Fighting the Good Fight

There's a song by the band Unspoken called "Good Fight" and it really comes on my playlist at the right times when God knows I need to hear it. If you don't know the song, I encourage you to look it up, but here's a few of the lyrics...

Until you stop breathing
Until you stop bleeding
Until your heart stops kick-drum beating
When it's hard times
When it's long days
And the enemy is right up in your face
When your back's against the ropes and you're feeling all alone

Keep fighting the good fight
Keep letting your light shine
'Cause I'm never gonna leave you
Always gonna see you through to the other side
Keep fighting the good fight, fighting the good
fighting the good fight, good fight

I am not going to lie, I have felt pressed and attacked by the enemy A LOT lately.  And not just in one area - it seems I've been hit at work, church, with friends, and in the lives of these little ones I am blessed to minister to.  I was overwhelmed... but God was quick to remind me that Satan attacks when I am doing His work.  Good News Clubs are starting up and a multitude of other good things are happening so why wouldn't I expect an attack?  But when I get down and feel like I'm struggling to even make a difference, there's this song.  It's a simple reminder that I'm never alone, God is always going to see it through and I can't stop fighting because if I do, there will be those that may not be reached for His glory.  Now don't hear me say I'm the only one that can reach a kid or adult because that's clearly not the case, but if I stop shining my light, the enemy feels like he's won.  We all know that will never be the case because Jesus Christ is on the throne  and has already won the battle.  So friends, be encouraged, join me in prayer, and whatever you do - keep fighting the good fight & letting your light shine!

Busy & Blessed

A very dear friend of mine has somewhat coined the term "Busy & Blessed" in her life and every time I read it, I smile.  She is unbelievably busy but she is also a believer in Christ so recognizes the blessings God gives her in all areas.  I want that...

I frequently feel "busy" by life or like I'm running at the speed of light to just keep things going.  But in those stressed times, when I feel pressed, how often do I stop and thank God for the blessings in that moment?  Do I focus more on being overwhelmed than seeing God's purpose?

This past weekend was refreshing in so many ways. Andy and I took a mini getaway to our favorite spot up at Lake Erie.  It was a delayed anniversary celebration (which was Aug.13) but it was so good and so filled with God.  We laughed...a lot...which made me thank God for the blessing of my husband who always makes me smile.  We sat by the lake and did nothing...which made me thank God for the peace to slow down and the enjoy the beauty of His creation.  God even showed out and put a rainbow right above the lighthouse where we could only see it from the spot we were in at that moment.  It was truly a God thing!  We realized that we didn't need to spend a ton of money to simply enjoy being away and being together. And I thank God for his constant reminders to recognize blessings.  However...

The return to reality is always difficult it seems, whether you've been gone a day or a week. We returned right back into busyness and some stressful things that we are a part of and it was really easy for me to have a bitter attitude toward a lot of those situations.  But then God reminded me that He is in control of ALL things.  He controls not only the blessings, but the "busyness" as well.  Why am I so quick to forget this?

An even busier season is upon us with the start of Good News Club and the Silent Auction, among other things. My prayer is that I will trust God in all things and find the blessing.  I thank my friend for her coined phrase and her attitude toward the blessings and the busyness. I encourage you to join me in looking for blessings in all things!

Rejoicing Around the World

I cannot even begin to describe the roller coaster of emotions that have been the past month.  It has been literally an amazing view of what God is doing not only in my life and our area, but around the world!

