Thoughts and Challenges from the CEF Asia Pacific National Directors Conference
In 2022 Child Evangelism Fellowship shared the gospel worldwide, with 20,000,000 children!
This is an amazing figure that we should praise God for. Twenty million boys and girls had the opportunity to hear the word of God.
At the beginning of the CEF Asia Pacific conference, Jeremiah Cho (CEF president) gave the above figure, however, pointed out that there are over 2 billion children in the world. This means that this 20 million equates to just 1%. Only 1%
In Matthew 18:14 Jesus says;
"So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
With this call, CEF Asia Pacific, along with CEF world-wide, have committed to increasing their efforts. Many shared at the conference how they have doubled the number of good news clubs, five day clubs, school ministries etc.
For many years the work I'm involved with has partnered with CEF to equip their workers with materials to reach children with the message of salvation. As they double their efforts the need for more literature is apparent.
Many Asia Pacific countries are closed to the Gospel and these workers face imprisonment and loss, should they be discovered. Yet they work courageously to spread the news of salvation.
For others, their countries and islands are open, with fields white for the harvest. Yet the same old problem persists; labourers are few.
Whether a country is closed or open, problems hinder little children in coming to Jesus, but we have a responsibility to press forward. Whether we, as the global church, choose to go or stay, the weight of the great commission falls upon our shoulders.
So what can we do?
The most important way we can support missions is through prayer. Pray for organisations and individuals who are working around the world to share the Word of Christ. Pray for labourers to enter the field and for God's hand to be upon them. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict those who hear and read the gospel, leading to repentance and faith in Jesus. And pray that His name would be glorified to the ends of the earth.
I am uncomfortable saying it, however, as the CEF national directors each shared their needs, it is apparent that financial support cannot be overlooked. For missionaries and organisations there are ever increasing costs and without the support of God's people it would be almost impossible to continue.
Another way to support mission organisations, may be to volunteer. If you have time, there is no doubt a place for you to help and many organisations would welcome your service as unto the Lord. Voluntary service can be an invaluable asset to missions.
Thank You Lord
"What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us? We will lift the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord." (Psalm 116:12&13)
Thank you Lord for your provision and blessing. However the need is great and so we ask that you refill the cup of salvation with more grace and mercy.
Because of Golgotha
Gary Boal
