Share Your Favorite Awana Memory
Leaders, volunteers, parents, clubbers … all of you have helped to make it possible for us to celebrate 60 years of ministry. We’d love to hear how Awana has made a difference in your life. Would you share your special memory in our guestbook?
Steve Christensen Says:
I have been more than blessed to have been a first-hand witness to the influence of Awana. My family’s history has been intertwined with the history of Awana- from my dad’s (Bob) involvement going all the way back to the White Shirt Brigade; to my grandparent’s service at the Center and camp (Bert & Mabel Dobbert); to growing up in Awana at Bethel Community; being an Awana leader at Arlington Free and Alpine Chapel; my kids being clubbers; and now my grandkids are in clubs at Christ Community in St. Charles! Five generations of lives touched by the vision God planted in a willing servant. Congratulations on 60 years of commitment to children world-wide.
Caroline Mantooth Says:
I have been in AWANA for 15 wonderful years. Worked in all areas but the most memorable one was when we had a prayer request from a cubbie. He asked for prayer for his grandfather who ran off the road, the ambulance came for him, took him to the “die house”, and buried him. That night when the moon came up, Jesus came down and dug him up and took him to heaven. This is a memory I have from a little 3 year old cubbie that I will never forget. We also asked another what a prophet was, he told us “A department store”.
Melissa Says:
I had the privilege of starting in Sparks and growing up in Awana. My parents were both very involved, my Mom was Chum director for over 15 years and my Dad was Commander for 14 years. Awana has always been a part of my life and now I am the Cubbie Director. I have served in Awana in various capacities for 15 years now. Now I am watching my son (5 yrs old) grow up in Awana also….there are not words for how much that means to me! Awana provides a solid Godly foundation and is a great way for me to bring God into our home. Happy 60th Birthday, Thank You for making such a HUGE difference in my life!
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Diana Jeffries Says:
I’ve been a T&T leader for 4 years now, and seeing the children come to know Christ as Savior is my favorite part of AWANA. I know it’s hard on the kids, being in school all day, then having to come and “work” some more, but when the kids see how much they progress from week to week and see the smiles on their faces, they know it’s worth it. I love my “job” and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Happy 60th Anniversary and many, many more!
Diana Jeffries
T&T Leader
South Jefferson Baptist Church
Louisville, KY
Dawn Harrison Sweet Says:
I know better what I beleive and can articulate why I believe it because of the years I spent being “trained to serve Him” in Awana. I was a Sparky, a Chum, a Guard and a JVer. My husband and I have just completed our 15th year working in Awana at Rockford Baptist Church in Rockford, Michigan. On our church’s Christian Education Committee and charged with overseeing the Children’s Ministries, I am committed to ensuring that the children of our church and our community will recieve the rock-solid biblical training that Awana provides. Most recently, after a study of Larry Fowlers’ “Modern Day Joseph,” our committee developed a Children’s Worldview Development Plan and is in the process of teaching our church family to turn out whole-hearted, life-long followers of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the spiritual training I received from the Awana program and am very grateful for the rich resources and support Awana provides as we seek to raise up the next generation of Kingdom kids.
Janice Burmaster Says:
This is my 25th year working in Awana. I love sharing the Gospel with the children and see their lives change. I work with T&T girls and one of my girls at the beginning of the year said,yes I know Jesus as my Savior, only to tell me later that they want a relationship with Jesus. Thats what brings such Joy to my heart.
Terri Smigelski Schultz Says:
AWANA provided the foundation I needed to choose the right path in my life. I did not have the privilege of having Christian parents, but I had many AWANA leaders who still pointed me in the way of Christ. All those verses I memorized come to mind still today. I was also able to be a leader for many years, then began training others to become leaders.
I think my favorite AWANA memory was when I began working as an LIT, and I realized I could be a help to those younger than I. It is so amazing to see those I led now in places like Christian schools, the mission field, and the pastorate! God is good, all the time!
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Becky Loughridge Says:
Having been a part of Awana for 25 years, I have some tremendous change and growth. We are blessed to have the best Awana missionaries right here in Oregon! I have seen entire families trust in Christ as their Savior as a result of having a child in Sparks. The gospel is clearly presented and lives are changed! My own children grew up in the Awana program and have had a part in leading groups of their own. It is a joy and an honor to be a part of Awana; as a leader, director, co-commander, and member of the ministry team in Oregon. We put one hand on the word of God and one hand on the child, and bring them together for life change!
One of my favorite memories: After Sparks, my seven-year-old daughter took her younger brother to the backyard and shared her love for Jesus. She led him to the Lord using verses from her Hiker handbook. Today, he is at Corban University, majoring in Youth Ministry.
Rebecca Barfield Says:
My daughter, Sophia, was saved last year during the Awana End-of-the-Year Award Ceremony. She was in her 1st year of being a Spark & had been in Awana since her 1st year as a Cubbie. We could not have been more proud!
