Summer is over and the Awana club season is underway. God has been keeping us busy. Here is some of what we've been up to over the summer.
- Missionary Meetings in Reno- I had the opportunity to meet with other missionaries from around the country to plan and strategize how we, as a ministry can reach more kids. We heard from Chris Marchand from Awana on the new updates to T&T. It was a wonderful time of encouragement and information.
- West Coast Honor Camp- West Coast Honor Camp is a partner ministry that "honors" Awana students from Northern California and Nevada who have reached a level of achievement. WCHC is staffed by Awana leaders from our ministry area. I attend every year as "Camp Missionary" so that I might encourage and thank these leaders for their service, and also to spend time with these teenage achievers. For many students, WCHC is very much a highlight of their club year. It is also a very encouraging time for me to spend time with so many who have a love for the Lord and a passion to reach kids.
West Coast Honor Camp Chapel
- Nevada Summer Mission Trip- I took a team of teens and adult leaders to Battle Mountain, NV. The purpose of this trip was to engage both the church and the community to help them develop a vision for reaching kids with the gospel and to show them that children's ministry can be fun and a very key strategic ministry for long term church health.
Pastor Jim Disbro from First Baptist Battle Mountain sharing a devotional to start our outreach
We asked teens to play a big role in our outreach
We never know how God will use our efforts. He just asks us to be faithful and continue to share His message of hope.
Loving on kids!
- Church Visits- Over the summer, I have the chance to visit our Awana churches on Sunday morning. This gives me an opportunity over the summer when club is not on session to meet pastors and encourage leaders. I also had the opportunity to speak at the "Iron Men of God" at First Baptist Sparks about our ministry, about God's heart for children and the statistical importance of reaching children with the gospel as according to Barna research, 80% of Salvation decisions are made under the age of 14.
Mountain Vista Baptist Church- Carson City
First Baptist Sparks
Granite Hills Baptist Church- Reno
- Summer Trainings- Over the summer, I have the opportunity to travel our ministry area and provide either start up or ongoing leader trainings
Summer Connection Meeting at First Baptist Sparks
Summer Connection Meeting at Summerlin Community Church
- Summer Connection Meeting at Oasis Baptist/ Henderson, NV.
Leader Training at Calvary Baptist- Bishop, CA
Pastor Meeting at New Life Fellowship in Lovelock, NV. Pastor Verna Vetter will restart Awana in Lovelock...great news!
Basic Training at First Baptist Battle Mountain, NV. Can't wait to see how God will work here.
Leader Training at my home church, Sierra Bible Church- Truckee.
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.
