Beyond Our Wildest Dreams
In the changing culture of 1950s America, Awana was founded by Art Rorheim and Lance Latham to reach kids with the Gospel and invite them into a life of discipleship to Jesus Christ. While their work began on the north side of Chicago, their vision was audacious: that all children and youth throughout the world will come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
More than 70 years later, having endured highs and lows ranging from seasons of revival and rapid growth to world wars, persecution and pandemics, Awana is excited to celebrate a monumental milestone on this journey: reaching 5 million children around the globe each week with the Gospel.
Thanks to partnerships with more than 66,000 local churches across more than 100 denominations in 133 countries, expressions of Awana ministry programming vary widely, though all focus on sharing and engaging the truth of Scripture and the ways of Jesus. God has been faithful and generous to Awana as we remain rooted in the Bible.
There’s no telling how many leaders, children and families have been impacted by Awana, though the stories appear to be endless. There are Vika and Timur in Ukraine, Diana in Venezuela, or even Estrella in Peru, all of whom have come to know the Lord and taken upon a life of discipleship this year.
We share all of this to simply say thank you. Thank you for your commitment to follow Jesus and share His Good News with others. Thank you for participating in, leading and supporting the efforts of our ministry. Thank you for taking the time, taking a knee, taking discipleship to the littlest and the least. Thank you for investing in child discipleship, the most crucial need in the Church today.
As we reach this milestone, we can’t help but consider the children who have not been reached. We long to soon celebrate reaching 10 million children (and beyond!) each week. Let’s keep partnering together for the sake of the Gospel and the glory of God.
Through prayer and necessary financial partnership, we have incredible opportunities to reach tens of millions of additional children right now.
Will you please join us in this effort? Click here to help us reach the next five million children.
Matt Markins – Awana President & CEO
O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1