So let me start with the beginning of May.  I had the privilege to attend CEF's 80th Anniversary International Conference in Ridgecrest, North Carolina.  If you are on Facebook, I encourage you to go on our chapter's page and look at the pictures.  It was in my mind a little taste of what heaven will be like.  There were over 1,500 CEF staff & volunteers from 105 different countries!  To see that many different cultures under one roof singing praises to our Lord and Savior was humbling and overwhelmingly joyful.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't moved to tears all week long.  We heard reports from all over the world of how God is working in so many different countries and in amazing ways.  Some stories were heart breaking and challenging as we heard about obstacles that we can't even imagine here in the US. We were encouraged every morning and evening from God's Word from guest Pastor's (including one in Korean and Portuguese) and special guest, Ken Ham from Answers In Genesis.  The theme for the conference was REJOICE.  We, as Christians, are to rejoice in God's goodness and holiness, but we are also to rejoice in the struggles as well.  We studied glorification and how the Gospel leads us to this as we make our way through this life. We must know though, that it is an act of God and not ourselves. Our challenge is that we must do more for the children.  CEF's motto is Every Child. Every Nation. Every Day. so we are focusing on "Every Day" and striving for discipleship and helping kids to have a personal walk with Jesus every single day.  This is what will solidify their faith and help firm their foundation.  Stay in prayer as CEF around the world takes up this torch and works to further the "Every Day" aspect of our motto.  The conference ended with a parade of flags symbolizing the many countries CEF is in.  It is our hope that we can reach "Every Nation" and we continue to pray for open doors.  President Reese Kauffman gave his report with a wonderful encouragement to remember the moments we've seen God because that will take you through the valleys.  God is working in phenomenal ways - last year alone CEF was able to reach 20.4 MILLION children with the Gospel!  And I mentioned it was the 80th Anniversary....in 80 years we have reached 220 million children!  Can you just praise God with us for this?  It's not about the numbers, but it does give us a vivid picture of how far God is reaching into the hearts of so many little ones.  Praise be to God always! (Pictures below)

After coming home from a mountain top experience such as that, it was a bit difficult to readjust to life.  It leaves you wanting to do more and almost not knowing where to start.  For me however, it has been a season of down time.  I went in for yet another knee surgery shortly after returning.  I praise the Lord the surgery was successful and my recovery is going well, much better than I expected.  I am so incredibly blessed by the support I have during this time.  My family really are the best caretakers and I have an amazing network of friends that have been supplying meals.  My heart is grateful.  I am two weeks into recovery tomorrow and I'm getting antsy.  I want to be going to my boys games and things, I want to be doing ministry, I want to be teaching Sunday School and I want to have my normal energy back.  However, I am so glad that a friend reminded me today when she dropped dinner off that this is a season and sometimes God gives us these times to draw us closer to Himself.  And I believe that is true.  I am praying God continues to refresh my heart and my passion and prepares to use me in mighty ways this summer!

I know this is long, but thanks for sticking with me and letting me share my heart.  I value each and every one of you and covet your prayers.

Until the nets are full,
Joanne

Celebrating 80 years of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc.

THIS is why we do ministry!

Some of our State of Ohio staff with CEF President Reese Kauffman and his wife Linda.

What kids today need prayer for...

I was asked tonight a question that made me smile...

"How do you work with kids all the time?"

Well, it's true.  I have the awesome privilege of working with kids most of my week through Sunday School, Good News Club, Wednesday nights at church, and daily throughout my neighborhood.  I'm not going to lie, I love it!  Kids are fun and keep me smiling at the silly things they say.

But these smiles and loving what I do are also partnered with many tears of knowing just how much kids today bear.  Most of you reading this may not even realize it.  Or maybe you see things in the news and think it's a tragedy for that child.  The reality of it is that myself and most other Good News Club teachers and children's workers know these kids personally.  So if I can challenge you and share a bit of what brings me to my knees on behalf of these kids, is to pray for these things.  These things that have come my way from children ages kindergarten to 6th grade.  I'm sorry if this is a bit much to process, but I hope you read it in a way to know that God is working in spite of the hardships and these kids are all actively seeking God and learning the truth of His love.

Today will you pray for:

• the girls' who's parents are getting a divorce
• the 2nd grade boy who knows how to cover up the tip of a gun (this hides the identity)
• the countless kids who are dealing with parents in jail
• the girl who's mom was arrested while she was attending our program and hasn't seen her
• the child who had their house raided for drugs
• the boy who said "my mom calls me a retard"
• the kid whose parent is fighting daily to stay in AA and live sober
• the numerous children who are being raised by grandparents or relatives 
• the girl who said "my mom doesn't even care about me"
• the kid who deals daily with one parent in jail and the other addicted to drugs
• the multiple kids who shift between living with mom and dad due to divorce

These things are tough and I wish they weren't true but unfortunately these are things I've heard out of real children's mouths.  I can't give you their names but God knows each and every one.  I never had to deal with anything close to these hardships growing up and I'm so thankful for that.  These kids' lives are not easy but week after week they come into club/program/class and are excited to learn about God and how Jesus can help them overcome the things of this world. They smile when they read God's word.  They are thirsty to know more and more.  The are reciting memory verses and telling their friends about Jesus.  In spite of it all, these children know that Jesus loves them!  Pray with me daily and know your prayers are working.  God is using us to truly reach the least of these which brings a smile to my face every day.

