God's Calling

Dan and I have always known and shared that we are here at Awana because “God says” and it has been our intention to serve in this role as long as He says.  

The 2024-2025 season marked 24 seasons of serving at Awana and 17 of those leading as Ministry Directors, because God has said.  

He taught me specifically very early on that this is His ministry. He’s in charge. It’s our job to  show up, serve Him well, serve each of you kids and your families well alongside the  amazing volunteer team and give all the glory to Him. It is an incredible privilege and we’re incredibly blessed!  

Over the last several years, He has been quietly speaking to our hearts, with increasing intensity, about stepping out of this role of leading Summit Awana. This has been a hard  thing for us to consider and truly has taken years to finally accept.  

The Holy Spirit has also been patiently working in us to change our hearts. In fact, last year I  was crying out to God about this decision. He spoke to my heart and asked me, “Do you  trust me?”. “Yes, yes Lord, I trust you”, I answered.  

He said, “I am doing something. Watch and see what I will do!”  

And so, I’ve been watching!  

And I know that God is good, and His plans are always good!  

We know that Awana is a tool that He uses to bring children and families to know Him, love  Him and learn to serve Him. God is so big – he can use anyone to accomplish His purposes,  and He chooses to use each of us! He also has a big toolbox and can reach kids and  families in di erent ways that He knows are the most e ective.  

Last summer, God brought Mari Callahan to lead Kids Ministry at Summit. God was working  His story in her life to prepare her for the work that He has for her. We know that she is here  because God says! We’re so thankful for Mari, her commitment to teaching kids about  Jesus and for her calling to this role.  

With God’s guidance, we know that Mari is in a position, along with Summit’s leadership  team, to move forward with a new vision for weeknight kids’ ministry.  

We are so excited to see what God is going to do in the next chapter of His story! 

~Karla Harker
5/6/2025