HIGH IMPACT INSIGHT: Annette Lustenberger

Annette Lustenberger has been a volunteer with OH0056 since 2005, serving in various roles over the years, as Unit Leader, Troop Coordinator, and Troop Treasurer.

HOW DOES AHG FOSTER A GIRL’S DESIRE TO ADVOCATE THROUGH THE LENS OF A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW?

The Mission of AHG is “building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.” This mission, as the foundation of AHG Programming, helps girls to grow in faith and in their personal relationship with God. They come to better understand their own identity in Christ, not only by participating in Troop prayer and Faith Awards, but also through activities such as camping, small group badgework, learning about our heritage and country, and serving others in need in our community.

IN WHAT WAY DOES A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW INFORM THE SERVICE PROJECTS YOUR AREA CHOOSES?

AHG’s Biblical Worldview inspires AHG Troop leaders and Girl Members to see Jesus Christ living in those whom we encounter. We know that each person is created in His image, with innate value and dignity, whether it be family, friends, or strangers in need of help in the community. AHG Troops often choose service projects that directly aid the poor, persons with disabilities, and the unborn, the most vulnerable among us. Examples of service I have joyfully witnessed include:

AHG younger girls and their leaders visited a residential group home for adults with disabilities. They cleaned and mulched garden beds around the campus, and cleaned and stained outdoor tables and swings. 1 Corinthians 12:22 states, “Indeed, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary.” Troop Shepherd, Angelle Findley, explains, that “the girls recognize the indispensable beauty of the residents and worked to create a magnificent environment for them to enjoy.”

Karly, a high school teen recently completed her AHG Stars & Stripes Award project conducting a program for hearing-impaired adults. For years as a young Christian with a passion to help those in need, this candidate studied Sign Language, opening up this opportunity for her to serve this group and help them to see their own value and dignity. She explains that she yearns to break “the harsh stereotypes against deaf and hard of hearing individuals.”

Currently, a Cinncinnati-local Troop is preparing heartfelt Christmas cards that will be delivered to sick and homebound elderly people from a local parish.

Teresa of Avila said,

“Christ has no body now but yours… Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world …Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

AHG’s Biblical Worldview guides members to know it is Christ who works though us to serve those in need around us.

HOW HAVE YOUR AREA TROOPS MADE STRIDES IN ADVOCATING FOR THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IN YOUR REGION?

AHG Troops have joined in the local Cross the Bridge for Life march, giving girls and their families the opportunity to witness in solidarity their respect for life and their support for the dignity of mothers and their children. Each September, AHG Troops participate in The National Day of Service, an outreach to those in need. Our Troop has often supported pregnancy centers by making donations of diapers and other baby items to support families.

HOW DOES AN AREA TEAM SUPPORT AND MULTIPLY THE SERVICE EFFORTS OF LOCAL TROOPS?

An AHG Area Team gathers information on Multi-Troop service events and invites Area Troops to join in.

WHAT AHG PROGRAMMING DO YOU FIND MOST HELPFUL IN TEACHING GIRLS AND VOLUNTEERS ABOUT THE SANCTITY OF LIFE?

At its core, AHG promotes that each person has dignity, simply by being created by God who loves him/her. The AHG Creed recited at each Troop Meeting reinforces the reverence we are called to give to God and the respect we are asked to give to all whom He brings into our lives. Troop leaders organize service projects for their small groups, or for the whole Troop. This regular emphasis on service reminds girls of the sanctity of the life of every person. So often, society recognizes people for what they can contribute or produce. Service for those who are less fortunate, teaches girls and their leaders, that all people deserve respect and help just because they are a child of God. AHG girls can earn The AHG Respect Life Patch by participating in any event that focuses on respecting life.