Today we venture back to the international side of Awana. God is moving in amazing ways internationally and Awana is one of the many tools He is using.
I want to spotlight one of these international missionaries today. Recently they “relaunched” Awana in their country and Ben Paul has been key in helping reach children in Romania using the Awana ministry. He has seen God move greatly since Awana was relaunched.
I sent Ben some interview questions to help us get to know him and his ministry, below are his answers:
How long have you been an Awana Missionary?
I’ve grown up in Awana, since Awana came in Romania in 1993. My parents were the Awana Missionaries in Romania. I graduated from Theology in 2006, and since 2007 I was trained as missionary. Since last year, we work as national coordinators (Leader Based Strategy Project Manager). We will work as missionary once I am fully supported (hasn’t happened yet, but are working hard to reach this goal.)
What area do you serve?
Romania
# of churches under your care:
Since our first SeedPlanters’ we tripled in numbers, from 18 clubs, to 43 churches.
Fun Facts: Favorite food, favorite sport, something interesting people don’t know about you, etc…(whatever info you want to share):
We are also conducting several discipleship groups using handbells – quite a handbell school (about 90 kids and teens attending).
Haven’t done bungee jumping, but can’t wait to try it!!
Why are you an Awana Missionary?
I am an Awana Missionary because I grew up in an Awana Missionary home. I got to love ministering to others, kids and leaders. I was a commander at age 20. I believe this is the calling for me. This is the will of God for my life. I love kids and I love training and working with leaders. I believe this is the best thing one could do: to invest one’s life in other people.
Share something God is doing in your ministry:
We have recently (back in December 2010) “re-launched” Awana in Romania. We implemented Leader Based Program and are very excited about how this will help churches develop Awana and reach more children and youth than we ever thought it possible.
Tell us something about the materials used and how Awana is designed for your country:
Materials… we have/ and still use the “old” international version of the program with Sparks, Flames and Torches. But now we also use the Truth Seekers materials. We plan to have both systems (Handbooks and Truth Seekers) running together.
What would you say to a local Awana Commander or Leader in the U.S.?
“May God bless your life, for what you do is not something small. May God give you wisdom and power to continue to influence the lives of children and leaders!” Daniel 12:3 !! and also “ come to Romania and share and experience our culture !”
How can we specifically pray for you over the next month?
Please pray that God will help us develop our Ministry Partners (Donors) Team. We need a miracle in this area right now. Also pray that God will open doors for us to continue and have several cycles of Seed Planters trainings.
Ministry website: www.awana.ro
You can also follow his ministry on Facebook and Twitter
If you would like to support Ben Paul and the Awana ministry in Romania, you can make a donation by clicking here and selecting Romania in the drop down list.
For more information, visit these Awana International Websites:
Main Web Site / FaceBook / Twitter / Blog / YouTube
Children at Risk Initiative
Ben and Ada are great! I have had the pleasure of meeting them a few times. Here is a blog post about their Seed Planter training last winter http://eyeonawana.org/2010/12/15/game-circle-lights-up-in-romania/. They had a game circle in “lights”.
Commander Bill, thank you for introducing everyone to Ben and Ada and their work in Romania. It has been a real joy for me to get to know them and work with them these past few years in Awana International. I consider them dear friends. They are an amazing couple!
Ben and Ada are such a special couple! They have a great vision for Romania, I can’t wait to see what God will do through them!
Commander Bill – thanks for featuring Bean and Ada. I am watching and praying to see how God will use this couple – His children to spread the Gospel in Romania through Awana.