Some thoughts on Awana...

Last night also marked my last night as "commander".

I love Awana! It is an amazing program - probably the best I've seen as far as total evangelism, discipleship/training of children and youth. It even goes so far as evangelizing the family of the kids that come to club. Amazing. BUT, it takes a whole church and the commitment and dedication of many, many people to make it work. I am hoping and praying that me stepping down will not stop the program at our church, but I fear it might.

I have been praying that someone would take over - someone that has the "inner fortitude" to take all of the pressure and politics that come with leadership in our church, someone that can stand up for God in spite of opposition. I'm afraid I'm just not that person anymore. I'm worn out. I'm tired of the constant fighting. It's sad to say that I've done the bare minimum for months now, waiting for my "term" to end. That is not good service to God! He deserves my best, and I have not been giving that.

Anyway, it is with mixed feelings that I put this chapter of my life to rest. I am relieved that it is over - Awana has taken a lot of my time and attention for 4 years now. Nearly every Sunday evening during the school year, hours of planning during the week, untold amounts of stress over all kinds of different issues...But, such a blessing. To see 3 and 4 year olds reciting God's Word! To see youth making a stand for God! To see my own son come to know and accept Jesus partly because of what he read in his Sparks book! It is humbling to me that God trusted me to have a part in that.

I have been blessed by the time I got to do this. I will continue to pray for all the young people that I've met through Awana and pray that the Word they have already hidden in their hearts will help them in their Christian walk....