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24-7 Ministries, a ministry of Awana.
Awana in the News July 21, 2008 New Who, Me? Training Helps Volunteer Leaders Develop a Healthy Youth Ministry Most youth ministry training resources are geared to youth pastors with extensive collegiate backgrounds in their field. In response to this largely unmet need, 24-7 Ministries, the youth ministry of Awana, has launched a new kind of training program. Now available to churches, Who, Me? is billed as a "normal person's guide to developing a healthy youth ministry.” Aimed primarily at assisting key youth leaders regardless of their involvement in youth ministry, Who, Me? consists of helpful features to equip new and veteran leaders and volunteer, part-time and even full-time youth pastors to build an enduring faith in teenagers. These include a training book for leaders' own ministry growth, a CD containing worksheets and training tools, group study materials and DVD segments to drive home biblical teaching points with students. Who, Me? also offers links to online resources and a nationally recognized certification program. Who, Me? is a vital resource for all leaders who have ever wondered “Who, me?” about their involvement in youth ministry; this product responds with a resounding “Yes, you!” Who, Me? will empower leaders to build an enduring biblical faith in students – making an eternal difference in teenagers’ lives! Note: Who, Me? is the first of three phases in the new line of 24-7 training resources. Preview Who, Me? Awana President/CEO Discusses Shaping Your Kids' Faith on Focus on the Family Radio Listen to the July 16 broadcast Find Solutions to Crisis of Youth Abandoning Christ at New Modern-Day Joseph Web Site In reaction to the growing demand for a plan of action to help slow the progression of youth away from the local church, Awana has launched the new Modern-Day Joseph Web site. The site provides tangible solutions fo Awana unveiled the new Modern-Day Joseph Web site after receiving an enthusiastic response to its Project Joseph initiative announced in January. The campaign challenged parents and churches to work together to raise young people who know, love and serve Christ for life. “Joseph is a spiritual champion who demonstrated integrity, courage, wisdom, forgiveness and faith,” said Jack Eggar, Awana President/CEO. “We believe there is great value in holding up such a flesh-and-blood example of what it means to follow Christ. Traditional approaches are not working – it’s time for a change.” Larry Fowler, executive director of Global Training for Awana and author of Rock-Solid Kids and the new book Raising a Modern-Day Joseph, cites recent research reports which indicate that at least one in two teens will abandon the church after high school. Too many 21st-century youth are looking like another young man who left home – the prodigal son – rather than Joseph as they enter adulthood. “The Joseph biography recorded in Genesis provides a model desperately needed by parents and children’s and youth workers alike,” Fowler said. Visit the new Modern-Day Joseph site Despite Challenges, Awana is Progressing in Haiti, North America's Poorest Nation
For the first time, the national ministry has access to big mission organizations with the potential to reach 1,300 churches. In conjunction with World Relief, they are developing a more strategic approach for the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Thirteen churches were represented at the fourth annual Leaders’ Conference. All 70 attending leaders were able to pay their own expenses. Two of the Awana commanders are now full-time seminary students and are considering Christian ministry. Following the last conference in Santo Domingo, there was an opening to offer Awana to schools and orphanages. Please be in prayer about these exciting initiatives in Haiti. Awana missionaries Gersan and Betty Valcin are rejoicing because the Lord is opening people’s eyes to see that Awana is the ministry that can help rescue the next generation. Learn more about Awana in Haiti New Awana Book Raising a Modern-Day Joseph Tackles Spiritual Crisis A Raising a Modern-Day Joseph is not just the title of this book; it’s a philosophy that the entire Awana organization has embraced as a call to action. A must-read for anyone involved in the spiritual development of children and teens – from pastors and youth and children's ministry volunteers to especially parents – this book reveals the five life characteristics of Joseph that can be used to guide the path of any young person today. This softcover edition, available only through Awana, is written by Larry Fowler, Awana executive director of global training and author of Rock-Solid Kids. It is also part of the HomeBaseTM line of family resources. Use this book to spur discussion among your church's leadership or in your home about the best strategy for growing godly kids who know, love and serve Christ for life. Purchase Raising a Modern-Day Joseph for just $12.95 64 Children of Inmates Receive Christ at Returning Hearts Celebration in Louisiana Prison
