Posted on July 20, 2010 - by rfrank
Special Announcement: We have a new ministry!
Dear friends:
I am pleased to share some exciting news with you. On Monday, July 12 I joined the Executive Leadership team of Awana as the Executive Director of Innovative Ministries. Beth and I have appreciated the ministry of Awana for many years, beginning when we were children in Awana at our church. Awana is passionate about reaching children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping parents to be the primary spiritual influencers in the lives of their children.
I have resigned my position as the children’s pastor at Liberty Baptist Church. This has been a difficult transition for me. I have called Liberty Baptist Church my home since I was five years old and have had the privilege of serving as children’s pastor for almost fifteen years.
I will continue to be the Executive Director of KidzMatter and the Executive Editor of K! Magazine. KidzMatter will continue to produce the most innovative tools for children’s ministry just as we always have. As Executive Director of Innovative Ministries with Awana, I will lead several exciting ministry brands of Awana which I will tell you more about in the days to come.
This new ministry opportunity does not require a geographical move for me and my family. I will continue to serve as a lay pastor at my church and will volunteer in our children’s ministry. I am currently working on acquiring an office facility that will accommodate both the KidzMatter and Awana staff that I will be working with.
Awana is committed to finding innovative ways to reach children and families and so are Beth and I. Please pray for my family and I as we make this exciting transition.
Your friend and partner in ministry,
Ryan
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July 20, 2010
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Wayne Stocks said:
Best of luck to you in your new position. Awana is lucky to have you. Can’t wait to see what innovative ideas you come up with!
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July 20, 2010
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jonathan said:
We all know that you’ll be a success! Congrats!
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July 20, 2010
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Tyler Thompson said:
Congratulations Ryan I know God has some great things in store for you in this next step
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July 20, 2010
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Roger Fields said:
Congratulations, Ryan. VERY cool! I think that’s a great match. I know AWANA will benefit from your creativity and innovative style.
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July 20, 2010
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Greg Baird said:
Ryan you will add a great deal to an already wonderful ministry! Congrats and we’ll be praying during this transition time.
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July 20, 2010
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Jim wideman said:
Ryan, congratulations I wish you all the best I know you will be a blessing whatever you do. I am thankful for our friendship!
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July 20, 2010
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Liz Perraud said:
Congratulations from your friends at LOGOS!
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July 20, 2010
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Jack Kilbride said:
Ryan,
This is very exciting news. You ARE an innovator and you LOVE children and childrens ministry. You and Beth will be a huge blessing to Awana.
God’s richest blessings to you and your family!
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July 20, 2010
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Tom bump said:
Ryan,
God bless you new adventure, I’m sure AWANA will benefit as well as our local church! Can’t wait to see what rolls out from AWANA
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July 20, 2010
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Dale VonSeggen said:
Congratulations, Ryan! I”m sure you will make some things happen. Make sure you unload much of your old job requirements…This will keep you busier…if that’s possible.
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July 20, 2010
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Paula Spear said:
Congratulations Ryan. Sounds like this is a wonderful opportunity for you ~ God ordained! I look forward to the opportunity when Kevin and I can connect with you and Tina Houser somewhere down the road.
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July 20, 2010
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Kenny Cole said:
Praying for you and your family with this new opportunity. I know the Lord will continue to bless you as you bless others for His kingdom.
Love Ya Man!!
Kenny
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July 21, 2010
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David Wakerley said:
Wow, exciting times Ryan! You’re the man to innovate those ministries in an executive way!
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July 21, 2010
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Larry Fowler said:
Ryan,
We are THRILLED to have you join us! We know you are going to be a blessing and be blessed as well.
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July 21, 2010
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Len Banks said:
That’s exciting news. Congrats. I wish you well.
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July 21, 2010
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Henry Zonio said:
Congrats, Ryan! Looking forward to seeing what comes out of AWANA in the near future!
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July 21, 2010
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Karl Bastian said:
Watch out AWANA – great things are in store for you! Ryan is a hard worker and a great networker. This was a smart move!
Will be praying for you Ryan in your new Adventure!
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July 21, 2010
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Jeff Chambers said:
Ryan, I wish you the best. I know you will do a great Job at AWANA!
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July 21, 2010
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Sharon Cox said:
Congratulations, Ryan! And congratulations to Awana! I can’t wait to see the creativity that comes out of this great match up! And I’m praying for you, Beth and the girls.
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July 21, 2010
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Martha Wright said:
What great news, Ryan! It is awesome to watch God lead and work in the lives of His kids. AWANA has gained a really talented, creative guy. They have also gained my friend and colleague in the ministry. Congratulations! We’ll be praising the Lord with you for how He will work through you in coming days!
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July 21, 2010
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Larry Shallenberger said:
Congratulations, Ryan.
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July 21, 2010
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Pat Meyers said:
Congratulations to you and to Awana! What an exciting adventure. I will pray for you during your transition! Blessings!!
