In this 40th year of ministry, it has been fun to
hear the comments that many of the graduates of Explorer Girls have shared with us through the years. As you read some of them, I hope you are encouraged, challenged, and blessed.
And if nothing else, it should show you how important this ministry is in the lives of the girls. Thanks for being part of this work throughout these years. God bless.
“I have been attending Explorer Girls since I was 3. I grew up in this ministry. I learned how to read my Bible. I was challenged during our Bible times with questions pertaining to everyday life which made me think but always brought me to God’s Word for the answers. What I appreciated about Explorer Girls was that I was not judged by what I wore, the way I acted, or even by how much I loved Jesus. Explorer Girls was a safe haven for me. It was wonderful to be loved and accepted by everyone. After I graduated high school, I came back as a leader. I want the girls to know about the incredible Heavenly Father who will never leave them and will always love them.” Ally Grazulis, graduate of Explorer Girls; Camp Staff, leader at Aldan Union.
“My childhood was anything but ordinary. Everything in my life was changing and it felt like I had no stability, that’s where Explorer Girls came in. Every Monday was my escape, Explorer Girls was the only thing that was safe to me and it was something I always looked forward to. The leaders in each age group invested their time and energy into speaking truth into my life. I know God was working in my heart during those years and I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of such an amazing group.” Jenny Hall, graduate of Explorer Girls.
“Explorer Girls…what can one even say about something that had so many different forms over the years? There were retreats, where not only did I learn about God, I learned about life from godly women who took time to invest in me. There were verses we learned each week, which now, as I lead a Bible study for girls at the collegiate level, I find myself recalling, to use as encouragement for those I teach. There were times that we laughed and times that we cried, but each time I knew that I would learn something about the Lord. For that I’ll be forever grateful.” Lorraine Dunn, graduate of Explorer Girls.
“Whether it was doing different activities for the awards we were trying to earn, singing songs together, doing a craft, or reading Bible verses, EG’s was a great place to be on Monday nights. Since I went from kindergarten thru 12th grade, it was a privilege to get to know the girls in my group and all of the leaders were wonderful! Each of them impacted my life and helped me strengthen my relationship with God. I hope that EG’s continues at AUC for many years to come so that as many girls as possible can take part in such a wonderful ministry!” Lindsay Phipps, graduate of Explorer Girls, leader at Aldan Union