HR1077 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1077 LRB098 21141 MST 58999 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to recognize Art Rorheim, co-founder of AWANA Clubs International, on his commitment to his faith, his family, his State, his country, and to churches across the world; and

WHEREAS, Art Rorheim's wife and co-worker for the past 75 years, Winnie, is considered his most important partner in the ministry; marrying in 1939, they weathered some lean times in the early years; and

WHEREAS, In the 1930s, Art Rorheim volunteered as a weekly club leader at the North Side Gospel Center under the direction of Dr. Lance Latham, and later became the youth director; and

WHEREAS, Art Rorheim and Dr. Latham were pioneers in creating the youth director post, prioritizing ministry to children and teens, and created a new midweek ministry called AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed); and

WHEREAS, AWANA blossomed, drawing over 500 children and teens to the Gospel Center each week; other churches learned about its success and inquired about its availability; and

WHEREAS, As the Executive Director of AWANA, Art Rorheim expanded the organization into a worldwide ministry, with over 14,000 churches, orphanages, and Christian schools operating in over 100 countries, impacting over 700,000 young people in a given week; and

WHEREAS, In his mid-90s, Art Rorheim continues to welcome opportunities to share his heart, wisdom, and experiences with a variety of audiences in various venues, speaking at AWANA Ministry Conferences, churches, on radio programs, and has been interviewed by a wide range of print, online, and radio media; he still travels the world to speak at conferences and meet with ministry leaders and partners; and

WHEREAS, When Art Rorheim looks back at his years in AWANA, he cannot imagine his phenomenal journey without Winnie by his side, recognizing that "The Lord brought us together for a reason, and I'm glad He did"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Art Rorheim, co-founder of AWANA Clubs International, on his commitment to his faith, his family, his State, his country, and to churches across the world and; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Art and Winnie Rorheim as an expression of our esteem and respect.