The first-time event at the Hunt Correctional Center took many of the men by surprise, according to Lyndon Azcuna, director of Awana Cross Cultural Ministries. ”In other prisons where we have done Returning Hearts there was already a fertile soil for the importance of this event,” Lyndon said. “At Hunt, they thought it was (going to be) just another event. But the Lord proved Himself mighty again.” By the end of the day, the participating inmates realized that the event was just the beginning of a long-term commitment to the spiritual development of their children. Many are looking forward to participating in the Malachi Dads program, which begins next month at Hunt. Learn more about Returning Hearts Celebration Appeal Made for Children’s Materials in Earthquake Zone Support the earthquake relief fund by clicking here. Awana International, a ministry to children and youth worldwide, is striving to help young people who are recovering from the trauma of the May 12 earthquake by distributing books that can bring hope to those in the earthquake zone. The temblor has left more than 55,000 confirmed dead, 220,000 injured and 4.8 million in temporary shelters. One observer has noted, "There are hardly adequate resources available to help people cope with daily-life problems and issues, let alone the post-traumatic stress that will naturally accompany a disaster of this magnitude." In 2007, Awana International published a children's hardcover book titled The Three Trees in Simplified Chinese. The book tells an allegorical tale of three trees that each play a role in the birth, life and crucifixion of Jesus. More than 10,000 copies of the book have been distributed in its first year of publication. In an effort to help survivors deal with the short-term and long-term emotional effects of such a trauma, sources familiar with earthquake recovery efforts have asked Awana International to provide copies of The Three Trees as grief recovery materials for children. Awana International hopes that these books can be a cup of water to those who are hurting and bring the light and hope of God to people struggling in a dark time. Those wishing to provide financial support for the immediate distribution of The Three Trees may donate online. Gifts to Awana International are tax deductible as allowed by law. One book can be distributed for $3. Awana International helps churches and parents globally through publication of materials for children and youth. For more information, contact Awana International Ministry Advancement at 1-800-222-9262 or missions@awana.org. Mary Bunge, Wife of First Full-Time Awana Missionary, Passes Away at Age 81 Mary Bunge, who for 25 years faithfully served beside her husband, Don, as the first full-time Awana missionary, passed away early Sunday on May 18 after a long illness at age 81. Mary’s daughter, Paula, helped provide round-the-clock care and was with Mary when she went home to be with the Lord. Click here for Mary's obituary and online guestbook plus how to donate to an Awana memorial fund in Mary's honor. After seeing the success of Awana in the church he pastored, Don Bunge approached Art Rorheim, then the Awana executive director, in 1965 to inquire about becoming a missionary for the organization. Don’s initial territory consisted of the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. Don is estimated to have logged more than one million miles establishing hundreds of local-church Awana programs from St. Louis to Seattle. Physical difficulties hampered the Bunges’ later ministry. Despite many hardships, they faithfully carried out their ministry. They trusted God for the strength to persevere. Their example left a legacy for future missionaries to follow. Don went home to the Lord on November 17, 2005, also at age 81. Co-Founder Art Rorheim's 90th Birthday Draws Press Coverage The Daily Herald, the largest circulation newspaper in suburban Chicago, and Moody Radio were among the media outlets that interviewed Art Rorheim and reported on his 90th birthday and 73 years in kids' ministry the week the Awana co-founder marked his birthday with a celebration at Awana headquarters. The Herald ran a full-length feature article in its print and online editions. (Click here for the Web version.) WMBI ran an eight-minute report May 8 recorded from Art's birthday celebration on its popular nationwide program "Prime Time America." (Click here to access the report. The Rorheim clip begins at the 20-minute mark of the program.) Awana Celebrates Co-Founder Art Rorheim's 90th Birthday and His 73 Years in Ministry In 1935, 17-year-old Art Rorheim agreed to direct a weekly program for third- and fourth-grade boys that would meet in the basement of his home church in Chicago. More than 73 years later, Rorheim is still going strong long after leaving a worldwide imprint on children’s and youth ministry.
Rorheim’s work with Awana began in 1941. After his stint as a volunteer club director at the North Side Gospel Center, Rorheim was chosen as the church’s youth director. That year, he and Senior Pastor Lance “Doc” Latham began developing a mid-week children’s program at the church that they named Awana. Rorheim developed the weekly Awana clubs to appeal to churched and non-churched kids, lead them into a personal relationship with Christ and grow them in enduring faith and service to God. Other churches learned about the success of the program and inquired about its availability. In 1950, Latham and Rorheim founded Awana as a parachurch organization with Rorheim as executive director. The ministry quickly flourished. By 1960, 900 churches had started Awana programs. By 1972 Awana had begun its first international club. Today, in a given week, more than one million children and youth and 250,000 volunteers participate in Awana programs in over 17,000 churches in the U.S. and 109 other countries. Awana serves churches from 100 different Christian denominations in the U.S., and millions of adults are alumni. Under Rorheim’s leadership, Awana has evolved into the only organization with fully integrated evangelism and discipleship programs for ages 2 to 18 that actively involve parents, church leaders and mentors. Rorheim stepped down as executive director in 1992. He then served as Awana president until 1999 when Jack Eggar was appointed President/CEO. For the last nine years, Rorheim has continued to report to Awana headquarters in the role of Co-Founder. “I’ve never been able to find the word ‘retirement’ in the Bible,” he often jokes. Rorheim typically works in the office two days a week, contributing ideas and speaking to outside groups visiting Awana. He also travels across the U.S. to speak at conferences, meet with ministry leaders and partners and represent Awana at various engagements. His heart remains firmly focused on