In Midst of Fun, Awana 'Summit' Focuses on Applying God's Word to Life
by Allie Martin
April 21, 2006
(AgapePress) - - More than a thousand high school students from around the nation are wrapping up a four-day event designed to test teenagers' abilities in sports, fine arts, and Bible knowledge.For 21 years now, Awana Clubs International has hosted the annual gathering in places like Omaha, St. Louis, and Fort Worth. This year, "Summit 06" drew more than 1,500 high school students to Awana's world headquarters in Streamwood, Illinois, in the suburbs of Chicago. Kevin White, manager of youth ministries for Awana Clubs International, says the four-day event is about more than intense competition.
"We're trying to challenge the students just to take in the competition, take in the fun and the games and the events and all that, but [to understand that] it doesn't matter if you come here and win awards if you can't put it to work in real life," says the ministry spokesman. "And that's just a joy to see these students [understand that].
"When you've got 1,500 high students in the same place -- what a blast, what a joy to watch them actually be the hands and feet of Christ," he adds.
According to a press release from the organization, the fine arts competition is designed to encourage the participants to develop their ministry-related gifts -- whether they be musical or non-musical. The musical competition includes piano, solo and group vocals, and instrumental. The non-musical categories include public speaking and graphic design. Awana says college scholarships are available in some fine arts categories.
Another of the competitions featured at Summit 2006 is Bible quizzing. White shares that many teens are not only willing to learn God's Word, but also are eager to apply the Word in their daily lives.
"Scripture tells us to continue to hang on to the things you learned when you were young," he states, "and if we, as a ministry, continue to help develop [young people] and build them up throughout their teenage years, they will go out and be the next generation that changes this world."
Awana Clubs International is the world's largest Bible memory program for children and youth. White obviously relishes the opportunity to participate. "It's just a joy and a blessing to be a part of this ministry and a part of this event, to see these students [learning God's Word]," he says. "What a blessing to be a part of what God has called us to do."
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