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July 21, 2010
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Bob Singleton said:
Wow, Ryan! Once again, you’re steppin’ up to the plate and I know the left field wall is in your sites. Knock it out of the park for the glorious good news of Jesus Christ!
Heaps and tons of blessings!!
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July 21, 2010
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Yancy said:
Yay! So happy for you and the family. We know that you’ll be a success in all you do and whatever your hand touches will prosper! Much love!
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July 21, 2010
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Jim Lovenduski said:
Congratulations and may the Lord grant you the wisdom to direct those 3 ministries. Looks like both of you are blessed.
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July 21, 2010
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Shane Pass said:
WOW! You have shaped my thoughts and ministry here at our church. I look forward the the impact that you will make to Awana. I hope you have a wonderful transition into this new vocation!
Shane
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July 21, 2010
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Henry Walli said:
Servant Leaders Ryan and Beth,
You are truly God’s Approved Workman who
Are Not Ashamed. Welcome to our team.
Regards in Jesus,
Henry Walli Matthew 6:33
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July 21, 2010
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Frank Tan said:
I think this is great for the Awana and the church at large.
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July 21, 2010
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Sam said:
Wow. Congrats Ryan!
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July 21, 2010
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Jen said:
Congratulations!
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July 21, 2010
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Dan Fitzsimmons said:
Good for you, buddy! I hope your family is OK with this transition. God bless as you do more of what you love for Jesus!
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July 21, 2010
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“Commander Bill” Gunter said:
Welcome to Awana! I’m eager to see what lies ahead.
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July 21, 2010
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Karen Apple said:
Great news! Congratulations from one former AWANA kid to another!
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July 21, 2010
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Cecil the Sheep said:
How good is that! Congratulations Ryan!
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July 21, 2010
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Charlotte said:
its about time… no offense to Awana but they have been so “outdated” for so long. They need some fresh blood Ryan, and you are just the man to do it. You have left some pretty big shoes to fill at your church, but God totally has his hand on this. Good Luck, and Blessings to you and the fam
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July 21, 2010
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Leah Norton said:
Congratulations, Ryan! God’s blessings to you and your family as you make this transition!
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July 21, 2010
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Denise Gerlitz said:
AWANA will never be the same!! Congrats and best wishes.
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July 22, 2010
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Donna Fuller said:
Ryan, I have respected your work for many years and appreciate your heart for children’s ministry. Looking forward to seeing what God will do as we work together on the Awana team.
Awana Missionaries, Marlin and Donna Fuller
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July 22, 2010
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Dean Butterfield said:
Congrats Ryan & Beth!!!! May God bless you as you follow His Direction in your lives!
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July 22, 2010
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Lori Cotter said:
How exciting! I know this was a hard decision for you, your family and Liberty! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for you and Awana!
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July 22, 2010
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Jim Wickenkamp said:
Great to see what God is doing in your life and the ministries you are a part of. Praying that the next chapter in your ministry is filled with great things for the Kingdom! :0)
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July 22, 2010
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Lindsey Whitney said:
Congrats! That’s very exciting news and I’m sure you’re going to bring a lot to the table at AWANA. Keep us posted!
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July 22, 2010
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Barbara Graves said:
Congratulations, Ryan!! Such exciting times for you and Beth! I know God will use you in great ways in this new endeavor! Congrats to Awana, too! What a great addition they are adding to their team!
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July 22, 2010
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Mary Ellen Kinkel said:
Ryan – My first thought was…Ryan is connecting with Awana. Great news!! now Awana is going to be really cool. You are a wonderful gatherer of people and ideas. Keep up the good work. Can’t wait to see what’s in store! Blessings on you, my friend.
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July 23, 2010
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Yana Wyatt said:
WOW great news. We have been looking at adding Awana to our ministry. I can’t wait to see what’s new!
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July 24, 2010
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Felesa Baker said:
Congratulations, Ryan and Beth! Awana is so fortunate to have you join them.
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July 24, 2010
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David Barnes said:
Cool beans Ryan!
Starting my 15th year in Awana and as commander of our club, I am excited for both you and Awana..! I have used your insights and materials in our Awana Club many times, so I guess I can now say…”it’s about time you two got together”
David Barnes
FBCAwana.net
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July 25, 2010
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Sally Tooley said:
As an Awana Director at our church, I have often turned to your materials and have found just what I needed time and again. This is exciting! I can’t wait to see how God uses your creativity with Awana. (And this answers the question of that strange package I received in the mail this last week with Awana logos on the mailing and a K! Magazine included!)
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July 29, 2010
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David Almgren said:
Ryan,
Congrats!! Great to hear the news and I pray for the Lords blessing in your new adventure.
Dave Almgren
KidzOnEarth.com
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July 31, 2010
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Lindsey said:
Great to hear! Excited to see what great things continue to come forth from KidzMatter and K! magazine (what a blessing it has been to the ministry at our church!). Great things are in store for AWANA as well!