By By Adrienne McKenzie
First Baptist Church Atmore will begin the AWANA Program Feb. 7 in hopes that children will be "filled with the gospel."
AWANA is a discipleship program designed for children that combines Bible teaching and scripture memorization along with a lot of high-energy games. AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed, from 2 Timothy 2:15 and the slogan of this program is "Because Kids Matter to God."
FBC will open its doors to children, age three to sixth grade, on Wednesday nights from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 7. The children will meet in the Sunday school rooms above the Fellowship Hall. There is not a sign-up period for this program; children are welcome to show up at any time.
Tina Francis, the children's minister and daycare director at FBC, is excited about the opportunity to reach the children in the community.
"We've been looking for an effective program to minister to children in the community," Francis said. "We want to reach children with the gospel, nourish their relationships with Christ, and get them into the scripture."
Francis believes that AWANA is the perfect program to minister to children because of the games that the children will get to enjoy.
"AWANA is an awesome program, the children will really get excited about it," Francis said. "It will really get their attention."
Not only is AWANA meant for children, but Francis also believes that it will be a great asset for the families in the community.
"We want to reach children with the gospel," Francis said. "But this has the opportunity to get families in the church also."
FBC Pastor Arnold Hendrix is also eager about the AWANA program.
"We felt like we needed to put a priority on reaching children and AWANA was the best tool," Hendrix said.
Both Hendrix and Francis believe that the plans for AWANA are going well. They have the rooms and materials chosen as well as the "AWANA team," which will be a group committed to getting the gospel to the kids.
Members of the "AWANA team" have a book that tells him or her their specific duty. They also have "scripture ministry" to ensure they can present the gospel clearly.
"AWANA has a purpose," Francis said. "It's not just another program, it's very intentional."
The grouping for the children goes as follows: "The Cubbies," three and four year olds; "Sparks," Kindergarten to second grade; and "T&T, Truth &Training," third to sixth grade.
Francis feels that the children will have a "sense of being a part of a group" because of the games and awards, along with the vests that they will wear.
"We're going to take the children, teach them, supervise them and love them," Hendrix said.
For more information on this program, please contact Tina Francis, First Baptist Church Atmore at 368-0570.