Three trees in your back pocket

It's the time of year when clubs celebrate with winter-themed games and Large Group lessons about Jesus's birth.

Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when people travel or leaders call in last minute because they or someone in their family are sick. And most likely, the one calling in sick is the one scheduled to teach the Large Group lesson tonight.

On club nights like those, I like having what I call a "back-pocket lesson" — a lesson that I know so thoroughly and needs so few props that I can teach it on the spot if needed. The following is one of my favorite Christmas-time back-pocket lessons: "The Legend of the Three Trees."

This folk tale tells the story of the dreams and aspirations of three trees and how, as they grow, God shows that His plans and His love for them go far beyond what they imagined.

I personally enjoy the storytelling approach, with few to no visual aids, engaging with the kids and having them help me by yelling "timber!" or asking them what they think will happen next. If you're comfortable telling stories from memory in front of children, you can find a simple version of the story here.

For those not as comfortable going from memory, the story also comes in picture book form and video form. You can store these in the kidmin closet or with other Awana stuff for short-notice access as well.

Do you have any back-pocket lessons? Feel free to share!

Enjoy, and have a Merry Christmas!

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

4 games to celebrate fall and Thanksgiving

Fall and Thanksgiving are great times to discuss how God provides for us, giving us things like food, clothing, and seasonal game equipment. You can use Indian corn or bread sticks for batons, pumpkins for color pins, gourds for beanbags, etc.*

If you're feeling even more festive or adventurous, here are four games for additional seasonal fun with God's bounty! All games can be played throughout the year with standard game equipment or other themed items.

*Phony food is recommended and can be found with other seasonal items at your local dollar store. If you opt for real food, be prepared for cleanup — Indian corn flings kernels, pumpkins show their squashyness, and bread may be mistaken for mashed potatoes.

Feast Relay

Materials Needed:

• 1 flimsy paper plate per team
• 1 apple per team
• 1 bread stick (or ear of Indian corn) per team
• 1 gourd per team
• 1 small pumpkin per team
• 5 players from each team
• Game Circle or other relay area

Each player receives one food item. The starting players also receive the plates. At the whistle, the starting players balance their single food item on their plates while running one lap around the circle to the passing zone (the space between their colored diagonal and the colored diagonal immediately clockwise). Depending on the age group, players may or may not use their hands to help with balance. When the starting players enter their passing zone, they hand off their plate and food item to the second players. The second players balance both pieces of food on their plates for the second lap, then hand the plate and both food items to the third players, who balance all three food items on their plates. Play continues until the last players complete one lap with the plates and all the food. Once they cross their team's diagonal, they may drop everything and run in for the scoring pin or beanbag.

Variations:

• Place obstacles in the way, such as hoops they must step in or chairs they must step over.
• Use more food items.
• Use smaller paper plates.

Pumpkin Toss

Materials Needed:

• 1 small cornucopia per team
• 1 small pumpkin per team
• 2 players from each team
• Game circle or other tossing zone

Starting players stand holding their cornucopias in their teams' small triangles in the center of the game circle. Second players stand with their pumpkins outside the white circle in their teams' zone. At the whistle, Second players try to toss their pumpkins into their teammates' cornucopia. Cornucopia holders may move their cornucopias to catch the pumpkins, but they may not leave their triangles. When they catch the pumpkins, they run down their teams' diagonal, around their pin, and in for the scoring pin or beanbag. They must be holding their cornucopias and pumpkins to score.

Variations:

• Increase or decrease the tossing distance.
• For younger players, have a tub or bucket in the middle to toss pumpkins into. First player to get his pumpkin into the bucket wins.

Bundle-Up Relay

Materials Needed:

• One oversized sweatshirt per team
• One oversized pair of sweatpants per team
• One pair of giant gloves per team
• One winter hat per team
• 3 players from each team.
• 1 leader per team to help players
• Game Circle or other relay area

Put each team's winter wear at the color diagonals. The first players start at their color lines. At the whistle, Players put on all the clothing (leaders, teammates may need to help) then run one lap around the circle. When they reach their teams' zones, they remove the clothing and give it to the second players. The second players put it all on and run one lap. Play continues until the last players run one lap, cross their color diagonals and go in for the scoring pin or beanbag.

