Spotlight on P.R.A.Y. Recipients - Archive
Submit a Spotlight story and photo

Ben (Scout) and Ray (Mentor) God and Church North Ridgeville, OH Ben and Ray wrote about what they learned about each other:  “Ray is very helpful, caring, cheerful, always there for you, very prepared, gets lost sometimes, but in the end, a great friend!” “Ben’s faith is strong, compassionate, sensitive, obedient, humility, stubborn sometimes, trustworthy.”  Here are some pictures from their scrapbooks:  “Hard at work” With Pastor Jim

Steve Bays United Methodist Scouting Ministry Specialist 2011 Kentucky Annual Conference Covington, KY

“Here is a picture from the 2011 Kentucky Annual Conference held in Covington, KY from June 8-June 11. We had a Scouting Ministry booth with information on the  PRAY religious emblems programs  and the  Methodist youth, church and adult awards available. It was good to share with scouters and pastors from all over the state of Kentucky. I heard of many strong scouting units using the PRAY religious emblems programs. I shared the values of scouting and utilizing the PRAY program with any that stopped by our booth.”

---

Kadin B. God and Me Scott AFB Kadin’s Mom:  “This program has given my son a greater understanding of the Bible and God.”

Jim Mohr National Association of Presbyterian Scouters Salem, OH Pictured is P.R.A.Y. CEO Mark Hazlewood with the NAPS cross made by Jim Mohr. "Thanks, Jim, for your generous gift!"

---

Hunter C. Four Star Recipient McDonough, GA Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Hunter graduated with from high school with honors in May 2011. On his robe he pinned his Eagle medal and God and Life Four Star pin. Thanks, Hunter, for proudly wearing your awards on such an important day!

Moscow, Russia
God and Me

Hello! The attached is a photo from the first-ever "God and Me" class from Cub Scout Pack 3950 in Moscow, Russia.  Six scouts (five pictured) completed the course with Pastor Bob Bronkema of the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy.  The boys met every week with Rev. Bronkema at a community room at the U.S. Embassy, and on a very, very cold February Scout Sunday, the scouts proudly accepted their awards with their families at the Sunday service in Moscow!  Thank you for the opportunity!

Las Vegas, NV
God and Family

Twelve 4th and 5th grade Las Vegas scouts recently completed their God & Family religious emblems.  Over seven weeks, the students compared their families to pizzas and ended their last night with a pizza party.  Scouts represented Cub Scout Packs 307, 148 and 848 and Girl Scout Troop 243 and the congregations of University United Methodist Church, First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Community Lutheran Church.

Randy Cobb
Associate Pastor of Student
& Family Ministries
Grace Fellowship Church
Kinston, NC

Randy created this fun bookmark to hand out during a God and Me interest session for his den. The bookmark has many similar points to the God and Me curriculum. Click here for a printable PDF file.

Adam L. God and Life, Four-Star Award United Methodist Lincoln, NE   Adam was recognized during the Youth Sunday Service by Pastor John Lacey for earning the God and Life award and achieving the prestigious “Four-Star” status.

Caleb S. God and Life Edwardsport, IN First Baptist Church Bicknell   “The things I remembered best were the service projects. It was hard, but also fun to come up with and carry out five different service projects. My favorite lesson was #2 “God doesn’t expect us to do it on our own.” This was the lesson that I got the most out of and also had the most meaningful service project (leading a family devotion).” Click here to read about Caleb's family devotion.

Rikki E. God and Church Manassas, VA Immanuel Bible Church “My favorite lesson in God and Church was lesson 1, Jesus was human. I feel like I can relate to Him now. My favorite project was project 3. I made journals for Wounded Warriors. I enjoyed learning more about God and about my church. Kristi (mother/counselor): One of her brothers was in the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.  This hospital also treats a very large number of our Wounded Warriors who are life-flighted there for initial surgeries and follow up therapies, orthotics, and prosthetics following a severe wound in combat.  We kept encountering wounded soldiers in the hospital, and there was always that awkward moment with the children coming face to face with someone who'd been grievously wounded or was missing limbs.  The journals enabled us to overcome the awkward moment.  If you can hand a soldier a journal and ask him about his story, he doesn't feel like he's just on display.  Rikki sewed covers for the journals with patriotic fabric and put a dedication in the front to thank them for their service.  This project went a long way toward helping us all show the love of Christ to these men and their families during a very difficult time.

