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Jim Nissen's Story
As seen in the YMCA Lamplighter Society Newsletter
 New Lamplighters Jim and Barbara Nissen |
Good evening everyone. My name is Jim Nissen. Ellen Howe blessed me with this opportunity to share with you two brief personal experiences I have had with the Y, and a testimony that I feel is what Lamplighters are all about…
I was the youngest and littlest kid in my class. This was true for me all through my school years. From age 5 through 11 I wore silver horn-rimmed glasses for being cross-eyed. I was introverted, intimidated, and a nerd! …Somehow, though, we all seem to make it through…learning lessons along the way.
Last year, there was a program in the auditorium at the West County Y…three gentlemen reminisced about how the YMCA had touched their lives. These testimonials reminded me of my youth and how the Webster Groves Y was my second home. Particularly during my middle school years.
At the Y, I was accepted without peer pressure…I was just one of the kids. It was truly a great haven for me. I even had my first permanent tooth knocked out playing basketball at the Y…even though I was the shortest one playing, I jumped up and while coming down, the other player was coming up. My tooth met the top of his head. I still have the permanent cap to prove the experience. So you can see why the Y was invaluable to me as a youth!
As I mature…the Y still supports me!
On Friday, the 13th of June, 1997, my wife Barb experienced a massive stroke while visiting our son in Phoenix, Arizona. Fortunately, the FDA had just released an experimental drug called TPA. If TPA is applied soon enough after a stroke, it can possibly dissolve a blood clot. This could minimize the physically disabling effects of the stroke. It worked its miracle and Barb walked out of the Desert Samaritan hospital on her own one week later.
Returning to St. Louis, we changed churches…after serious soul searching I discovered I was this good 57- year old Lutheran boy, who did not know where Genesis was…yes, Genesis is the first book of the Bible. Shortly after that, I met an 82-year young lady…she suggested I start a Bible 101 program, as she had been doing for years.
I took her advice. So now, 29 classes later, a lot of study and 400+ attendees, the Bible 101 ministry is endorsed as a weekly generic “How to understand the story of the Bible” at the West County Y.
So you can see…The Y has certainly blessed Jim Nissen!
Now, What do Lamplighters do?
I think Lamplighters do what our 31-year old daughter Shelly did.
Shelly was a third grade school teacher in Festus, MO. Early in 1998, Shelly experienced a nasty divorce. Then single with no children, Shelly purchased her pride and joy. It was an $11,000 mobile home.
During this time of trial for her, Shelly started a Single Women’s small group ministry at her church. She was known for being the upbeat, creative, help-everyone teacher.
In October of 1998 Shelly was diagnosed with leukemia…in nine short weeks, leukemia took Shelly’s life.
A few weeks before her death, Shelly shared her wishes with me. She wanted her mobile home paid off and given to her church. She also wanted to give the church $5000 to take care of any expense they would incur. After Shelly’s death, we did just that. The mobile home was paid off, the free and clear mobile home with the $5000 was given to her church.
The Pastor of this little church really liked Shelly and always supported her. Due to his leadership and direction, the church sold the mobile home for $11,000. The Pastor invested the total $16,000 in an annuity…the kind that would pay the interest in cash every month back to the church.
Shelly left a legacy to that church. Since December of 1998, her Single Women’s small group ministry has received the monthly interest payments, to support it and keep it going.
Shelly’s example inspired me to become a Lamplighter…that I might be as fortunate as she was in helping others in the future.
I believe you and I as Lamplighters serve the YMCA in the same way Shelly did her Single Women’s ministry…Lamplighters help the Y’s bigger picture and future…this is true! Lamplighters are especially important in supporting the Y’s kids…the kids who need the Y the most, and the financial help for their programs.
I believe the Lamplighters and Shelly share a common gift…they truly do leave a legacy of giving to others!
Thank you
