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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