Christopher P.
God and Church
Dearborn Heights, MI
St John United Church of Christ

I remember best about the God and Church program is when I wrote my story about why I wanted to be confirmed and a story about working at a soup kitchen. My favorite lesson was when I read the whole Gospel of Mark. It took almost an entire Saturday, but I enjoyed reading my Bible.

Click here to see Christopher’s photo album.

Father: I believe this program has helped him see that he needs to help others and think of himself as a servant of Christ. It has brought our whole family closer to God.

Chloe M. God and Family Indianapolis, IN United Methodist “My favorite lesson was Family Heritage, Spiritual Heritage because it was fun to complete. My favorite family project was listening to my father tell me about his experiences growing up. I thought it was fun! Mother: “She has grown spiritually and has learned a great deal more from the Bible stories and lessons. She had a great time with our children’s pastor from church!”

P.R.A.Y. Receives AHG Award

Patti Garibay, CEO and founder of the American Heritage Girls, presented P.R.A.Y. with the Community Partner Award at the AHG 15th Anniversary Celebration July 16, 2010.  The award was accepted by Mark and Deb Hazlewood who were in attendance at the celebration to lead a workshop on the P.R.A.Y. Program. P.R.A.Y. has collaborated with AHG in networking with like-minded churches and groups on many occasions. According to P.R.A.Y. CEO Mark Hazlewood, “It is truly an honor to be recognized with the AHG Community Partner Award. We look forward to future collaborations and continued ministry with AHG.”

Pictured left to right: Patti Garibay (AHG CEO), Deb Hazlewood (P.R.A.Y.), Mark Hazlewood (P.R.A.Y. CEO), Jeanne Wurm (AHG Membership Expansion Lead, Southern California Region and member of P.R.A.Y. Board of Directors)

Thomas D. Four-Star Award Lutheran San Antonio, TX
“I enjoyed the mission trips that were service projects, too.”
Thomas is pictured with his Scoutmaster James Causey.

	Victoria P. God and Me United Methodist Pasadena, TX
	Victoria received her God and Me award from Rev. Winston Goens on September 26, 2010 during a Sunday morning worship service.
	“My favorite family activity was playing the God and Me board game. We all had a lot of fun playing it, and we learned a lot, too.”

Liam N.
God and Family
Lutheran
Fresno, CA

Liam: “Drawing the nutrition facts, cover, and slogan for your pizza was the project I had the most fun with. My favorite lesson was sauce because it had spiritual heritage.”
 

Click here for more pictures from Liam's God & Family Program
 

Jimmy Shaheen
God and Service Adult Award
First Presbyterian Church
Dalton, GA

Jimmy was recognized with the God and Service Adult Award for “lifetime meritorious service to Scouting over 32 years.” Rev. Tyler Downing presented the award to Jimmy and said, “In my 26 years of ministry … I have never seen such devotion to the health, welfare and future of young men as Jimmy has shown.” Thanks to Jimmy and the many adults who make the Scouting program possible!

Chase G.
God and Church
Baptist
Acworth, GA
 

Chase earned his God and Church award in August 2010. According to Chase, “I am blessed to go to a great church with a love for others.” Click here to see the “postcards” that he designed for each lesson.

Matthew B., Zachary F., and Nathaniel S.
God and Family
First Congregational Church
Rowley, MA 

Three Webelos received their "God and Family" religious awards on Boy Scout Sunday at the First Congregational Church in Rowley, MA. Nathaniel stated, "I liked learning all the Bible stories, especially the story of Paul and Silas." Zach's favorite part of the class was "the pizza party and learning the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego." Matthew said, "I liked how the Bible related to everyday life now. And, I will always remember the 'God and Family' program whenever I eat pizza!"

Alex B. God and Me Episcopal Suwanee, GA	Alex submitted some drawings from his God and Me workbook. Click on the thumbnails to see full size images.	Here’s the scribble pet he created
A self portrait	What Alex wants to be when he grows up	Someone praying

Robin, Emily, Elissa, Megan
God and Church
Lincoln Community United Methodist Church
Ypsilanti, MI 

Members of Cadette Troop 41052 in the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Council received their God and Church awards in January 2010 culminating a journey that began in September 2009. When asked about the program, the girls said they enjoyed their visit to Hope Clinic where they provided food and gift baskets as part of their community service. During their visit, a community member came in to request assistance and the Girl Scouts were able to provide it. It touched the girls’ hearts to know that they had a positive impact on a family’s life.

