Wednesday, January 13, 2010

The Sweetest Privilege

When I was a child, I got to go to Awana at a local church. If you don't know, Awana is a program for kids ages 3 years old thru 12th grade, designed to teach the fundamentals of Christianity. This is done through interactive teaching times, Bible memory, fun awards, and exciting games. I loved being in Awana from 1st grade-8th grade, and now I work in Awana. In fact, this year I am the commander in charge of our church's whole club. I volunteer with Awana beause it made such a big impact on me when I was growing up. I learned how to memorize Scripture, and have a large bank of verses in my memory. My kids are in Awana because of the experience I had, and I work in Awana because I want to be part of making a difference for Christ in the life of a child.

Tonight, I got to sit down with a 2nd grade girl and talk with her about Jesus. She asked me some really thoughful questions, and I gave her some answers. Then I asked her some questions, and she gave me some answers. The final question I asked her was if she wanted to give her life to Jesus, and ask Him to be her forever friend. She did! Once I was sure she understood, we prayed together, and then her little face lit up the room. I gave her a special Bible study book and a new Bible. Before I sent her back to her activities, I read her a special verse and marked it in her new Bible. I pray she never forgets, and will hold onto this promise for the rest of her life.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

This is what I love! Does life get any better than this?

6 comments:

Laura said...

Praise God! What an awesome privilege! I am so thankful for your faithfulness to share and your love for children!

Stef said...

This is awesome, Em!! I can't wait to get our kids enrolled in AWANA's here.

Unknown said...

awww Em. Brings tears to my eyes... there's NOTHING better then bringing someone to the Lord!! Praise God for that girl and her new hope in Christ!! And for you being willing to give your time to help kids.

kranderson said...

What a wonderful blog post about the impact Awana has had on your life, both as a young girl and now as an adult. My name is Kim Anderson and I work at Awana headquarters in Chicago. I write stories for the Awana Web site about how God uses the ministry of Awana in people's lives. I'd love to hear more of your story! Feel free to contact me at kima@awana.org when it's convenient for you and we can set up a time to talk!
Blessings,
Kim Anderson

Lori said...

What a privilege, Emily! You're probably still smiling about it, as you should be. Glory to God!

About Southern Belle said...

Rejoicing with you, what a sweet story!

I can't wait until we are settled and find a new church home so my kids can go to Awana too.

~Christine