Africa Community Empowerment partners with local churches to empower communities through Jesus-centered initiatives focusing on children at risk, food security, health education, water solutions, and women's empowerment—because LOCAL LASTS LONGER™.
Our approach is grounded in:
Local wisdom
Long-term sustainability
Empowerment through training
Respect for human dignity
The compassionate example of Jesus
Together with African churches, we’re seeing lives transformed—one community at a time.
Africa Community Empowerment is the compassion resource ministry of the Assemblies of God World Missions Africa Region, serving in valued partnership to equip churches and missionaries with practical tools that meet needs and transform communities across the continent.
Suzanne has served as an Assemblies of God missionary in Africa for over 30 years. She has ministered primarily in the French-speaking countries of West and Central Africa. Starting as a registered nurse, Suzanne had a passion for using her medical skills to help those in need. However, after several years she saw the incredible strength and resources that existed within the vast network of African Assemblies of God churches on the continent. Recognizing the widespread importance and influence of these churches, she focused her efforts on public health and development through the local church. She has implemented programs that address issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, water, and nutrition. As the director of Africa Community Empowerment, she works alongside local churches in developing programs that address a community’s felt needs while presenting the transformative message of Christ. Her vision and that of Africa Community Empowerment is to see local churches transforming communities. She serves with her husband Patrick, who is the Area Director for Central Africa. Suzanne and Patrick have three wonderful, adventurous missionary kids; Benjamin (with wife Lauryn and son Malakai), Abigail (with husband Jon), and Emily.
Suzanne holds a Masters degree in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and a Doctorate in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