Nick D.
God and Life, Four Star Recipient
Presbyterian
Tualatin, OR

Boy Scout Nick D., Tualatin Troop 530, has been recognized by the Cascade Pacific Council's Boy Scouts of America Protestant Committee on Scouting for earning his "God & Life" award. He also was recognized at a Feb. 21st dinner as a Four Star Recipient for completing all four "PRAY" programs.

Max M.
Four-Star Recipient
Presbyterian
Traer, IA 

P.R.A.Y. Board President Rev. Rusty Cowden (left) congratulates 20-year Scoutmaster from Poland Troop 44, who received the God and Service Award during the Celebrating Scouting Breakfast on March 9, 2010. Congratulations to Robert Zedaker (right) for his ministry to young people through the Scouting program! 

Harold told about the time when his son Ethan wandered off. He said, “It was the most fear I’ve known.” Here’s the picture that Ethan drew for the lesson on the Good Shepherd:

---

Stephen J. God and Family Lutheran Summerville, SC

“I liked when we all came together to eat and share pizza. The best family project I did with my family was the puppet show.”

---

Malcolm C. God and Me Baptist Ganado, TX  Malcolm’s favorite part was saying the Lord’s Prayer. He remembers what God has done for people and what we should do for God.

---

Connie Landweher, Robert Lincoln, Kimberly Hogan God and Service Adult Recognition First Presbyterian Church Arlington Heights, IL

Thanks to Al Wilson for his leadership in helping to recognize three new God and Service Award recipients during Scout Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights.  Steve Taylor (Scout Executive of NW Suburban Council and member of the P.R.A.Y. national Board) noted, “With these three new awards, the number of God and Service recipients in the Northwest Suburban Council has doubled.”

---

La Manada 723 DIOS Y YO, DIOS Y LA FAMILIA La Iglesia de DIOS- MISSION BOARD Puerto Rico	Members of Pack 723 in Puerto Rico recently earned the God and Me and God and Family awards with help from the Church of God in Bayamón. Several mentors also participated in the program.  Click here to see additional pictures and to read in Spanish what the participants had to say.

---

Jonathan W. God and Me Evangelical Presbyterian Castle Rock, CO

Jonathan’s favorite memory was of the prayer rock. He enjoyed the lesson on Christmas and his favorite part was the Board Game. According to his mother Patricia, “We are very active in our church so this program helped us pull together all our various church and family devotional activities and focus them on this project.” Click here to see sample pages of Jonathan’s God and Me Notebook. Or click on the thumbnails below to see full size images.

---

Zachary B. God and Family United Methodist Bernville, PA

Zach remembers making the cheese because it was the most fun. His favorite lesson was the one about Naomi. Here’s the picture that he filled in showing “Who is a part of me?” and the Tee shirt that he made showing his uniqueness and special gifts.

Travis B.
God and Family
New Hope Community Church
Bryan, OH

“I liked making the pizza box. It was fun designing the box and the name and the motto.”

Amari J.
God and Me
River Oaks Community Church
Winston-Salem, NC

“I enjoyed this program! My favorite part is
when I learn to pray while playing games.”

Cunninghams

Three generations of Cunninghams received their religious awards at the same time at the Chapel at Camp Cutler in West Bloomfield, New York. Morgan received the God and Me award while his father and grandfather received the adult Good Shepherd Recognition. Congratulations to the Cunningham family on living out a strong tradition of Duty to God!

From Left to right: Robert Cunningham, Morgan Cunningham, Jim Papa (Troop Chaplin), Ron Cunningham. 

Daniel C.
Four Star Recipient
Protestant
Inwood, WV

Daniel received his God and Life and Four Star Awards from his Scoutmaster Paul Barrow.  Daniel’s journey to become a Four Star Recipient began as a Tiger Cub Scout in the first grade. He is now an Eagle Scout in the 11th grade and was presented with the God and Life Award and recognized as a Four Star Recipient on September 14, 2009.

Daniel’s favorite project was preparing a Welcome Home Soldier Celebration for his father’s return from serving in Iraq. His project involved sending invitations, setting up tents and tables, preparing food, and of course cleaning up afterwards.

