Preparation, Outreach, AWANAs

What a wonderful week! This Saturday our church's (Green Acres Baptist)AWANA quizzing team competed to the glory of God and our TREK (middle school) won first place, and Journey (high school) won second and third with another church from Warner Robins taking first place. Our church actually practiced with them. Now, I must admit, I am bragging a little because I am a TREK leader but I really said this to brag on the kids and, of course, on Christ.

During quizzing competition kids are asked for verses, doctrinal information, and definitions. The most beautiful sight in the world to me, and to most of us was when repeatedly all the teams got the questions right. At one point, especially during the TREK quizzing, we wondered if anyone was going to score. We were all encouraging the kids and one of the judges even praised God at one point. It was remarkable! God truly got the glory for the day!

I think about this country lately and the decisions being made that will affect these children, their generation, directly. There was a rainbow of colors representing many ethnic groups, Christ bringing unity, and these children were strong in their passion and convictions having truly hidden God's Word in their heart. I was so encouraged! So encouraged! They will truly need the knowledge to hold them in times of trouble. 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from thier wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We had the chance to see that these kids may be able to do just that. After all AWANA stands for "approved workmen are not ashamed". These children have no reason to be ashamed. And this was just one section of Georgia! All over the country, in every state God has reserved for Himself some children who are hiding His word in their heart! Thank you, Jesus, for the encouragement! And thank you God for AWANA and the discipleship that program offers!

We did not meet for King's Kidz or UP Bible study this week-spring breaking! But, The Next Door Bible study did meet. We stuffed approximately 1200 eggs and around 50 Easter bags with a new Testament and either Bible stories or activities. There is much preparation still to be done. We will meet again this next Wednesday to finish it up and then the Egg Hunt outreach will be Saturday from 10 AM-12 Noon. I am so very excited for the opportunity to share the Easter Story, a New Testament and testimonies with these children and their families. Thank God!

Please continue to pray for Mercy Abounds as we reach out to those in need of Christ. May God bless you this week as you honor Him with your life.

To God be the glory,
Jamie