Who We Are
Our team
Rev. Laurie Graber
Rev. Laurie Graber is an Itinerant Minister whose passion is to help individuals build and strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Laurie serves in the position of Vice President on the Board of Directors of Supporting Women in Ministry International. She has been a member of S.W.I.M. since February of 2014.
Laurie and her husband, Tom, co-founded the “Acres of Hope” Ministry at The Gathering Place (TGP), a Christian Retreat Center built on her parent’s dairy farm in Norwalk, WI. On August 2, 2018, they acquired a former Cistercian Abbey. The Abbey was renamed Sparrows Nest at the Abbey based on Matthew 10:29-31 and Luke 12:6-7 scriptures. Laurie and Tom’s love for the Lord has led them to minister and mentor small groups (men, women, and youth), military personnel, and pastors with their families. They share an excellent partnership with local churches, businesses, and non-profit groups. They are looking forward to an expansion of the “Acres of Hope” Ministry. The Grabers plan to continue to serve the Lord as He guides and directs them to those He places on their path. You can see more of their ministry efforts at the Acres of Hope Ministry website:
www.sparrowsnest-abbey.com
Email - acresofhope@yahoo.com
Rev. Denise Much
Denise is an itinerant speaker and teacher. She is a co-founder and ministers at A Day Away with Jesus, an annual healing conference. Denise writes the S.W.I.M. devotions and leads and writes for a devotional team at her local church. She is part of a prayer team at her church and also serves as part of a prayer team for Cleansing Stream Ministry. She has served a part of a prophetic prayer team at conferences.
Denise has been mentoring women for years. She is never too busy to pray for people or meet with someone over the phone. Denise knows firsthand the struggles of overcoming a troubled past. The Lord began to call her after the death of her firstborn son. The Lord has given her a compassionate message of hope, faith, healing for the bereaved, the lost, and the hurting. She has a passion for restoration, healing, and discipleship. Denise has been married to Robert for 43 years and has 4 adult children and 8 grandchildren.
Email - programs@swiminternational.org
Rev. Dr. Kara Werner
Kara has been happily married to her husband, Steve, since 1998. They have two adult daughters (Hannah and Alyssa) and a recently acquired a son-in-law (Hannah’s husband, Rein)!
Kara was ordained through S.W.I.M. International. She currently serves as the president of S.W.I.M. International and co-chairs the ordination committee. She earned her PhD in Leadership from Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary in November 2022.
Kara founded GO Church in 2022. She is an adjunct professor at Manna University where she teaches four graduate level leadership courses in the MA in Christian Leadership program. She has been serving as a teacher since 1996 and currently teaches ESL teacher at Donegal Intermediate School. She was formerly a foster parent and taught in Chester-Upland and York City School Districts.
Email - kara@swiminternational.org
Pastor Marcia Roth
Pastor Marcia is a retired educator who has dedicated nearly 40 years to tutoring and teaching students at all levels of education. Her spiritual journey took an unexpected turn when her son reintroduced her to her faith after a 23-year hiatus. In 2005, She attended her first women's retreat, a SWIM event, where Marcia unexpectedly encountered God. At the time, she was still harboring anger toward Him and wasn't actively seeking Him. Yet, His presence made itself powerfully known to her. As her life began to transform, it took several years to open her heart and truly listen to the Lord. In 2007, Marcia dedicated her life to Christ entirely.
Marcia felt a strong calling from God to pursue another degree. Still, she hesitated four years before enrolling at Liberty University in January 2016, where she earned Her Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies. In October 2022, she received her ordination through SWIM. November 2023, God revealed His plan for Pastor Marcia to provide one-on-one counseling to women.
Pastor Marcia is involved in advocacy work at a Women's Resource Center. She feels a profound sense of purpose in helping and supporting women in need, a feeling that she believes is a direct result of her faith and service. She also engages in one-on-one counseling with women from her church and other community programs, such as Walk to Emmaus, and reaches out to teens through the Chrysalis program.
Pastor Janel Richardson
Pastor Janel is a highly experienced educator, ordained pastor, and ministry leader with a heart for serving others. She holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Education, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every role she serves in. Janel is a high school educator and an adjunct professor at the University of La Verne, where she values the opportunity to work in the secular world as a light for Christ and to share His love with those around her (Matthew 5:16). For the past 15 years, she has been actively involved in the Emmaus and Chrysalis ministries, faithfully serving on the retreats and on the board as Assistant Spiritual Director. Deeply passionate about guiding and loving the next generation (Proverbs 22:6), Janel finds joy in teaching at Real Life Church and equipping leaders through onboarding and ministry training, embodying Paul’s charge to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12). She is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising four children who share their love for Jesus and serving His people (Joshua 24:15).
