*Writer’s note: On December 31, 2025, Mary Lewis Dassinger will be leaving her position as Outreach Specialist on staff of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Please reach out to her at mdassinger@arumc.org to send her your well wishes on her new journey ahead. And you may send cards to Mary Lewis Dassinger at 800 West Daisy Bates, Little Rock, AR 72202. Information about One More Question and 200,000 More Reasons may be directed to Samantha Menley at Samantha.menley.org.
When you look back over your nine years of service, what accomplishments or moments stand out as the most meaningful to you?
Every moment and story when someone responded to the call of God to be in ministry to the hungry or to reach out to their neighbors in a new way. There are too many stories to share but two that stick out:
A layperson at Wynne heard about White Memorial’s bus-stop snack ministry (which is also another favorite story of mine) at Annual Conference many years back. She felt inspired by the Spirit and responded with obedience to God’s call in her life to start a bus stop snack program in Wynne. Both ministries have been ongoing for six or seven years, allowing hundreds of kids to know that the local United Methodists care about them.
After attending a One More Question training, Emory Chapel in Newport started a casual Saturday morning reading program for the children in their community. There are so many kids that they are now discerning how to create a little more structure in the ministry. Moreover, and to the glory of God, some children and families have begun attending church on Sunday mornings.
In both of these stories, God called; his faithful responded in faith, and so many have been fed and loved by these ministries. The faithful obedience of almost every single church to feed the hungry gives glory to God. Your stories are my story. I feel blessed to have walked alongside each of you who started a new ministry inspired by ‘200,000 More Reasons’ or ‘One More Question.’
What projects or initiatives are you most proud of having contributed to or led?
I am proud of the fact that at the height of our achievement, 200,000 More Reasons had 85% of churches doing something to feed hungry children. I would celebrate (or brag) on our Annual Conference to stakeholders, other denominational leaders, and non-profits that this meant more than 530 local United Methodist churches were involved. Everyone was constantly surprised and impressed. The way we have systematically sought to fight childhood hunger in Arkansas has made an incredible impact throughout the state, and I am very proud of the work we have done together as the Annual Conference.
I believe in the sacred worth of all people and that God has wonderfully created every person to contribute to God’s purposes. One More Question is ultimately about seeing every person – poor or rich, believer or not – as having gifts and skills to offer the community and to bring people together. It is a challenge to be intentional about loving our neighbors and ultimately making disciples, who make disciples, which is our ultimate goal. I could not be more proud of the work we are doing to reach our neighbors in new and meaningful ways. I am simply blessed to share ideas and resources, hear your stories, and celebrate the love you give to your neighbors, for the glory of God.
What originally brought you to this work, and how has your motivation evolved over time?
Every position I have held since I was 25 has ultimately created opportunities for others to serve the hungry, hurting, poor, or the community–teaching young people about the need for philanthropy; supporting AmeriCorps volunteers in their work; coordinating missions for Pulaski Heights UMC; and inviting the Conference to serve through Imagine No Malaria, Ingathering, 200,000 More Reasons, and most recently One More Question. I believe God has placed upon me this calling to invite, encourage, and resource. My motivation was originally to be a good and faithful servant. However, that has evolved into a much deeper desire – to create opportunities that allow Christ followers to love and serve others, especially those who do not lack privilege and resources. I hope that through these ministries, others are given space and courage to reach the potential that God has created in them for God’s purposes. A lay person who discovers their purpose for God and serves wholeheartedly in ministry to others; a 2nd-grader who learns to read and ultimately graduates high school; or, a teenage boy who gets enough food to feed his mind and body, preparing him for a college education–this is the potential that you all offer in your outreach. To God be the glory, again.
Are there relationships or experiences here that you feel shaped your journey in a significant way?
I have absolutely loved working for the Annual Conference. There have been many people along the way who have inspired and encouraged me. Rev J.J. Whitney’s invitation to join her on 200,000 Reasons began a 9-year journey of discovery of my gift and graces. Bishop Mueller was faithful in permitting me to do whatever was necessary to enable more of our local churches to serve hungry children in effective ways. And Bishop Merrill has both championed and challenged us to build stronger relationships with those we serve and within our community. Brenda Norwood was a true mentor, teaching me about the Arkansas Annual Conference and so much more. As each of these transitioned to different positions, the one group that has been a real partner in this work has been the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas, particularly Rev. Mackey Yokem. I have been allowed to “dream big,” as Rev. Yokem says; he and the grant committee have helped make it all happen. In addition, the ARUMC staff have been absolutely lovely to work with; I am grateful for the friendship, encouragement, and support that I have shared with Todd, Melissa, Wendy, Bailey, Day, and Amy. Samantha has been truly wonderful to collaborate with these past couple of years. I will be checking in to say “Hi!”
If you had to describe your nine years with the Arkansas Conference in three words, what would they be?
Inspiring, Grateful, Loving
