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
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| Celebrating 80 years of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc. |
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| THIS is why we do ministry! |
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| Some of our State of Ohio staff with CEF President Reese Kauffman and his wife Linda. |
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