70th Anniversary Highlight: Christel Manley

2021 is the Platinum Anniversary of CEF of South Carolina!

One way we’re celebrating is to highlight one of our staff members each week. (You can read more about our 70th Anniversary on our blog here.)

This week, meet Christel Manley! Christel first learned about CEF through an email that her church shared about an available part time position. She was already familiar with Good News Club because her son was involved at his elementary school! She’s been working at CEF Greenville for a little over 7 years. Her favorite part of working for CEF is the people she gets to work with and the volunteers she’s been able to meet over the years. She says, “being in an atmosphere where everyone’s heart desire is to reach as many children as possible for Jesus is amazing.”

“My favorite memory of working for CEF Greenville is the team building activities we have done over the years I been with CEF. I enjoyed getting to know my co-workers better.”

She also shared the following story:

Christel as a child.

“I have been blessed in my life to have several believing adults that have impacted my life. I grew up with a lot of sweet godly ladies that showed me how to be Christ to others. These ladies were very involved in their churches and displayed a servants heart to neighbors in our community by providing food and always being there for others. They had such sweet spirits and never expected anything in return. I learned so much from how they lived their lives and try to implement those Christ like characteristics in my life. Hebrews 13:7 ‘Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.’”

The Story of St Patrick

March 17th is celebrated as St. Patricks Day! Some people wear green, decorate with shamrocks, or tell stories of leprechauns and pots of gold! It can be full of silliness and fun, but who was St. Patrick? (spoiler alert: he wasn’t Irish!)

The bible tell us saints are anyone who has believed on Jesus:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Corinthians 1:2

Patricius Magonus Sucatus was from a well to do family from Britain who loved Jesus. His village was attacked by Irish raiders when he was 16. He was taken as a prisoner to Northern Ireland and was sold as a slave to a Druid name Milchu. Milchu was a wealthy and powerful Druid involved in magic and mysticism. He had a lavish home with frequent parties, but none of these were experienced by Patrick. He was sent to care for Milchu’s sheep and pigs in the mountains, and slept in caves.

Although he was raised in a Christian home, he had never “had time” for God. During this time of enslavement, he was broken and sought refuge in the Christ he had learned so much about. He became friends with the other slaves and they often prayed together! He learned more about Druids and saw how they went against God’s Word.

He felt the Holy Spirit tell him he would one day return to his own country. After he had a dream of a boat headed for Britain, God led him to the very ship he had envisioned! Without money to pay his fare, he was turned away. As he prayed to God for help, he was called on board by one of the sailors—the Captain had asked to see him!

He easily made friends with the others on board. However, after 3 days, they were grounded on a deserted coast in Britain! They had been there a month (and had run out of food). Patrick encouraged them to pray to God to supply their needs. Soon after, they had a herd of wild pigs that provided all the food they needed! When the sailors saw this, however, they assumed Patrick was a magician! They forced him to stay with them but refused to turn from their idols. After 2 months, Patrick was able to escape and return to his home village and found his parents still alive!

Patrick had yet another dream of his friends from Ireland, calling out to him, “Patrick, come and teach us!” Although his family was upset, he knew he must return to Ireland to reach the people who did not know Christ.

He traveled by boat back to Ireland, and spend the rest of his time traveling on foot and teaching as many people as he could. 2 of those people just happened to be daughters of the king! They had been sent to study with the Druids, but were captivated by the idea of this “one true God." He was able to share the story of salvation with them and how they could one day see the one true God face to face! They received Jesus as their Savior and worshipped the living God.

One day, a group of men including former druids, pirates, robbers, and warriors asked for a copy of God’s word. In a world before printing presses or copy machines, copies were nearly impossible to find. Instead, Patrick began building wooden huts and letting these men copy from his original Bible so that more people could access the Word of God! Patrick had the men build walls around the wooden huts of logs and mud. This came in handy when a group of raiders came to plunder and destroy. The copies of the Bible were saved from fire and destruction by the walls that had been built!

God protected the books, just as he had protected Patrick all those years!

We’ve linked some other info about St Patrick below, as well as our playlist of videos!

Creative Kids—Who is St Patrick, Anyway?

Kids Enjoying Jesus

History.com—Who was St Patrick?