Variations:

• Only use sweatshirts
• May choose different clothing items. 
• Team sizes may vary

On the Farm

Materials Needed:

• 1 blindfold per team
• 1 player from each team
• Game Square or other square area

Each team is assigned a farm animal. Players are blindfolded, spun around, and placed somewhere in the square away from their teams. At the whistle, teams make the sounds of their farm animals. Players must listen for their teams' farm animal sounds and try to return to their team lines. First team to guide their teammate back across their color line wins. Teams must remain behind their lines when making animal sounds.

What are some of the seasonal games you do with your clubbers? Share in the comments!

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Sparks say the silliest things!

We've all heard our Sparks say some pretty silly things, from the ever popular "only forgotten Son" and "only boughten Son" to things so silly it takes all our self control to regain our composure. And they mean every word in all sincerity. I spoke with a few Sparks leaders and former Sparks leaders about some of their favorite Sparkisms. Here they are! Enjoy, and feel free to leave your own in the comments!
~

Photo provided by Sierra Bible Church

While waiting her turn during Handbook Time, Ali opened her Bible and placed it on her head like a tent. Her leader asked, "Why do you have a Bible on your head?"
"I'm hiding God's Word in my head!"

Kindergartener Samantha had some difficulty reciting 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "According to the Scrispers."

One leader shared about another kindergartener trying to say 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. "For the funniest reason, she didn't want to or like saying 'in accordance with the scriptures," from the ESV. So when saying the verse, she'd say, 'Christ died for our sins... you know!' And she'd hold both hands out for me to finish for her! It took all night to get her to finish the verse by herself."

Commanders Dan and Karla used to print pictures on their leaders' nametags. Karla's picture was from her wedding six years prior. This left kindergartener Gracie quite confused.
"Who's that?"
"That's me."
"No, it's not!"
"Yes it is. That's from when I got married."
"Oh, ok. Wow, you're really old now!"

Nikki just entered third grade, but still had some Spark charm. When her leader taught a lesson about how God loves everyone, even bullies and jerks, she asked, "Even Obama?"

During prayer time, Hank, in first grade, was terribly upset. Apparently, his gerbil got sucked into a vacuum cleaner and all his tail hair came off. So Hank prayed, "God, please help my gerbil with his lost tail hair."

Second-grader Rory couldn't quite say "Song of Solomon." Instead, she was content with "Song of Salmon."

Nicholas, in second grade, couldn't figure out who was who while reciting Joshua 24:24.
"And the people said to Moses..."
"Nick, what book are we in?"
"Joshua."
"Who's the book about?"
"Joshua."
"Then why do you keep saying Moses?"
"I don't know."
"Let's try again."
"And the people said to Moses..."

Awana Missionary Joel Cook was visiting a club and handing out prayer cards: cards with his family's names and picture. In the picture, he had glasses and a goatee. At the club, he did not. He handed one of the kindergarteners a card. Caleb looked at the card, looked at Mr. Cook, looked at the card, then back at Mr. Cook:
"Who are you?"
Mr. Cook borrowed some glasses and made a fake goatee.
"Oh! There you are!"

And my personal favorite:
I was teaching my handbook group about why we memorize scripture. One of my second-graders asked about the armor of God, so we discussed the Sword of the Spirit. As the discussion ended, our Sparks director came in. I turned to another of my second-graders and asked, "Grayden, why don't you tell Mr. James about why we study scripture?"
"So we can stab Satan with a Sword!"

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

3 pieces of non-Awana game equipment every game box should have

Ping Pong Balls

Found at: Wal-Mart, most sporting goods stores, ~$0.50 each, starting in packs of 6

Blow them, bat them, balance them, toss them in buckets, or some combination thereof. These come in many colors and can be used for many games.

Pearl Dive can use ping pong balls or golf balls.
Leaders can play, too!

Game 1: Pearl Dive

Materials Needed:

• An odd number of ping pong balls
• 1 blindfold per team
• 1 bucket or bag per team
• 1 player per team
• Game Square or other square or rectangle playing area

Players are blindfolded, spun around, and placed by Game Director somewhere in the Game Square. Then ping pong balls are spread around on the ground inside the Game Square. At the whistle, blindfolded players drop to hands and knees and search for the ping pong balls. Teams can help by giving players directions to the balls. However, teammates must remain behind their team line. Once all the ping pong balls are picked up, player with the most wins. Because the ping pong balls are so light, players may bump into them and not feel them. For easier game play, use golf balls (easier to feel).

