November, 2017
Hi, I’m Shelley Fietkau. If you want to know me better, here is my story. At a very young age I came to know that I needed a savior, that my sin kept me from God and would keep me from Heaven. I heard John 3:16 and believed in Jesus to save me from my sin. I grew up in a very painful, and extremely dysfunctional family. While I could trust God to take care of my sin problem, it would be a long time before I would trust Him with my life. I ran away from home at the age of 15. I wanted to live a life pleasing to God but I was determined to be in control now. I did not trust people who called themselves Christians because I had been so hurt by those people. I did not trust God as he had allowed me to be born into a family of pain and evil. I spent years learning theology without having a personal relationship with Christ. Through a series of unfortunate events God brought me to the point where I realized that nothing about my life was pleasing to Him. I was filled with guilt and did not even feel like I deserved to cry out to God in prayer. But then I remembered Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” I had been brought out of spiritual death, into a life with God and I had been living like a zombie. But God wanted so much more for me! And I was finally willing to yield to the God who loved me enough to die for me. I got into the Word, specifically the Gospels, fell in love with my savior and developed a strong desire to serve him. I got into Bible study groups, and church and grew closer to Christ daily. I prayed that God would show me how I could best serve Him and He answered that prayer, eventually making me a leader of a women’s Bible study at one church and then teaching teens in my church. I had thought that getting free from other people would give me peace and joy but I never found either until I became a slave to Christ. Living for Christ is not always easy but I have peace knowing that an all-knowing, fair and loving God, is in charge of my life. Fast forward to 2008. I’m 46 years old and I find myself transferred to the Tri-Cities, a new area, a new church, a single mom after 20 years of marriage. I had been serving the Lord as a volunteer in women’s and teen ministry. I had a strong desire to continue serving the Lord but no direction. Every day I prayed for God to show me how He wanted to use me. Each week I saw an announcement in the church bulletin asking for volunteers to help in a Good News Club® for Child Evangelism Fellowship®, CEF®. Each week I asked God to give me a sign if that was what He wanted me to do, but I honestly was looking for a sign for something with women or teens. I did not think I was meant to work in ministry with children. Children were a reminder of a past I wanted to forget, a past in which I regularly cried out to God, “Why me Lord, what did I do to deserve this?” I stopped asking that when I learned that God works all things together for good. I realized that meant I could put all the undeserved suffering behind me, trusting that God would reward me in eternity, making it all worthwhile. After weeks of no conviction in any direction I prayed, “God, I’m going to respond to this bulletin announcement and if you don’t want me to do this, please close the door.” Well the door opened and I was sucked right in. I started teaching Bible lessons in an after-school club. This Good News Club was a ministry of CEF, the largest children’s ministry in the world. Much to my surprise, God had planned to love on those children through me. I saw them and I saw their pain and I longed to help them trust Jesus as their savior AND trust Him with their lives so they would not make the mistakes that I made. And the fact is, I’d given the Gospel to many adults and had never led one to Christ. My first club I led multiple children to Christ and continued to disciple them in God’s Word. In this club there was a brother and sister who were as different as night and day. The sister, Kaylee, was outgoing, loved club, participated in everything and every week brought at least one new friend to club. Her brother, Kenny, was very quiet and sullen, rarely participated and always sat in the back with his arms folded. I knew he was hurting. The children had lost their mother, then the stepmother left and a bitter grandmother was caring for them. The last week of club for that year, Kenny told me that he would not be returning to club next year, Daddy said he was old enough to make his own choices and he was choosing to not come back. Later in club I was teaching a difficult lesson and God led me to open up a little about my past. I looked at the children and told them that I knew what it was like to hurt and feel unloved. As I was talking I looked back and saw Kenny sitting with his arms crossed, same sullen look on his face but tears were streaming down his cheeks as I encouraged the kids to not give up on a God who truly loves them. After the lesson, Kenny came to me and threw his arms around me, cried on me and told me that he would be returning to club the next year. Kenny did return to club and I realized that God meant for me to be in children’s ministry. In fact, He was using me in such a powerful way that it caused me to cry out in praise, “Why me God, what did I do to deserve this?” God showed me that He was already working together for good my awful past. I would not have to wait an eternity, I was being rewarded here and now. I continued volunteering in this club and another one, then a third. In these clubs I met many children from unchurched families. Most of the children had never been presented with a clear presentation of the Gospel. They needed to know they had a savior who could bring them into a relationship with the one true God. I also discipled many children who were in foster care and from broken families. In one