The Lord has been keeping us busy. Here are some of the things we've been doing...
Awana Ministry Conference- Every year, Awana Missionaries host an Awana Ministry Conference. The purpose of these conferences is to provide ongoing training, equipping and encouragement to both new and existing Awana Volunteer leaders. This year, we trained approximately 300 leaders at our Awana Ministry Conferences. Praise God! Our hope is that these trainings will equip these volunteer leaders to reach more children with the love of Jesus.
Awana Ministry Conference- Henderson, NV
Awana Ministry Conference- Carson City, NV
Training Team from the Awana Ministry Conference in Carson City
Nevada Baptist Convention- I had the opportunity to attend the Nevada Baptist Convention Annual Meeting. This is a great opportunity to meet pastors and other church leaders that we already serve through Awana as well as to talk with new pastors of how they might use Awana to reach out to their communities. So much fun to see old friends.
Growing Faith Conference (Bullhead City, AZ)- I also had the chance to attend and present breakout workshops at the Growing Faith Conference in Bullhead City. GFC is a conference for children's ministry workers in Mohave County, AZ designed to equip these workers to disciple children to a deeper relationship with Jesus. I presented training on "Why Midweek Ministry" and "Recruit, Retain and Disciple Your Volunteers". I met with pastors and church leaders of a new church in Bullhead City that is considering starting Awana- Stay Tuned.
Church Visits- I try to spend time visiting churches that we serve on Sunday Morning. It's a great opportunity to connect with the congregation to cast the vision that "Awana is a ministry of the church" rather than simple a parachurch ministry that is hosted at the church. This is vital for the long term success of the Awana club. This month I met with the congregation at First Baptist Fort Mohave.
Baja, CA Mexico Training- I had the opportunity to partner with SOW Ministries and travel to Calvary Chapel Rosarito and Calvary Chapel La Mision to train leaders how to use the Awana Truthseekers materials to evangelize and disciple the children of Baja with the love of Jesus. It's especially exciting to meet with the leaders from Calvary Chapel La Mision as that church serves children from the Door of Faith Orphanage. Praise God!
Bi-lingual Ministry Team Member Marigrey Francis providing training at Calvary Chapel Rosarito.
After we demonstrate how to use the Awana materials, we ask the local volunteers to "Teach Back" what they learned from us. Exciting when we see that "They Got It".
Calvary Chapel- La Mision
Club Visits- We love having the opportunity to visit Awana clubs to thank and encourage leaders for their ministry, talk with the children and to see God working in these Awana Clubs...good times!!
First Baptist Battle Mountain
Awana Grand Prix Check in at Parkside Bible Fellowship- Fallon
Sparks Gametime at Sierra Bible Church- Truckee
Sheri Knuutila giving T&T Awards at Highland Hills Baptist- Henderson, NV
Large Group Time at Green Valley Baptist- Henderson
Notice the costume...it was Super Hero Night
Opening Ceremony at Summit Christian Church
Thank you again to everyone who prays, supports, encourages, shares, serves, laughs and seeks after God. Together, we are reaching children with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I praise God for you and the work He is doing in and through you. See you again down the road.
If you'd like to be a part of our ministry, and support our efforts to reach children with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, you can send donations to:
Awana/ Jeff Gilpin
PO Box 697
Truckee, CA. 96160
*Make a note on the memo of the check "Gilpin Acct 319"
Or
Donate online at:
Choose North America - U.S.
Then choose Jeff & Judy Gilpin
