Child Evangelism Fellowship

Recognizing Edwina for 50 yrs with CEF!!

2010-11-11T11:10:00.003-06:00

This past Sunday we were honored to host a recognition event for Edwina (Eddie to most of us). She has been with CEF for 50 years - first as a summer missionary all the way through to her current position as Director of Training.

The program consisted of two former State Directors honoring Eddie. We also had a letter read to Eddie from the President of CEF National! Jonathan Alden sent a letter for Eddie as well. The committee presented Eddie with a picture frame gift with a scripture verse. Eddie's current Pastor was in attendance and recognized her accomplishments in the church outside of CEF. Amy opened the program with a beautiful song - Thank you - in honor of Eddie. Eddie wrote a letter to everyone in attendance expressing her gratitude at being honored. She had Sharon read the letter for her so she wouldn't become too emotional to speak. Dave closed the program with prayer.

The final count for attendance at the event was well over 100 people!!

During the event, we were able to request contributions for a ceiling fan project where the contributions would be made in honor of Eddie. Attendees contributed over $400 in honor of Eddie. What a blessing!

COMMISSIONING SERVICE June 6th, 2010

2010-06-17T13:36:00.001-05:00

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
How wonderful is that truth.
The Commissioning Service for the 2010 Christian Youth in Action® Summer Missionaries was on Sunday June 6th.
We were blessed with special music performed by Linda & Jeremy Johnson and an encouraging message from David Brauch, Elder of Madison Grace Fellowship Church and grandfather of Alicia and Caleb Jones.
Thank you to all who participated.

Oakfest Monona Oaks Church May 31st, 2010

2010-06-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

God was working on Memorial Day at the Monona Oaks Community Church yard in the midst of the sound of live music, clowns, laughing happy kids playing carnival games, hot dogs, and funnel cakes.
CEF had a tent right in the middle of the action where 57 people, mostly children, were told the Gospel message using the Wordless Book. Of those who heard the Wordless Book, 9 made first time professions of faith. Some of those were hearing the gospel message for the first time, and other children were familiar with the gospel message, but had never made a profession of faith. Those who were privileged to tell the Wordless Book, including myself, were blessed to be used by the Holy Spirit to reach children for Christ. It is so exciting to see a child realize their sin, understand the solution, and pray to receive Christ. I will be seeing a few of the children I was privileged to reach, in church, and hope to have the opportunity to encourage them.
Sharon Alden

CEF Carnival May 7th 2010

2010-06-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

Friday, May 7th, CEF of Greater Madison held the first annual Spring Carnival for the children who attended After School Good News Clubs this year and their families. Stephen Hunt shared the Wordless Book with everyone. We all enjoyed the games and food and the children participated in singing some of their GNC songs. It was an enjoyable time for children and adults and gave the teachers an opportunity to meet the families of their students. Thank you to everyone who came and everyone who helped make it possible!

Summer Missionary Christmas Party

2010-01-04T07:55:00.001-06:00

CYIA Winter Retreat

2009-12-23T10:48:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that 2010 is almost here? Well, plans have been made for the Winter Retreat at Camp Fairwood where Christian Youth In Action® also takes place in the summer. The Winter Retreat will take place Jan. 22-23, 2010.
This is a wonderful way for the Summer Missionaries to reconnect after a whole semester of school has gone by. It is also a great way to introduce some potential Christian youth to an opportunity to serve the Lord next summer, 2010, by attending Christian Youth In Action training camp , June 13–25, 2010.
Our Summer Missionaries not only learn how to teach a Bible verse, or a song, or a Bible lesson, but they also learn how to work together as a team, and how they can use the gifts that God has given them as individuals to serve Him. They also learn how to interact with boys and girls who may not even know Who Jesus is.
If you know a young person who loves the Lord and is serious about serving Him, let him/her know about the Winter Retreat and Christian Youth In Action.
Christian Youth In Action® provides an opportunity for anyone 14 years of age or older to serve children in the Greater Madison Area.
Learn more about being a CYIA Summer Missionary at the Winter Retreat January 22-23. Applications are on our website or call the CEF office.