club I had a boy who came to club halfway through the year because he had been transferred to a new foster home. He had a dad in prison and a mother in rehab. He was only in 4th grade and he already had a record. After a few weeks he responded to the Gospel. He had lots of questions. He was so surprised to understand that Jesus had died, taking the punishment for his sins in his place allowing him to have forgiveness. He could not wait to share this with his parents. He had a visitation with his mother in a few days and wanted some stuff to share with her. I gave him tracts, prayed with him and looked forward to hearing about his visit. Unfortunately, I never did get to hear the end of the story because Bruce was transferred that week to a new foster home. He came to club just long enough to hear, understand, and respond to the Gospel. That was 7 years ago and I still pray for him and many other children who have been so hurt by life. All the children need to know that Christ died on the cross for them, but these hurting children also needed to hear that God loves them and He is fair even when the world isn’t. Teachers will come and go but God will be with them forever. CEF is sharing that message of God’s love and redemption with children all over the world. In fact, over 2 million children were reached by CEF last year in our various ministries. In addition to the ministry of Good News Clubs we have our summer ministry of 5 Day Clubs which is like a mini mobile Good News Club for 5 consecutive days in places where children meet. Most of those clubs are led and taught by teenagers who have graduated from our Christian Youth in Action® training. CYIA™ is a ministry that equips teens and young adults to effectively evangelize and teach children in the 5 Day Club® ministry. We also give the gospel through our face painting ministry at the county fair and other venues. CEF of Tri-Cities is reaching thousands of children annually and leading hundreds to Christ right here in the Tr-Cities area. CEF is proficient in giving a clear representation of the Gospel on a child’s level so the children KNOW what they need to believe and be saved. But the reason this ministry is so affective in winning souls is because we also follow up with an invitation. Well, you’ve just heard about some of the problems that the children in Tri-Cities are facing. You’ve heard about the effectiveness of CEF in reaching these children with the Love of God. Now, I give you an invitation. Will you partner with the ministry of CEF to minister to the children in your community? Is God calling you? Serving in children’s ministry is a huge honor. Not everyone is qualified. The children deserve the best. The children deserve the committed. If you are passionate and committed, we can train you to be the best. Your commitment and passion, plus our training will equal a servant who will reach children for Christ. Our office number is 509-518-9031. Let’s talk, let’s pray, let’s see what plans God has for you in children’s ministry. Children’s names have been changed to protect the privacy of the innocent.
1 Comment
These are the prayer requests from some clubs 2/2/17:
One girl is asking for prayer because she is having her tonsils removed. Several other children echoed that prayer. One child wants prayer for two of his dogs who are in heaven. Please pray for his peace. Another child gets angry too much and wants prayer for that. "Plees help me Lord I need hlep I git angree to much" "Dear God I hope that Mrs. Morris is done with cancer. Amen." "For my baby brother." "Thank you for making all the amls" (animals). "Who is God in history?" "I love you and you love me" "Dear God can you please help my friend and family, can you please help diego. In jesus name. amen" "I wish my mom and dad could get along." 1/26/2017 Prayer Bears are back in use and children are requesting the following this week: My cough to go away A good home Good grades To skate well No pain while getting tonsils removed. I would personally ask for specific prayers for the darling little churched children in the clubs, that they would spend less time trying to tell the teachers what they already know and more time listening to what they can learn and then applying it. One girl in a club expressed that her family believes in Jesus but they only go to church for Christmas and Easter. Please pray that God will draw them into a church family for regular meeting with their brothers and sisters in Christ. 7/18/2016 We are using the Prayer Bear in our 5-Day Clubs, taking prayer requests from the children. This past week in our three clubs we got many requests for health issues. One grandma is going in for a third surgery, one aunt has cancer, one cousin is sick and one baby has a fever. One child is asking for a visit from Grandma. Four of the children are asking for prayers for a friend of theirs who just lost her mother!!! This last one says, "Please pray about my adopted brother, he is back with his mom and she does drugs. I'm worried about him. Please take the prayers of these little ones to our Heavenly Father. 5/5/2016 Please pray for my brother, he broke his foot. Please pray for safe travel for my mom. 4/26/2016 Child: Give my sister strength so that she can know God is with her. Give her husband strength to have faith in God that if he tells the police who actually did what he is being accused of that he and his family won't get hurt. Child: I pray that my friend's brother will get help in rehab, mostly that he will stay there and get over drugs and alcohol. Give his family the faith and hope that God is working so that one day they can be a family that serves God. I believe that and I pray that they will too. We are getting a lot of prayer requests from children with pregnant moms asking for healthy babies. Please be praying for their requests for healthy babies but also for peace for these children and their parents. 