Awana Organization Philippines, Inc. was registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization in 1999. Awana is a Bible-centered club-program for children and youth and is affiliated with the Awana International based in Streamwood, Illinois USA. The organization was first introduced in Mindanao in 1983 by a missionary named Raydene Taylor of the Association of Baptist for World Evangelism (ABWE). The first official chartered club in the Philippines belongs to Manila Baptist Church, which opened in 1984. Awana Philippines had its first office in a small room at the Heritage Baptist Church facility in Scout Borromeo, Quezon City. As word spread about this new and exciting ministry for children and youth, new clubs were started in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Awana equips local volunteers in churches around the world with Biblical evangelism and discipleship solutions so that today’s children may become tomorrow’s Christian leaders, in every aspect of society and culture. In 2004, Pastor Zoilo Anat became National Director and led the team in introducing and implementing the Leader-Based Strategy at the first Seed Planter’s Conference in Iloilo City. Currently, Awana Phils. has 1,181 club members (churches and communities). By being affiliated with Awana International, both parties signed an Associate Ministry Licensing Agreement for the purpose of intellectual property rights, use of the name and global brand of “Awana” and the right of Awana International to inspect the operations of Awana Philippines.
