Reaching Hearts Before the World Does
Sharing the Gospel with the Next Generation
By Sheila-Ann Bender
In short: With a vision to reach Every Child, Every Nation, Every Day, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is one of the world’s largest ministries dedicated to sharing the Gospel with children. Through more than 3,800 workers and tens of thousands of volunteers, CEF reaches millions of boys and girls annually—from Good News Clubs in public schools to military bases, summer camps, and neighborhood outreaches. Children like a nine-year-old former drug dealer and a quiet third-grader named Jackson have discovered Christ and are now leading others to the same hope that transformed their lives.
At the heart of every program, outreach, and initiative is a commitment to prayer and a passion for seeing children transformed by the Gospel.
What Is Child Evangelism Fellowship?
Across neighborhoods, schools, communities, and nations, CEF is helping children discover the hope found in Jesus Christ. Rooted in Scripture and supported by believers from many Christian backgrounds, the ministry is devoted to sharing the Gospel, nurturing young faith, and connecting children with local churches where they can continue to grow spiritually.
The Child Evangelism Fellowship International Headquarters in Warrenton, Missouri, serves as the worldwide hub of CEF’s ministry. From this location, international and U.S. ministry leaders provide direction and support for outreach efforts around the globe. The campus also houses the Children’s Ministries Institute and CEF Press, where training programs and ministry resources are created to equip workers in reaching children for Christ.
3,800+
workers serving worldwide
Millions
of children reached annually
Every Nation
CEF’s vision: Every Child, Every Nation, Every Day
Who Is John Luck?
John Luck’s connection with Child Evangelism Fellowship began in his home church in Richmond, Virginia, which had a long history of supporting the ministry. As the owner of a successful renovation business, John initially partnered with CEF as a donor and supporter of summer missionaries.
His involvement deepened when he was invited to serve on local and international CEF boards, where he witnessed firsthand the ministry’s impact on children. In 2008, after volunteering to assist with CEF’s Good News Across America campaign, John became increasingly passionate about reaching the next generation with the Gospel.
What began as a short-term commitment grew into five years of volunteer service, traveling regularly to engage pastors and strengthen ministry partnerships. In 2013, John joined the CEF staff full-time. Today, he serves as Vice President of Global Partnership Ministry, helping resource and advance Gospel outreach initiatives around the world.
What Is the Good News Club?
While every CEF ministry plays an important role in reaching the next generation for Christ, the Good News Club® remains the organization’s flagship outreach. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to bring Bible teaching directly into public schools across the United States following the Supreme Court victory allowing this club to take place in public schools.
Each week, children gather to hear the Gospel, learn biblical truths, and discover how to apply God’s Word to their daily lives. Its impact is multiplied through consistent, week-after-week engagement. Children repeatedly hear the Gospel and have opportunities to respond to Christ, while young believers receive practical encouragement to grow in their faith.
“It’s like a Sunday school on wheels that goes directly to where unchurched children are and reaches them for Jesus. It doesn’t get any more exciting than that.”
— John Luck
What Are CEF’s Other Ministries?
Child Evangelism Fellowship reaches children through a variety of in-person and digital ministries designed to share the Gospel and nurture young faith:
Camp Good News®
Combines outdoor fun, friendships, and adventure with clear Gospel teaching and biblical discipleship. Through engaging activities and Bible-centered instruction, children are introduced to Christ and encouraged to grow in their faith.
Children Reaching Children (CRC)
Designed for children ages 8–15, this program equips young believers to confidently share the Gospel with their friends and classmates. Through interactive training and practical witnessing tools, participants learn they can play an important role in reaching their generation for Christ.
Military Children’s Ministry
Serves children and families living in military communities, where frequent moves and deployments can create unique challenges. Through partnerships with military chaplains and local volunteers, children are provided with consistent biblical teaching, encouragement, and a supportive faith community.
5-Day Club®
Held during summer break in neighborhoods and community gathering places, 5-Day Clubs bring exciting Bible lessons, songs, games, and activities directly to children. These week-long outreaches make it easy for children to hear the Gospel and build relationships with caring Christian leaders.
Christmas Party Club®
Helps churches share the true meaning of Christmas with children who may never hear the Gospel elsewhere. Through Bible lessons, songs, activities, and seasonal celebrations, children learn about the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings.
Junior Youth Challenge® (JYC™)
Designed for students ages 11–15 navigating the transition from childhood to adolescence. Through biblical teaching, discipleship, and practical life application, JYC helps young teens develop a strong faith foundation and prepares them for future leadership.
U-Nite TV®
A digital platform where children can enjoy Christ-centered videos, stories, and biblical teaching from anywhere in the world.
How Is God Transforming Lives Through CEF?
