Three Honorees Receive the District’s Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award in 2024
In 2017, the Mid-South District introduced a very special award to recognize the dedication and ministry–building work of individual lay people: The Ralph Weiser Excellence in Ministry Award. The award honors the life and work of the late Ralph Weiser, a long-time friend of the Mid-South District whose example of leadership, service and faith impacted his local Lutheran congregation and community, as well as ministries across the entire District. Since its introduction, the District has had the pleasure of recognizing eight individuals with the award, the last three of which were announced this summer. The Mid-South District is honored to congratulate:
- Diane Reimold of Immanuel Lutheran Church & School in Memphis, TN
- Bob Allen of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in White House, TN
- Jan Simko of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Crossville, TN
The Mid-South District is grateful for the contributions of these individuals—to both District ministry, the ministries of their home congregations, and the greater Church. More on those contributions is shared below:
DIANE REIMOLD was recognized as a recipient of the award during the 2024 Mid-South District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention in Memphis on June 8. Rev. Dr. Roger Paavola, President of the Mid-South District, surprised Diane with the recognition following his presentation on District ministry. The convention was a fitting setting to present the award, as Diane is a long-time LWML member and leader, serving as their District President from 2016-2020. During that time, she was also instrumental in helping to launch a joint evangelism initiative of the Mid-South District and the LWML called Each 1 Reach 1—an effort that has resulted in connections with over 1,600 people across the District seeking answers about faith and Lutheranism. In addition to her important work with the Each 1 Reach 1 program, Diane is also a faithful and dedicated volunteer with the Mid-south District.
BOB ALLEN was recognized in a surprise presentation by President Paavola (pictured with wife, Pat, to his right) at his home congregation in White House, TN on August 4. For well over a decade, Bob has worked tirelessly to further the Mid-South District’s ministry and evangelism efforts with the South East of Lake Victoria District of the Lutheran Church in Tanzania. These efforts have included helping to establish a partnership with Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN to provide essential ministerial training for pastors in Tanzania. Bob’s work through the years has helped to better-equip the Lutheran Church in this East African nation—and bring over 25,000 Tanzanians to the waters of baptism! Bob has had the privilege of being present for many of those baptisms through numerous trips to Tanzania, often accompanied by his wife, Susie (pictured here to Bob’s right).
JAN SIMKO was surprised with the award at her home congregation in Crossville, TN on August 18. Pictured with her Pastor, Rev. Andrew Abraham (L) and President Paavola, Jan was especially moved by the recognition as it came just before she relocated to Michigan to be closer to family. But during Jan’s time in the Mid-South District, she made a powerful impact—first by serving on the District’s Board of Directors from 2012-2015, then by stepping into the role of Disaster Response Coordinator from 2021-2024. During her time in this role, the District saw an unparalleled number of tornadoes and flood events. In every instance, Jan’s prompt coordination of volunteers and other resources provided vital assistance to victims of the disasters—including direct disbursement of over $700,000 in donor aide to people impacted by storms and floods. Jan will be greatly missed, but like any good leader, she assembled an excellent team to carry on this vital work after her departure.
You must be logged in to post a comment.