Like soldiers in their crisp uniforms, standing at attention, with badges shining brightly upon every chest, they say their pledge of allegiance to the United States of America, followed by a solemn prayer to God. Military? Veterans, you ask?

Actually, they are the Awana Club, specifically troop number 12,189. Awana, which stands for "Approved workmen are not ashamed" from II Timothy 2:15, is a group of boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade and they are in training., That is training to learn God's Word at the Rolling Hills Baptist Church, along with several other clubs throughout Fayette.

Awana began in the 1940s at the North Side Gospel Center in Chicago, by a pastor seeking to minister to young boys and girls who didn't go to church. He and his wife developed the program, along with the uniforms, handbooks and games, to be Christ centered and Bible based. The club was officially organized by 1950 and spreading to other churches nearby.

By 1973, the first Canadian Awana Club formed and in the 1980s, the club was spreading around the globe. Today, the club is in 70 countries with materials available in 15 languages.

The Rolling Hills Awana Club began last September by the Rev. Dan and Laurie Riordan, who were introduced to the club while living in Texas several years ago,

"For the first year, it's going well," Laurie said. "We have seen it work before. We average about 30 kids a week."

As the minister of music, youth and education, Dan said he had seen the benefits of Awana in their five children when they participated.

"It's given them a basic foundation for Christian values and beliefs and is setting the foundation for systematic theology," he said.

Laurie acts as the "commander" for the club, overseeing all of the activities and training other leaders.

The purpose of Awana, she said is "to teach children Scriptures, God's Word, so that they would come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior."

The club is broken up by grade into K-second grade called Sparks; third and fourth grade girls called Chums; fifth grade girls called guards; third and fourth grade boys called Pals and fifth grade boys called Pioneers.

Each group has a workbook to complete, which is mainly centered around memorizing Scriptures, as much as 30 verses and passages per a book.

For every accomplishment in the club, the boys and girls are immediately recognized with a "jewel" or "charm" they wear displayed on their shirt.

The meetings are divided into three parts: game time, book time and green meadow time, which is similar to a story time.

"The kids are growing and developing values, even during game time," Laurie said. "Games tie into story time, and teach them how to follow directions, work together as a team, and all within a Biblical context."

The children are preparing for a March 20 Awana Olympics competition between all of the other Awana clubs in North Georgia. Approximately 1,000 kids are expected to gather in Fairburn for the event.

As a child grows up in the Awana program, he will learn Scriptures covering creation, the doctrine of sin, salvation through Christ and the importance of knowing, studying and sharing God's Word.

The key to learning all of this: repetition.

"Repetition is there for learning," said Dan. "Before they can go on to the next book, they must review the first book again from the beginning."

Furthermore, the club participates in Bible quizzes and contests and are often drilled by parents at home on their Scripture memory.

As they advance, it is obvious that the studies mature as well. The books are longer, there are longer passages of Scripture to memorize, and more emphasis on service activities related to patriotism, environment and health, and missions.

The Riordans also credit Awana to emphasizing parental involvement. Whether they are drilling their children at home or acting as leaders at the club, many participate.

Leaders are also required to study training manuals, to receive training outside the church and to be able to quote Scriptures.

"We want leaders to know this is a ministry, not a job," said Laurie. All leaders are similarly recognized with the children.

Seven reasons for

Christ-centered clubs

1. The average Sunday School offers no more than 25 hours of Bible teaching each year. Each week Awana Clubs offer an additional afternoon of evening of Bible instruction and wholesome activity. These emphases help fil the vacuum for sound Bible training.

2. The church's neighborhood is a mission field! Many boys and girls never hear the true Gospel even though they may attend church or Sunday School. Because of long-standing religious barriers, Bible-believing churches are reaching only a small portion of this vast mission field. Weekly Awana Clubs help break down many of these barriers. They offer a place where boys and girls may be invited without ear of being pressured to attend another church, Many are saved by the power of the Gospel and guided through their difficult years by godly leaders.

3. Most churches are looking for an effective channel for reaching people for Christ. Awana can be that effective channel to bring new people into the church where they accepted Christ. Once saved in the club meetings, children learn to love the truths of God's Word and often want to attend the church where they accepted Christ. In turn, parents can be reached through the Gospel in club materials and club-related special services.

4. Boys and girls have spare time, energy and abilities that will be put to use somewhere. Awana Clubs provide an outlet in a well-planned weekly club program with Christian leadership and associations.

5. Boys and girls seek friends outside the immediate family. These may be Christian or non-Christian , good or bad. Awana Clubs build Christian friendships that may last a lifetime.

6. Some boys and girls need adult guidance beyond their parents and school teachers. The world offers heroes away from Christian values. Awana provides leaders who point children and teens to God and His Word.