrying the torch that was inspired by God and championed through Lisa. Her legacy of caring for those around her and her reputation of Godliness and good fruit still live in our memories today. May we all be encouraged at the memory of Lisa’s faithfulness and be spurred on to loving others with “family love” like she did.

Today, we are keeping our part of the Lisa Legacy alive through Greenhouse Project. What started as one house in Chester, is now growing to multiple locations and ministries in Chester. Because of God's faithfulness, our team of volunteers and your generous financial support we will continue to share Jesus within our communities. 

So give a gift in honor of Lisa, come for a tour or volunteer, and check out our impact report for this year.