Recognizing Edwina for 50 yrs with CEF!!

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

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

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

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

CYIA Winter Retreat

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

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