A QUICK LOOK AT THE AWANA PROGRAM

George Abie Williams

INTRODUCTION

As a Senior Vice President Investments of Stifel Nicolaus in Radford, VA, financial professional George Abie Williams assists clients in planning for a vast array of wealth management goals. Outside of his responsibilities at the Radford, VA firm, George Abie Williams holds active leadership roles in such community institutions as the Calvary Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

In addition to Sunday school and Children’s Church programs, Calvary Baptist Church also sponsors a local chapter of the AWANA club. Held each Wednesday night throughout the fall and spring, AWANA seeks to provide a firm spiritual foundation for children from preschool through the eighth grade.

AWANA PROGRAM

Drawing from II Timothy 2:15, the program’s name stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. AWANA aims to disciple youth throughout the community through fun games; structured Bible study and recitation; and Council Time, which comprises songs, announcements, award presentations, and spiritual messages to be shared by the entire class.

AWANA has proven to be very effective in aiding children’s spiritual development. Experience has shown those who participate as children, 92 percent continue to attend weekly church services into adulthood. In addition, AWANA alumni are far more likely than their peers to regularly pray, read the Bible, and give back to their communities via charitable involvement and missionary work.