Game 2: Air Golf

Materials Needed:

• 1 ping pong ball per team
• 1 box for the center of the circle (note, if running on alleys, have 1 box per team)
• 1 player per team
• Game Square or other flat playing area

To prep, cut a 1 ½in. -2 in. square out of each side of the box—big enough for a ping pong ball to roll through. Place the box in the center of the Game Square with each hole straddling a colored diagonal. Give the players from each team a ping pong ball. Have them start on hands and knees at the corner where their team’s colored line and colored diagonal intersect. At the whistle, players must blow their ping pong ball up their diagonal and into the box. The first person to blow their ping pong ball into the hole on her color diagonal and have it stay in the box wins. Players may not use their hands. For a more difficult race, have players blow ¼ the way around the circle to the next colored diagonal. For variety, players may use a straw or balloon to blow the ping pong ball instead.

Car Sponges

Car sponges are great for any age. Even Cubbies enjoy
squishing them onto leaders or each other.

Found at: Most auto stores ~$1-3 each

There are sponges, and then there are sponges! These 9in.x5in.x3in. sponges absorb tons of water and are great for the hot outdoor game nights. Kids love sloshing them against their leaders and peers. Towels and changes of clothes are recommended for club nights when these are involved.

Game 1: Over-Under

Materials Needed:

• Car Sponges
• 1 five-gallon bucket of water (half full) for each team
• Whole teams
• Outdoor alleyway or relay area.

To prep, place at least one car sponge in each team’s bucket. Squish all the air out and soak up as much water as possible. Leave the full sponge in the water. Starting players stand facing the bucket and teammates line up behind. At the whistle, the starting players grab the full sponge and pass it over their heads to the second players. The second players pass the sponges under their legs to the third players. Third players pass the sponge over their heads to the fourth players. The pattern continues until the last players have the sponge. They race to the bucket, fill their sponges, and take player 1’s spot, pushing everyone back one space. The first team whose starting player returns to the start wins. For more wetness or faster gameplay, teams may have more than one sponge going at a time.

Game 2: Dodge Sponge

Materials Needed:

• Minimum 4 car sponges
• 1 five-gallon bucket of water (half full, may need refilled periodically) for each team
• 2 teams (if you normally have 3 or 4 teams, you may need to split or combine)
• Square or rectangle outdoor field or lot divided down the middle with cones, rope, or visual landmarks

To prep, evenly divide sponges into buckets. Squeeze air out and fill with water. Leave the filled sponges in the water. At the whistle, players grab the sponges from their team buckets and throw them across the divide at their opponents. Sponges must be refilled before they are thrown again. If a thrower hits an opponent, the hit player is out. If the opponent catches the sponge before it hits the ground, the thrower is out. Throws will not count if thrower steps into opponent’s zone. Play continues until all members of a team are out. For longer game play, if a player catches a sponge before it hits the ground, one team member may reenter the match.

Combats

Found at: usgames.com $129.99/pair

These foam-filled, nylon-covered cylinders stand about four feet tall and have two handles on one side. They can be used as pins on Big Night, pillows for sleepovers, pillars for dodging on an obstacle course, or golf clubs for batting footballs, just to name a few.

Game 1: Combats

Materials needed:

• Combats
• 1 Player from each team
• Inner Game Square or other small playing area

The players each receive a combat and stand in the small square. At the whistle, players try to push their opponents outside the small square. A player is out if both feet leave the area—players are allowed to have one foot out as long as the other is in. Players may only push with the Combats: no headshots, stomach shots, foot shots, or smacking of any sort.

*Players with glasses should give their glasses to their leader during their turn.

Three Sparks ride their horse together
Might be able to fit four!

Game 2: Horse

Materials Needed:

• Combats
• Scoring Pin and Beanbag 
• 3 players from each team
• Game circle or relay area

The starting players from each team begin at their team’s colored diagonal. They must straddle the combat and hold one of the handles, like riding a stick horse. At the whistle, the players “ride” their “horses” around the circle to the passing zone (the space between their colored diagonal and the colored diagonal immediately clockwise). When they enter the passing zone, player 2 also gets on the horse and grabs the second strap. Both Players 1 and 2 go around the circle again to their passing zone. Then Player 3 gets on the horse, holding the second strap. Player 2 is now in the middle with no strap. All three players go around the circle and cross their colored diagonal. Once all three are across, Player three drops the strap and runs in for the scoring pin or beanbag. If riders fall off their horses, their team must stop and wait until all riders are back on.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Short Notice

My favorite time for God to tell me about His plans for me is well in advance of when they will happen, like when I attended Summit in April of 2009. Six months prior, the leaders for our regional team showed a Summit promotional video at West Coast Honor Camp. I’ll never forget how clear God’s voice was, telling me that 2009 was my year to go. Summit 2009 was where I met my husband for the first time.


