Who cause the conflict for Homer in the first part of The Lilies of the Field?

In the first part of "The Lilies of the Field," Homer Smith's conflict arises from his struggle for purpose and identity as a Black man in the 1960s American South. He encounters a group of East German nuns, led by Mother Maria, who see him as a means to achieve their dream of building a chapel. This unexpected responsibility challenges him to confront his own beliefs, values, and the societal expectations placed upon him, sparking an internal and external conflict.