Becky Jensen Says:
Hey guys–
The picture you have next to the caption about the very first Awana Scholarship Camp in 1972 didn’t come from the first camp. I was there and the camp picture that year was taken outside. Do you need a copy? Camp was a great experience–both as a camper and counselor. I’m very thankful for the men and women that have kept camp alive.
Carol McDaniel Says:
My first experience with Awana was when I began taking my 3 yr. old grandson to Cubbies. He was sick one week and when we went back the next week the teacher ask him what had been wrong? He told her he was bit by a snake. She was so upset. When actually we had ran over a snake on the way to church. And he had only had a cold. Well she and I became friends that night and she talked me into working with her in Cubbie’s. I have now been working in Awana for 9 years and have been the Commander for 4 yrs. It has been a very rewarding experience sharing the word of God each and every week with so many young clubbers. Oh! and by the way that Cubbbie (my grandson)who told his teacher he got bit by the snake, he is now in T & T and is a new Christian.
Debbie Walker Says:
AWANA has been a big part of our family for the last 21 years. At one time or another my mother, 3 sisters, myself, and my husband have been Learders, secretaries, and club Directors. Our daughter Mandi started in Cubbies at age 3 at Warrendale Community Church in Dearborn, MI. Our Awana missionaries Rick and Connie Stomps played a big part in Mandi’s christian growth as she attended Awana Scholarship Camp each year from 4th grade through high school. When Mandi was in middle school we moved and changed churches. Although our old church ran Awana from Cubbies through high school, our new church home at Calvary Baptist Church of Canton, MI only had a Cubbies and Sparks program. Instead of doing the in house high school program and to continue her work in Awana, Mr.Stomps had Mandi work as a Leader in training in Cubbies, while doing the required Varsity books. He also had her compelte “double” the amount of books to make up for not attending a Varsity Club! Mandi was able to coplete all of the books and earned her Citation Award. Because our new church did not have the upper clubs, no one except our family and a very few of the leaders knew what an accomplishment this was for Mandi. Mandi was to receive her Citation Award at the Cubbie/Sparks Award Ceremony along with all the clubbers. Mandi had a very special surprise when Mr. Stomps came on stage to present Mandi with her award and let our church know how many years she had worked and how many verses she had learned in 15 years! Mandi has been giving back to Awana and our church by working in my Sparks club as one of my secretaries/Leaders for the past 7 years even while she attends EMU for her second science degree. Awana helps to shape a child and turns them back to work for Christ in the church.(Proverbs 22:6) I know Awana will still be a big part of our lives in the future!
Frank Banfill Says:
What a blessing it has been to see first hand how Awana is developing leaders world-wide. Keep up the great work!
Diane Baker Says:
In 1994 I started as an Awana Secretary, when I was a baby Christian. Today I’m the Awana Commander for my church. I came to Christ in my 30’s, and didn’t know Awana as a child, but I am so grateful to be a part of it today. Some of the children I ministered to as toddlers and pre-schoolers are now my leaders in training, and Awana is the favorite part of their week. They’re having so much fun, they don’t realize how much of God’s Word has soaking into their hearts and minds, until they need it. What a blessing when they realize that they have the answer to a problem because of what is hidden in their hearts. Over the last 16 years, Awana has become more a part of my life than I ever thought possible. Thanks, Art!
Sandi Diaz Says:
I could never narrow it down to one memory!!! I am 36 years old. I began Awana as a 5 yr old Sparky. A few years later my Dad became Awana Missionary for SC.
So Awana has been a HUGE part of my life!!! As a clubber I completed Sparks through Varsity. (Cubbies did not exist) I now have completed my 22nd year as an Awana leader. I currently serve as the Sparks Director at my home church Temple Baptist in Anderson, SC. My husband was a clubber in one of the first Awana Clubs in Mexico! We met when we were 12 and 13 while I was there with my Dad on a mission trip helping to start Awana. I was saved at the age of 12 at Awana Scholarship Camp in Cleveland, GA……. My Hubby and I have also served on my Dads ministry board here in SC for several years as well. So I guess you can say that AWANA is just a natural, daily part of my life and has been for many years! I have two children–a Cubbie and a Sparky!! One of my favorite highlights Was winning the Varsity Olympics and the Bible Quiz in chicago as a Varsity clubber. Wedneday night Sparks is the highlight of my week………we average 70 Sparks and I have 17 awesome leaders!!!!!! We are truly an Awana Family!!!!
I am thankful to be apart of this great tool called Awana!! And even more thankful to be exposed to it as a clubber, leader, missionary kid, ministry board member and director!! I have met sooooooo many people over the years because of Awana.
