A Passion for the Next Generation
Not many retired couples spend their free time driving their mini-van around searching for snow cone machines, games, dolls, and remote control cars. But this is a regular pastime of Rick and Sue Krauser. At a season in life when many are attempting to relax and travel, this active couple is volunteering many hours a week to head the Awana program at Scottsdale Bible.
Awana is an international program that invites kids ages 3 to 6th grade to learn and understand the Bible, hear the gospel, and have a ton of fun doing it. The name Awana is an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (from 2 Timothy 2:15). Each Wednesday night, more than 400 kids and 90 leaders fill our Town Center to enjoy games, recite Bible verses, shop at the store, and learn more about God’s plan for their lives.
Incredibly, Rick and Sue have been Awana leaders for 40 years—the same number of years they’ve been married. They met at an Awana Olympics event in Chicago and have been serving together ever since. In 2010, they moved to Scottsdale and began serving here. Third-generation Awana folks, Rick and Sue have a passion for this program that God has faithfully used to shape their lives and impact those around them. Sue’s mom was an Awana leader, and their two grown children and four grandkids have also participated.
Rick is the self-proclaimed goofball and creative one. He comes up with fun activities for the kids—such as game shows and t-shirt giveaways—and plans programming, videos, slides and announcements. He always makes sure kids experience an exciting, high-energy atmosphere. He is also gifted at sharing God’s truth through devotional lessons.
Sue oversees the office work, shops for prizes, and makes sure everything is set up and ready for each Awana night. According to Rick, “she’s great at ensuring kids hear the gospel and makes the most of every opportunity—just in case a child only comes once.”
“Many people think Awana is just a club for kids, but it is a program that reaches parents, too,” said Sue. Each Awana club, defined by age range, has their own book filled with Bible stories and verses to memorize. Parents are encouraged to go through the books with their children. Through this practice, many end up hearing about Jesus for the first time and beginning a relationship with Him.
When the Krausers’ oldest daughter was in 5th grade, she invited a friend to Awana. Although she didn’t come from a Christian home, the girl and her mom grew to love Awana. One day, this 9-years-old girl had a stroke and nearly died. Shortly after, her family endured a house fire and other severe trials. These events led them to think about the truths they had been hearing in Awana and over time, everyone in her family turned to Christ.
Results aren’t always seen immediately, but Awana has an incredible impact on kids’ lives. At the end of each year, the children are given a chance to share. Last year, one girl came up on the stage and said she didn’t have any friends at school but had found true friendships at Awana. And just recently, a woman contacted Sue and said, “You were my leader when I was a child back in 1970, and you changed my life. You’re still my role model.”
“You never know whose life you can impact by bringing them to Awana,” says Sue. “Rick and I want to make this time of our lives count, and this is a program that really makes a difference.” In a world inundated with technology and distractions, Awana is a place where kids can unplug, gain discipleship from caring leaders, and build a strong foundation of faith.
Rick and Sue don’t have any plans to retire from their leadership roles anytime soon. “I’ve told the Lord, ‘I will serve You in Awana as long as my legs and brain are going,’” said Sue. “Awana is a program that impacts lives and I am especially thankful God allows Rick and me to serve in it together.”
Awana clubs meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm from September to April. To learn more, visit scottsdalebible.com/children.
