The Story of Awana
While the Apostle Paul
was in prison in Rome, he wrote a letter to his special young friend, Timothy. In 2
Timothy 2:15, Paul encouraged Timothy to study the Scriptures as an "approved
workman."
 Timothy was a faithful Christian who lived about 2,000 years
ago. He had a godly mother and grandmother who trained him to love the Lord. On the
Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, Timothy served as his companion and helper. He
later became a dedicated teacher and preacher of God's Word.
 Just as Paul taught Timothy to study the Scriptures
and serve the Lord many years ago, a 20th century Pastor in Chicago (IL) influenced
thousands of young people to follow Christ, too. In the 1940's, Pastor Lance
"Doc" Latham of the North Side Gospel Center wanted to find a way to reach boys
and girls and teens who didn't go to Church on Sunday.
 One of the young people at the Center, Art Rorheim,
helped "Doc" and his wife, "Teach", develop the Awana program. Since
"Doc" Latham was his close friend and Christian example, Art could be called the
"Timothy" of the Awana ministry.
As the Awana uniforms, handbooks, unique four-way Game Circle, and award
system were developed, God blessed this new youth program. The Awana Youth Association was
officially organized in 1950. Many other churches heard about Awana and asked if they
could start clubs, too.
 The first Canadian Awana Clubs began in 1973. In the late 1970's and
throughout the 1980's, the Awana ministry spread around the world. In 1986, the
"Awana Youth Association" became "Awana Clubs
International." By 1992, Awana Clubs were operating in more than 60 countries. Awana materials are
now available in
more than 15 languages. The original program has been adapted to meet the needs of
young
people in many different lands.
Hundreds of thousands of boys and girls and teens
worldwide are learning God's Word in Awana Clubs each week. You can join these young
people in becoming modern-day "Timothies" and "approved workmen" as
you learn to love and serve the Lord.
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