A Lifetime of Service to Children’s Ministry

OKLAHOMA CITY – Norma Shepherd (pictured left) has recently retired from the Oklahoma Conference Children’s Ministries Department after 10 years of dedicated service. Originally from Fresno, Calif., Shepherd began her ministry journey at just 14 years old by helping with a local Vacation Bible School (VBS). Her passion for working with children led her to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education.

“I have always felt,” Shepherd shared, “that if you capture a child’s heart and help them build a relationship with Jesus, they’re less likely to depart from Him when they grow up.” 

Shepherd and her husband, Rex, embraced mission service early in their marriage. They had been married only six months when they had the opportunity to go to Lesotho, Africa, to work for a year at Maluti Adventist Hospital. Before they left, they secured a full three-year Bible Story felt set. They brought the uncut felt onto the flight, and invited fellow passengers to help them cut out the felts. “People were so curious about what we were doing!” Shepherd recalls. “It turned into a wonderful witnessing opportunity.”

At Maluti Adventist Hospital, Shepherd assisted with non-clinical work, helped her husband manage the farm, kept hospital statistics and even developed X-rays. But what she loved most was leading branch Sabbath Schools.

Shepherd’s philosophy centers on love. “Showing kids Jesus’ love is more important than focusing on rules and traditions,” Shepherd said. “Once they know who Jesus is and what He values, living the life He calls us to becomes easier.”

Although Norma is retiring from conference-wide responsibilities, her passion for children’s ministries remains strong. “I’ve always taught Sabbath School—that’s where my heart is,” she said. “I will continue teaching Primary Sabbath School and VBS at the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church until Jesus comes back or retires me locally.”

Oklahoma Conference President Daniel Ortega expressed how grateful he is for Shepherd’s faithful service. “Her dedication to the families and children of Oklahoma was marked by kindness, gentleness and an unfailingly positive attitude. She left a lasting impression on countless young hearts, serving as a loving, tender grandmother to many. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve alongside her and witness firsthand the compassion and commitment she poured into every child she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

Replacing Shepherd as the next children’s ministries coordinator is Lisa Amukaya (pictured right). Amukaya was born and raised in a Baptist home. At the age of 20, she discovered the truth about the Sabbath, then began Bible studies, which led to her baptism in 2003. The following year, she married Micah Amukaya, and together they have been blessed with four young adult children. She and her family have been members at Abundant Life Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2009.

Amukaya has always had a deep passion for working with children. From a young age, she served in her church’s nursery, assisted teachers and helped with Vacation Bible School. Her love for children’s ministries only grew stronger in adulthood. Today, she continues to serve in her local church as a Sabbath School teacher, VBS leader, Adventurers teacher and children’s choir assistant director. 

Amukaya has worked at First Christian Childcare Center in Edmond for the past 16 years—first as a teacher, and for the last three years she has been on the administration team as curriculum coordinator. She’s currently pursuing a degree in child development with an emphasis in administration. 

Amukaya believes that children are precious jewels from God. It is her heartfelt desire to help them discover Jesus for themselves and develop a personal relationship with Him. She finds immense joy in seeing their faces light up with understanding, hearing their voices lifted in song and witnessing their unrestrained laughter. These are all moments that bring happy tears to her eyes.

Amukaya’s philosophy is rooted in creating a space where every child feels loved, safe and valued, no matter what their circumstances. Her personal motto is, “If even just one will be saved, then it was all worth it.”

Amukaya looks forward with humbled excitement and prayerful anticipation as she steps into the role of children’s ministries coordinator for the Oklahoma Conference. She is eager to see how the Lord will use her and the little lives she may impact in this next chapter of her journey.

By Todd Gessele
Assistant Communication Director