The struggle is REAL...

Proverbs 16:9 - The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

The above verse was shared by a dear friend of mine completely unrelated to this post but it hit me like a ton of bricks straight from God himself.

I read an article early today, which was very good, but has had me wrestling and struggling all day.  I can't even make sense of it all so I figured my best bet was to try to write.  So I'll start back a bit...when I found out I was having a 2nd boy (7 years ago now!) all I could think of was the great advantages of this...
...he and his brother would be best friends
...they would play sports together
...they would do, well everything, together
...I could use all the same clothes, baby items, etc.
...the whole "how IT works" talk could come from Andy since ya know...mom is a girl
...I wouldn't have to pay for a homecoming, prom or wedding dress :)
...I would get the joy of teaching them the right way to treat a girl

The list goes on and on and all of these have filled me with joy and I love being a "boy mom" to my two little guys who are completely amazing! But then comes the struggle.  There's this epidemic, which is not new or foreign to me, but is definitely causing me to think and process.  It's porn.  I don't type that lightly either.  It's plaguing me actually.  There are so many articles out there of the dangers and addictions of porn and how do I balance that with raising Godly men?  Society screams on one side to let kids be kids and not be bothered with things such as this; while the other side warns about how kids (ages 8-10 mind you) have already been exposed to porn.   I am not a naive mom and know that this is the reality of the world we live in.  However - how do I balance this???  Do Andy and I discuss this with them in an effort to protect them and warn them of the dangers?  What happens if they've never heard of this and our talking to them opens the door of curiosity?  What if we don't and a friend introduces them to it before we have a chance to properly explain it?  Moms - I am sure you are with  me and these ramblings of questions.  Now breathe...

Deep breath....all day I have had to tell myself to slow down and breathe.  And then God in his amazing way put Proverbs 16:9 in front of me.  I can and will struggle with all these questions.  I can constantly second guess what my husband and I are/aren't telling our kids.  I have and will make mistakes in parenting.  But all that to say no matter what plans we make, the Lord is the one who is directing each step for my boys and I trust this.  I am a mom and it's natural for me to want to keep my children from harm, but God loudly reminded me that I cannot save them from the sin of this world.  Jesus Christ is the only one who saves and I know my boys know Him personally as their Savior.  I trust Christ completely with their lives and I remind myself daily that He loves them even more than I do.  He directs the path and every step and He speaks truth and peace into our lives as parents.  I will have more days like today where I question everything I am doing, but on those days God's truth will continue to speak loudly in my life.

If you are a mom, dad, grandparent, teacher or anyone else who is caring for children - the struggle is real and you know this all too well.  Know I am praying for you and I ask you pray for Andy and I.  We will struggle together but I'll end with this encouragement...

John 16:33 - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Ministry Realities

Every day is different.  Every after school club is different.  Every student I interact with is different.  In all the differences, God reminds me constantly that He knows it all and each person.

I realized yesterday that ministry is a battle.  I've been told this before and have realized it on other days, but yesterday was tough.  I also realized that sometimes when I write this blog or send updates, I create a rosy picture of all the great things happening (because there are so many!) but I fail to shed light on some of the tougher realities of the ministry I do day in and day out.  So here's a few realities for you...

