Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Adding to the ABC’s

As of June 11, 2001 the Milford Law was passed. The Supreme Court ruled that CEF Good News Clubs® could be conducted on campus in the public schools. Later, the Equal Access Law was passed and it was ruled that CEF Good News Clubs® were to be given ‘equal access’ with other secular after school activities. These two rulings have opened the door for us to share the gospel with children right where they are each day! We treasure this opportunity and emphasize that the After School Good News Club teaches excellent morals and positive character traits to kids.

2 Peter 1:5-8 says that if we start with faith and add to it goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love, then we will be effective and truly productive. I don’t know any parent who would not want their child to exhibit these qualities, which are just as essential to life as reading, writing and arithmetic. It is a thrill to know that CEF can add these valuable traits and, in doing so, support good character and academics simultaneously.

Life Change Happens Sutton-ly

When Mrs. Debbie Sutton started working with children at New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach, she never dreamed it would be for 43 years. Hundreds of children have been taught by this Saint who weekly pours her life into the children who attend her Wednesday night Good News Clubs®, held at the church. Some of her current students are the children of those who participated in her classes when they were young. Occasionally, she even encounters adults in the community, former students, who report they are still going to church and now bringing their own children.

Sometimes I wish God would change us overnight, as suddenly as a microwave cooks, but He doesn’t. Most of the time, He chooses to work slowly over the years through those who are faithful to Him and His call on their lives. When they partner with others to accomplish God-sized tasks, He grants them success. This is the type of lasting life change that happens Sutton-ly.

A Fair to Remember

“We accepted Christ at the L.A. County Fair many years ago. . .” an older couple commented as they stopped at our booth to reminisce. When we had children, we brought them to the Fair to hear the gospel at the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) Booth. Then, our daughter brought her children to this booth so they could receive Christ also.” “I guess that makes you ‘Fair Booth Spiritual Grand-parents’,” I said with a grin.

Yes, every year I hear stories like this. They each have slightly different details, but the point is always the same. Did you ever go to the fair to meet God? Most people probably don’t, but if they visit the CEF Booth they are in for a surprise. CEF of Southern California has had a booth at the L.A. County Fair for 40 years, to which many can “give testimony” of changed lives. This year, CEF volunteers from all over Southern California manned the booth for 18 consecutive days. During that time, 1,902 children, teens and adults heard the gospel and 610 of them chose to give their lives to Christ. Now that is what I like to call A Fair to Remember!

Mele Kalikimaka

CEF’s Annual Fund raising banquet had a Luau theme this year. It was an honor to have our State Directors attend and get into the spirit by dressing in tropical garb as did over 100 other CEF supporters. We said Mahalo (thanks) to God for all His work among us during the 2007-2008 school year.

As I compiled a slide show entitled A Year In Review, I reflected on the milestones recently achieved in reaching the children. This year represents several accomplishments for our chapter, such as: adding three new community-based Good News Clubs® , three new After School Good News ClubsÃ’ , and partnering with many new volunteers. It is through these new developments and the faithful ministry of those who have stayed the course, that a total of 263 children responded this year to the gospel. Most of these clubs, I get to visit personally. I am privileged to work with such committed volunteers and am able to see children come to Christ weekly. It is all part of the blessed work that we get to do. And now, as we say Aloha to the 2008-2009 school year, I want to wish you all Mele Kalikimaka, which means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. May God bless you and your family in the coming year.

Donor Thank You Note




December 2008
Dear Donors,

During this beautiful season when we celebrate Christ’s birth, I wanted to THANK each of YOU, specifically, for the way God has used you in my life. Even in the midst of these financially difficult times , you have shown me how He can provide for all my needs. I have been humbled many times by unexpected generous special gifts that have been given. I have been truly blessed!

THANK YOU also for the way you have lifted me up in prayer. It bolsters my spirits, when things get hard, and reminds me that I am not alone. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I am really grateful to have such a committed ministry team!

May the Presence of our Lord be very real to you during this season and into the new year.

In His Peace, Nancy Aposhian
Outreach Coordinator

Child Evangelism Fellowship

Greater Long Beach Chapter

Housekeeping Update
I wanted you to be aware that our local CEF office had recently adopted a new policy. Any donations that are received after the 25th, are included in my paycheck for the following month. Please take note of this. Thank you.

Christmas Card 2008