Meet Dan and Carla Harker

Dan and Carla Harker’s Story

Awana Ministry Directors,
Summit Christian Church, Sparks, NV

”When we’re at Awana, on a club night or at an event or training, we know that we’re exactly where God would have us be right at that moment. What can be greater than knowing that!”

Read their story below

Every leader’s path to serving in Awana is a little bit different. For Dan Harker, it was his wife who led the way. Karla started her Awana experience as a first grader, when she was invited by a friend. Following this invitation, Karla’s parents came to church and her mom came to know Christ. Serving as a volunteer in Awana shortly after college, she then led her new boyfriend Dan to join her. Giving it a one-year commitment, that season has continued over a decade and a half and today, Dan and Karla are proud to serve as Awana Ministry Directors at Summit Christian Church in Sparks, Nevada.

Over the years, they’ve enjoyed the blessings of leadership — building friendships with other leaders, engaging in global missions, getting to know Awana staff, and leading kids to Christ. They know that every week, they are but servants, not in their ministry, but in God’s. “He has called us and we can know that we’re in His will when we’re serving. There are very few times in life when we know we’re exactly where God wants us to be.

Dan and Karla remain committed volunteers because of the impact they see taking place each and every week. “It’s the fun and games, combined with relationships and a focus on God’s Word that make Awana powerful,” they say. The Harkers aren’t sure where they would serve if it wasn’t for Awana, but they are clear about the fact that this is where God has called them — and it’s a calling they are grateful for.

“We’re thankful for God’s goodness and faithfulness, which we have seen through serving him at Awana and in our daily lives. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about leadership and patience. We’ve learned to be a puzzle piece, see the bigger picture, and recognize the difference between the ‘big things’ and the ‘small things’ so we can maintain perspective and respond accordingly. Most of all, we’re so thankful for Jesus and the simplicity of the Gospel. To God be the glory!”

Though they’ve witnessed dozens of life-changing experiences over their fifteen-plus years of service, one favorite is Josh’s story:

“Josh grew up in Awana with his brother. For a time, his parents were also Sparks Directors. Josh is in High School now and had the opportunity to go on a short-term mission trip to the inner-city of a nearby major metropolitan area where he ministered to homeless street people, many of whom are downtrodden and seemingly forgotten.

Josh is a quiet and shy young man but he met his ministry opportunity with confidence. He spoke about God’s Word with authority. He spoke truth to people on the street and quoted scripture that he had learned in Awana. He told them about the life of hope they can have in Christ and that they are loved and valued by God. Josh’s parents told us that it was the training he received through Awana that helped equipped him for this. Josh went back on a second trip and took his brother with him to do the same thing. We can’t wait to see what God has in store for Josh.”