View our lessons on St. Patrick below!

70th Anniversary Highlight: Donna Rogers

2021 is the Platinum Anniversary of CEF of South Carolina!

One way we’re celebrating is to highlight one of our staff members each week. (You can read more about our 70th Anniversary on our blog here.)

This week, meet Donna Rogers! She is in her 6th year of serving as a Ministry Coordinator. After a friend told her they were looking for a school coordinator for a local school, to which she responded “I don’t work with children!” She felt the Lord encouraging her to talk to a Ministry Coordinator on staff, and 6 years later, here she is! Her favorite part of working for CEF Greenville Piedmont is watching children light up when learn more about Jesus and eventually receive Him as their Savior. She also loves getting to know their families! Her favorite memory goes like this:

“I had a child in my club at Nevitt Forest and she was driving me nuts. So I decided one day I was going to talk with her about her behavior. When I got to quiet place, the Lord seemed to be pressing me to kneel down in front of her. So I was at her eyelevel at that point and instead of ‘reading the riot act to her, out of my mouth came “you know, I love you” and yes even to my own surprise she looked at me in amazement and said ‘you do?” and I said ‘yes’, and that changed everything!! Her behavior and my heart were changed!”

She also shared the following story:

“For about a year during 2019, the Lord allowed me the privilege of taking one of our children at club to my church. Her parents didn’t go to church, but they wanted her to go so I took her with me. The first time was to a Christmas event and when we walked into the church she said, “wow, so this is what a church looks like!” and I said “have you never been in a church?’, and she said ‘no.’ So for the rest of that year she was able to attend church with me. She also became a believer and the light that shone out of her big brown eyes was so indicative that Jesus had taken up residence, that others could see it too”

70th Anniversary Highlight: Debbie Howell

2021 is the Platinum Anniversary of CEF of South Carolina!

One way we’re celebrating is to highlight one of our staff members each week. (You can read more about our 70th Anniversary on our blog here.)

This week, meet Debbie Howell! She is one of our Ministry Coordinators here at CEF Greenville and has been serving since 2010. Before joining the staff, she served a volunteer at Mitchell Road Elementary for 2 years! She first learned about CEF from a friend at church who was recruiting volunteers for the Good News Club at Mitchell Road Elementary School. Her favorite part of working for CEF Greenville is getting to go into the Good News Clubs and interacting with the children. She can’t pick one favorite memory—just the times she’s had the privilege of leading a child to the Lord.

She has this story to share about how a believing adult had an impact on her life:

I have an uncle with cerebral palsy.  He is now 92 years old and partially blind.  Every simple task like tying shoes is a major ordeal for him.  It takes him 20 minutes to tie his shoes.  He reads his Bible every morning.  I have heard him praying at night over every member of our family.  He declined being a deacon at his church because he said he had sinned.  As a child and then a teenager I would go to church with him and my grandparents.  Not because my own family didn’t go to church but because he was such a joy to be around.  I have never heard him raise his voice or say anything against anyone.  He is truly after God’s own heart.  He has the strongest faith of anyone I know.  He is a blessing to me and to anyone who has the privilege of knowing him. 

70th Anniversary!

Did you know that Child Evangelism Fellowship of South Carolina was established in 1951? That means our state is celebrating 70 years of bringing the Good News to children through CEF®. We’ll be doing lots of reminiscing and celebrating over the course of this year!

In 1951, Miss Emma Mackey and Mrs. Milton G. Smith filed an application for incorporation to begin South Carolina’s chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship. The Secretary of State at that time, O. Frank Thornton, declared by Seal of the State, the Certificate of Incorporation on August 13th of the same year. For 70 years, precious individuals called by the LORD have served at HIS pleasure to operate the ministry of CEF in South Carolina in support of the local church and her mission to proclaim the Gospel of the LORD JESUS to the children of South Carolina. This year, 2021, we celebrate the LORD in our Platinum Anniversary!

Here’s a look back at what life was like in 1951:

• Harry Truman, the 33rd U.S. President, was in office.

• The U.S. Population was at 154.9 million (as of the time of writing, the current U.S. population is over 330 million!)

• James Byrnes was the Governor of South Carolina.

