North-Central California

Following significant and independent encouragement and confirmation of several very respected individuals, we felt certain that the Lord would have us follow through and apply for the missionary position.  At times we felt that through the process God would certainly close the door and we would just move on with our lives as they had been before.  He did not!  Every door was clearly open and we were moved through them by His strength and grace.  We were appointed to the North-Central California field by the Awana Board of Directors December 14, 1992, and were commissioned as missionaries March 14, 1993 at the Evangelical Free Church of Turlock, CA (currently known as Crossroads Church).  April 1, 1993 was our official start date, but we were working in the ministry throughout that winter and spring planning and carrying out Awana events.

 

God answered our questions and settled our early concerns and fears as we considered the call and moved forward through the application process and ministry.  Our “big three” were 1) family acceptance, 2) financial provision, and 3) potential relocation.  He very definitely answered each of these with His peace, promise and provision.

 

Now, decades later, serving Awana churches throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii, God continues to lead us along.  We have many growth opportunities along the way and the Lord is good to see us through as we depend upon Him for our all.

 

The hope and prayer of Awana is that “All children and youth throughout the world will come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Our primary mission field is here in central California, but what a privilege to serve in a region where many “nations” have come together to live and work.  May we be faithful to our Lord, His calling, and the task of seeing the gospel delivered to all these children of the world.  We may never know the impact of one coming to Christ in our lifetime here on earth.  God knows what He is doing.  We can rest in this.

 

HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME

 

Much of our ministry time is given to:

•   Supporting churches starting new clubs

•   Interacting with existing clubs

•   encouraging club commanders and pastors,

•   planning and preparing for the upcoming club year

 

We are now into a new phase of our Awana Missionary role, more time is now given to Ministry Team members as we are developing certified regional trainers and a new level of team members that communicate with club leadership. 

Nationally, efforts are in place that defines missionary and volunteer ministry team roles as:

•   developing new clubs;

•   caring for existing clubs;

•   outreach and event coordination

 

Much of our ministry time is given to:

•   Supporting churches starting new clubs

•   Interacting with existing clubs

•   Encouraging club commanders and pastors,

•   Planning and preparing for the upcoming club year

•   Tom is also the State Director for the California, Nevada, and Hawaii Missionary Teams. He is to encourage and support the Missionary Teams in these three states. His role also includes communication to the field from Awana Headquarters.

 

TOM'S TESTIMONY

 

I was raised in a Christian home where there was regular devotional time in the evening before bedtime.  One evening in my bedroom, when I was seven years old, after the reading and prayer time, I prayed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  Even though I have attended church all my life and have been active in the church’s ministries, I realize that by God’s grace alone I am saved from eternal punishment for my sins by what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me on the cross of Calvary.  Praise God for sending His Son to be the eternal sacrifice for my sin and for offering the free gift of salvation to me.  I am grateful for faithful men and women that have taught and trained me in the faith through the years.  Christian summer camping has had a significant impact in directing me in the path of God’s will.  Praise God!  Matthew 6:33

 

MARTI'S TESTIMONY

 

I was raised in a Christian family, that practiced serving our Lord daily.  I realized my need for Jesus when I was five years old, my Sunday School teacher prayed with me as I received Jesus as my personal Savior.  When I was 12 years old our family moved to California and I realized my need for Jesus to be Lord and Savior.  I rededicated my life to Him and was baptized when I was thirteen.  During college life and early career days as a teacher I wanted to serve God as He wanted me to.  Being a willing servant has been exciting and fulfilling.  I daily need to be in the Word and stay in tune with Him and gain strength for each day.  It is exciting for us to raise our five daughters in a Christian home and trust the Lord for their lives.

 

OUR GOALS

 

In Our Personal Lives

•   To daily walk closely with our Lord.

•   Strive to strengthen our marriage by honoring and loving each other.

•   Be godly parents to our girls, daily involved in their lives and interests.

•   Honor God in the ministry to which He has called us.

 

In Our Ministry

•   Be instrumental in focusing Awana churches on the vision to reach and train boys and girls for Christ.

•   Strengthen clubs through evaluation and training.

•   Encourage Awana leadership throughout our area.

•   Communicate effectively through letters and email updates to Commanders.

•   Seek local churches ready to reach and disciple children for Christ.

•   Thoroughly represent the Awana ministry to church leadership as it is meant to be used.

•   Administrate and delegate wisely.

•   Build relationships with and train our Ministry Team members.

•   Identify and involve local Awana leadership ready to become part of the area ministry.

 

BLESSINGS

 

•   Supportive Family

•   Good Health

•   Faithful leaders in the area

•   Cars that work

•   Encouraging Friends

•   Many folks that express their love to us in many ways!

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

 

•   Appropriate the time to keep family strong

•   Consistent donors to maintain support

•   For wisdom in office administration procedures

•   Insight for evaluation

•   For opportunities of fellowship

•   For the physical and mental strength to do the work

•   Creativity in planning events and training