I knew six months before Summit that I was supposed to go.
That's where I met my husband.

But from my experience, it seems that God’s favorite time to show us His plans is after they’re already in motion. Two years after my call to Summit, I attended the same camp for my first time as a counselor (apparently God likes talking to me in the pines surrounded by teenagers). I was paired with another first-time counselor, and we were going to lead a full cabin of 10 junior high girls.

My family went up a day early to help with setup. When we got there, the camp director told me that my co-counselor couldn’t make it because of health issues. God, now you want me to lead these 10 junior high girls by myself? You want me to review their daily lessons, chase them down to do their daily verses, make sure they get to the right activity at the right time, and lead them in nightly devotionals? By myself? You realize this is my first time leading teenagers, right? And You do know I forgot my counselor handbook at home, right?

As the campers arrived the next day, the director came by and said, “You have an empty bunk. Here’s another junior high camper.”

Most incredible Camp week ever. And that week was when God called me to teach junior high as a regular ministry.

God called Peter to be a disciple in a similar way. Peter and the other fisherman had been fishing all night and caught nothing. They had just docked the boats and were washing their nets when Jesus told Peter to go out and try one more time (Luke 5:1-11). You want me to do what? But, Lord, You realize we’ve been out all night and didn’t catch a thing, right?

They never caught more fish in their life than that last trip into the lake. We’re told they needed to call the other fishermen to help bring the nets, which were breaking, back into the boat, which started sinking. That was the day Jesus called Peter to be a fisher of men.

Some of the hardest times to receive God’s notice are when it comes after you already started working toward a long-term vision. Especially when it’s a call to give up that vision for an unknown future.

About 13 years ago, my parents bought some property in Spring Creek, Nev., just down from our church of 6 years. On that property, they built their dream home — the home they planned to retire in. Mom and Dad created the blueprint from scratch, figuring out the details for a long-term residency. The house was one story so they could, in their eventual old age, not have to deal with stairs. The house also had extra-wide doorframes and hallways to fit wheelchairs for anyone who became wheelchair-bound by age or other reasons.

There was even a panoramic window in the front room and a sliding door at the back, each with a clear view of the surrounding mountains and our future landscaping. We took great care in planning the landscape; even I helped. Then we borrowed a trench-digger to dig the trenches to lay the irrigation for sod. Mom spent countless hours on hands and knees using a hard plastic cup to remove the remaining loose dirt from the trenches to make them deep enough.

We spent three years in the house, tailoring it to fit our vision of the future. But through it all, God warned us of change, though we didn’t see it or understand it. Twice Mom spent a day or two digging out the trenches in the front yard, only to have high winds—unusual for Spring Creek — fill them back up. When we finally went to get the sod, the transporting truck broke down. 

We later dug trenches in the backyard, and they filled with torrential rain — also unusual for Spring Creek.

The trees didn’t fare much better. We planted one tree in the front yard our first year there. It remained healthy for two years before dying without explanation. In the back yard, another tree, also planted our first year there, remained healthy for two years before dying without explanation. When we replaced it, the replacement grew for a couple weeks before snapping off at the base during another wind storm.

Soon after the tree snapped, God called us to Carson City, Nev.

Now we better understand how Abraham must have felt when God called him. “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you” (Gen. 12:1, NASB). Abraham was told to leave his home and family, and he wasn’t even given a destination — just “the land which I will show you.”

Rebekah was much the same way. In Genesis 24:15-61, we find she was called to go and marry a man she had never met and knew little about.

From 2 new counselors and 10 campers to
1 new counselor and 11 campers over night.

God gives us a promise in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope” (NASB). It’s frustrating when God doesn’t consult us before pushing us. But He knows what He’s doing. In each situation, something better came from going than from staying. Because Rebekah listened, she became a founder of Israel. Because Abraham listened, he became the father of Israel. Because Peter listened, he became one of the twelve. Because my family listened, I learned about and began attending West Coast Honor Camp.

