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!