VISION
Monthly newsletter of Child Evangelism Fellowship® of East Central Florida
January 2012
Raising a New Generation Rooted in the Word of God
New Years Resolutions
I am sure by now that if you’re anything like me (and just about like half of America) you have made some sort of New Years Resolution. Across the world, people make many attempts to change the direction their lives are going by making resolutions, seeking to make their lives better.What does the word ‘resolution’ really mean? A resolution is to resolve to stay committed to something and see it through. Looking at the word resolve, I think about the new movie “Courageous.” The men in the movie resolved to make changes, make them for the better and to see them through.
Here in our CEF Chapter, I would like to resolve to do anything and everything we can to reach children here in East Central Florida for Christ. I would like for us to resolve to not allow the enemy to distract us in what the Lord Jesus Christ has called us to do.
In getting to know many of you, I have seen and heard the true desire in your hearts to reach a world that is lost “One Child at a Time.”
I know we can change a city “One Child at a Time”.
I know we can change a county “One Child at a Time”.
I know we can change our state and our Nation “One Child at a Time.”I know that brothers, sisters, moms and dads can be changed “One Child at a Time.” Will you join me? Resolve with me to go the extra mile this year in doing all we can.
Let’s fight the fight even when we are tired, even when the days are long. Let’s make sure we have done all we can to not miss one child.
I pray that God makes this a season of harvesting, that the fields would be ready for our labors, and the children would be ready for the Good News we have to bring them. Thanks to each and every one of you for your dedication to these boys and girls and for your desire to serve an Awesome and Mighty God!
Tony James
Director East Central Florida
St. Johns County Update
We want to share with all of you how our God is going after the children in St. Johns County.
In June 2011, one of our Instructor of Teachers relocated to an area in St. Johns County. Child Evangelism Fellowship was unheard of in this county. We were informed the reason for this was a lawsuit that had been brought upon the St. Johns County School Board a few years back by a group of atheists.
But God had a plan, and prayer continued to go out for South Woods Elementary in the west part of St. Johns County, Hastings, Florida. In August, the local Pastor at Hastings Baptist, Lucas Cunningham, who has a heart for children and outreach, contacted the principal. He invited the teachers to Hastings Baptist for the following Sunday to be honored during the service. Not only did many of the teachers come, as well as the Principal, but also the Superintendent of St. Johns County School Board, Dr. Joseph Joyner.
After the service, Dr. Joyner asked Pastor Lucas to join him in his office later that week for a monthly prayer meeting with other Pastors. Then, on December 4th, Andrew and Tony went to Hastings Baptist Church and spoke to the congregation, inviting the body to be part of this outreach. Twelve people signed up that day, and since then, the Lord has added more, for a total of 15. Pastor Lucas then scheduled a meeting with Principal McElhone on Thursday, January 12. All we needed was his approval. We are thrilled to say, thrilled to shout, that February 15 will be the first Good News Club in St. Johns County. Praise His Holy Name, Jesus loves the children.
Debbie Sheffield
In June 2011, one of our Instructor of Teachers relocated to an area in St. Johns County. Child Evangelism Fellowship was unheard of in this county. We were informed the reason for this was a lawsuit that had been brought upon the St. Johns County School Board a few years back by a group of atheists.
But God had a plan, and prayer continued to go out for South Woods Elementary in the west part of St. Johns County, Hastings, Florida. In August, the local Pastor at Hastings Baptist, Lucas Cunningham, who has a heart for children and outreach, contacted the principal. He invited the teachers to Hastings Baptist for the following Sunday to be honored during the service. Not only did many of the teachers come, as well as the Principal, but also the Superintendent of St. Johns County School Board, Dr. Joseph Joyner.
After the service, Dr. Joyner asked Pastor Lucas to join him in his office later that week for a monthly prayer meeting with other Pastors. Then, on December 4th, Andrew and Tony went to Hastings Baptist Church and spoke to the congregation, inviting the body to be part of this outreach. Twelve people signed up that day, and since then, the Lord has added more, for a total of 15. Pastor Lucas then scheduled a meeting with Principal McElhone on Thursday, January 12. All we needed was his approval. We are thrilled to say, thrilled to shout, that February 15 will be the first Good News Club in St. Johns County. Praise His Holy Name, Jesus loves the children.
Debbie Sheffield
James Gang Update
Just a few bullet points to let everyone know how things are going up here in the cold…. Brrrrr!!
We held our first meeting in mid January and had 31 people attend. We are also actively working with people in two different areas of Mississippi to start chapters, one of which we are looking to have officially chartered in the spring. The other we plan for a little later this year. In addition to this, we are working to have a location secured to hold the first statewide CYIA training the week of June 17th.
Our family is still adjusting to our life in a very different location, but that is going very well. God has been faithful to be sure to bring many wonderful people to welcome us. Please continue to keep us in prayer, specifically for favor as we work with people around the state to get ministry started. In addition, continue praying that God will send people to be involved with the ministry through giving.
Andrew Ward
Mississippi State Director
· We have arrived and have begun our CMI classes. Praise God!
· The boys are adjusting well to their new schools. Praise God!
· The on-campus apartment is just what we needed; it is giving us the ability to be closer as a family. Praise God!
· So far there has been no snow here in Missouri. This is a blessing for me; however, the boys are waiting every day to wake up to a winter wonderland.
Mississippi Update
We held our first meeting in mid January and had 31 people attend. We are also actively working with people in two different areas of Mississippi to start chapters, one of which we are looking to have officially chartered in the spring. The other we plan for a little later this year. In addition to this, we are working to have a location secured to hold the first statewide CYIA training the week of June 17th.
Our family is still adjusting to our life in a very different location, but that is going very well. God has been faithful to be sure to bring many wonderful people to welcome us. Please continue to keep us in prayer, specifically for favor as we work with people around the state to get ministry started. In addition, continue praying that God will send people to be involved with the ministry through giving.
Andrew Ward
Mississippi State Director
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- · The boys are adjusting well to their new schools. Praise God!
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- · The on-campus apartment is just what we needed; it is giving us the ability to be closer as a family. Praise God!
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- · So far there has been no snow here in Missouri. This is a blessing for me; however, the boys are waiting every day to wake up to a winter wonderlan
- We have arrived and have begun our CMI classes. Praise God!
- Please keep praying for us while we are here and that we will come back more equipped to ministe
Teacher Training Center If you would like to give to help purchase the new Teacher Training Center / CEF office we are in the process of establishing in the I 95 and I 4 area please designate your gift to the “Building Fund.”
Please Pray For Child Evangelism Fellowship®
1. Please pray for the children
2.The James Family as the raise the needed support for CMI "Children's Ministry Institute". The total still needed is $6600.00
3. God to send more laborers into the ministry.
4.That God would send more pastors to be involved in the ministry.
5. The James family as they raise the needed support
- The spiritual growth of the children in the Good News Clubs, please pray that these children’s walk with Jesus would be evident to the world
Be Sure to Mark Your Calendar
Each Tuesday morning we meet in the office at 9:00 am for an hour of prayer. This is absolutely essential to our efforts. Will you plan to attend?
- March 19th at 6:30 Letters to God VIP Movie screening fundraiser for Child Evangelism Fellowship at First Baptist Daytona
- TCE 1 July 10, 17, 24, 3