I wonder what plans He’ll show me next in the trees surrounded by teenagers this year.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Around the Game.... Oval?

The regulation Game Square is about 37-40 feet across, with a 30-foot circle. But as most of you may already know, the norm doesn't always work. Awana clubs come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their game areas.

Several clubs, such as the ones at Summit Christian Church, New Life Christian Center, High Sierra Fellowship, Sierra Bible Church, and Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church can set up a permanent game area in a church room. But while they have a space for a game area, many don't have space for regulation size. Of the four listed, only Summit Christian can fit such a square.


Some churches can't fit a game square. So they do something
different for their game area.

So, what do you do if you can't fit a normal game area? Well, one of the sayings I've heard ad nauseam about Awana leaders is "be like Jell-O and mold." If you can't fit a normal game square, then you fit an abnormal one.

For some clubs, molding means keeping the game square's proportions, but at a smaller size. This is what the commanders did at Good Shepherd Wesleyan, as their game area is inside a long and narrow rectangular room. The square and circle are about one-fourth the size of regulation. Two sides of the square have just enough room for the clubbers to stand between the color line and the wall. The other two sides have room for the game equipment to be out of the way and for visiting parents or other spectators to watch from chairs at a (mostly) safe distance.

Sierra Bible Church Awana shares its Sparks game room with the King's Academy — a private elementary school. As a school, the walls are lined with chairs, mobile white boards, storage cubes for the students to use, and other school supplies. Commanders John and Penii Jo Trautwein put in a smaller square so the clubbers could safely navigate the circle without running into storage cabinets mounted on the walls.

Some clubs can't fit a game square at all. They may have a much longer rectangular game area, or they may have other obstacles that make a square a hazard. For whatever reason, these clubs simply cannot use a game square unless the weather's warm or they can visit a different club for a couple sessions. But they still have a space for the clubbers to run and have fun.

Consider the club at New Life Christian Center. Instead of a circle, the commander chose to put in a game oval. "New Life Christian Center uses an oval because the building is long and narrow," said Awana Missionary Jeff Gilpin, who recently helped start the club. "A circle would fit, but only a small circle. The oval would be bigger."

High Sierra Awana Club faces a different problem: Pillars in the runway. "We'd considered using a small game circle, but in order to avoid big wooden posts that go to the ceiling, it would have been really tiny," High Sierra Commander Jennifer Van Beuge said. "We were afraid kids would run into each other or into the posts." So to keep things as fun and safe as possible, they run most games down the length of the foyer, with a chalked circle outside during the occasional light and warm evening.

Do you have any other ideas for a non-regulation square game time? Share them here!

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Lost Sheep: West Coast Honor Camp 2013

Hi all!

High school campers use their "Lost Sheep" t-shirts to share
the Gospel message Wednesday during ministry outreaches.

As promised: more information about this year's Gospel tool for the high school ministry outreaches at West Coast Honor Camp. In my previous post, I mentioned they were using t-shirts. These particular shirts, called the "Lost Sheep" tool, are blue with a 10x10 grid of sheep on the front. In the bottom right side of the grid, one sheep is missing. When people ask about the missing sheep, the high school campers can share the parable of the lost sheep, found in Matthew 18:10-13. A verse is printed on the inside of the front hem, which can be turned out when sharing.

To find out more of what happened this week, you can check out the pictures on WCHC's Facebook page.

All campers, counselors and staff returned home today. Praise the Lord for another fun year of camp, and I pray all are able to apply what they learned this week, working together to further God's kingdom.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

High School Ministry Outreach: West Coast Honor Camp 2013 Wednesday

Pictures from this year's high-school ministry outreach are available! Check them out on West Coast Honor Camp's Facebook page!

High school campers get their hands dirty during
one of the ministry outreach opportunities at
West Coast Honor Camp.

For those who are new, the high-school campers train Monday and Tuesday to travel into Redding, Calif. and surrounding areas for different outreaches on Wednesday. Outreaches include volunteering to perform maintenance and provide service at a mission, neighboring camps, and throughout the area; singing and sharing the Gospel at a senior center; and putting together a one-day Awana -- complete with water games, songs, a puppet show or a skit, a Bible lesson and verse, testimonies, and the presentation of the Gospel message.

These outreaches are one way of training the high-school campers about serving in ministry, and they teach the campers a different method for sharing the Gospel each year, from the EvangeCube to the Gospel Glove (last year's tool).

