The Gospel: Child-sized

Every Good News Club lesson points to Christ and presents the gospel. Who God is, the problem of sin, God's solution for sin, Jesus, and His work on the cross, and our need to receive Jesus as our Savior are explained in plain and simple terms. At the end of the Bible lesson children have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a counselor.
Volunteers are trained to counsel children effectively without putting words in their mouths. Training teaches how to use questions to determine the reason the child responded to the invitation, how to assess his or her understanding of what they heard and the use of Scripture to explain concepts. If children understand and want to receive Christ, the counselor encourages them to talk to God by telling Him they know they are sinners and are sorry for their sin, tell Him that they believe in Jesus who died for their sins and rose from the dead, and tell God they want to live His way with His help. These children are shown the promises of God and assurance of salvation in Scripture.

I became involved with CEF seven years ago as a volunteer with the Western Row club. Our leader's circumstances required her to leave the ministry so although I was new, I had a choice of dropping the ministry or picking up where we left off. Praying through the situation God directed my paths to keep the ministry going. I was able to get other volunteers, namely my good friend, Janet Fairweather. 
There are so many blessings with the club. Our hope is to bless the children but find they bless us considerably. I love to see their eagerness to learn and grow in God's word. Each class throughout the years has given me much encouragement. I plan to start a new club at Mt. Healthy South Elementary School along with volunteers from my church, Evangelical Community Church, who is active serving the school and this increases our outreach there.
I am a native Cincinnatian, growing up on the west side and eventually moving to the northwest. My husband and I now live in Maineville, Ohio. We are avid golfers, active in our church which include Bible studies, community groups and service in other areas. We have a new-found hobby of kayaking, too. Of course, four of my greatest joys are my four grandchildren who have are very special and been a huge blessing.