• Pop culture phenomenon “I Love Lucy” debuted this year.

• The average car cost $1,500 and gas was .27 a gallon.

• The average American income was $3,510 annually.

• The 22nd Amendment was ratified which limited U.S. Presidents to a term of 8 yrs ( 2 terms ).

• The term Rock N Roll is coined by Cleveland Disc Jockey Alan Freed.

• The most popular movies that year included “An American in Paris”, “The African Queen”, “A Streetcar Named Desire”, and “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

• First Color Television Pictures were broadcast from Empire State Building.

• The first commercial computer, UNIVAC, is put into use at the U.S. Census Bureau.

• Super Glue was invented this year!

• Clemson won the Orange Bowl over Miami on January 1st.

• MGM's Technicolor musical film, An American in Paris, starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron premieres in New York. It will go on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

We plan on celebrating all year long!

This is the first in a series of celebratory posts! Starting next week, we’ll be highlighting each of our staff members as we reflect on our time in ministry. Make sure you don’t miss it!

Reminders of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 16:14  

Let all that you do be done in love.

Colossians 3:14  

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Proverbs 10:12 

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

1 John 4:18 

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Matthew 22:36-40 

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-13  

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing

Romans 5:8 

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

1 John 4:16

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Luke 6:35 

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Romans 12:10

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 8:37-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

December Prayer Newsletter

The Value of ONE

Luke 15:10 “...there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (ESV)

In a world where quantity means so much, it is challenging to remember the value of one. As we finish a unique year of ministry, the quantity by which we measure success has had to be set aside. This year has NOT seen 130 clubs in 119 locations, hosted by 1,600+ volunteers from 125 churches, ministering to almost 10,000 children. Some would say, compared to last year’s statistics, our ministry has failed miserably in 2020.

The 15th chapter of Luke is a beautiful reminder of the value of one. Jesus is being judged by religious leaders because he was keeping company with the unseemly members of that society—sinners. In his response to them Jesus shares three stories of something valuable lost. The first story is that of a man who has lost a sheep—one of his 100 sheep. Those listening can relate to leaving the 99 sheep to find the one. When the sheep is found, the man tells all his friends because he is so glad to have found the ONE. Next Jesus tells the story of a woman who loses a silver coin—one of 10. She searches diligently until she locates it and is filled with joy to find the ONE.

Finally, Jesus shares the story of the prodigal son, one of two sons, who chooses selfishly, leaves his family and indulges his earthly desires until he has nothing. As he returns home in humility, he is received with great celebration because this ONE son has been found. Each parable highlights the value of ONE. The owner assigns significance to each animal, coin and son- they are EACH unique and irreplaceable.

This same lesson applies to children served by this ministry. Don’t be discouraged with small quantities and statistics during this time—there is heavenly rejoicing in ONE lost soul who comes to know Jesus. Remember that God sent his ONE son to earth, who experienced ONE death and resurrection to become the ONE way for you to be redeemed. Dear ONE, you are irreplaceable to God.

O come, let us adore HIM,

Lisa V. Yerrick

Praises

•   For volunteers & churches conducting GNC in new ways.

•   For the heart of donors as they support God’s work in this ministry.

•   For the learning and character that God has developed in his people this year.

Prayer Requests

•   For God to expand our reach to children in the coming months outside of schools.

•   For children, parents, volunteers, churches and staff to know God better in the coming year and act in obedience to his will.

•   For additional volunteers willing to carry the Gospel to children.

•   For ministry leaders locally, in our state, our nation and around the world to act with God’s vision for CEF.

•   That the body of Christ, the church, will act in compassion and love to a lost and hopeless world.

•   For our ability to maintain relationships with schools locally, in our state and our nation.

•   For new vaccines to be safe and effective in fighting COVID-19 and for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.

  “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12

Materials Workshops are coming soon!

Join us as we prepare for the upcoming school year!

October Prayer Update

Devoted to Prayer

Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (NLT)

To “devote” is to give all or a large part of one’s time or resources to something or someone. If you examine another person’s life, habits, time and/or money, it is fairly easy to see to what or whom their devotion is attached. Devotion compels us toward something, regardless of feelings in the moment. Devotion draws us to something beyond and bigger than ourselves.