I LOVE AWANA (and SPARKS is best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
keijo Says:
Thank you Lord for your nice face with smail and joy in blessing of the Lord.Be used of God with gospel and winning many peoples to Jesus with the songs and the hymns in love and kindful mind in power of the Holy Spirits power and thanskgiving ,thanks and bless and pray,your brother in faith,keijo sweden
Angela Says:
Having grown up at an AWANA in Illinois, nearly 30 years ago, we were near the hub of all AWANA – AWANA Headquarters. Every year, a group of leaders and clubbers from my church went to headquarters to volunteer our help with whatever they needed. We slept on the floor in one of the offices and the next morning we would help. We had several leaders that were carpenters and contractors, so often they would fix things around the offices and warehouse that needed repair, or help cut the wooden blocks for Grand Prix cars. My fondest memories are packing boxes and assembling awards to send to other AWANA clubs. I distinctly remember packing boxes for AWANA clubs overseas. Our helper from headquarters had to stick English labels on all the tubs we were taking things from, because we couldn’t read the foreign languages!
Karen Says:
I was the first kid to pass their rank test in our church’s new AWANA program, back in the early 70’s. The church threw a little party and had a cake with a picture of the Papoose rank badge on it and a caption that read, “The First of Many.” I was about 8 years old and didn’t understand what the caption meant.
As an adult in my 40s, I now know what that saying means. I’ve been involved in a couple of churches with AWANA programs and I’ve seen many children’s lives changed through AWANA. I think it is probably the most effective child evenagelism program in existance.
I am also very thankful for AWANA’s emphasis on scripture memory. I continued with the AWANA program through the high school Shipmates program, and I memorized many verses in the process. I am amazed at how God uses those verses I learned in my childhood and teen years, and calls them to rememberance when I need them.
Thank you, AWANA, for making a difference in my life and many others.
Elizabeth Meadows Says:
This is my 11th year in Awana. I am serving as the AWANA commander this year. My son, who is now serving as an LIT began Awana during my first year, when Bob Bennett was the Awana missionary in the Poconos, PA. I remember how Bob shared his stories about AWANA and his passion for teaching God’s Word to children. I was hooked!
I remember when I was the VBS coordinator and we used the T&T song and them to get everyone excited about the change from Chums & Guards/Pals & Pioneers. I remember serving, memorizing scripture and being able to share the gospel to my parents who only had 3rd grade education. The verses I memorized have never, ever returned void. God has comforted me through my parent’s divorce, the death of my husband’s father, and so much more by memorizing and learning God’s word.
My husband is now the Children’s Pastor at Calvary Baptist, Bob Bennett is now serving the area we are living in, my daughter is going into the 5th grade and will be wearing the new Challenge uniform, and God is allowing my family to play a very important role in reaching children during AWANA’s 60th year; also the year that our church is moving into a new building in 2011, where we will have 2 Game Circles.
Leigh Says:
I started AWANA at 3 years old. My Grandmother was the secretary for the AWANA club and was very keen on all of her grandchildren attending. I actually accepted Jesus Christ into my heart at the age of 3 1/2 sitting on my carpet square in Cubbies. I thank God for AWANA and my parents willingness to bring us every week. I can attribute my good study skills and memorization ability to AWANA, it truly helped me from Kindergarten to college! I have several “little memories” from AWANA that pop into my mind:
1. My entire family gathering at Grand Prix event (Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, & cousins) that fell on my 8th Birthday. One of my Uncles knew a landracer who had a streamliner race car (I think that’s what they’re called) & they brought that down and parked it in front of the church.
2. Our favorite song leader, Mr. Bedario singing the AWANA song and giving out Red Hots for knowing memory verses.
3. Getting chocolate covered cherries for knowing our verses as a special treat on President Washington’s birthday.
4. Awards nights, drive in movie nights and the AWANA store at Christmas time. My siblings and I always bought gifts for one another there for Christmas! 
5. I don’t know how many friends I brought to AWANA over the years, but they were always more than welcome and got to know more about Jesus.
I am now 26 years old and I have a 3 year old son who will start AWANA this fall. I am so glad to be passing the tradition of AWANA down to my children. Thank you to AWANA for sharing Jesus with kids!
P.S. My Grandmother was a volunteer in every capacity for AWANA at her church. She’s 94 now, but she didn’t retire that long ago from her work with the kids.
Margaret Hennebach Says:
My favorite memory of Awana is quizzing with my teammates at Summit 07 in Denver, CO. It was my first year in Journey, and I was SO nervous. However, I learned a lot about trusting God and my team as we studied. I learned that if I submit myself to God and let Him be in charge, He will teach me amazing things (like being able to quote my Awana book from cover to cover! I could never have done that on my own!). I also learned that if you fall into a frozen lake, don’t go play in the snow; frostbite is no joke! I think I gave my leader some new gray hairs over that one.
Celebrating
50-Plus Years of Faithful Awana Service
Gwendetta Albright’s 50-plus years of faithful Awana service at a church in Chicago has changed lives in hundreds of families.
Gwendetta Albright grew up on the west side of Chicago. She trusted Christ for salvation at a summer camp at age 13. She then started serving as an Awana leader two years later in 1958.
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