Child Evangelism Fellowship founder, Irvin Jesse Overholtzer, agonized with God over maps of the world, asking Him to send an Army of workers to children with the message of salvation through faith in Jesus alone.
Do you wonder why CEF makes such a big deal out of training volunteers?
Maybe looking at the world-wide statistics that CEF shared in August from 2023 will make this emphasis on training clearer.
Below is a summary of the impact CEF missionaries had on children in 2023:
Let’s take a moment to praise the Lord for 29,245,736 children around the world who heard the gospel message through CEF ministries!!
Now, how was that possible? What was the number of full-time CEF staff? 3,604
Did you hear the number of people trained in child evangelism in 2023? 577,012
That means trained volunteers in the 84,244 Good News Clubs account for many of the children who heard the gospel person-to-person.
The amazing thing is that 97% of full-time CEF staff are national workers!
Our commander, Jesus, issues our marching orders in Matthew 26:18-19 – “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. GO therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
The Greek word “GO” in the present tense has the connotation of “as you are going” – to the grocery, in your job, caring for children, filling up at the gas station, wherever – be ready.
If you were handed a Bible and told that the man, woman, or child next to you was desperate to know how to trust Jesus – are you ready to show that person from God’s Word what God says His plan is? Praise the Lord if you are ready to give the reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15
If you are not sure – please come to GNC Quick Start Training on September 21st in Hampton. 😊
To reserve your place or to indicate interest in other training options, contact Korey Kelley at kskelley1@gmail.com or (703) 505-4330.
Then you will be ready to begin the work of making disciples, starting with children!