Photo: Daniel is the one waving; his father, MSGT John Cordova, is the first person in the first row

	God and Family Las Vegas, NV Webelos from Boy Scout Packs #848 (Community Lutheran Church) &  #307 (University United Methodist Church) completed the God & Family program by making (and eating!) pizzas

 

God and Me, God and Family,
God and Church, God and Life,
and Building Faith in Youth Awards
United Methodist Church
West Covina, CA

Congratulations to West Covina United Methodist Church who last spring awarded all four of the P.R.A.Y. youth awards, as well as the new Building Faith in Youth Award for adults! Blessings on your ministry!

God and Me, God and Family
United Parish
Upton, MA

Six youth and two adults were recognized by United Parish in Upton, Massachusetts for completing their religious awards this spring. They participated in classroom meetings, family activities, homework assignments, individual projects, and a joint service project to the community.

The service project involved making bell ornaments from small clay pots, and decorating them in spring colors with Christian symbols.  Along with each bell, the participants included hand-written scripture cards.  The bells were placed on the meal trays of those served in the Upton Senior Center, as well as on the trays delivered by Meals on Wheels.  The tray favors were a welcomed Easter season treat.

The classes concluded with a fantastic pizza party…cheese pizza, fruit pizza, brownie pizza, and chocolate chip pizza!

Pictured (left to right, bottom to top) are James, Alina, Aidan, Aidan, Rochelle, Matthew, Kairat, Daniel, Heather, Rev. Jan Gregory-Charpentier , and Leanne.

Troop 452
God and Church
Arlington United Methodist Church 

As part of their God and Church service requirements, Russel W. and Alex J. (along with fellow Scouts from Troop 452) stuffed 111 “Blessings Bags” for the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home which serves abused and abandoned children. That’s a story in itself, but it doesn’t end there. Troop 452 invited the kids and house parents from the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home to an Audio Adrenaline concert that was in town (Audio Adrenaline is a Contemporary Christian Band that started the Hands and Feet Orphanage in Haiti). They were treated to backstage passes and dinner with the band before the concert, and even brought a love offering from the Hands and Feet Orphanage where all concert proceeds went. AMAZING... ORPHANS HELPING ORPHANS INSPIRED BY A GOD AND CHURCH SERVICE PROJECT!

Brian H., Augie V., Matthew M.
God and Life
Christ Fellowship Church
San Antonio, TX 

Photo: Taken at our quarterly Court of Honor, from left to right is Brian, Matthew, and Augustus. 

Brian: “I enjoyed spending time with friends and getting to know them. I enjoyed studying the life of Paul, and it made me appreciate what he sacrificed for the Lord.” 

Matthew: “The best thing was we didn’t rush. We laughed. Some parts we did activities. My favorite lesson was part 4 because it taught me that the devil will throw everything at you but God will always be there.”

Timothy and Philip H.
God and Church, God and Family
Lutheran
Mendham, NJ 

Timothy: 

“My favorite lesson was learning how Jesus lived his life in praise of God and demonstrated with his words and actions what it meant to show glory and honor to God. I remember how Jesus set an example for us and how we should pray for the strength to follow his ministry.” 

Philip: 

Lydia S.
God and Family
Lutheran
St. Louis, MO 

Lydia:

“What I remember best was that we learned with friends, and I liked that they compared the family to a pizza because it gives you a different point of view of the family faith.” 

Mother:

“I hope the girls will never eat a pizza again without thinking of some part of the program!”

Andy H.
God and Church
United Church of Christ
Newtown, CT 

“My favorite parts of the God and Church program were learning about my denomination and about the Holy Spirit. All of the lessons were great and I enjoyed the program!”

Amy Wooden
God and Service Adult Recognition
United Church of Christ
Bethesda, MD 

A registered Boy Scout leader since 1986, Amy Wooden is the person working behind the scenes to provide support to the program. She has been involved in ad campaigns, Christmas tree sales, planning camping trips and High Adventure excursions, troop yearbooks, and serving as Unit Committee member and chair. For her lifelong commitment to both Scouting and her Church, Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, with the support of the National Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, have recognized Amy Wooden with the God and Service Award.

Sean L.
God and Family
Baptist
Valley Stream, NY

Sean: 

“My discussions with my father were my favorite times because we bonded. My favorite activity was family fun night because we played “YELLOW BALL”. We also ate a dinner that I planned, cooked and served. I made hamburger and salad for dinner. I dressed up as a waiter, set out candles and took out dinner music on a CD player. We ate outside on the front steps and played YELLOW BALL, a game I made up, right after.” 
 

