Lewis, Kimberly Lynn

Kimberly Lynn “Kim” Lewis is a Global Missionary for The United Methodist Church, serving as co-director of Arbol de Vida Training Center at Give Ye Them to Eat in Puebla, Mexico. An NGO organized by the Methodist Church of Mexico, its mission is to strengthen the capabilities of marginalized people and communities to meet their basic needs, and to determine and sustain a just and integrated development process so people can achieve the full promise and potential of their life as children of God.

Striving to be a voice for marginalized communities, Kim relies on 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

After earning a master’s degree in business from Pepperdine University in California, Kim served a three-decade career in the nonprofit sector, most recently as CEO of United Way of Yellowstone County. “My career has been guided by God, devoted to philanthropy and giving back to my community,” she said. “I have advocated, raised funds and connected resources to help alleviate suffering, empower youth, provide leadership opportunities, create safe environments, and deliver hope for medically fragile children and their families.”

Describing her spiritual and professional journey, Kim said, “I once heard someone say that communities need a host of angelic troublemakers to pursue love, peace and justice. While I can’t change the world alone, I can contribute in a positive way.”

When Kim met Pat, her husband of 20 years, he told her he was going to be governor of Wyoming or a pastor. “Both felt so foreign to me that I didn’t believe him,” Kim said. “Two years into our marriage, Pat shared his calling for ministry with me, and within three months, we had moved from Phoenix to Denver for him to start theology school. During that time, God’s plan was very clear for both of us: love and serve all. In lieu of wedding gifts, we chose donations to help build a Habitat house. It was such a fun way to celebrate our marriage!”

Her husband is an ordained United Methodist elder. Kim said, “I have been inspired by him, his colleagues and fellow parishioners with the commitment to serve Christ in everything they do. I became a deaconess with the UMC in May 2022.” She is a lay member from First United Methodist Church, Billings, Montana, related to the Mountain Sky Annual Conference.

Asked about her faith journey, Kim replied, “I find great pleasure in being the hands and feet of Jesus. For example, I have built homes in Tijuana with Corazon and in the USA with Habitat for Humanity. I am a self-published author of ‘They’ve Always Been Nice to Me,’ a tribute to my Uncle Randy who is intellectually challenged, has cerebral palsy and lives a meaningful life. We also fostered eight children over 13 years, serving orphans with unconditional love.” 

When her first husband died unexpectedly, Kim’s faith was challenged. “I was mad at God, yet still trusted my journey,” she said. “Today I feel a call to love and support other young widows.”

Kim is the bonus mom to twin daughters and her greatest joys are her grandsons and fur babies.  She is excited for her missionary call. “I can think of no better way to round out my career in philanthropy,” she said, “than by serving in partnership with my husband in Mexico.

“I have been discerning this call since I was a young adult, but wasn’t sure when the moment would present itself to serve as a global missionary,” she said. “I am excited to practice new ways of serving God in a different culture. I trust that God will lead me where I need to be to help others and to use my gifts of service to show people that God is alive and real.”