Sometimes what begins with devotion leads to idolatry. When our devotion to something or someone causes us to act in ways that are self-serving, irresponsible, reckless, addictive, and/or harmful to others, we have probably crossed the line into something beyond devotion. We see many examples of people moving from devotion to idolatry in many areas of life, such as children, job/career, sports, provision for family, hobbies, control, relationships, fitness, personal accomplishment, and even church work. It isn’t the person or activity that determines idolatry, but the motivations of our heart. To what or whom are you devoted?

Paul, in speaking to the Colossian church, urged them to be devoted to prayer—to be compelled toward conversation with God. How different life in this world might be if our greatest devotion was to this unceasing conversation. If you search, you will find numerous scripture passages
about prayer because God, as our creator and father, wants to be in

constant conversation with his children. That conversation is one way we get to know him.

I wonder if you will join the global ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship in prayer on Wednesday, November 4th for CEF World Day of Prayer?
On That day, across the globe, people will be praying for the ministry, the children whom we serve, volunteers, staff and ministry leaders. Our office will be open to guests all day to spend time in our prayer room, taking the requests of this ministry before the Lord. We will also have a virtual option in which you can participate by going to www.cefgreenville.com. We would love to see you, but ask that you be devoted to pray wherever you may be.

For His Glory,

Lisa V. Yerrick

Praises

• For volunteers & churches conducting GNC in new ways this fall!

• For blessings & generosity in the midst of a challenging season.

• For the grace God shows in times of challenge, change and learning. Praises

Prayer Requests

• For access to greater numbers of children during the current health crisis.

• For schools, children, parents, volunteers, churches and staff as CEF learns new ways of educating, caring for and sharing God’s love with children locally, in our state, our nation and around the world.

• For additional volunteers willing to carry the Gospel to children.

• For ministry leaders locally, in our state, our nation and around the world to act

  with God’s vision for CEF.

• For financial provision of the ministry locally, in our state, our nation and

  around the world.

• For our ability to maintain relationships with schools locally, in our state and our nation.

• For God to bless the hearts, hands and minds of scientists searching for a vaccine against COVID-19 and for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.

  “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” Jeremiah 29:12

July Prayer Update

The Beauty of Storms

Nahum 1:7 “ The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (ESV)

I have loved the afternoon thunderstorms lately. I don’t have to water the garden on the days when it gets a deluge of rain following the scorching sun. But I really enjoy watching storms. I learned that from my mother. After running through the house in the middle of the night to close all the windows of our non-air-conditioned house during a storm, we would stand at a picture window in the dark and just watch. I remember thinking as a child how beautiful they were and that I was watching the powerful hand of God. I still get those feelings today.

The thing about storms is that they can truly create fear and at times even cause damage. Rain and hail fall with such force! Thunder roars and bolts of electricity touching ground from the sky is dramatic! The turbulence created by the change in wind speed and direction can be frightful! Turbulence is also created from warm air and cold air coming against each other, or from friction between the air and the ground. Collectively, these elements can feel so alarming that we want to run for cover!

We have seen thunderstorms lately, but we have also experienced the winds of change in our comfortable routines due to health and economic crises. We have witnessed race, citizen and political parties come against each other, creating friction between neighbors, friends and family members. Nahum says that God is a stronghold, a fortified, secure place; that inner room where we seek safe shelter from the storm.

But storms are not all bad—they also generate good. They bring water to the parched ground so growth can occur. They bring cool breezes that relieve the heat that stifles us. Ultimately, they cleanse the oppressive atmosphere. You have a fortress during the storm—God. Perhaps he is using a storm in your life to grow, relieve or cleanse you. Take refuge in him.

For His Glory,

Lisa V. Yerrick

Praises

• For eight (8) summer missionaries who are trained and going out this week to share the Gospel with children in our community!

•  For technology that allows us to reach children when we can’t meet in person.

• For the challenges we face which drive us to God, seeking his will, witnessing his resolve and observing his provision.

Prayer Requests

• For God’s wisdom and direction as we plan for Good News Club

  this fall.

• For school, community, state and national leaders as they make decisions in light of the health crisis.

• God to bless the hearts, hands and minds of scientists searching for a vaccination against COVID-19 and for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.