Nathan G.
God and Family
Lutheran
Lindenhurst, IL 

Nathan: 

Seth and AJ
God and Church
Camp Lejeune, NC
Bible Church (Protestant) 

Seth:

“The thing I remember best was learning about Jesus’ human life. This was also probably my favorite lesson.” 

AJ:

“I enjoyed making my photo album. My favorite lesson was how Jesus was human. It was cool to know that Jesus knew all about us.” 

Mother:

“I think this program opened my boys’ eyes to the importance of the church as a single body. We move around with the military, but now they understand that each new church is still part of THE Church.” 

“I am very pleased with the photo album project in this program. What a great way to bring home truths and tap into individual interests!”  Click here to view Interactive Photo Albums by AJ and Seth. 

Sarah M.
God and Family
American Baptist
Berea, OH 

Sarah’s favorite part was the “lego project” for the lesson on Foundation/Crust. She built a house out of Legos and the pastor built one out of dominoes, and when they pushed them, Sarah’s house was stronger because it had interlocking pieces.  

Alexandra and Garrett P.
God and Me
Church of the Nazarene
White Like, MI 

Alexandra and Garrett with Pastor Eric Ward 

Mother:

“This was a great program. Alexandra and Garrett were baptized in May 2008. I believe this [God and Me] book was the reason.”

Joshua Thomas (JT)
God and Me
Episcopalian
Midlothian, VA 

Picture: JT with his father and mother the day he received his award in church. 

J.T.:

“I liked to play the games and see the big window in church. My favorite lesson was about the lost sheep. I had to find the lost keys. I liked making the games with my mom.” 

Mother:

William F.
God and Family
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Byron, GA 

Donna Davis-Daisley recently created a celebration banner to honor all God and Country recipients in St. Mary’s In-The-Hills Episcopal Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. The banner lists the youth by program level and year and includes all recipients since 1994. The congregation recently recognized its first Four-Star recipient, Michael D. The banner will encourage all youth in their spiritual growth and recognize their special achievements.

Ailsa O.
God and Life
United Methodist
Saint Cloud, MN 

Jonathan H.
God and Family
United Methodist
Ball Ground, GA 

Bailey K.
God and Me
Wernersville, PA

From the pastor:

Student and pastor met every Thursday for 60-75 minutes. Each session would open with a prayer and then a review starting at the beginning of the program. At the end the student would pray the Lord’s Prayer. The student was also given homework and reading assignments to perform at home with parents. This provided both family and student to explore their faith together and through it realize that God is active in every part of their lives. One of Bailey’s finest achievements was the game he and his family put together. See picture.

Click here for more information.

God and Me participants Owen, Andrew, Tanner, Ellee	God and Family participants Nicholas, Timmy, Parker
Arlington United Methodist Church in Arlington, Tennessee requires their God and Country participants to complete a service project. According to Teresa Rector, Religious Coordinator of Cub Scout Pack 452, “We feel that hands on experience in Missions ties the Scouting program in as a ministry of the church and draws the church and the Scouting program closer to the community.” Here are pictures of the God and Me and God and Family classes participating in a service project to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  YOUTH UNITED is a program of Habitat where kids ages 5-25 can become involved in missions. The kids made handcrafted birdhouses to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s TOOLBOX BASH silent auction fundraiser.

---

Clark A.
God and Me
Magnolia, TX
Clark Bridge Fellowship

“It was fun doing the prayer walk because it encouraged other people to do it too. I recited the Lord’s Prayer in front of my congregation. I am glad I learned it.”

Here is a picture of Clark with his Pastor Rick Brown. They were later joined by two elders (who are Eagle Scouts) that prayed with Clark.

Sebastian P. God and Me Grace Fellowship Baldwin, MD

Caleb and Ryan
God and Me
Baptist
Margate, FL 

Adam C.
God and Family
St John Lutheran
Palmer, AK

Giving ultimate priority to God is called worship; we claim God as the most important thing in our lives. We put God before everything else. What does this mean for you?

“When I was asked this question [the first time] I said, ‘Making sacrifices for God.’ When I was asked this same question at the end of the program, I answered, ‘That I can put my faith in God to catch me when I fall.’  My youth director said that that’s what the program wanted to me to get out of it, that I can rely on God no matter what happens.

Adam is a singer in the Alaska Children’s Choir. He is pictured here waiting to go onstage for a performance.
 

