The first prayer most of us prayed was the blessing, "God is great, God is good, Let us thank Him for our food," or the classic bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep."
Susan Schwarz, Associate Director of Children’s Ministries and Sabbath School Departments
Susan Schwarz has been sharing her love for children for more than 20 years in the Central California Conference. She initially spent eight years at the Adventist Book Center in charge of Child Evangelism and Leadership Training sessions. Her obvious passion for helping children meet Jesus and equipping children’s ministry leaders led to her present assignment in 1995.
Susan’s primary goal is equipping the children’s ministries leaders in local churches. Her department regularly provides training sessions on how to best reach the precious children in our conference. Children’s ministries leaders from across North America train local leaders in the most current and effective child evangelism methods.
The second primary focus of Susan’s ministry is planning and conducting programs for 0-12 year old campers during Soquel Camp Meeting. The creative, Bible-centered programs the children experience each summer are the result of much prayer, and the dedication of more than 40 adults, plus many pastors, Bible workers and teens. “The hours of planning, praying and hard work are all worth it when I see the children’s excitement as they learn the wonderful Bible stories and discover that Jesus is their Best Friend,” says Susan.
“God gets all the glory for the results,” she adds. “It is amazing to see how God blesses and cares about every part of this ministry. I am privileged and blessed to work with Him and those who minister to the young ones in this conference. They are truly the driving force for this ministry.”
Prior to joining the CCC, Susan spent 17 years in business. She and her husband Philip were actively involved in local church children’s ministries during that time, including BranchSabbathSchools, community service, various programs for children, as well as music and prison ministries. The Schwarz’s have five children and five grandchildren.
Susan’s favorite scriptures are “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 and “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you a hope and future.”Jeremiah 29:11
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