About Susan

Susan Gail Swanson, author of adventure stories for the young and the young at heart.

LEAD CHILDREN TO GOD, following the Lord is an ADVENTURE. True life stories from around the world.

ABOUT ME

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I graduated from University High School in Westwood. I went on to college where I majored in history, because I loved learning about exciting foreign places. Even as a child, I was interested in traveling and loved National Geographic. My relatives were all travelers who went to Europe, Asia and Scandinavian countries. I listened to their stories and wanted to travel, too. In fact, I just recently found out that one of my aunts was one of the first missionaries to China back in the ‘20’s. I’d love to learn more about her, I have no records. .

I married young and divorced even younger. As a single mom I struggled to raise two children on my own. My ex-husband spent time in jail, so I did not receive any child support. I struggled with depression and wondering whether my life had any value. My son led me to the Lord when I was in my 30’s. His life was a wonderful witness, because at age 14 he was a committed believer of Jesus. He spent his weekends in Mexico on mission trips. My friends spent their weekends partying, going nowhere. I knew my son was praying for me. I walked on the beach and asked the Lord to help me. The first story I read in the Bible was about a crippled man who got up and followed the Lord. I realized I needed to follow God. My life changed from depression to joy and making a difference for the kingdom.

My son made a commitment to be a missionary to a tribe in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. I was upset with his decision, because I did not know how I would be able to keep in touch with my grandchildren in such a remote place. I was challenged to take a short term mission trip to Papua New Guinea for a month and it turned out to be a life changing trip; a month that changed my life. I came back with a new respect for God and for his missionaries.

This was in 1994 and every year I went on a short-term trip to serve God. It was the most exciting adventurous time of my life. Following God is the most exciting adventure ever. I journeyed to Medallin, Colombia to work with street children. I smuggled Bibles into Viet Nam, China, Cuba and even into Gaza Strip. There were some very scary moments, but the Lord always had a better plan.

So many of us live with the “WHAT IFS”…… unknown fears about the future!

What if I get caught smuggling Bibles?…I did.

What if I lose my luggage?…..I did, in Cuba when it was full of illegal Bibles.

What if I end up in a really scary situation?…..I did, Medellin, Columbia is very dangerous.

I stepped out in faith and the Lord protected me in all these places. I blessed others and they blessed me in return. God never ceases to amaze me. I am just an ordinary Grandmother, who stepped out in fait to serve an amazing God.

Blog title: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things – stepping out of your comfort zone and living life to the fullest. Stop asking “what if” and just go for it. Let God move.