The Barrier-Breaking Power of the Gospel

Egypt

In a small Upper Egypt town, where persecution of Christians has occasionally turned deadly in recent years, a 12-year-old blind boy named Thomas joined the Awana club at his church. The church uses the Awana Living God’s story program, and despite his challenge, Thomas showed remarkable enthusiasm for learning and memorizing God’s Word.

Through the support of his Awana leader, Thomas is growing in faith and inspiring others with his love for Scripture.

One day, the Awana leaders decided to hold a fun competition with the children. So Thomas could be included, the leaders taught him how to identify answer cards by touch so he could take part equally with the other children. Thomas competed confidently and won first place, inspiring everyone. He also studies the Bible regularly on his own by using the braille system, allowing him to further his understanding of Scripture.

Awana leaders in Egypt faithfully share the hope of Jesus with the next generation.

Thomas’ victory, his love for Scripture and his pursuit of biblical literacy at a young age motivated the entire church to support the Awana club with renewed energy. Since then, Thomas continues to memorize Bible verses, becoming a living example of how God’s Word can shine in any part of the world, through any limitation.

Faithful Awana leaders make sure kids have every opportunity to grow in God’s Word.

Thomas’ story is a poignant example of the power of Scripture. When God sends out His Word, it never returns void. As the Lord says in Isaiah 55:10-11,

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Thanks to your generosity, the power of Scripture is breaking through human barriers all over the world to reach the hearts and minds of children like Thomas.