Summer Missionary Testimony by Moriah Erickson

2009-12-23T10:43:00.000-06:00

CEF has been an amazing program in helping me grow in my relationship with Christ. My freshman year was my first year participating in CYIA, and CEF helped me make my relationship with God personal. God really opened my heart to missions that summer.
My first summer, I prayed with seven little girls to receive Christ as their Savior. That is the most amazing feeling in the world!
Moving forward, last summer was my third summer with CEF. Fair ministry was what God used to really teach me this summer. I had taught many shifts that week, and nearing the end of the week, I had not prayed with a single person to receive Christ. I was really discouraged. It was the end of Friday night, and we were closing up the tent when two teenage boys walked in. We asked our usual question "Would you like to hear the story of the wordless book?" and they agreed. I was very nervous because both of these boys had been in some of my high school classes. I started telling them the story, and soon found out that one boy was a firm atheist and the other was not sure what he believed. As I shared the story with them, I just felt an overwhelming peace and excitement telling them both the story and my own testimony. I know that the Holy Spirit was the cause of that. Experiences like this really show you God's presence.
I would love to participate in CEF this next summer, so that God can show me more of Him and who He wants me to be. I feel that this next summer, God will teach me many new things and use them to prepare me for college in the fall. I would love sharing my experiences and teaching skills with other students by being a team leader this summer. I am praying that if it is God's will for me to go again to CYIA that He would provide that support because with college coming in the fall, it will be hard to meet ends. Thank you for all your prayers and support!
God Bless,
Moriah Erickson

Teacher Enrichment January 9th

2009-12-23T10:39:00.000-06:00

January 9th, 2010 Curriculum

Series:
1)Patriarchs
2)Deal or No Deal– Come and share in the possibility of FREE merchandise.
3)Wonderzone
4)Wonderzone Trailguide-Learning how to be a trailguide. ( Work from home & mentor children on the CEF Wonderzone website.)
5)Valentine Lesson-TBD later.

For Good News Club® workers or anyone interested in learning about great CEF materials. We will be giving you tons of ideas to make your class not only fun and exciting for the children, but also effective in teaching them spiritual truths that will change their lives. Great for Sunday School, AWANA, parents, etc.

CYIA 2010

2009-11-20T11:25:00.000-06:00

Would you or anyone you know be interested in gaining experience as a missionary? Christian Youth in Action® provides an opportunity for anyone 14 years of age or older to serve children in the greater Madison area.
Learn more about being a CYIA Summer Missionary at the Winter Retreat January 22-23.
Orientation 1 April 24th @ CEF Madison office
Orientation 2 May 15th @Camp Fairwood
CYIA June 13th-25th
Contact the CEF office at
608-242-4002 or
office@cefmadisonwi.com for details.

Well its been a while but the blog is back!

2009-11-16T10:14:00.000-06:00

TCE-1 is now in the home stretch as the participants have been learning Bible verses, the Wordless Book and now Bible lessons. Thanks to all the IOT's for all their patience, we are having a blast!

God Answers Prayer!

2009-07-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

This week at our Monday Morning Meeting we talked about experiences our Summer Missionaries had last week. There were 15 new decisions made to follow Christ. And the children attending the clubs got to see answers to prayer themselves!
In one club they prayed for a sick boy, asking God to heal him so he can attend 5 Day Club. The next day he was better and came to club!

Rock County Fair

2009-07-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

Moriah's awesome testimony from the fair:

One night, just as we were closing down the tent, two boys from my school (my grade and above) stopped by our tent. I started telling the wordless book, and one boy (19yrs) asked me so many questions about God and told me that he was on the fence between God and evolution. I really felt God using me, because I know that I couldn't have told him all the answers on my own strength. The other boy, (my age), told us that he was a firm athiest. I could really tell the first boy was seeking, and I really feel like he understood what we were telling him. He was going to come back to the fair today to talk with us, but sadly, he never showed while I was working :(. Through that experience, I was just soo reassured of my faith. God really is the true God and He is amazing! He works in so many wonderful ways!! After the boys left, I was just jumping with excitement that we just even got to share with them about our wonderful Lord! God really gave me an excitement to teach today, and it is wonderful! Please pray for these two boys.

VBS @ Hillcrest

2009-07-09T15:15:00.000-05:00

We have had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Hillcrest Church this week to teach at their VBS. As many as 96 children have attended in a single night! Summer Missionaries are doing a great job teaching the Bible lesson, missionary story, prayer, memory verse, and more.

Stoughton Fair

2009-07-02T12:59:00.000-05:00

This week summer missionaries are at the Stoughton Fair, using the Wordless Book to share the gospel with fair-goers. We hope to update the numbers daily so check back tomorrow to see how God has been working.

Day 1 - The Wordless Book was shared with 79 children and adults and there were 17 new professions of faith.

Day 2 - The Wordless Book was shared with 92 fair-goers and there were 21 new professions of faith.