using God’s Word to impact others around the world. Most recently he crafted a Bible memory program for inmates as part of the Awana Lifeline prison ministry. Kid Matters Radio Triples Listenership Through Moody Broadcasting Network The Moody Broadcasting Network (MBN) has announced that Kid Matters, the daily radio feature of Awana, will be assigned to a fixed time position on its network programming schedule beginning May 5. The program will be broadcast simultaneously to more than 350 MBN-affiliated radio stations nationwide at 9:13 p.m. Monday through Friday. Since September 2006, Kid Matters has been aired as a “Run of Schedule” feature on MBN and its flagship station, WMBI in Chicago. Instead of a fixed time position, Run of Schedule programs are aired at various times throughout the day as open time slots become available. Kid Matters currently airs on 130 radio stations, most of them MBN affiliates. While Moody will assign Kid Matters to a fixed position, WMBI will continue to air the program as a Run of Schedule feature. Kid Matters has aired on WMBI during its mid-day and afternoon programming. Baseball Player Who Trusted Christ as Child in Awana Sharing Faith on, off the Field
“Not only is he rock-solid, but he has a passion for Christ,” Royals co-chaplain Rod Handley said. Bannister, who trusted in Christ for salvation at Scottsdale (Ariz.) Bible Church’s Awana club while growing up, sees his career as a vehicle for fulfilling the Great Commission. He has shared his faith to poor kids and gang members at a Brooklyn (N.Y.) church and at his old high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. But his biggest mission field is the Royals’ locker room. “Baseball is a hectic lifestyle,” Bannister said. “It’s tough on relationships and families. Even though these guys have material things, they’re missing out on Christ. So God has really given me an opportunity to share with guys.” Read Brian's full story in the Baptist Press Awana Lifeline Extended to More U.S. Prisons
Avoyelles, a medium-security prison, has about 1,550 male inmates. Hunt is a maximum-security institution with about 2,100 male inmates. The Malachi Dads program is scheduled to begin in May at San Quentin Prison. "Word has spread about the success of Awana Lifeline at Angola and the lives that have been changed,” said Lyndon Azcuna, director of Cross Cultural Ministries. “As a result, we have been asked to bring this same message of hope and reconciliation to other prisons." Awana Lifeline began in 2003 when Warden Burl Cain of Louisiana State Penitentiary, the largest maximum- security prison in the U.S., invited Awana Co-Founder Art Rorheim and President/CEO Jack Eggar to speak to the prison's fellowship of Christian men. As a result, the inmates wanted to see an evangelism and discipleship program established for their children. Shortly thereafter, the Awana Lifeline program was born. Watch a news report from KALB Channel 5 in Alexandria, Louisiana Awana President/CEO Interviewed by Mission Network News Awana President/CEO Jack Eggar gave an interview to Mission Network News at the recent National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, Tennessee. In that interview, Jack expressed the desire of Awana to play a key role in world evangelism and discipleship as well as helping parents and churches realize, through Project Joseph, that the majority of our youngest generation is abandoning its faith once teens leave high school. Mission Network News has published a news story on its Web site from information taken from that interview at NRB. Mission Network News is dedicated to keeping Christians informed of evangelical mission activity throughout the world. Listen to or read the interview
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Few materials are prepared specifically for volunteer church leaders who consider themselves under-equipped, under-skilled and under-educated for youth ministry.
Awana President/CEO Jack Eggar and his wife, Dona, recently appeared on Focus on the Family's 30-minute daily national radio program in a two-part broadcast July 16 and 17 titled "How to Shape Your Child's Faith." The authors of Shaping Your Family's Faith and parents of four adult children discussed the troubling trend of children abandoning their faith upon growing up and leaving the home. They also offered advice to parents about the spiritual training of kids.
r parents, churches and denominational leaders to address this mounting crisis. It offers tools, resources and action steps to help develop spiritually strong children and youth who, like Joseph in Genesis, will stay rooted in their faith beyond their teen years and become future leaders in the home, church and community.
In spite of struggles, Awana continues to reach Haitian kids and train young leaders for Christ. Here are some highlights:
A total of 64 children accepted Christ as their Savior with the assistance of their inmate fathers at Returning Hearts Celebration at the Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana on May 31. The event was attended by 68 fathers, 110 kids and 85 volunteers.
On May 7, Awana honored Art with a 90th-birthday celebration at the suburban Chicago headquarters of the organization he founded to help churches and parents raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ. The tribute was a retrospective on Rorheim’s life and legacy at Awana. Following the event, Awana hosted a luncheon for Rorheim with dignitaries and some of his closest ministry associates. The event also commemorated the 69th wedding anniversary of Art and his wife, Winnie.
.jpg "Brian Bannister (photo from Kansas City Royals)")
Brian Bannister is one of the top young pitchers in Major League baseball. The 6-foot-2 right-hander finished third in the 2007 American League Rookie of the Year Award voting and has enjoyed a strong start this year. Brian is also a Christian who helps lead the Kansas City Royals’ team Bible study.
