“Sunday school? I’ll pass…”

Zambia

I’m tired.
I’m hungry.
I don’t feel good.
I won’t know anyone.

Favour in Zambia

Kids have used those statements, plus a thousand more creative ones, since the dawn of time to avoid potentially unpleasant situations: school; taking out the garbage; summer camp; and, yes, sometimes … church (we adults do it, too — let’s be honest — some things you never outgrow, right?).

They’re phrases Favour’s parents probably got used to hearing when it was time for Sunday school. For Favour, a young girl in Lusaka, Zambia, the regular church service was one thing. Her mother and father always went to church on Sunday mornings, so she went with them. It was a non-negotiable, important part of their family life. But Sunday school was different. It was supposed to be a bonus, a time when she could be with her peers and have fun while she learned about the Bible.

And Favour opted out nearly every time.

Her parents didn’t force it. But at home, she didn’t want a turn to pray aloud during family prayer times. She didn’t know any Bible verses by heart. It was clear to Favour’s parents that she wasn’t absorbing what was taught during church services or growing in her faith or curiosity about Jesus, but if she wasn’t willing to go to Sunday school … was it all going to have to happen at home?

Favour’s reluctance wasn’t totally unfamiliar to the church. As it turned out, kids generally weren’t having fun at Sunday school. And while fun isn’t the point, it certainly helps motivate children to want to be there and stay tuned in.

Sensing the children’s ministry needed a reboot, the church reached out to Awana for support. Soon, with a new, Gospel-centered curriculum and training to help the leaders engage the kids, the ministry launched Awana as the reborn Sunday school experience for the boys and girls of their community. And it got Favour’s attention.

Through games at Awana kids discover a love for God.

It was Game Time that caught her eye first. But the games weren’t just games. They were bridge-builders and teamwork teachers. Kids who’d been barely making eye contact with each other were laughing and learning each other’s names. Adults who’d lost hope of ever getting kids excited about Jesus were faced with a new and awesome challenge: How to get them to calm down because now it was so much fun!

Faithful Awana leaders help kids discover the hope of God’s Word.

Today, Favour loves coming to Sunday school. She’s there every weekend. And the girl whose eyes once went wide and nervous when she was asked to pray can now pray with confidence, recite Bible verses, and even teach her friends verses. Her growth, the teachers say, has been fast and inspiring.

Favour’s story is just one powerful testimony of how God is working through Awana to transform children’s ministry and shape kids all over the world to know, love and serve Jesus. This mission wouldn’t be the same without you. On behalf of Awana, the local church, and children like Favour…THANK YOU!