These little ones are at the front of God’s heart. Our job is crucial to the existence and operation of Good News Clubs in many schools that will bring them the Gospel. And if we don’t do it, who will? It’s not that these kids aren’t being reached out to. They are—by the secular world. By the drug peddler across the street (West Virginia has a huge drug problem). By the secular media and “education” that often amounts to anti-Christian indoctrination. By Hollywood (enough said). There are plenty of influencers—what chance do these kids stand if we aren’t there for them? Many of them are so unaware of who Jesus is that if you say “Jesus” they will tell you to shush and not swear. They have never heard the Gospel story, never heard of Jesus (besides as a swear word), and are considered the unchurched "4/14 window." CEF focuses on the 4/14 window which centers on evangelizing children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. Children are targeted because they are the "most receptive, but also because they are often the most effective agents for mission" to evangelize their peer group. Groups supporting the evangelization initiative have argued that "It is crucial that mission efforts be reprioritized and re-directed toward the 4/14 age group world-wide." But even if we do reach them, aren’t we just one positive drop in a pond of negative influences? Not quite—I’m impressed with CEF because they partner with churches in the school’s area, filling a local need with local volunteers. That goes even farther when they connect the kids in each club to those churches. That way the kids have a more regular source of discipleship and get that all-important Christian fellowship. CEF emphasizes children over “numbers” (how many are converted), not wishing that any of these little ones fail to be discipled and plugged into a community. It’s a big deal.
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