Another generation grows in faith under Womackâs care
Posted: 7/21/06
| Susan Womack cares for the children of one-time children she has served during her 32-year tenure as minister of preschool education at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston. |
Another generation grows
in faith under Womack’s care
By John Hall
Texas Baptist Communications
HOUSTON—Six-year-old Zoe couldn’t contain herself. She had made what she believed to be the most important decision of her life and had to tell someone.
When she saw “Mrs. Susan and Mr. Joe” down the street, she took off in a full sprint. Zoe told them how she prayed that Jesus would come in her life and how she knew Christ was her Savior.
The scene seemed familiar to her mother and to Susan Womack, minister of preschool education at Tallowood Baptist Church. Nearly 30 years ago, Zoe’s mother toddled under Womack’s watch.
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| The preschool education ministry at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston focuses on creating a positive environment where children can learn about the Bible. |
“She and her husband, Joe, have been very special friends to our family,” Zoe’s mother said. “They’ve taken a special interest in our children, especially because we are neighbors.”
Zoe is one of several second-generation children to whom Womack is ministering—offspring of one-time children she has served during her 32-year tenure at Tallowood Baptist Church. She continues to see the fruit of her ministry as she watches adults help their children grow into faith in Christ.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Womack said. “I’m humbled. God is so good, and to think, he would use me. I am just overwhelmed he would use me in such a wonderful way and for me to love and make a difference in so many people’s lives.
“It’s just such a privilege to see this next generation grow up and see God be faithful to what we are doing here.”
The church has grown, generations have changed and life became busier for most people, but Womack said her calling and how she carries it out have remained the same. She aims to lay a foundation for faith.
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“Ministry itself has not changed that much,” she said. “We continue to provide good Bible teaching for the children. That’s our emphasis—providing a biblical foundation for the children’s lives.”
But the children’s ministry at Tallowood is more than teaching, Zoe’s mother said. Womack goes out of her way to make sure each feels like he or she is cared for at church. Zoe has severe allergies that restrict what she can eat. Womack changed the snacks in all the children’s rooms to accommodate her.
When Zoe told Womack and her husband, Joe, about her decision to follow Christ, the couple celebrated with her. Later, they gave her a cross to help her remember the choice she made.
This kind of individual attention to each child helps children understand God loves them, Zoe’s mother said. Young people learn about the Bible in nurturing surroundings.
“Loving those children and providing an environment where they can learn about Jesus is her life,” she said.
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Womack also serves families. She is present shortly after many births. She is there for baby dedications. She talks with parents each week as they raise their children. Womack helps adults understand how churches can help parents develop their children spiritually.
“When you minister to the children, you minister to the family,” Zoe’s mother said. “When you meet the needs of the children, you meet the needs of parents.”
Because of Womack’s ministry, Tallowood is a special place for Zoe and her family, including her younger brother, Elijah.
“It’s home for my children,” her mother said. “They love Tallowood. It’s their second home.”