• That we capture new opportunities by which we can minister to children; that we have energy to learn and grow in new ways.

May Prayer Update

Meeting Jesus

Matthew 28:8-9 “So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’” (ESV)

Unexpected circumstances so easily knock me off balance. If I have realized anything over the last 2-3 months, it is that I like to know what’s ahead, have a plan in place, and know what I’m about to do. In other words, I like control. Of the many things the COVID-19 health crisis has stripped from me, control is not the least. How do you respond to lack of control? Does it lead you to a manic pursuit of gaining it back? Paralysis? Something in between?

These verses in Matthew resonate for me. The women who went to Jesus’ tomb on the third day find it empty and are told by a heavenly being to go tell the disciples that Jesus has risen and that they will see him in Galilee. Talk about unexpected circumstances! Jesus’ followers have experienced nothing but the unexpected in the days just prior to this encounter. The women’s response, however, is powerful—they departed quickly with fear and great joy, and ran! I can identify with their feelings—they were excited that Jesus had risen, but they were afraid. They didn’t have details or control, but with what little they knew—they moved quickly. And next, Jesus met them as they went! In the women’s obedience to the spirit, despite their fear, despite their lack of details, in their action - Jesus met them.

I confess that the times in my life when I have most felt the close presence of God were times when I didn’t have answers, I was afraid or I didn’t know what was to come. It was in those times that God whispered to me, “Go do this thing . . . then watch what I will do.” It was there that He met me. I pray that you will meet Jesus as you go to where or to what He is sending you.

For His Glory,

Lisa V. Yerrick

Praises

• For eight (8) summer missionaries who are training for summer ministry!

• For the ability to be working from the office again and seeing a few of our team members.

• For the 1,690 volunteers who shared the Gospel with children through the CEF® ministry this school year.

Prayer Requests

• For God’s wisdom and direction as we move forward with summer programs, Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™) and 5-Day Club®. That God will provide us with innovative ideas and community and church partners where children can be reached with the Gospel.

• For school, community, state and national leaders as they make decisions in light of the health crisis.

• God to bless the hearts, hands and minds of scientists searching for a vaccination against COVID-19 and for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.

• That we capture new opportunities by which we can minister to children; that we have energy to learn and grow in new ways.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”

Direction and Refreshment

A word from our Local Director concerning Covid-19.

April Prayer Update

Your Pigs

Matthew 8:34 “And behold, all of the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.” (ESV) I’ve always been intrigued by the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed men. The demons recognized the Son of God and asked if He would send them from the men into a herd of nearby pigs. Once Jesus did, the demons achieved their ultimate goal of destruction by running the pigs over a hillside to die in the waters below. What a miracle Jesus performed! He freed the tortured men of demons. These men had been so violent that the local people could not go near the place where they were, so the healing opened the door to that area. Jesus also displayed His willingness to cross cultural and societal boundaries in order to rescue these hurting people. All the city’s people came out to meet Jesus upon hearing of the miracle.

Once the people saw Jesus, they surprisingly pleaded with him to leave—to get far away from their community. What?! No “thank you” for making this place safe again? No empathy for the men who were released from the grip of destruction? No appreciation that Jesus came to a place and touched a people that no other Jew would dare? No, because the residents were most concerned about losing their pigs. The pigs represented their wealth and resources and Jesus changed their status quo. Their response to Him was based on their loss instead of His blessing.

We too are seeing a change in our status quo and varied losses as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. Some losses are disappointing, some life-changing and some tragic. But Jesus has not stopped blessing in the midst of your challenges! Don’t miss the Son of Man and what He is doing because you’re only focused on the pigs. He IS crossing boundaries to reach you with his love and healing hand.

For His Glory,

Lisa V Yerrick

Praises

• For the 10,077 children reached this school year with the Gospel of Jesus Christ .

• For technology that is allowing families, church members, friends, children, volunteers and those hospitalized to stay connected with others during this time.

• For the 1,690 volunteers who shared the Gospel with children through the CEF® ministry this school year.

Prayer Requests

• For God’s wisdom and discernment in planning for our summer programs. Ask that God provide us with innovative ideas, creative students (Christian Youth in Action® ) and access to children in some form or fashion this summer.

