"Awana" stands for: Approved Work men are Not Ashamed.
Southside Baptist Church exists to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ as we seek to love God with all of our hearts, and to share the gospel of Christ with a lost and dying world. People need help. Our message is that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of mankind. Faith in Christ brings the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.
Our aim is to teach children to love God, and to love and obey their parents. The AWANA ministry helps children to come to a knowlege of salvation while providing an atmosphere of fun and excitement with other children of their own ages. Children will memorize Bible verses, learn to pray, and develop leadership skills.
The AWANA website explains it this way:
"Awana helps churches and parents worldwide raise children and youth to know, love and serve Christ! We do this through:
- Fully integrated programs for ages 2 to 18
- The best evangelism tools to reach unsaved children, youth and families
- Teaching that builds an enduring biblical faith
- Resources that bring churches and parents together to disciple the next generation
- Initial and ongoing volunteer training
- Healthy mentor and peer relationships
- Dynamic fun for children, teens and adults alike!"