Dear Friends of CEF,
Wow is all I can say about what has happened the last couple of months at the Kitsap/Gig Harbor Chapter of CEF. Just a quick note to bring you up to date.
First, a CYIA Perspective:
Some of you may know that CYIA stands for Christian Youth in Action, but what exactly is Christian Youth in Action? Frequently folks will refer to CYIA as the week-long training camp that youth attend to learn how to put on a 5-Day Club. The young men and women who attended this in June were taught how to sing the songs, teach the verses, share the stories, and teach the Bible lessons that will form a 5-Day Club. Most importantly though, they’re taught to present a clear Gospel message to a child. While the CYIA training camp did focus on the training, it was more than that. This week was a time of fellowship with believers who share a heart for reaching children with the Gospel. Young teens and adults came together for over a week and made friendships that will last for years to come. While many consider CYIA to be the training camp, it really goes beyond that. CYIA extends into the summer as the youth are putting their training into action - running or helping run a 5-Day Club in homes, daycare centers, and as an integral part of a church VBS. These young people are sharing the light of the Gospel in their community.
While most of these young people are volunteers, CEF also offers the opportunity for a young person to intern for the summer. At the writing of this news update Micia Perszyk has a little over a week left in her term as a summer missionary. When she talks about her CYIA experience this summer she tells of how God works in the little things and she finally saw this first hand this summer. It began with the practice club. She saw a little girl who didn't want to sing the songs or do the motions. You need to understand that a regular 5-Day Club involves a lot of songs and motions, but it looked like this wasn’t gonna work. They made a little change to the program that day though. They told her the stories and did a craft instead. It wasn't a traditional club, but she loved it. That opened up the opportunity for the leaders to tell this little girl the message of the Gospel - and that’s the main thing … the only thing. Micia is learning to listen to God, to let God work through her even when it takes something small like changing the schedule.
So what is CYIA? It’s wonderful training that equips young people to teach children about Jesus while they build lasting, godly friendships.
Second, a Director’s Perspective:
This summer we’ve witnessed incredible growth. In the summer of 2017 we had eight 5-Day Clubs with 158 children ministered to. This summer we’ve had 15 Clubs already and two more are scheduled. So far 489 children have heard the Gospel. No wonder this summer seems extra busy! It’s more than just being busy, though, when I realize that these numbers also represent 16 decisions made for Christ and nine children counseled on their assurance of salvation.
Next, looking ahead:
The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede is just around the corner - August 22-26th. We will have our booth set up to make bracelets with the kids while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is such a wonderful opportunity to reach parents and children. We are looking for people to take a three hour shift. We will provide training, with three dates available to meet your schedule (August 18, 19, and 21). Contact us for further details. Come join us at the Fair and Stampede.
Come join us at the Fair and Stampede.
Finally, save the date:
Our Fall Fundraiser is scheduled for October 5, 2018 at Burley Bible Church.
The speaker will be Eric Barger of Take a Stand! Ministries.