This year, they're using a tee-shirt. I will provide more details as they become available.

Please continue to pray for the staff, counselors and campers as they finish this week strong.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

"Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes"

As you may have noticed, my postings have been sparse over the past couple months. Well, by seeing my lack of postings, you've also witnessed a period of great change in my life. And with West Coast Honor Camp starting Sunday, I've been remembering past years, and one in particular applies to my current situation.

Awana Missionary Ed Gossien teaches campers, leaders,
and staff that "Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes"

Each year, Camp has a guest speaker who teaches large-group lessons each night. Last year, the speaker was Pastor Shawn Thornton. You can check out his different messages, as well as other Camp fun under my West Coast Honor Camp tag.

But the year I'm thinking of was the year when Pacific Northwest Awana Missionary Ed Gossien spoke, and the main theme of his messages was "Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes." As Christians, we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking, "I'm going to sit and wait until God tells me what to do, or until God makes the change for me." Now, I'm not saying we rush right out and do what we think is right or what we think we should do -- that's what gets us in trouble because it leads to us doing things our way instead of God's way. But we shouldn't just sit down and passively wait, either: the house doesn't get cleaned if we sit on the sofa and wait for Mickey Mouse's magical brooms to do it for us (this year's Camp theme is "Cartoon").

God tells us in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." This isn't a suggestion; it's not "when you feel like it"; it's not "your answers will just float by"; it's a command. It means we need to actively search for God's direction. We need to actively study the scriptures and apply what we learn.

It means choosing to step forward and make guided changes, even when we don't know the results. As I discussed in "Faith Despite Fear," sometimes those decisions are hard because we fear the future. What if I make the wrong decision? What if I fail? What if I get hurt, or hurt someone else? What if it's not what God wanted me to do?

Consider the analogy of life as a car: it's easier for God to steer if the wheels are moving forward. To expand the analogy, yes, we do sometimes end up in a ditch on the side of the road, or sometimes we have to swerve to miss a pothole. But if we look at the second half of Matthew 6:33 and all of 34, we'll notice that God makes a promise for those who follow His command: "all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." You'll find everything included in that list of "all these things" by reading the complete chapter. But the fact is that as long as you continue moving forward and attempting to become more Christ-like and further God's kingdom, He will take care of you.

These last couple months -- really the last six -- I've been busy with some pretty sizeable life changes. The first was my December graduation from college. The next was planning and preparing for my wedding. Yes, if you noticed on my profile, my name has changed. And now I am adjusting to life as a college graduate and a wife, and hopefully soon I'll be adding an employee to that list.

My marriage in particular turned my world upside down. Is he the man God had in mind? What if he's not? What if I won't be fulfilling God's plan for me if I marry him? On the other hand, what if marrying him is God's plan? We became a couple three years ago, and the approach I chose was, "I'll continue forward on this path until God shows me otherwise." And here I sit, three weeks after our wedding, blessed and full of joy, praying that God continues to steer the car as I drive forward. I continue to pray for His guidance to help me change in ways that further His kingdom.

I will not be blogging from Camp this year; my husband and I are taking some time at home as we just returned from our honeymoon and we have VBS and other outreaches and trips to prepare for. However, you can still keep track of the kids and their fun by checking the West Coast Honor Camp website, the West Coast Honor Camp Facebook page, and the West Coast Honor Camp group page.

Please pray next week for the campers, counselors, staff, and this year's speaker Dr. Dan Iles, a missionary with Indigenous Ministries International.
I too would appreciate prayer as I seek employment.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Faith Despite Fear

Today, there are many people around the world mourning the injury and loss of loved ones for various reasons, from car accidents to bullets and bombs. Most notably in the United States are the recent bombs at the Boston Marathon and the explosion at the West, Tex. fertilizer plant, which resulted in the injuries and deaths of many, including some who were young enough to be Cubbies or Sparks. And many of those affected and watching these tragedies are asking, 'why?''

Often, this question goes unanswered, or it's answered in a way we don't understand, as it was for Job of the Old Testament. Some people respond to a lack of knowledge or understanding with fear, anger, and hatred, as seen in Job's wife's response in Job 2:9.

But it's during these times of fear that we need faith the most, as pointed out in Job's response to his wife, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10).

Faith is continuing forward despite fear, knowing that even though God is not preventing the world's tragedies for reasons we don't understand, He is holding our hand every step of the way. And this is constantly pointed out in both the Old and the New Testaments.

