Suzanne coordinates a non-profit business with 65 volunteers and 19 staff members which raises money for Youth and Family Services. She is grateful for her marriage with Ken who walks beside her and blesses her with encouragement. She is a mother to Brendan (24) and Ashley (20), a stepmother to Nick (22) and Jason (19). Suzanne works as a board member for Tusubira leading Community Relations and Development, coordinating the Widows Jewelry Program.

 Why do I want to help?

God called on me and put the burden of Africa and the HIV/AIDS pandemic on my heart.  As a mother, I had never considered what I heard from an African mother in her last days with AIDS wish for her child who was also HIV positive. “ I hope that he will die before me so that he does not have to live as an orphan all alone, with no one to care for him, and no one to love him.”  The emotion that runs within me today from hearing those words still feels as raw as the first time I heard this message. The tears still come.

I knew I had to help somehow, but I felt helpless not knowing if my talents were of use in a battlefield where the need for medical aid and experience in sustainable development are in such high demand. The reality of the situation is that the hearts that are called to go are too few.  I knew that God would use me regardless of my talents if I would just step out in action.

My heart is driven to empower orphans and vulnerable children through the power of education, lifting them up to be the leaders of tomorrow, seeking God’s will and His perfect plan for each child. 

In this great adventure I have witnessed:
• the hearts of orphans healing through ministries that unconditionally love them through the eyes of Christ.
• the wealth of God through the multiplication of cows, pigs, goats, and chickens.
• villages of widows and orphans grateful for economic empowerment through sewing machines and other income generating projects.
• ceremonies of welcome, singing dancing, and celebration proclaiming the work of God.
• Muslims willing to let you pray for and minister to them.
• the tentacles of Christ’s ministry reaching into many villages and touching so many lives.