Donald K.
God and Family
Campus Church
Pensacola, FL 

John M.
God and Church
Presbyterian
Maryland, NY 

John (pictured at right with his grandfather John Finch) met weekly with Elder Tom Heitz to earn his God and Church award. His mother and/or his grandparents would join him for these weekly study sessions. According to Elder Tom Heitz, “The family learned together how to talk about the Bible and religious topics among themselves. John was very faithful in addressing his assignments and he learned how to read the Bible, how to look up passages, and how to use Bible commentaries and a Bible dictionary.”

Gregory C.
God and Life
African Methodist Episcopal
Severna Park, MD

Gregory is an active member in Wayman Good Hope AME Church in Severna Park, MD. His Scout leader knew that and suggested that Greg earn his religious award. This was the start of a long and rewarding journey that recently culminated with the presentation of the God and Life Award on May 25, 2008. Click here for more on Greg's story.

Lizzie
God and Me
Messiah Lutheran
Downingtown, PA 

Lizzie learned about the religious award programs after bridging up to Junior Girl Scouts and wanted to get started right away.  Since there was no program in place at Messiah, her mother volunteered to be her counselor and by summer she had earned the God and Me award. 

Here's what Lizzie had to say: 

"I loved the prayer walk and the stepping stones.  I remember the story about the small traitor that invited Jesus!  I didn't have a favorite story...I liked them all the same!  I also liked taking a friend to church.  I LOVE GOD AND ME!!!!!!! :)" 

Here's what her mother / counselor had to say: 

"I was amazed each week by Lizzie's inquisitiveness at the lessons.  She craved more knowledge, and it was hard to keep our one-on-one sessions under 3 hours with our extensive discussions.  I wasn't expecting that with a third grader.  It was exciting to watch the way her mind worked through each lesson." 

In the fall, Lizzie is excited to start the God and Family program as we expand to a class-style program.   

And in the spring, Lizzie has volunteered to be a co-counselor with her mother for another session of the God and Me program. 

 

Caid C. God and Family Baptist Jacksonville, FL

“Caid learned a lot from the God and Family lessons.  As he made his 'PIZZA', he asked many questions about our family heritage and that prompted a search for ancestors.  We discovered that our family has had different religious beliefs and backgrounds and that's ok.  He says he liked cutting out the 'toppings' and trying to match family members with the gifts, traits and talents he received from them.  (Like the beautiful blue eyes and freckles he got from his mother!)  He really enjoyed the stories and wants to, "Do it again." Thank you so much for providing this rewarding opportunity that taught him the value of having a family with a solid foundation based on faith.”

Nine boys completed a seven-week God and Family course. They were required to meet with their own pastor for a final review before receiving their God and Family awards. Although the boys remember playing dodge ball and baseball together, their parents commented on how the boys have new respect for others and how they have become more thoughtful, thankful and open to prayer.

Joann Quinley

God and Country Counselor

Cross and Flame Award Recipient

First United Methodist Church

Turlock, CA

Keith
God and Family
United Methodist
Thompson, PA

Keith was finishing the last lesson for his God and Family award in April at about the same time that his Sunday school was gearing up to plan their annual “Children’s Day Program.” Keith suggested using the story of the 2 fishes and 5 loaves and combining it with the Beatitudes that they were studying in Sunday school. He ended up researching, writing, and directing the program that the children presented to the church in June.

We commend you, Keith, for going far beyond the award requirements, and we thank your Sunday school teachers and your congregation for providing the support and encouragement to grow strong in faith!

Aric
Four-Star Recipient
Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Chester, SD

Aric:

“I served a meal at a shelter for people that are less fortunate than me. I realize that we serve God by our many acts of kindness.” 

Mother:

Camron H.
God and Family Recipient
United Methodist
Arlington, TN 

When Camron earned his God and Family award in May 2008, Pack 452 celebrated with him by making their own personal pan pizzas at Domino’s and then enjoying a picnic at the Playground of Dreams, a playground designed solely by kids. Camron had chosen a special service project: “I was given $1 SEED MONEY to do an act of kindness for someone else. I chose Blood:Water Mission where $1 can provide clean water for an African for one year.” Pack 452 supported Camron’s project by making a donation to this cause. [Camron is pictured above wearing a tan shirt.]

Adam H.
God and Life
Southern Baptist
Eureka, KS 

“I enjoyed the service projects. They forced me to get outside my bubble and interact, work, and fellowship with other Christians. I do not know if I have a favorite lesson, but it is always nice to know God uses all kinds of people. I especially enjoyed Romans and Philippians.”