God promises us in Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." He reminds us of this promise in Hebrews 13, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.'"

Today, people are hurting. But today, others are coming together to help and comfort those in need. Today, people are plodding on, doing the little things they can to show God's love and try to make the world a less scary place. We don't know what the future holds, nor do we understand much of the present. But we do know that even in the darkness, God shines His light and guides us forward.

For more examples of people who moved forward in faith despite fear, I recommend reading Hebrews 11.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by these recent tragedies.

5 Pre-Games to start club before club starts

Once the starting whistle blows and the clubbers run to their color lines for the opening ceremony, the night enters a normal routine. But pre-whistle, what can leaders do with all those high-energy kids?

Some clubs have an area for clubbers to work on their handbooks — a great idea for those kids who come with 20 sections ready, or for those who want the little extra help before Handbook Time.

But if your club is like many, then most of your kids don't embrace the extra study time. Many clubs direct the kids to the Game Square and let them just hang. But some prefer a bit more controlled environment. For the latter, cue the pre-games. Below are five ideas to get you started.

Clubbers play a game of Four-Pie while waiting for the club night to begin.

Four Pie

Materials needed:

• Rubber playground ball (or an 18in.-24in. indoor rubber ball for younger players)
• Game Square

This game is derived from Four Square and works well for early arrivals or clubs with smaller numbers. Players rotate each round, but only four clubbers are actually playing at any time.

The Game Circle is divided into four "pies" by the colored diagonals (Hence "Four-Pie"). The pies are numbered clockwise, with 1 being the entry pie and 4 being the service pie. Each player gets one pie. The object of the game is to reach pie 4 by eliminating the people in the pies ahead of you.

The game starts with the server standing behind the white line at the back edge of her pie. She bounces the ball once, then hits it into one of the other three pies. If the ball bounces in pie 2, then the person in pie 2 must hit the ball into a different pie. Play continues until a player is disqualified. The disqualified player exits the game and stands in line outside the Game Square. Remaining players advance one pie until all pies are filled. Then the server serves again. If the ball lands on the lines instead of inside or outside a pie, players may choose to replay the round.

Players may be disqualified five* ways.

• If the ball bounces in their pie and they fail to hit it to another pie.
• If the ball bounces twice or more in a single pie without bouncing in another pie.
• If the players bounce the ball in their own pie
• If the players double-dribble
• If the players hit the ball outside the circle

*Clubs may include house rules, such as no spikes or the ball must bounce in the pie prior to hitting.

Variations:

• Use the Game Square instead of the Circle, making each section a triangle instead of a pie.
• Play in the Center Square for a smaller area of play and a new challenge.
• Play with two or more players in each section instead of one.

Spider

Materials needed:

• Game Square

This is a variation of tag. One person is the Spider ("it"), and the others try to run away. Players may only run away by following the lines of the "web" (Game Square). If the Spider tags a player, then the player becomes "stuck" in the web and cannot move from the place of tagging. Also, no other players except for the Spider may pass a stuck player. The winner is the last person to be tagged.

 

Robbins and Roosters

Materials needed:

• (Optional) A rope or line dividing the Square into two rectangles
• A designated caller
• Game Square or other square or rectangle

This is another tag variation. Play begins with the players roughly divided evenly into two teams: Robbins and Roosters. The two teams face each other on either side of the line at the center of the square.

The caller names one of the teams, for instance, "Roosters." The roosters cross the center rope and try tagging the robins. The robins turn around and run from the roosters, trying to cross the back square line without being tagged. Any tagged robins become roosters. Once all the robins are either tagged or safely across the line, players return to the center. Play resumes with the caller's team announcement. Play can continue indefinitely by alternating calls.

 

Bowling for Clubbers

Materials needed:

• Giant ball, 18in.-24in. or larger
• Game Square or other square area

This is like Rabbit Hunt or Circle Dodgeball, just with a giant ball. Play begins with a designated group in the circle (all clubbers, all leaders, all T&T, all boys, all girls with pony tails, etc.) The remaining players stand around the outside of the circle. At the whistle, the players outside the circle "bowl" the ball, trying to hit the players inside the circle. When players are hit, they become bowlers outside the circle. The last player in the circle wins, and a new dodging group is designated.