Day 3 - The Wordless Book was shared with 64 people and there were 31 new professions of faith.

Day 4 - The Wordless Book was shared with 103 fair-goers and there were 18 new professions of faith.

Day 5 - The Wordless Book was shared with 42 people and there were 9 new professions of fail.

We praise God that 380 people heard the message of salvation this week and that 96 people indicated their need for salvation. Thanks to everyone who helped out!

Pictures from Camp

2009-06-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

Children listening to the Bible lesson.

Praying for the missionary family in Haiti.

In prayer.

Talent show

Laughing so hard he cried.

Practice club @ camp.

Teaching the actions to a song.

Being cooperative children during a practice club.

Welcome to 5-Day Club!

Morning song introducing the Weather Man!

Free time.

A cool ride.

Studying hard.

Learning new skills

Barrel rides

Hangin' out

Playing together

Special helper =)

Learning to minister to all types of children.

Monkey face

Cabin bonding

Being silly!

Team building

Trying to learn the trick to escaping the handcuffs.

Smiles

Family bonding time.

Building strong friendships.

CYIA Start of Week 2

2009-06-22T16:46:00.000-05:00

It has been an incredibly busy time at camp. Summer Missionaries have continued to learn and pass their lessons. We took a short break from classes on Sunday to enjoy some time with family and friends. Today (Monday) we start teaching actual clubs. It's great to have the practice before returning to Madison, but it is also very stressful to do it for the first time. The weather has been VERY hot and humid, but we are surviving. =) Please continue to pray for us. There are many items that we need to accomplish before the end of the week. I am having trouble getting pictures to post today, but will hopefully have an opportunity towards the end of the week. Thanks for staying connected with us while we're gone.

Week 1 of CYIA

2009-06-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

Hey all! Camp is going well. I, Michelle, am amazed at how quickly students are learning their information. Everyone is healthy and doing well. They have already passed their memory verse and song presentation, as well as their Wordless book. We will be working on completing a Bible Story lesson or Missionary Story lesson today (Friday) and tomorrow. We will run through a practice club on Friday. Summer Missionaries have loved the mail they have received! Thanks so much for thinking of them and supporting their experience here. I'll try to get more pictures posted soon! Please remember to pray for us.

CYIA Commissioning Service

2009-06-01T10:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the Christian Youth in Action summer missionaries were commissioned into ministry at Hillcrest Bible Church in Oregon.

Summer missionaries who were able to attend the service.

Worship was lead by Pastor Fred, Emily (Summer Missionary) and Ric.

The committee members present introduced themselves. Together they have more than 90 years of experience with CEF!

Pastor Eric spoke from 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, challenging the summer missionaries to remember that God has an eternal plan and that their role is to cheer on his work.

Summer missionaries introducing themselves.

Jim spoke about his experience growing up with CEF. He encouraged summer missionaries not to get discouraged throughout the summer, but to remember that while they may not see immediate results, God is at work.

Thank you to Hillcrest church, members, and missions committee for their help and role in making this service a success! Thank you to Sharon for taking pictures!

Oakfest

2009-05-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

On Memorial Day, CEF was invited to share the gospel with people attending the carnival at Monona Oaks Church. Teachers, volunteers, and Summer Missionaries shared the Wordless Book and facepaint with those in attendance.

CYIA Orientation 2

2009-05-20T10:52:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was the second orienatation for our Christian Youth in Action summer missionaries.

Alicia, Luisa, and Michaela waiting for the session to begin.

The guys demonstrating the 5 goals of High Octance clubs.

Parachutes will be used with children this summer so the summer missionaries had a chance to play with them at training.

Christine

Sam sharing his experience during the past 4 years with CEF.

Anne teaching the proper way to use puppets.

More parachute fun!

Update: Azalea

2009-05-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

I wanted to thank you for all your prayers. Azalea has just celebrated her first birthday in Florida!!! She is healing very fast and is in no pain. She will even be able to swim (in the shade). God is so good! Your prayers have been answered, God has taken Azalea's pain away during this whole thing. We used very little of the pain medicine, I really believe God took her pain. She is healing so fast that you can almost see it. Every time I look at her burn I am in awe of God's power. Thank you so much for praying, remember God does care and he answers our prayers. Azalea seems to be out of any danger, but please continue to pray that she has no scars from this. With God all things are possible. Please feel free to pass this info to those you know who were praying. I know many are praying that we don't even know and we are so grateful. Thank you and thank God!