This particular club yesterday is large, about 50 kids.  Most of them really good kids, excited to be there.  However the past few weeks a group of 4th & 5th graders have been creating problems.  Excessive drama, talking, not listening/following directions, threatening fights with each other, name calling, etc.  Each week we try to separate certain students or have a teacher sit with them to try to help with the issues.  Yesterday, however, nothing worked.  Out of control is the only thing I could think of to describe this particular group.  So in a very loud and motherly voice I got their attention.  They were quiet for that moment.  I was upset, more than I ever have been, because my expectations were higher for these older kids.  I yelled at them and lectured them and the principal happened to be in the room and backed me up so I knew I was not overreacting to their behavior.  I explained to them why they can't act certain ways, etc. and explained the purpose of what Good News Club is and they were welcome to leave if they weren't there for the right reasons.  None of them did thankfully.  But following this time of "setting them straight", God's peace came over me.

He reassured me that I was doing what I was called to do. He reminded me that Satan wants these 4th & 5th grade souls and God is using me as a weapon to fight for them for His glory.  He reminded me that so many times He has brought out His dad voice in my own life and yelled at me and asked why I couldn't listen and just do what He asked. And how His expectations are higher for me because "I should know better." He reminded me that He loves me and each of those students.  Even though I felt frustrated, defeated and worn out I knew that this was just one battle in the spiritual war for God's kingdom.

The reality is ministry isn't easy and I never expected it to be. It's tough, it's gritty, it's frustrating.  There are so many great things that are happening and that God is doing but I felt that I needed to share my heart a bit on the messier side of this ministry.  Thanks for praying for me, my team and these students!  If you ever want to join me in the trenches, put on the armor of God -  and come battle with us. All for the glory of God!

God is on the move!

It is now November and I started this newsletter to you all in September!  So as you can imagine, things at CEF have been nothing short of busy!  But God has been moving in mighty ways and I'm excited to let you know what's been going on.

Let me start with a brief recap of what happened this summer...

5-Day Club - We had a total of 24 clubs in our area.  It was an amazing summer of ministering to 319 children with the Gospel!  We had some really great teenagers who taught these clubs as Senior Missionaries, Senior Missionary Assistants & Junior Missionaries.  They all did an awesome job with every aspect of the club!  I pray the kids that came throughout the summer will remember the truth of God's Word and know that Jesus is the "One Way" to have eternal life.

Camp Good News - We had approximately 50 kids attend at Camp Burton where our theme was "Surfin' God's Word...in search of truth."  It was encouraging to see how God pulled so many children to Himself and many were challenged to deepen their faith.  God also helped me personally to rely on Him.  The first day at camp I received a phone call that a good friend of mine had passed away. The second day of camp, one of the staff had to leave due to an ill spouse and I had to step up to fill her position.  She had pretty big shoes to fill but I'm glad I was able so she could be at home.  In addition, it was the absolute hottest week of the summer with temperatures reaching mid 90's every day.  I am so thankful that I have a God that could give me strength, peace and His loving comfort so I could witness His blessings that week.

It's hard to believe how quickly Fall arrived, but it is a beautiful season to see God's handiwork all around us.  We started this school year with 30 Good News Clubs in our chapter and have a wonderful group of teachers and volunteers.  Our first series was teaching the Wordless Book, which is the Gospel message.  The children have loved it and are sharing it with those around them!

In the midst of getting Good News Clubs off the ground, we also had our first ever Silent Auction and it was a great success!  It was held on Oct. 8th at St. Thomas Hall in Fairlawn.  We had a wonderful meal and a evening full of fun as guests bid on over 80 gift baskets and items.  We are so thankful for the donations, the volunteers, and those who attended this event.  We are looking forward to next year!

Personally, I want to thank each of you for your prayers. With a busy ministry season and a busy "mom" season, prayers were felt and appreciated!  I loved having the boys with me at clubs all summer and both are already wanting to be missionaries and help in the ministry, which of course, makes my heart happy.  But they also enjoy plenty of other things too.  We had a fun season of soccer as Luke made goalie this year and Zach decided he wants to go out for baseball in the spring.  We value our family time, whatever we are doing!

Finally, thank you for your financial support.  I feel incredibly blessed that God has provided for our needs.  If you are a new reader and would like to partner with me financially or in prayer, please e-mail me at joanne.flaker@gmail.com or by phone 330.928.1648.

Until the nets are full,
Joanne