Prior to 2002 when Truth & Training (T&T) was introduced by Awana, they had four clubs for 3rd – 6th grade. They were Pals, Chums, Guards and Pioneers. Each club had a motto. For the boys’ clubs (Pals & Pioneers) it was the other boy for Christ. For the girls’ clubs (Chums & Guards) it was the other girl for Christ. An integral part of Awana was not only the Gospel, it also included telling others about Jesus Christ.
With the new T&T mission series, there is not a regular section for a child to bring a friend. Some people complained about that, others celebrated. For years, and even now, people seek options for children who did not bring a friend. Some even eliminated the section all together. Personally, that saddens me because Jesus exhorted us to go and share the Gospel with others and so many sought ways to minimize the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus.
That is why I was excited to see the Great Go Mission initiative from Awana earlier this year. I contacted Chris Dunrud, Awana Manager Church Missions Partnerships, to share more about the Great Go Mission and here it what she had to say:
With the start of a new club year, let’s reflect on why you serve in Awana each week. Can I venture to say that you desire to make a lasting difference in kids’ lives? You want to see kids receive Christ as their personal Savior, grow in faith and then actively sharing Jesus with others.
Your role at Awana is important…you are investing in tomorrow’s leaders and helping develop disciples who will know, love, and serve Jesus.
Once a child has decided to follow Christ, they are immediately included in Christ’s Great Commission to go into all the world and make disciples. But how can kids do that?
The Great GoMission kit equips you to teach the importance of the Great Commission and empowers kids to put their faith into action today. It is an easy way to encourage your kids to live beyond themselves as you intentionally engage them in loving and serving God and others.
The downloadable Great GoMission kit contains everything you need. The kit is easy for leaders to use and fun for kids!
- Promotional tools
- 5 minute and 15 minute theme lesson and video
- Fundraising tools and much more
The Great GoMission’s travel premise helps emphasize the fact that we must go and tell the world about Jesus. This year’s theme challenges kids by asking “Are you brave enough to Dream BIG?” Together we can be Hope Heroes as we bring Jesus to girls and boys around the world.
Download your Great GoMission Travel Guide or learn more at awana.org/GreatGoMission.
I encourage you visit the website and see how you can reach one more child for Christ through the Great Go Mission. You determine how you will incorporate the Great Go Mission into your ministry. The Travel Guide offers three suggested levels of engagement:
Will you accept the mission?