Mother:

“He has set aside 20 minutes each morning for Bible study. I feel that this program has been good for his faith in the Lord.”

Pastor Hunter:

Dustin
God and Family
Southern Baptist
Greenwood, AR

Nathan
Four-Star Recipient
Hudson Community Chapel
Akron, OH 

Rebecca and Stephanie
God and Me
Brownie Girl Scouts
Montpelier, IN 

Stephanie and Rebecca are Brownie Girl Scouts. Both are home schooled. They completed the God and Me program with their grandmother. Here is what she had to say:

“I am Steph and Becky’s grandmother and Girl Scout leader with their mother in the army. I wanted them to learn all they could about Christ and his life. I took the mentor course to be sure I could help the girls. We would sit in my bed every night before bed at least an hour. Their brother (age 4) enjoyed the reading and listened so well. I have given my life of 50 years to Christ and I hope someday the girls may choose to do the same.” 

Austin
God and Me
United Methodist
Manheim, PA 

Austin:

“I remember that God loves me! The first lesson was the best because I wrote ‘My Song of Praise.’” 

Grandmother/Mentor:

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity you gave Austin and myself.  I went through the program with my son (Austin's Dad), and I was elated when Austin asked me to do it with him! Thank you again. 

Photo: Austin with Grandmother and Pastor

Benjamin C.
God and church
United Methodist
Sanborn, NY

“My favorite part is when I did the PowerPoint. I remember relating Jesus to me the best.” 

Canyon Creek
Presbyterian Church
God and Church Class
Richardson, TX 

Front: Andrew, Brian

Back: Allicen, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Anna

Daniel C.
God and Me
Baptist
Oklahoma City, OK

Daniel and his family read the Bible in conjunction with the God and Me program. At the time he received his award, Daniel had read the entire Old Testament. Here’s what Daniel and his mom Nancy had to say:  

Daniel:

"I had a lot of fun with my scout friends … if you read the Bible you will find out about my name Daniel and what it means and when you finish the Bible you can get a reward like getting ice cream." 

Nancy:

Lauren
God and Me
Baptist
Palmyra, VA

Karl (father): 

“The program changed our child and family by helping to facilitate discussion about God in our daily lives.” 

Lauren (seated front left):

“My favorite parts of the program were the games, especially the board game in the last lesson. My favorite lesson was the one with the shepherd and the sheep.”
 

Terrence and Ondre
God and Family
Winston-Salem, NC
Lutheran 

Terrence (left):

“I liked making the pizza. It’s my favorite thing to make at home.”

Ondre (right):

“My favorite lesson was Ruth and Naomi. Dressing up the pizza box and making up a slogan was my favorite project.”

Lena (Mother):

“This program helped to reinforce what I am constantly trying to teach my children. We are encouraged that we are on the right path!”

"The God and Life program changed my life. Through the God and Life section, I developed a daily devotional schedule. I haven't let a day go by without reading my Bible in months! I also remember the pizza box. I enjoyed making that and adding something after each lesson. This God and Life program has made an impact on my life."

Ronnie
4-star recipient
Royal Rangers
Assemblies of God
Peabody, MA


 

	Bethany God and Family Church of Christ Huber Heights, OH "My favorite things were coming up with a pizza theme and decorating the box, inviting a friend to church and talking about what activities our family shares in Session 6. The activities that I like to do with my family are camping, climbing and rappelling, playing board games, geocaching, going to church and going to the movies together."

---

 

Robert Rio Rancho, NM United Methodist God and Me Award  "My favorite part was the board game. I also liked that I got to read more of the Bible." Here is the cat that Robert drew from the scribble line in Lesson 1 of the God and Me program.

---

Callie
God and Family
Mt. Shasta, CA
Lutheran  

"I liked learning how much God loves you and your family. And I liked talking about pizza, because I love pizza. I remember best that families have lots of parts just like pizza and each part needs to be there to have a good pizza. My favorite lesson was the one about baking. I liked the story about Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego. God was with them in the furnace. My favorite project was the one where we made the mezuzah. It was a fun craft. I can put Bible verses in it. I liked taking a walk and looking at nature with my grandpa. I saw stars, a deer, the creek, and lots of other things."

---

 

Bray P.
Castle Rock, CO
God and Me award 

"My favorite part of the God and ME program was making the games. The best thing I remember is the Lord's Prayer. The most fun family project was making the matching game."