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We Are CHOSEN
–Colossians 3:12, NIV
God carefully and intricately thought through the creation of each person long before He made plans to create the earth. He chose us for a particular time—calling us to a special purpose. God had each person in mind when He hovered over the vast surfaces of the deep waters, and before He added magnificent light to the darkness. Long before we knew Him, He knew us and loved us. What a wonderful blessing to be selected, favored, and hand-picked by God! He shows divine favor upon us and has selected us to be His. God chose His followers to bring glory to His name! God has chosen AHG to minister to girls and for thousands of families to be part of the ministry. God chose us, and God doesn’t make mistakes!
CHOSEN For a Time Such as This
We have a rich heritage in Christ, identified as His chosen ones, and the ability to build traditions in AHG around Biblical principles. When we stop to think about our purpose and vocation here on earth, what often comes to mind is the story of Esth er in the Scriptures. Like Esther, we have been created “for a time such as this” (Esther 4:14, NIV). Knowing God has placed us where we live for a specific time and purpose; it is our responsibility to love and serve others just like the Son of God. With the freedom afforded in our country, we can freely explore God’s creation and growing His Kingdom by building up the AHG community.
CHOSEN to be Holy Change Agents
God placed us here, today with a purpose—to spread the gospel message and exemplify Christ’s love to all. A self-identified“justice mindset” is a common trait among members of Generation Z (those born between 1999 and 2015, according to Barna researchers).
Perhaps your girl has strong opinions on today's hot-topic issues and she wants to jump into “the conversation.” Her heart for advocacy is an excellent characteristic! After all, God calls each of us to be change agents in our fallen world. The Book of Proverbs urges God’s people to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV).
The question is: how does your girl go about seeking justice in a way that is God-honoring and ultimately brings others to know Christ? It’s easy in today’s social media culture to “join the conversation” by posting, liking, and sharing other peoples’ words, but advocating for justice goes beyond words. Real change really begins with action. Help your American Heritage Girl on her journey as a “holy change agent” as she upholds what is Godly and true through Christ-honoring service to those in need.
CHOSEN to be God's Hands and Feet
To raise the next generation of holy change agents AHG believes it’s every family’s responsibility to teach their children about the importance of exhibiting God’s heart for justice by standing up for others who face injustice, mistreatment, or marginalization. Troops are encouraged to work toward service in their own communities. Jesus served the poor, the “unclean”, and the sinners right in his own community. He ate with them, He spoke with them, and He stood up for them in times of need. By seeking out local ministries and organizations devoted to serving the underprivileged, marginalized, and disadvantaged in your own community you show your girls the impact that their service can make in our world. Commit to regularly serving these local organizations, and celebrate your Troop’s contribution to the community. Together you can show her how to change the world to be a more welcoming, and love-filled place.
CHOSEN to Light a Candle
Patti Garibay, AHG’s Founder & Executive Director, heeded the call to be God’s hands and feet when He planted a seed of faith in her heart. It took a courageous leap away from her Girl Scouts USA leadership role and a reminder from her dad to “light a candle” in the darkness to find a solution to the God-sized hole she saw within the organization. Patti, along with fellow concerned parents, founded a new scout-type ministry to disciple their girls. Hundreds of thousands of accomplished alumnae, developed leaders, and changed communities later, it’s safe to say that the candle they lit in 1995 still burns brightly today. You can read more about Patti’s story, the founding of AHG, and the power of God’sfaithfulness through it all in her new book, Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light a Candle available today at whycursethedarkness.com.
CHOSEN to Continue the Legacy
In the 25 years since the ministry’s inception, Patti’s candle is still aglow and shining brightly as God continues to show up for American Heritage Girls. This 2020-2021 Program Year looks a lot different than any other year in AHG’s history. It can be easy to feel discouraged or ill-equipped to continue with “normal” AHG meeting and programming in our uncertain times. But the commitment and resiliency of AHG girls and volunteers is unmatched!
Despite the public health restrictions in place to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, AHG Troops continue the legacy of faith, service, and fun in their communities in responsible,resourceful, and socially-distant ways! For more information on how to successfully continue the great work of AHG this year, albeit in different ways, we invite members to read AHG in a Virtual Setting, an all-encompassing guide on how to continue the important work in your community through AHG this year.
AHG hopes that all girls will know that they are chosen and dearly loved by the God of the universe. The 2020-2021 AHG Program Year Theme, Chosen, is an exciting tribute to Girl Members and the AHG Program as we come together to celebrate AHG’s 25th Anniversary!
