She Ran Her Race Well: Hannah's Story

New York, U.S.

Last year, a New York Awana community grieved the loss of a 16-year-old girl named Hannah, daughter of a husband-wife Awana leader team, when she went home to be with Jesus after battling an autoimmune condition for more than half her life. While it was a loss made lighter knowing she’s fully healed forever, it goes without saying: 16 years doesn’t seem long enough.

In a perfect world, kids get more time. They make more mistakes. They get to grow up. But in an imperfect world, maybe it’s less about longevity and more about making an impact where you can, while you can. If that’s the measure, Hannah had it figured out long before most.

Hannah (far right) with her family

As the child of Awana leaders, Hannah was also a leader in her own right. People at church knew her for her outward-facing service at Awana on Friday nights. But the bulk of her service happened on her own time, whether she was typing song lyrics for PowerPoints or recording attendance. Her father says, “Her consistency behind the scenes taught us legacy isn’t built in the spotlight, but in faithfulness.”

Hannah (in red jacket) serving at Awana Grand Prix

That faithfulness was a priority in Hannah’s daily life even in her last days as, once again in the hospital, she told visitors from her Awana club she could still help with their upcoming anniversary event. You have to wonder why.

When most 16-year-olds are distracted by first jobs, clubs and social media, what motivated Hannah to focus on serving through Awana? A pastor asked her once, and her answer wasn’t that she loved being in front of people or that she thrived on being in charge. It was simply this: “I see there’s a need in the church for things to be done, so I had to overcome my fear and shyness and get things done.”

Hannah had a true heart for serving the Lord, and she learned firsthand in 2020 the benefit of knowing Jesus and learning His Word. At 12 years old, she had to be admitted to the hospital. No one wanted to be in a hospital in 2020.

When she was told that was the only option, she began to cry, inconsolable. Her mom, Mercy, knowing Hannah had memorized hundreds of Bible verses as she worked toward her Awana Citation award, asked, “Hannah, what’s your favorite Psalm?” Hannah replied, “Psalm 23,” and they spoke it together: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures … By the time she finished the verses, her tears had dried. The fear had subsided. God was with her, and she wanted everyone to know the God she knew.

Hannah (in blue dress) serving as emcee at Awana Anniversary

After Hannah’s passing, her father, Santhosh, wrote these words in a beautiful tribute to her:

“Her life was not long by earthly standards, but she ran her race well. Endowed with quiet strength, a strong faith, and a servant heart, she lived a life that is an example to all. She truly fought the good fight — not just through her health challenges but in how she chose to live, love and serve in the face of them.”

The generosity of donors like you helped shape the unshakable faith that was a light in the dark for Hannah and all she touched through Awana. It continues to shine for children all over the world. Thank you for giving to what matters most.