Players in the circle are out if:

• The ball touches them below the neck
• They step outside the circle

Players are not out if:

• The ball hits them in the head
• The bowler steps inside the circle
• The bowler throws the ball instead of bowling

Variation: The Gauntlet

Play begins with a designated group of runners standing behind one of the four square sides. The other players line the two sides of the square adjacent to the runners. At the whistle, the runners try to safely pass through "the gauntlet" by running across the opposite line without getting touched by the ball. The players on either side bowl the ball back and forth, trying to hit the runners before they cross the line. Runners touched by the ball join the bowlers. Runners who make it safely through wait for the whistle and then try to run back. The last runner wins, and new runners are designated.

 

Helicopter

Materials Needed:

• Jump rope or long rope with a ball at the end (will hit or wrap around player's ankles)
• Optional: Gloves (prevents rope burns)
• Game Square or other large playing area

Play begins with all but one of the players standing in a circle with the last player in the middle holding the rope ball. The center player holds the non-ball end of the rope and begins rolling the ball around him, gradually letting the rope out until it is fully extended. The players surrounding him jump the rope as it swings by. Players are out if they fail to jump, or if the rope or ball hits their ankles. Once a player is disqualified, play begins again. The game continues until only one player remains.

What are some things you do for that pre-club time? Please share them in the comments!

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.

Does ministry have a retirement age?

We live in a time where the norm is working until the age of 65, then retiring and spending the rest of our lives relaxing in leisure and fun, reaping the benefits of our savings from years of hard work.

But what about in the realm of ministry? Last post, I discussed how God can call and certify people at a young age. But once we're called into ministry, does there come a time while we're on Earth when God says, "You've worked enough years, so you can retire"?

God can use anyone to further His kingdom, regardless of age.

In Numbers 8:23-25, God commands Levites of 25 years to work in the Tabernacle until the age of 50. When they reach 50, "they must cease performing this work, and shall work no more."  At first glance, this appears to be God telling the Levites to retire. But is this really a command to cease ministry, or is it a command to change the way of service?

The answer is found in the next verse. In Numbers 8:26, God makes it clear that the Levites are no longer to perform physical labor, perhaps because their bodies became less capable of the physical demands necessary to maintain the Tabernacle. However, instead of allowing them to step out of ministry completely, God commands them to take on a role of advisement and guidance, continuing to do what they could to meet the needs of the people: "They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs." So, it was not retirement from ministry but a change in how they serve.

Older generations filling roles of guidance and advice can be seen in the New Testament as well, as with Jesus's disciple John. John wrote his gospel and letters to the believers nearly 50-60 years after his service by Jesus's side. Some sources suggest John was anywhere between 15 and 30 years old when he began his service, which means he was between 60 and 90 when he advised the Christians in John 20:31: "But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in his name." John is actually the only disciple to live to see old age, as all the others became martyrs. If anyone deserved a break from ministry, he did, because of working by Jesus side, and because of what he and his fellow disciples had to face. And yet, here is evidence of him still doing what he could to teach and serve others for Christ.

Even today we can find evidence of God still calling those along in years to serve. In the last post, I mentioned that one of Awana's founders, Art Rorheim, began in children's ministry at the age of 17. This year, 2013, he turns 95. And yet, according to his bio on the Awana website,  he still "works at Awana headquarters two days a week to inspire and motivate staff. He also travels worldwide to speak at conferences and meet with ministry leaders and partners."

God is able to use anyone to further His kingdom. I remember one year at West Coast Honor Camp, our speaker taught on the power of God, pointing out three main points: my God is able, my God is able to use me, and my God is able to use me as I am. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 that when Christ gives me strength, I can do all things — there is no age limit. When I am no longer able to lift the game equipment boxes at club or perform my flute at church or in a band, I can still teach and guide. I can still help children learn about love, about morals and values, about respect, and about God.

Take note, however, that though there is no retirement from ministry as we breathe, there will indeed come a time when our work will be done and we can rest. In Matthew 25:20-23, Jesus shares the parable of the talents. Those that were faithful servants without knowing when the master would return were put in charge of greater things. But along with receiving responsibility, they received another blessing: "Enter into the joy of your lord."

We too have a blessing, a retirement awaiting us when we finally leave this world. John discusses this spiritual retirement in Revelation 21 and 22. But until such time as we are called home, there is no retirement age to ministry.

For more information about Awana Clubs International, visit the Awana Homepage.
To find a club in your area visit the Club Locator.