Over the years, John Luck has witnessed countless examples of God changing young lives through the ministries of CEF.
A Nine-Year-Old Drug Dealer Finds Hope
One of the most memorable stories involved a nine-year-old boy who regularly attended club meetings but remained on the fringes. When John finally had an opportunity to speak with him personally, he discovered the child believed he was beyond God’s forgiveness because of his involvement in dealing drugs and leading other children into destructive behaviors.
Through patient counseling and a clear presentation of the Gospel, the boy came to understand God’s love and grace. He accepted Christ as his Savior, and today serves as a teen volunteer, helping introduce other children to the same hope that transformed his own life.
Jackson’s Journey from Club Member to Ministry Leader
John also recalls meeting Jackson, a quiet third grader who attended Good News Club primarily because his friends were there.
During a club meeting, Jackson responded to the Gospel invitation and placed his faith in Christ. Over the following years, through Good News Club, 5-Day Club®, and Christmas Party Club®, he demonstrated steady spiritual growth, developing a love for Scripture, a desire to obey God, and a growing commitment to his local church.
His family witnessed firsthand the positive changes in his attitude and character as he shared what he was learning at the club. As he entered his teenage years, Jackson began preparing to serve in ministry himself through Christian Youth in Action®, becoming a godly example to his younger brothers and peers.
Stories like these remind us that when children are consistently exposed to the Gospel and discipled in God’s Word, the results can impact not only their own lives but generations to come.
Key Takeaways
Reach Children Where They Are
CEF’s model brings the Gospel directly to children—in public schools, neighborhoods, military bases, and summer camps. Rather than waiting for children to come to church, the ministry goes to where unchurched children already gather.
Consistency Multiplies Impact
Week-after-week engagement through Good News Clubs allows children to hear the Gospel repeatedly and grow in their faith over time. Jackson’s journey from curious club member to ministry leader demonstrates the power of consistent discipleship.
No Child Is Beyond Reach
A nine-year-old drug dealer believed he was beyond God’s forgiveness—until patient counseling and the Gospel broke through. CEF’s ministry demonstrates that no background is too difficult for God’s grace to transform.
Children Become Future Leaders
Programs like Children Reaching Children and Christian Youth in Action train young believers to share their faith and serve in ministry. Today’s club members become tomorrow’s volunteers, missionaries, and church leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Child Evangelism Fellowship?
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is one of the world’s largest ministries dedicated to sharing the Gospel with children. With more than 3,800 workers and tens of thousands of volunteers, CEF reaches millions of children annually through programs like Good News Club, Camp Good News, 5-Day Club, and more.
What is Good News Club?
Good News Club is CEF’s flagship outreach that brings Bible teaching directly into public schools across the United States. Following a Supreme Court victory, these after-school clubs meet weekly to share the Gospel, teach biblical truths, and help children apply God’s Word to their daily lives.
How does CEF reach military families?
CEF’s Military Children’s Ministry serves children and families in military communities through partnerships with military chaplains and local volunteers. The program provides consistent biblical teaching and a supportive faith community for children facing the unique challenges of military life, including frequent moves and deployments.
Can children learn to share the Gospel with their friends?
Yes. CEF’s Children Reaching Children (CRC) program is designed for children ages 8–15 and equips young believers to confidently share the Gospel with their friends and classmates through interactive training and practical witnessing tools.
Where is CEF headquartered?
CEF’s International Headquarters is located in Warrenton, Missouri. The campus serves as the worldwide hub for ministry operations and houses the Children’s Ministries Institute (for training) and CEF Press (for ministry resources).
Conclusion: Reaching Hearts, Transforming Generations
In a culture where many children are growing up without a biblical foundation, Child Evangelism Fellowship is meeting children around the world where they are—in schools, neighborhoods, military communities, camps, and clubs—with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
Through faithful volunteers, dedicated staff, and Gospel-centered programs, children are not only hearing the Good News but are being discipled to become future leaders, witnesses, and servants of Christ.
As the stories of the former child drug dealer and young Jackson demonstrate, when God’s Word is planted in a child’s heart, the results can transform families, communities, and even future generations.
CEF’s mission is simple yet profound: reach children with the Gospel today so they can impact the world for Christ tomorrow.
About the Author
Sheila-Ann Bender is a writer and ministry contributor who documents stories of faith and transformation. She specializes in sharing testimonies of God’s work through organizations reaching children and families with the Gospel.
About Child Evangelism Fellowship
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is a Bible-centered organization composed of born-again believers whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living. With international headquarters in Warrenton, Missouri, CEF operates in countries around the world through programs including Good News Club, Camp Good News, 5-Day Club, and more. Learn more at cefonline.com.
