For years my children went to AWANA clubs. The main thing I liked about these clubs was the emphasis on memorizing Scripture. When we left our last church to go to a small family integrated church, this is one of the things that I was especially sad to leave behind.
When I was little my dad would give me verses on cards to memorize and review. It was such a special time with him. Whenever we would get into the car to go somewhere Dad would ask me, “Esther, what does Revelation 3:19 say?” or another of the references on our list. Sometimes he would ask me what the verse meant or sometimes we would just quote verses. On long trips we would quiz each other for hours. Those verses I still remember and many of them are the ones that come to mind at various times when I need them.
In leaving our AWANA club, I was worried that we wouldn’t be consistent enough with the children in their Bible memory. My husband, however, told me not to worry about it that it was important, and that he would make sure the kids keep hiding God’s Word in their heart.
When I asked the children what they wanted to share about our family during our family presentations at our Classical Communications Community, they agreed they wanted to share how they memorize verses for their dad.
During our family worship time in the evening. My husband gives them a list of verses or a passage to learn and then gives them a dead line. Everyone that learns the verses gets to go to Yogurt Story with Dad!
It gives the kids a little incentive and builds anticipation for a fun family outing for all of us.
Even Bobby gets to enjoy the fruit of everyone’s labor.
For our presentation, the kids each shared some of their favorite verses that they have memorized. I am so glad that memorizing Scripture has become a fun, memorable family activity just like it was for me as a child!
I think that’s a fabulous idea! Memorizing Scripture, as a child, is SO. VERY. IMPORTANT. I have found that it becomes quite difficult as an adult to retain. AWANA is great about “review” making sure you don’t forget those verses you’ve learned in the past. I’m thankful my parents made me participate in AWANA even though at the time I didn’t really care for it.
Mmmm…looks like a delicious award. I’m so thankful for the Scriptures I memorized as a child. My 50ish brain doesn’t always retain, even though I do still try. As a parent it’s one of the biggest blessings you can give your children and my heart smiles when I read of those who do.
I love AWANA! My kids did it when they were younger! 🙂