She Took Awana With Her

United States

If you ask children the first thing that drew them to Awana, it’s not surprising when most of them say, “the fun!” For some kids, that fun comes in the form of games. For Katie, a 13 year-old who started Awana when she was in 3rd grade living in California, the most fun came from awards and prizes for learning Scripture and answering questions about the Bible.

Katie’s ribbons celebrate more than achievement—they tell the story of Scripture learned, faith strengthened and trust in God.

But if you dig deeper and ask how being part of Awana made a difference in boys’ and girls’ lives, it’s in those answers that kids’ blossoming faith is revealed.

Katie was active in Awana for three years before her family moved from California to Tennessee, and the lessons she took from her discipleship experience helped her navigate that tough transition. She was scared of the unknown, worried about whether she would make friends and if she would fit in.

In the hardest times, she recognized that she needed to trust God, leaning on her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight. Katie says, “I needed this verse most when we moved to Tennessee. It reminded me God had a plan for me, even if it meant leaving my closest friends and family behind and moving to the unknown. I leaned on Him and He provided for me, giving me great and supportive friends.”

Scripture memorization gives kids truth and strength in trying times, but memorization alone doesn’t shape that outcome. It’s the deeper conversations and help from leaders like Katie’s Awana teacher, Ms. Carolyn, who went out of her way to help Katie and her friends understand the Bible and apply it to their lives.

“Scripture is a big thing I took away from Awana. It helps me, when I’m in a difficult situation, to remember God’s word, my identity in Christ and how God will want me to respond in the situation. Even in the middle of all my struggles, I know God is a firm foundation I can lean on because He’s in control, has a plan for me, and will never change.” Katie, age 13

Thank you for supporting kids like Katie on their walk with Jesus. She may not have an Awana club in her new hometown, but she took the lessons with her when she moved from California, and they’ll go with her anywhere and everywhere life takes her. That’s an impact that truly matters.