Jesus himself told us in the gospels “If you welcome a child like this in my name you welcome me and the Father who sent me.” AWANA is just one way at Red Brick Church we have the opportunity to take part in this type of Kingdom service and promises to us.

You may be surprised to know we have over 60 people volunteering and serving in AWANA. Last Wednesday April 23, we had our annual AWANA leader appreciation dinner. We recognized the faithfulness of all our leaders — which combined represents almost 200 years of service! This year however marked a special year for one of our leaders — Tania VanBriesen, our Cubbies director, completing her 15th year of service in AWANA! The Cubbies director is a such special role too–introducing our youngest clubbers to the God who created them and telling them how much He loves them! That is especially service worth celebrating! Another passage comes to mind, Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him…”

If you’ve served in AWANA or prayed for this ministry, during our off season be thankful and take comfort in knowing the more than one hundred kids 26 nights of the year that were welcomed in His name! Think of the smiles and loving words exchanged each week or kids embracing their leaders at church with a wide open hug and a hearty greeting, surprised to see their leader cheering them on at an extra event their leader was not required to attend but did it to show support, as well as the parents who have said their child “has come out of their shell and really blossomed this year” or that a specific leader was a great encouragement to their child.

We truly have lots to be thankful for at Red Brick Church–church walls filled with beautiful children each week, faithful leaders to serve them and rich promises from our King!