Pastor Marie Carillo
Pastor Marie is a mother of three adult children and a proud grandmother of six. She has been blessed to serve in various ministry roles throughout her faith journey. She has assisted in the Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Prophetic Ministry within the church. She’s also been part of the Church Prayer Team, providing intercession and support for others in their walk with Christ. Beyond the church walls, she has served with the Chaplain Eagles Ministry, ministering at Camp Scott and Camp Scudder Juvenile Detention Centers, sharing God’s love and hope with incarcerated youth. She has held leadership positions as a Girl Scout Leader and Assistant Boy Scout Leader. Additionally, she’s had the privilege of participating in Chrysalis and Emmaus spiritual renewal retreats, both as a participant and team member, deepening her relationship with Christ and encouraging others in their spiritual growth.
Luz DeLeon
Luz is part of the High Desert Emmaus West Christian organization, where the impactful Walk to Emmaus program develops Christian disciples and leaders. It inspires, challenges, and equips active adult church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. The program also benefits less active members seeking to renew a relationship with God, grow spiritually, or discover firmer foundations for their lives. She has served on the High Desert Emmaus West Board for over ten years.
Luz DeLeon lives in Palmdale but was raised in Echo Park, CA, making her a true California native. She is a proud mother to one adult son and has a furry companion. Luz's dream trip is to tour Italy, and her favorite meal is super spicy jambalaya. Professionally, Luz works as a Women's Health Program Administrator and has dedicated over 30 years to working in Women's Health Administration.
FOUNDER AND INTERNATIONAL AMBASSDOR
Rev. Gwen Ehrenborg
Rev. Gwen Ehrenborg is enjoying the semi-retired pastor’s life having co-pastored, with her husband, 5 California churches for over 30 years. Gwen is still active as a General Evangelist in the United Methodist Church, which allows her to officially represent the denomination throughout the nations. Gwen brings to her teaching and preaching a variety of life experiences having served in Zaire, Africa as a single missionary and then in Mexico with her late-husband. Widowed at age 27, while expecting her first child; she soon attended Fuller Theological Seminary to earn a Masters of Divinity degree.
Pastor Gwen is best known for her drama and teaching ministry, Living Witnesses through which she dramatically portrays 7 different leading women of Church history. Beginning in l984, these performances have been well received by Catholics and Protestants alike. Active on a number of para-church ministries, her great passion is S.W.I.M. International. Gwen felt God’s prompting to begin S.W.I.M. in 2004 by first bringing women in ministry and prayer intercessors together in support groups. After chairing the S.W.I.M. Board of Directors for 13 years, she now travels as its International Ambassador. Her latest book, Church Mothers, 7 Women of Letters at Crossroads in History, shares the fruitful accomplishments and inspiring faith of women whom God raised up to be highly influential spiritual leaders.
Email - livingwitnesses@sbcglobal.net
Fulfilling God's Calling
Supporting Women In Ministry (S.W.I.M.) International are women who have been appointed by God to minister to the Body of Christ according to His revealed will. From the teaching of Holy Scripture, we believe that some women, as well as men, are called by God to pastor a local church, yet others are called to use their God-given gifts, skills, and talents to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Swimmers and Life Savers
S.W.I.M. came into being as a support group of women in ministry who wanted prayer intercessors encircling them so that they might receive the clear leading of the Holy Spirit. Women in ministry, whimsically called “Swimmers,” and prayer intercessors known as “Life Savers,” have successfully enhanced women’s callings in many exciting ways.
One Mission. One Purpose.
Serving in a church, para-church, or individual ministry can often be a challenging and isolating experience. In response, S.W.I.M. International was created to primarily bring women in ministry into a relationship with a support group where they may be encouraged and spiritually strengthened.
In this Christian community, they are empowered for service in the 21st Century with its unique challenges confronting women leaders. Our Mission and Purpose Statements are the core objectives of S.W.I.M. International’s “calling” to prayerfully and relationally support women in Christian ministry in unique and effective ways.
FAQs
How can joining S.W.I.M. International benefit my ministry or church community?
By joining S.W.I.M. International, women in ministry gain access to a network of like-minded leaders, valuable resources, and mentorship opportunities. This support can lead to more effective ministry practices, enhanced leadership abilities, and a stronger community impact.
Are there any specific requirements or qualifications needed to become a part of S.W.I.M. International?
While S.W.I.M. International welcomes women from various backgrounds, it is beneficial to have a commitment to ministry and a desire for growth. The organization offers different levels of involvement, and its programs are designed to support women at various stages of their ministry journey.
How can I connect with other women in ministry for support and collaboration?
Building a network of support is crucial for women in ministry. S.W.I.M. International facilitates connections through events, online communities, and regional gatherings, allowing women to share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate on ministry projects.