Contact: Gregg Wooding, 972-567-7660, Gregg@iampronline.com

DALLAS, Dec. 16 /Christian Newswire/ -- Scripture Union/USA, a worldwide ministry to encourage people of all ages to meet God daily in his Word, has announced the launch of a new South-Central Region office in Dallas, Texas. Sonja Samuel, an international ministry leader, was named regional director by Whitney T. Kuniholm, USA division President, and will report directly to Gil Reynders, National Field Director and former Salvation Army Officer.

With U.S. headquarters in Valley Forge, PA since 1959, Scripture Union is well known in the U.S. and internationally for conducting evangelism and discipleship programs, as well as for publishing a variety of Bible-reading resources and programs for children, youth and families. The ministry is also active in more than 130 countries, and worldwide 3.5 million people use its signature Bible-reading guides.

"I am excited and honored to represent such a respected global organization at such a critical moment in history when the next generation so desperately needs the Gospel and the truth of God's Word," Samuel said of her appointment. "We must reach young people with the good news of Christ before they need to be rescued," she continued. According to statistics, approximately 85% of those who make a decision to follow Christ do so between the ages of 4 and 14.

To help at-risk kids in the "4-14 window," Scripture Union has developed a strategy for reaching these children with God's Word in pilot programs in several U.S. cities. The main component is a Bible-based afterschool program called PrimeTime®, supported by a children's outreach mission called SuperKids® and ongoing Bible reading ministry. When bringing the programs into communities, Scripture Union often partners with churches and ministry organizations, like The Salvation Army, to capitalize on each others' strengths.

As South-Central regional director, Samuel is responsible for overseeing all ministry programs in her region, building awareness of Scripture Union's programs and initiating fundraising activities. After establishing the DFW Metroplex, Samuel plans to expand Scripture Union's programs in other Texas cities and throughout Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico.

Samuel is a native of Dallas, TX, and has an extensive ministry and business background spanning 20 years, including experience as a business executive, consultant, speaker, ministry director and short term missionary. Her energetic, results-oriented style and leadership has led to integral relationships with corporations, organizations and ministries such as the American Heart Association, American Heritage Academy, Children's Ministry International, Covenant Church/Churches in Covenant, Dallas Independent School District, E.K. Bailey Ministries, Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, General Accounting Office USA, Hitachi Ltd/Tokyo, Japan, Internal Revenue Service, Oldsmobile Motor Division, Walk Through the Bible, and Youth With A Mission/Spain.

Sonja's motivational, enlightening and empowering presentations have been experienced throughout North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and the UK. She is a favorite among student groups and mentors youth and young adults through her international performing arts troupe, Dancers 4 Life. Most recently Samuel has released an inspirational book, titled When I Accepted Me: 52 Affirmations for Accepting the Distinct and Unique Person You Were Designed to Be!

Before beginning her ministry, Samuel was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Though many years ago, her vivacious spirit remains a draw to those she meets while ministering the good news of the gospel in the U.S. and internationally.

For more information about Scripture Union, please visit our ministry website at www.scriptureunion.org. To contact Sonja Samuel about the South-Central region, please contact her via email at sonjas@scriptureunion.org.

Media interested in interviews with Sonja Samuel and/or other Scripture Union officials should contact Gregg Wooding at 972-567-7660 or Gregg@iampronline.com.