CEF’s purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, disciple them in the Word of God, and establish them in a local church. We do this through Bible Clubs: Good News Clubs meet weekly during the school year in public schools and community location. 5-Day Clubs meet during the summer for five consecutive days in a variety of locations. We also conduct Party Clubs, which are one-time events, usually associated with an event or fun theme.
Last summer, our volunteers met Maria, Diana*, and their cousins in our 5-Day Club® at Roberto Clemente Park in Paterson. These girls were recent immigrants and spoke only Spanish. One of our volunteers, Ana, has kept in touch with the girls’ family throughout the year, trying to connect their mother with a local church. A few weeks ago, Stephanie, our Associate Director for Greater Paterson, was delighted to see Maria and Diana in Good News Club® at the Salvation Army in Paterson! Their mom has decided to fellowship there, and the kids will be at GNC® weekly! They are doing well, despite living in poverty, and still acclimating to a new country. They have the joy of the Lord!
Stephanie asked the kids if anyone knew John 3:16, one of the verses we taught during the summer, and Maria recited the verse in English! Stephanie could hardly hold back the tears. She reports, “They were the most attentive, most engaging kids, and were so joyful to see us there!”
CEF of North Jersey conducts clubs throughout Bergen, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. There are over 368,000 boys and girls in these areas and up to 80% of them do not attend church. Our volunteers take the Good News of Jesus to these kids—letting them know that God created them, that He loves them, and that He wants to have a relationship with them. It’s a huge privilege to see God work in the hearts and lives of boys and girls as they come to know Him and walk with Him.
Twyla Pellegrino
*Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.