Winter Recharge Recap + Looking Forward to 5-Day Clubs
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CEF Great River Chapter
God is at Work!
As we enter spring and look forward even to summer, it's been a blessing to see God move in big and small ways in our ministry. Read on for stories of lives changed at Winter Recharge, provision of laborers for Good News Club, and what we're praying for this summer's ministry - God is at work!
God Worked at Winter Recharge
Nearly 70 students from around Minnesota spent last weekend encountering God's Word and seeking Him in worship, prayer, and fellowship at Winter Recharge, CEF of Minnesota's CYIA winter retreat. While at Camp Lebanon, students were challenged to look deeper at the life of Saul (who became Paul). He did it all right, but when Jesus confronted him in his sin, his life was transformed by grace.
Praise God for several students who made first-time decisions to follow Christ, and for several more who made re-commitments to walking closely with Jesus - God used the weekend as a turning point in their faith!
Youth Leader Testimony
"I had 2 girls who attend my youth group come to Winter Recharge, one of whom was not a Christian. She was in my breakout group, and she didn't talk much because she was putting the pieces together. She always had her thinking face on.
On Saturday night, we had a prayer service, and there was an invitation to believe in Jesus as Savior. She made the decision to put her trust in Jesus Christ that day! I saw her on Wednesday at youth group, and she had the biggest smile on her face. I could tell that she was truly changed. God was working in her life, and now she is excited to go to church on Wednesday nights, read her Bible, and grow her relationship with God."
Staff Testimony
"I saw God work in one student's heart at Recharge as we talked about how, even in our sin, Jesus longs to use us for His glory. This student was a longtime summer missionary, and God used this weekend to make something new click and draw this student to Himself in a recommitment of his life to Jesus! It really was a turning point for him, and such a blessing for me to see him grow closer to Jesus."
Winter Recharge is a part of our ministry, Christian Youth in Action. Applications for CYIA's summer missions program are open. Apply now!
God Will Work Through 5-Day Clubs MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT
This summer, nearly 70,000 children in our area - Wright, Stearns, Meeker, McLeod, Carver, and Kandiyohi counties - will be free from homework and ready for some free time. For CEF, it's our greatest opportunity to bring the Gospel to children who will predominately spend their summer Sundays out of church.
In your neighborhood, as many as 4 in 5 children are not associated with a local congregation. That's why 5-Day Club is a great way to bring the Gospel to them!
Through 5-Day Clubs, kids encounter a clear, simple Gospel message in a unique 90-minute experience packed with fun. They learn from engaging Bible lessons, verses, and songs, and build meaningful connections with trained and screened teachers and hosts. It’s an opportunity for kids to hear the Gospel where they are, and for Christians like you to easily make an impact on their neighborhood.
Will you host?
We need willing Christians to open up their backyard or home for a week as hosts for 5-Day Clubs! CEF provides the teaching team and curriculum - you get the chance to build relationships with your neighborhood, bring the Gospel to them, and be supported in your ministry by CEF. Our heart is to equip you with the tools and opportunity to make an eternal impact!
We want to reach 500 kids with the Gospel through 5-Day Clubs this year - that means 30 clubs happening in July through August! Will you be a part of the movement to reach your neighborhood?
Praise God for a full team ready to start a Good News Club at Annandale Elementary! Thank you for praying for this team to rise up. Continue to pray for preparations with the school as we pursue an early April start date--God is working!
Pray for joy and boldness for teams leading Good News Clubs in Benson and Buffalo, and soon in Annandale. I'd like to encourage the team!
Other Prayer Points:
Pray for many laborers to host 5-Day Clubs this summer in our area!
Pray over Christian Youth in Action teens, as they help recruit friends to join them in missions this summer. Pray for 20 bold youth to join our CYIA team this year.
Pray for the Rural Impact Leadership Conference this weekend in Alexandria, where we'll be tabling and sharing the ministry with local pastors.
Pray for continued growth in students whose lives were changed at Winter Recharge.
Pray over our long-term vision to reach 1,000 children per year, so that the Gospel can be heard.
Director's Note
The work never stops! Even as winter still holds on a bit, we're planning intensively for summer ministry. As I've been planning, I've thought about the immense value of 5-Day Club hosts.
How amazing is it that we have the opportunity to reach kids where they are by opening our homes, backyards, daycares, or apartment complexes to them! Life-changing ministry happens when Christians like say yes to letting God impact your neighborhood through you.
Now more than ever, kids need Christians like you to show them Christ. Will you show them?
For the Gospel, Peter
It costs CEF about $1,200 to plan, staff, and run six full weeks of Good News Club. Would you consider giving a gift as we prepare to reach Annandale Elementary?
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