There was plenty of good-natured roasting of Rev. David Lima last month, as Rise Up for Homes honored him as one of New Bedford’s most steadfast community champions, marking 25 years of work that has touched nearly every corner of local need.
Over the years, Lima has helped address homelessness, substance use, violence and suicide prevention, and has consistently shown up for people in crisis, whatever the circumstance may be. He serves as executive minister of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford and, alongside his wife Joanne, pastors New Seasons Worship Center in East Freetown.
The sold-out crowd at White’s of Westport reflected that wide reach. The room was filled with service providers, advocates, and community members, all drawn together by Lima’s influence.
Gifts to Give founder Jim Stevens, joined by his son J.P., shared a playful list of ways Lima, whom Stevens called his sixth-closest friend, had been “annoying” over the years. The stories included their first meeting during a bitter cold night spent sleeping in cardboard boxes to raise awareness for homelessness.
But Stevens ultimately described Lima as perfect.
“Look around,” he told the crowd. “There’s 200 people in this room, and they’re here for one reason. Because David Lima’s here. There’s no other reason that you’re all in this room except for David Lima.”
After a slideshow of photos spanning much of Lima’s life, his brother John spoke about the foundation of faith and family that has guided him.
“Today he shares the blessing of his family with the community,” he said. “His past, of being a hero, he tries to walk it today. His faith…he attempts to do each and every day of his life. His competitive spirit tells him I never stop. I’ll continue to fight. His heart for other people, the love that he shows for his family, he extends to others, as Jesus would. That’s my brother, David Lima.”
In an interview with New Bedford Light, Lima spoke about his service this way:
“God wants us to care for each other,” he said. “If you would do something for yourself, that’s what you should be doing for somebody else. So, unless you come to understand those principles, you’ve got to find them somewhere, and we find them in faith.”
Editor’s note: Rev. David Lima is a member of Coastline’s Advisory Board.
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