• Blessings for the many health care workers who are serving tirelessly and selflessly to meet patient needs.

• Health and safety for children, families, volunteers and our staff during this time of uncertainty.

• That people would respond to God during this time and find peace and rest in Him.

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” - Jeremiah 29:12

Lunch & Learns Are Coming!

Topic: Counseling

Learn more about Guiding ACTTS and counseling time!

Join us for this time of learning and fellowship! ANYONE who works in GNC and would like training in “Guiding A Child To The Savior” is invited to our Lunch and Learns taking place in 5 locations. A free meal is included! Please RSVP to your Ministry Coordinator by Friday, January 31st.

Find all the details by clicking on the items below.

Lunch and Learn-Greenville

Lunch and Learn-Pickens

Lunch and Learn-Greenville

Lunch and Learn-Anderson

Lunch and Learn-Oconee

November Prayer Update

Abundance

John 10:10— I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

In just a few days, we will celebrate a special American holiday, Thanksgiving. Like many of you, I will spend hours preparing, cooking, serving, storing and cleaning up food. My memories of Thanksgiving have always included lots of food, family and traditions. The Thanksgiving table represents the bounty that we enjoy together with family and friends.

The history of this celebration began in 1621 when the first Plymouth colonists, together with the Wampanoag Indians, shared a feast to commemorate their new home, new friendships and a successful harvest. This cele- bration followed a year of harsh realities and challenging circumstances for the colonists. The feast was noted as a time of plenty, but the previous year had been anything but abundant. Yet, they celebrated. I wonder if it was because many of them came in search of a land where they could freely practice their faith. Despite the deep hardships they endured, the real abundance they possessed was in that freedom.

Today, many, many Americans live with a sufficiency that is not experienced by most people in the world and especially those early settlers, so it is difficult to relate to their experiences. But the abundance God provides is not found in earthly trimmings, possessions or our own sufficiency– it is found through faith in Christ. I pray that as you celebrate Thanksgiving this week, that you will know the abundant life that comes only through the harsh reality of the cross, and that you will share that feast with all whom you meet.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Lisa V Yerrick

Praises

• For the 1,600+ volunteers serving weekly to share the Gospel with children.

• For those who answer the call to be on mission with God in the Upstate through giving of resources and time.

• For spiritual growth of the 312 children in GNCs who have made salvation decisions this Fall

Prayer Requests

• For more children to choose a life of abundance through Jesus.

• A time of rest and refocus for staff & volunteers.

• That God provides church partnerships for the remaining schools which are in need of volunteers in order to conduct GNC.

September Prayer Update

Count it Joy

James 1:2-4 — “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the test- ing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I recently had a conversation with someone about having fun. Admittedly, I’m not always very good at it. That conversation led to a discussion about joy. Joy is a good feeling marked by happiness, contentment, peace and well-being. If you look around in scripture for texts about joy, they are usually associated with interactions with God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. We are either receiving joy from the Lord, praising Him with joy or choosing joy because we know the Creator of it.

In James 1, we are told to count it all joy when we are challenged. The verse goes on to say that trials and testing produce steadfastness, the quality of being resolute or so fixed on something that you are unwavering. We are to be so unwavering in our faith, so fixed on Christ that even in the midst of suffering, we are joyful. I’m not sure that God has grown that steadfastness fully in me yet, but I’ve seen it in others. It is an amazing thing to observe because it is so counter-intuitive. I think it must begin with a grateful heart—everyday. For what or whom are you grateful? Have you expressed that to God or someone else? Do it today!

I pray that I can approach each day, each moment of my life, so fixed on the Lord that I can’t help but be joyful regardless of my circumstances! May the same be true of you.

For His Glory,

Lisa V Yerrick

Praises

• For the personal stories of lives changed through the ministry of CEF, shared at our Annual Fundraising Banquet this week.

• For the 1200+ volunteers who have begun conducting Good News Club at schools this Fall.

• For the donors who have answered God’s call to help fund the ministry so that we might continue to reach children with the Gospel.

Prayer Requests

• God would raise up church partners for nine schools in need of them, in order to start Good News Club.

• Children’s hearts are stirred to respond to God’s truth and love.

