It is an honor to shine the spotlight on Gene Goertzen this week. I had several people suggest that I spotlight him because of his wisdom and experience as an Awana Missionary.
As I do with all missionaries that I spotlight, I asked him some questions, and here are his responses:
How long have you been an Awana Missionary? Feb. will start 41 years.
What area do you serve? San Diego Co., Imperial Co. and Hawaiian Islands
# of churches under your care: 90 + in San Diego imperial and 40 on Hawaii
Fun Facts: Favorite food, favorite sport, something interesting people don’t know about you, etc…(whatever info you want to share):
I was scheduled to be on the DC to 191 flight in Chicago to L.A and changed by ticket at the airport to S.D. that had one seat left. Read about it in Art’s book (Mr. Awana – p. 199)
We have never owned at TV in almost 45 years of marriage.
Why are you an Awana Missionary? To see Clubbers and parents saved and grow in the Lord. This year we have seen over 150 decisions for Christ in the clubs where we have shared.
Share something God is doing in your ministry: Blessings as seen above
What changes have you seen in Awana during your service as a missionary?
What!, do you want a book? God is gracious in spite of all of us.
Where do you see Awana headed in the future?
Stay true to the Gospel. If not we are in trouble.
What advice would you give to a local Awana Commander or Leader?
Have a clear plan and purpose. Meet with your leaders, and plan each month. Expect God to do Great thing and be ready for it. See where God is working and get on board. Be ready to follow up on those that want to accept Christ. God gave you 2 ears and one mouth. Only one is made to close. Lesson to the needs of the clubbers.
How can we specifically pray for you over the next month?
For continued strength, and eyesight to keep up with all the computer work.
For the churches in Hawaii that are 2,500 miles away and hard to do all we want there. All the preparation for the events in the new year.
Ministry website(s): awanasandiego.org and awanahawaii.org
Any other comments or thoughts you would like to share…
Keep on keeping on and keep looking up. II Tim.2:2
Awana missionaries are 100% faith supported. They receive no commission on products sold, they rely solely on gifts and support from individuals and churches. To learn more about Gene and his ministry and to see how you can support him, click here…
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I believe that the Geortzen’s are the longest standing missionaries for Awana in the field. We worked with them when we lived in San Diego. They are classics! Now our grown sons work on the Geortzen’s ministry team. Gene and Nancy have been keeping up the good work for a long time! It is a privilege to know them.
I have not had the privilege of meeting Gene, but yes, he is the longest serving Awana missionary on the field. That alone says a lot about his passion for the ministry.