~ Lori (Azalea's Mom)

Appreciation Dinner

2009-04-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Last night more than 150 people joined us in celebrating a year of ministry.

Getting ready in the kitchen beforehand.

Welcome table and name tags.

We had games for kids to play before dinner.

Yummy, chocolate cake!

Good shot!

Alice (field worker) and a couple of her 'girls'.

We had a nearly full room.

This was the birthday boy of the night. Happy Birthday!

Effie led the song 'Around the Corner, Around the World'

Our wonderful Office helper volunteers. Thank you for all your hard work!

Students who earned their Teaching Children Effectively 1 certificates.

Our Good News Club and Mailbox Club volunteers. We appreciate all you do to make ministry happen.

Illusionist Daniel H. provided entertainment for everyone.

Who was the greatest super hero?

Thank you to the many volunteers who worked in the kitchen, prepared lasagna, and helped clean up!

Prayer Request: Azalea

2009-04-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

Update: Azalea is on her way home in the next hour or so! They will be back to the hospital everyday for bandages. 4/23 11:15am

We received news last night that Lori R.'s youngest daughter, Azalea (age 1) pulled a cup of hot cappuccino on herself and is in the burn unit at University Hospital. She has a bio-membrane over her to help with the healing process. Please pray that this is able to remain sealed.

These are all the details we have at this time.

A brief update on Linda V. She remains at St. Mary's Hospital. Pray for her continued healing.

Prayer Request: Lucas M

2009-04-21T10:39:00.000-05:00

Lucas is the son of a former long time summer missionary, Johanna. He is 3 1/2 years old and currently in the hospital struggling with side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia. He is sleeping most of the time, not eating or drinking, and being given morphine for pain. Please pray for healing for him and strength and comfort for his parents.

CYIA Orientation 1

2009-04-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

Team Building

Team Building

Praying for each other, for staff, and for more host families.

Yummy, yummy!

Ultimate Frisbee improvised with a plastic plate from lunch.

Learning curriculum for this year.

Prayer Request: Linda V

2009-04-14T14:42:00.000-05:00

Please keep Linda V. in your prayers. She had emergency surgery on Saturday night and will be in the hospital for some time.

Needed: Volunteers

2009-04-13T12:19:00.000-05:00

As we gear up for summer ministry there is a lot of prep work that needs to be done. We are in desperate need of people to volunteer to help us get ready. We have cutting, tearing, bracelet making, laminating, folding, and more!

Please contact Michelle in the office for more details.

Host Training

2009-04-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

Host training for 5-Day Clubs will be held Saturday, May 23rd 9:30-11:00am and Tuesday, June 30th 7:00-8:30pm at the Madison office. During training hosts will learn tips to make your club successful and how to counsel children for salvation. Training and matierials are free. Please RSVP @ 242-4002

Spring Appreciation Dinner

2009-04-09T14:26:00.000-05:00

You're Invited!

Please join us for a night of celebrating the past year

of ministry with Child Evangelism Fellowship.

When: April 24th at 5:30 pm
Where: Door Creek Church in Madison

5:30-6:00 Games
6:00 - Dinner
Entertainment: Daniel Hulstrom, Illusionist
Good News Club Children

We hope you can join us! (This is a free dinner.)

Please RSVP right away - 242-4002

Prayer Requests

2009-04-08T14:40:00.000-05:00

We are having technical difficulties getting our prayer requests to go to everyone on our list this week. We apologize if you haven't received them or if you received them twice.

5-Day Club Update

2009-04-07T16:01:00.001-05:00

We have 31% of our Clubs for this summer already scheduled and an additional 10% confirmed! Call the office today to sign up!

5-Day Club Hosts

2009-04-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

Calling anyone who has a heart to share Christ with children. We are currenlty looking for host for 5-Day Clubs.

What is a 5-Day Club?

A 5-Day Club is an exciting, fun-filled hour held each day for five consecutive days. It includes: dynamic Bible lessons, creative learning activities, an inspiring missionary story, meaningful songs, and life-changing Scripture memory.

Who Can Attend?
5-Day Clubs are open to all boys and girls between the ages of five and twelve, regardless of religious background. You are welcome to attend the club with your child.

Is There Any Cost?
There is no charge for your child to attend. An optional missionary offering will be taken each day.

Will Your Child Be Safe?
CEF has taken specific steps to insure the safety of your child. All club workers have been carefully screened as required by CEF's child protection policy.

We currently have 21% of our needed Clubs for this summer. Please contact the office for more information or to sign up today! 242-4002

Welcome!

