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Territorial Headquarters releases results of the Six in ’06 Sunday School Growth Campaign.
by CARI ARIAS –
A young girl participates in Sunday School at the Eureka, Calif. Corps. |
Recently announced, the results of the THQ Youth Department’s Six in ’06 Sunday School Growth Campaign show that God is at work in Sunday schools across the territory.
Launched in January 2006, the campaign’s goal was that “every Sunday school in the territory will increase its average weekly attendance, with youth attendance increasing by a weekly average of six.” THQ is providing the winner—based on attendance—in each of three categories a $5,000 Ministry Capacity Building Incentive Grant.
In response to the Six in ’06 results, Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Kyle Smith says, “It is great to know that over 100 corps Sunday schools have grown since January, and that on average the combined attendance of these corps has risen by well over 1,000 people.”
With an incredible youth attendance growth of 151 kids, Rita Corps, Marshall Islands, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, came in as the big winner of the Blue Group (largest attendance base), followed by Estrella Mountain Corps in the Southwest Division for the Red Group (medium attendance base), and the Chuuk Corps, Micronesia, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, for the Yellow Group (smallest attendance base).
Majors Randy and Jonnette Mulch, divisional youth leaders during the campaign, commented on Rita Corps’ amazing success: “All of our corps received the Six in ’06 materials, buttons, posters, and encouragement to increase their Sunday schools. The Rita Corps Sunday school has grown under the leadership of Lieutenants Ongra and Hemrina Hanerc with a team effort of the local corps leaders. They have really tried to work on Sunday school at least in part because of the campaign.”
But it is not just one campaign that makes all the difference; it is a catalyst for growth. Major Randy Mulch continued, “The growth has taken place because of a combination of things: lieutenants, local officers and ministry training college graduates in the corps have conducted home visits to reach out to families. Youth Bible studies took place in homes and at the corps. Some of those reached through this outreach now attend Sunday school. The corps held outdoor movie nights to attract youth and invite them to Sunday school. And volleyball and basketball leagues have attracted many young people who have returned to Sunday school along with some who attend for the first time.”
Summing up the campaign, Smith states, “Sunday school is about sharing the gospel and building disciples. All of our different youth programs are important, but Sunday school is essential when it comes to assimilating youth into our corps and ministry. I just want to thank God for all the officers and Sunday school leaders who have put in extra effort to reach people through Sunday school this year, and I pray they will continue to seek and to save the lost with the same or even more passion.”
