A letter of encouragement to AWANA parents

If you do not know, AWANA club is a Bible memorization program that many churches offer for children and teens. AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. It is based on 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A typical AWANA night is divided up into 4 parts. 1. Opening prayer and pledges to the American flag, the Bible, and the AWANA flag. (Parts 2-4 are in different orders for different age groups). 2. Counsel time, a time of instruction from the Bible that is geared towards the age group being taught. All of the children sit together and listen to a teacher. 3. Handbook time. The children are usually separated into smaller groups and each child has the opportunity to recite Bible verses that they have memorized from their handbooks to their group leader. They can earn awards for memorizing scriptures and for completing their handbooks. 4. Game time. All of the children in an age group (say K-2nd grade, or 3-5th grade) gather around the game circle and play games directed by an adult leader.

AWANA has programs for ages 2 through Highschool, although my observation is that around here most churches only have AWANA programs through 5th grade and then offer something different for older children.

When I was younger, I was in AWANA for a few years. I participated in the teen program and I helped as a leader in training with the younger groups. A couple of years I worked with Sparks, the program for K-2nd grade, and another year I worked with girls in the 3-5th grade group.

I have honestly forgotten many things about my experience with AWANA back then, like what years I participated! But that doesn't really matter. What matters is what I have never forgotten. I have never forgotten the scriptures I learned during that time. They have stayed with me all of these years. It has literally been about 20 years now, but those scriptures have been written on my heart. I cannot always quote every scripture I have learned at the drop of a hat, but they are there and the Lord has brought them to my memory at all of the right times.

Isaiah 55:11 says "So shall My Word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

God's Word is powerful. When we put it in our hearts through study and memorization it will always be there. We may or may not be able to quote the scriptures we have learned at a moments notice, but when we need them, the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance and they will help guide us. His Word will always accomplish His will in our lives!

So now, to the parents who have their children in the AWANA program, and to the parents who are teaching your children scriptures. Don't lose heart! Don't give up! These scriptures that you are helping your children learn now will impact them for the rest of their lives! You may struggle teaching your children the scriptures (like I do!), but it will not be in vain. The Lord has a plan, He has sent out His Word, and it will accomplish His will in your child's life. Every moment spent working with your child on scripture memorization will be worth it.

Here are some practical tips for helping your child memorize.

~ Take their handbook with you in the car and have them practice while you drive around during the week.
~ Have your child's handbook next to the bed and make it part of the bedtime routine, working on verses for a few minutes every night before bed.
~ Keep your child's Bible and Handbook in a bag such as a canvas bag or back pack so you can keep track of it easily and so your child will be less likely to lose them on club night.
~ For longer verses, break them down and memorize only short parts of the verses at a time and then put them altogether.
~ If your child does not have a CD with the books of the Bible songs on them you can do a web search for "Books of the Bible song" on video.
~ Memorize the scriptures along with your child! Have your child test you to see if you have learned it correctly.
~ Write the scriptures out on index cards to carry around with you, or to post on the walls in your home. In front of the bathroom mirror is a good place.
~ Work on two or three sections of your child's book each week so that they can complete the book in 1 year.
~ Encourage your child! Tell them how important memorizing scripture is and show this to them by being interested in what they are learning and learn the scriptures yourself!
~ When you pick your child up from AWANA, take a look at their book to see which sections they were able to pass, and what you need to start working on next.
~ If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your child's AWANA leader!
~ Don't worry if your child memorizes "too quickly". The scriptures will be gone over again in review and if your child completes their whole book before the AWANA year is over, your child's leader can provide more material for them to learn.
~ Don't worry if your child memorizes "too slowly". My children have not always finished their books by the end of the year, but I know that what they did hide in their hearts will always be there.
~ Pray with your children. Ask the Lord to help them hide His Word in their hearts. Psalm 119:11 "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee."

This program offers such a wonderful opportunity for both you and your child. I hope and pray that you have been encouraged by this and that it will inspire you to be involved in what your child is learning in AWANA. God's Word is the most powerful tool in the life of the believer, what a wonderful thing to put in the hands and hearts of our children.