WHY THIS GOFUNDME?

On July 3rd, 2021 Lydia Grace Nuss passed away due to complications with her epilepsy. Ripples of this sudden loss reverberated throughout her small community, deeply impacting those closest to her. Lydia loved the Lord and was a vibrant and integral part of her family; never complaining about her seizures and caring for people she met. Lydia had a forward looking attitude about life!

This LYDIA NUSS - MEMORIAL FUND campaign is dedicated to three non-profit ministries that Lydia loved and was involved with throughout her life as well as helping the Nuss family with unexpected funeral expenses. (You'll be able to designate where the funds go to in the comments section.)

ABOUT THE NUSS FAMILY – by Jen Avellaneda (Family friend, fund coordinator)

The Nuss' are one of the most loving families many have ever met. They may have welcomed you around a bonfire on their property or through the open doors of their local church, Crossroads Fellowship. You may have worked with the Nuss' through their Landscaping business or seen them volunteer, raising money for a worthy causes.

The loss of a child is unimaginable for most. However, after spending the evening with the Nuss’ soon after Lydia’s passing, one thing is clear, the Nuss' faith and devotion to God is their anchor in such times as these.

As a family who has known the Nuss’ for a dozen years, we have seen their steadfast faith and their quiet service to God and others. Our children have spent days laughing at youth groups in their barn, connecting with their family around bonfires, and chatting on the sidelines while watching our kids play sports.

The Nuss family is made up of a group of the most genuine people. They are humble, hard-working, and always welcoming to everyone they meet. It burdens us all to know they are having to process the waves of grief from the passing of their child.

On July 8th, Lydia would have turned 19. She has left a wealth of memories for those that have met her. Lydia’s tender spirit and gentle nature, her quiet soul and beautiful radiance will live on in all of our hearts forever.

A MESSAGE FROM DAD - Russ Nuss

With the recent passing of our daughter Lydia, we have certainly had times of mourning and questions of why, this is a normal process and certainly gives us opportunity to reflect on her life. In light of all that has happened we are hopeful and resilient. We believe Lydia’s passing is not an end but the beginning of something new. We rejoice over her life and realize her home is in heaven, therefore we turn our hearts towards hope! Our family is so encouraged by the outpouring of love and prayers. We feel it and are blessed! A passage of scripture that has come to us during this time:

1 Corinthians 15:54-54, 57 “ 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?...... 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

As the news of her passing spread to our family and friends, there were requests to donate money to a worthy cause in honor of Lydia. In response to that, we created the LYDIA NUSS - MEMORIAL FUND that would channel needed resources to worldwide ministries that Lydia had an interest in and often participated in over the last number of years. She loved giving, supporting and praying for these ministries that are actively serving and reaching people every day.

Please consider giving a generous donation in Lydia‘s memory that can either be distributed amongst the three ministries listed below or if you would like to specifically give to a ministry of your choice please indicate in the notes for your gift.

Thank you so much for your support of the Nuss family during this time, we are honored that you would consider a financial donation to help change the lives of people involved with ministries that Lydia desired to see flourish. It is our hope to make the passing of our daughter a launch point to support world-wide life-giving ministries. Forever grateful, The Nuss Family

Won’t you join us in helping to support this family and the ministries that were close to Lydia’s heart?

WHERE WILL YOUR DONATION GO?

Three non-profit ministries that Lydia was involved with over the years and Nuss Family memorial expenses.

THREE Non-profit Charities

Lydia directly participated in and really cherished the following ministries in her heart. The donations collected will be evenly distributed, unless specified otherwise. (If you have a preference to which ministry you would like your money donated to in Lydia Nuss’ honor, please say so in the comments section when you give.) If you prefer your donation to go directly to the Nuss family for memorial expenses, please specify your preference by leaving a note in the comments, as well.

THE THREE MINSITRIES LYDIA LOVED

1. RAY OF HOPE - TAIWAN - Director: Juanita Hebard

Providing support to single moms, adoption agencies and the pro-life movement in Taiwan. In 2016, Lydia and her father traveled to Taiwan to visit Juanita and the Ray of Hope Ministry. They came away blessed to see young, single mothers receiving care and support during such a difficult time in their life.

 

2. COPPER ISLAND - ADVENTURE LEARNING MINISTRIES - Directors: Ray Badgero and Aaron Otis

Wilderness adventure camps for young people in the first nation tribes of British Columbia, Canada. Lydia spent a considerable amount of time throughout the last number of years on work teams. She loved the natural beauty of Copper Island and appreciated the work needed to prepare the campus for summer campers.

 

 

3. ADVENTURE SOCCER - Director: Matt Raney

Utilizing the sport of soccer to reach vulnerable children here locally in Washington State and overseas in the country of Eswatini, Africa. Adventure Soccer supports food programs, agriculture, childhood education and local churchwork. Funds generated through Lydia‘s memorial will be specifically designated towards a much-needed well in the village of Mbangazwe, Eswatini. There is a care point feeding center for orphans near this location that will be a support to this community.

 

Thank you for your love towards the Nuss Family. Please SHARE this GoFundMe, whether you can give or not. We want the Nuss' to feel loved and completely supported during this difficult time.

Now, let’s carry on the life and legacy of Lydia Nuss!