• Family members would also be changed as a result of children in Good News Club and the involvement of local church partners.

Lunch & Learns Are Coming!

We hope to see you there!

Meal Included—Free!

This training is required for ANYONE who counsels children who respond to the invitation at GNC.

Please RSVP by Friday, September 27 to your Ministry Coordinator.

Learn the proper way to GACTTS (Guide a Child to the Savior). We ask that anyone who is involved in counseling children at the invitation to have received this training (also offered at every August workshop).

June Prayer Update

God, Our Provider 

2 Corinthians 9:8— “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 

Most of us don’t describe what we have as bountiful or overflowing. Yet, since we have a God who is able to bless us abundantly, I choose this month to recognize and thank Him for His lavish blessings as of late. 

This month, we celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in 2001 that allows Good News Club to minister to children within public elementary schools. This school year our chapter had the privilege of reaching 8,983 children in 100 schools of Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson Counties. Almost 1,000 of those children made salvation decisions. Praise God! 

We have been praying fervently for months about additional workers to reach the many children in the upstate counties that we serve. God has begun to answer prayer and provided another church partner to serve next school year—we are so grateful! 

While school is not in session during the summer, we recruit and train high school and college students in our Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™) program. These students hold 5-Day Club® at homes, recreation centers, churches, etc. We have eight CYIA students who started conducting 5-Day Club this week. They have bonded well, are enthusiastic and are having a blast sharing the Gospel with children. 

Our cup runneth over! We wait expectantly to see what next God has in store for us. 

For His Glory, 

Lisa V Yerrick

Praises

• The CYIA students called by the Lord this summer. 

• The awesome opportunity to share the Gospel with children! 

Prayer Requests

• Energy and stamina for CYIA students as they share the Gospel. 

• Children’s hearts are stirred to response in 5-Day Club. 

• Additional volunteers to reach more children in Good News Club. 

• Church partnerships for schools. 

• Rest & renewal for our staff this summer. 

ACT Meeting 2019

All Good News Club® Coordinators and Team Leaders are invited to attend an

ACT Meeting for a time to

Affirm, Connect, and Train.

ACT will take place on Tuesday, April 23, 2019

You can attend either location:

Dinner – 5:30 – 7:30pm

North Hills Church

4952 Edwards Road

Taylors, 29687

Lunch – 11:00 - 1:00pm

Oakdale Baptist Church

6724 Hwy 24

Townville, SC 29689 

Please RSVP to your ministry coordinator location and number to attend by April 19th.

Checklist for ACT

Bring the items below to the meeting.

• David/Daniel Flash drive or $20 to pay for lost

• Completed GNC Survey

• Completed Evaluation form

• Member’s Club payment for 2019-20 based on invoice included

• Principal Visit Form if completed

February Prayer Update

On Mission for God

Isaiah 52:7 "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation.”

After teaching the Bible lesson in a GNC one afternoon, a little girl came to me for counseling about how to receive Jesus as her Savior. We talked through scripture and she asked me a question, “But how do you know that you are saved?”

That little girl was searching for answers to her questions about God. If it were your child or grandchild, would you turn them away or ignore them? I dare say that you would make it your priority to identify the answers and make sure that the child understood what the scriptures have to say. If you didn't know the answer, would you not be compelled to find it?

What a privilege it is to bring good news of peace, love and happiness! We have eight schools where we have an open door and children enrolled in clubs, but no churches yet willing to partner with those schools. There are children there with questions, some who are hearing about Jesus for the first time, some who are hurting and searching for love and some who have accepted Jesus and are in need of discipleship. Will you join us in prayer for volunteers for these children and their schools? Will you ask God to stir hearts and send people who will be compelled to be on mission with God, share the Gospel and show love to children? The children need believers who care about them. The children need you!

For His Glory,

Lisa V. Yerrick

 Praises

·    For the 8,710 children enrolled in 100 schools and 15 community Good News Clubs (GNC) so far this school year and the 1,682 volunteers conducting those clubs.

Prayer Requests

·    The children and families who attended the Good News Spectacular this past weekend.

·    Volunteers—specifically church partnerships for schools.

·    Recruitment of Summer Missionaries for CYIA (Christian Youth in Action) to conduct summer Good News Clubs