A Milestone 6,000 Miles Away
Singapore
Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church.
The name sounds like a church you might find dotting the countryside of any region in the United States. But it’s actually over 6,000 miles away from the closest U.S. coast — and that’s in Alaska.
Calvary Bible is a church in Singapore, seamlessly carved into the bustling urban landscape, hosting services in three different languages every week. Compared with over 60% in the U.S., just 17% of Singapore’s population claims Christianity as their religion; it’s a challenging place for Gospel-focused ministry. Yet Calvary Bible has reached a remarkable milestone this year: They celebrated 35 years of Awana Clubs ministry in their church.
For 35 years, Calvary Bible-Presbyterian Church has planted seeds of faith that reach across generations.
In a lifespan, 35 years may not seem like much. But a lot has happened in that 35 years. Considering the average church’s patterns, Awana ministry at Calvary Bible has likely outlasted 8 to 11 pastoral transitions. Children who grew up in their Awana club have now become leaders in Awana.
And the whole internet happened (fun fact: it became open to the public on April 30, 1993).
Like the old “rain on your wedding day” superstition, the first time their club ever gathered, it was amid a torrential downpour, and it seems to have been a sign of good things to come. Over 100 kids showed up that night. And many of those kids grew up to pick up the torch and lead the next group of disciples. Some are experiencing the joy of leading their own children, even grandchildren, in discipleship every week — a beautiful reminder that 35 years spans more than just a generation.
These children are joining a 35-year legacy of faith … and of singing the Awana theme song.
From the very beginning of their Awana ministry, the leaders and parents lifted up a shared prayer that the Lord would grant joy in serving Him. And He has come through with flying colors, evidenced in service that is visibly grounded in love. Through changes that time always brings in pastoral teams, church members, political and cultural shifts — entire tech revolutions — God has indeed granted joy in this Awana Club.
The leaders at Calvary Bible host a Grand Prix event—fun for kids and parents alike.
Thank you for the ways you’ve helped Awana come alongside them on their journey. You are shaping the faith of the future.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