2009-03-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our CEF blog. We're so grateful that you've taken a few minutes to stop by!

If you're new to blogs, this is like an on-line journal. It's a place where we'll show you more pictures and information than we can fit in our newsletter. Scroll down the page and you'll see a few different entries. Feel free to post a comment. We'd love to hear from you!

Stop back again soon. We'll continually be adding posts.

Vida Nueva

2009-03-26T10:54:00.000-05:00

Last night I (Michelle) had a great time getting to know the families at Vida Nueva Church in Madison. I am excited about our opportunity to partner with them through our Christian Youth in Action and 5-Day Clubs.

I had a wonderful time getting to know you! Thanks for allowing me to come!

CYIA APPLICATIONS

2009-03-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

The CYIA application deadline is in 6 days! Fill out your information and get it in the mail to us. No applications will be accepted after March 31st.

Please be praying for our candidates - that God would speak to them clearly about what He would have them do this summer.

Hillcrest Bible Church - Oregon

2009-03-19T10:38:00.001-05:00

Last night I had a great time sharing with the youth at my church! It was fun to get to know their collective personality and encouraging to see their heart for the Lord. I can't wait to see how God is going to work through all of our Summer Missionaries.

New Glarus Christian School

2009-03-18T14:47:00.000-05:00

I met with students at New Glarus Christian School this morning. They did a wonderful job asking questions! =) It was fun to talk with younger students. I shared with them about the great website for kids that CEF has - Wonderzone.com. There is a purple banner in the sidebar which will link you to it. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Monona Oaks Community Church

2009-03-16T12:28:00.000-05:00

Bright and early yesterday I met with the youth at Monona Oaks Community Church to share about our Christian Youth in Action Summer Missionary program. They were a quiet, but very nice group!

Thanks for listening guys!

Explorer Weekend

2009-03-10T16:06:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I (Michelle) traveled to the CEF International Headquarters in Warrenton, Missouri with 2 other women from Wisconsin. We were thrilled to arrive with temperatures in the 80s! Throughout the weekend got a snapshot of all the ministries that are a part of CEF. I was impressed with the warm welcome we received.

International Plaza - where flags are rotated and countries prayed for on a weekly basis.

A collage of artwork drawn by prisoners who are enrolled in the Mailbox Club.

Wonder Devotionals - each version is in a different language.

Mailbox Club lesson room.

We had the opportunity to learn how to grade Mailbox Club lessons.

And we also had a chance to visit with Ashley and Jonathan. Both have been a part of CEF Madison for years. The CEF Madison family was able to rejoice with them at their wedding just 2 short months ago! Ashley and Jonathan are now working with CEF at International Headquarters.

Bethany Alliance Church - Fennimore

2009-03-05T10:37:00.000-06:00

Last night I (Michelle) drove to Fennimore to share with the youth about CEF's Christian Youth in Action Summer Missionary program. This is a very joyful, energetic group that asked good questions.

Youth at Bethany Alliance Church.

Checking out some of the handouts.

Watching the video about Training Camp.

Rebecca sharing about her experience as a Summer Missionary.

Thanks for letting me share! It was fun to meet you!

Contact me at the office if you've thought of any questions since last night - 608-242-4002

Aldo Leopold Good News Club

2009-02-23T13:46:00.000-06:00

Good News Club® is the primary CEF ministry during the school year. A Good News Club meets weekly for about an hour each week, with Bible lessons, songs, games, and other activities in which to clearly present the Gospel message.

Reviewing the memory verse.

Learning a new song.

Praying together.

Teaching Children Effectively 2

2009-02-19T15:46:00.000-06:00

We kicked off our Teaching Children Effectively 2 class on Valentine's Day.

Pictured above are some of the students introducing themselves.
L - R Helen, Sheryl, and Linda.

These are some of the the Instructor of Teachers for the TCE 2 class.
L - R Jan, Eddie, Sharon, and Johanna.

Christian Youth in Action Applications

2009-02-10T13:53:00.000-06:00

If you would like to join CEF as a Summer Missionary, please contact the office at 242-4002 or office@cefmadisonwi.com and we will mail you an application.

Reminder, no applications will be accepted after March 31st.

CYIA Winter Retreat

2009-02-04T15:26:00.000-06:00

These are former and potential summer missionary candidates at Winter Retreat. We were blessed to spend some time together at Camp Fairwoods in Westfield.

Gaga ball can get very competitive!

More Gaga Ball fun!

Students watching a video of the previous summer training camp.