Hi, we are Pastor Harald and Helga Schwaiger.
We both grew up in very simple, traditional Catholic families in the country of Austria until in our early twenties Jesus opened our eyes and transformed our lives radically. We got married, moved into an apartment and said: "Here we are, Jesus! We want to live for you! Use us in any way you want!" After this prayer, the Lord used the next 12 years of our lives to cut wild branches, that would not bear fruit, he trained us to be parents of 4 wonderful children and be very involved in our wonderful church family in Austria!
In 2009 Jesus called us from Austria to the USA where Harald went to Frontier School of the Bible in LaGrange, WY and Helga, while learning the new language and soon after that being a homeschool mom, had two more children and also took a few classes in those years.
After seeking the Lord's will regarding where the Lord wanted us to be, we packed up our family of 8 and moved to Ivins UT, to start The Grace Place! 2016 we started with a Bible Study at our house. In October of that year, we started Sunday morning services and since then, Jesus is growing His Church body through Sunday Services, Bible Studies, Youth Ministry, Children's Ministry, Outreach and Fellowship with one another week by week.
We are so thankful for everything the Lord has done so far and we can't wait to see what's coming next.
Pastor Harald & Helga Schwaiger
Barb and I both found faith in Jesus at an early age. She grew up as a "preacher's kid" and was actively involved in church throughout her upbringing. In contrast, I came to Christ at the age of sixteen during a David Wilkerson crusade, having been raised in a less structured spiritual environment.
After retiring, we purchased property in Ivins, where we met Harald and Helga at an HOA meeting and began attending The Grace Place after settling into our new home. I became one of the church elders and started preaching periodically shortly thereafter. I was ordained in 2023 and now serve as a Pastor/Elder in this warm and loving community of believers. Barb has also been actively involved in women's ministry and prayer team coordination for many years.
We are passionate motorcyclists who have traveled across the nation, sharing the message of Jesus as we ride with the Christian Motorcyclists Association. We have two grown sons, whose families live in the Las Vegas area, resulting in many trips along I-15.
We are grateful to God for bringing us to Southern Utah and for our Grace Place family. We love to serve, teach, fellowship, and build God's kingdom together.
Pastor Paul & Barb
I was born in Long Island, New York, but moved to St. George in 1973 when I was 13 years old. I graduated from Dixie High School in 1979, which was the only high school in St. George at the time.
Shellie grew up in Beatty, a very small town in Nevada, and moved to St. George to continue her education after graduating high school in 1980. Shellie and I met at Dixie State College, now known as Utah Tech University, and we both later graduated from Southern Utah State College, now Southern Utah University.
We've been married for 40 years and are blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.
Shellie is the Manager of The Hope Chest Thrift Store, and I’m the Warehouse Manager. I also serve as a Preacher and Teaching Pastor at The Grace Place.
Pastor Darren & Shellie
Welcome Messages
