News

Giving Thanks this November for…
 

Faithful Teachers

The picture above is of our Good News Club team leaders and many staff—part of the 75 special people bringing the good news of Jesus to our public schools every week. I am thankful for their faithful-ness. Many of them have been teaching for years; others are just beginning, but every one of them is committed to the importance of telling our school children of Jesus and His love for them.
 

Faithful Pray-ers

Recently I received an email from a local church inviting us to speak to their missions group. That was encouraging, but this simple line from the correspondence meant even more—”our group prays for you regularly.” How can I say how much that means to us? Who knows how much is accomplished be-cause of the regular prayers of faithful people? When our 12 teams walk into public schools each week, we are all grateful for prayers going with us. When I hear of world news that may affect the future out-reach of this ministry, I’m grateful for prayers going before us. And when we face personal or family chal-lenges, disappointments, and difficulties, I’m grateful for prayers lifting us up.
 

Faithful Givers

A retired co-worker recently went home to be with the Lord. As June and I reflected on her life and testimony, some of our dearest memories were of her concern for our family as we ministered together, and of her faithful giving to CEF of Chester County all throughout her senior years. Miss Jean couldn’t give what some would call “much,” but she did give what she could, every month for over 15 years.

Just a few weeks ago we received a note from another friend, someone we have known ever since I was a youth pastor in the Carlisle area. It’s been 25 years since we’ve had close contact, and yet this dear friend has given to our CEF support every month for nearly 20 years. Faithful givers make a world a difference, and I am thankful for them.

A Faithful Saviour

There is a picture in the CEF office of a young boy overshadowed by a large hand representing God’s, with a caption from Isaiah 59:1, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save.” I am so thankful for the redeeming power of a faithful Saviour. His hand is not shortened, and His blood has not lost its power. He is faithful to those of us who have known Him for years, and He is faithful to the child who has just believed. I’m thankful for His faithfulness, and for the faithfulness of those who give, those who pray, and those who teach, so that the children of Chester County can hear and believe in their faithful Saviour.

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1. The After School Good News Club at Bradford Heights Elementary meets every Tuesday—team leader Cindy
   Venable. As we begin the club year, pray for more students to find out about our clubs and to join.
2. Beth Beach leads a club at Beaver Creek Elementary and Rick Crouse and team go to Caln Elementary on
   Wednesdays.
3. Clubs meet at Twin Valley, East Fallowfield, Honey Brook, Rainbow, French Creek, and Robeson on Thursdays.
   Praise God that we can be in these schools and that we have the people willing to go.
4. Friday is a day to look back at the club week and think about needs, changes, and blessings. Pray for wisdom.
5. At this point in our country, we can legally have a club in any elementary school as long as it allows any after
   school programs. Pray for people to be moved to join us so that we can go into more schools.
6. Pray for your pastors and for others preaching the Good News of Jesus today.
7. Monday is club day at Fern Hill and Hillendale Elementary Schools.
8. Today is election day. Pray. Vote. Much is at stake.
9. The Good News Club at Kings Highway Elementary will begin this month, meeting
   on Tuesdays.
10. Ask God that our clubbers would have good testimonies in school.
11.  Pray for our club staff to find favor with the school officials.
12. Many of our team leaders and staff will meet today for materials and club prep. Pray that we would be a blessing and encouragement to each other.
13. We’re thankful for churches & individuals who financially support this ministry.
14.  Classroom management is an important part of a Good News Club. Ask that our
    staff would have wisdom and skill in facilitating each club.
15.  Most children in club have never heard the Bible stories we teach. Pray that God
    would use His Word to change their lives.
16. Pray that the older children in club would continue to come, that they would be
    be committed to Christ, and that they would become leaders in school.
17. Pray with us as our hearts grieve over the troubles and burdens the children are obviously carrying.
18. Thank God for the sweet joy and simple faith we see in many clubbers, especially the kindergarteners!
19. As we sing about God’s love for us in club, pray that truth would be rooted deep in children’s hearts.
20. Today begins Thanksgiving week. Look around you—and give thanks.
21. Thank the Lord for the CEF home. It’s been a blessing to have raised our children here.
22. Thank God for our office—always full of materials and supplies, and often full of teachers and staff!
23. We are so thankful for Hannah’s invaluable work in the office with us one day each week.
24. We all have long lists of things to be thankful for; ours begins with our family gathered with us.
25. We’re thankful for our cheerful newsletter helpers and for our skilled and patient copier repairman. We need
    these friendships!
26. Thank God with us for our local CEF board.
27.  Continue to pray for our government—that we would be able to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (I Tim. 2:2)
28.  We look to the Lord for health and strength to fulfill our responsibilities.
29. Pray for the salvation of the families represented in our clubs.
30. Please pray about the fact that we are significantly behind budget, and thank God for those who give.