4/18/2016 I pray that my dad and brother have a safe trip to the Ukraine and back. That my grandparents will have a safe trip up here for my cousin's wedding. 4/11/2016 I visited a club today and two girls wanted prayer for their uncle who was in a motorcycle accident and has a broken leg and nose. One girl wants prayer for her great, great, grandfather who is 104 years old. She does not want him to die. He does know Jesus so please pray for this girl's peace in knowing that he is going Home. Please pray for the workers in this club to get some help and for God to give them wisdom in running this club. Also please pray for God to be working in the hearts of these children. There were many kids with serious attitude and behavior problems making for a stressful environment. We have no idea what life is like in the homes of these children to cause such behavior so please be praying. 4/10/2016 One little boy in a club was the only one to do his devotional page and bring it back to club. His prayer request is for ALL the children to do their devotional pages. 3/31/2016 I hope my friend's glasses get fixed and that she forgives me for breaking them. L's grandma died. Please pray for his family. (this is from one kid in a club asking for prayer for another) Dear God, can you make sure that K is healthy? (K is a baby) 3/27/2016 Help my friends be nice and stop yelling. I pray for my Mom's baby to be healthy. I'm having trouble with my family. Lots of people are dying and my mom and dad are fighting. My mom got bit by a dog. Two of the girls in one club are really having a hard time getting past the loss of a pet. Please pray for their grieving and that they can find peace. One saved fourth grade girl really struggles with sibling jealousy, bitterness and criticism. Please pray that God can soften her heart and get her to focus on God and positive things. 3/11/2016 Dear God please let my aunt have a healthy baby I pray for my baby sister so she doesn't get more sick any more. Please pray for my baby brother to get better. He's really sick!! Please pray for my big brother and that he will get caught up in school.. My cat and bunny died and I am sad. 3/8/2016 A girl in one club asked for prayer that the kids would pay attention in that club. The teacher said the prayer was answered. Lot's of prayer for family and parents this last week. One girl's prayer is "I want mom and dad to get married." 3/2/2016 I've noticed more praises in the prayer requests as children are seeing God answer their prayers. (Praise) that I did well on my math and science test. Please take care of mom and bring her home That my grandma and grandpa have a safe trip back to California 2/142016 I've noticed the kids in the club are starting to ask for prayers for the other kids in the club. The first two prayers had multiple requests. One girl has a broken wrist One girl is very concerned about her mother's pregnancy "Help me to not be so self conscientious and to just be myself" "Thank you God for being in my heart." "I pray for my dad to stay" (Literally: I prayr for my dad to stae) "For our families" (Literally: for are familiys) 2/6/2016 Please pray for my grandma who keeps hitting her head on everything. Please pray for my cousin to be safe in their city Dear God, I wish the boys in my room could be nicer to me because they called my dad chubby. Three children in a club have requested prayers for the foster child who has gone back to her mother. We will all miss her in club and pray she is safe and will stay strong in the Lord. She came to know Jesus as her savior in club this year and has grown in truth. Please pray that she will be a witness and that she will remember that God is with her. Pray that she can get into an environment that will continue her growth in faith. I am begging you to pray for this child daily and for her sister. They have been through so much. I pray that my mom's baby is healthy 2/4/2016 Some of the kids in one of the clubs lost a relative who has died young and left 4 children motherless. Please pray for this entire family but especially for the husband and children left behind. She died of a brain tumor. 2/1/2016 Please help S's liver problem and help the doctors fix her We might be moving to someone else's house because we need to so please pray that we can move. (from a foster kid) Help my dad feel better (Literally: hlep my dad fill bedr) For my life to be better For people with cancer (Literally: pepol wot have casr) Please pray that we will get money so we can buy a new car and don't have to use our motorhome to go everywhere. Please pray for the mean people who don't believe in God. Dear God, I want you to fix my sister so she will stop fighting with me. Pray she will believe in Jesus. Please pray for healing of my little brother. (Literally: I want my littel beruthr can heal I love him so much) I pray that my grandmother will be safe in California. My mom is having surgery again. LOTS of prayers for family _____________________________________________________________________________ I want to feel Gods love Please pray I get some sleep so I don't miss school or Good News Club Please pray that my grandma will survive breast cancer I hope that my brother gets custody of his kids so we can get them out of the foster home. Please pray for my sister to grow up to be nice and strong. That my mom and dad can be happy together like before. I pray for my friend, J, because she is having a hard time. Adults won't get stressed all the time. For my brother's tonsils to heal so he can eat his favorite foods. Yesterday was phone call court day and it did not go well. Please pray for my sister and I to be able to live with a good foster family. Dear God please I want another brother. Please pray for the homeless people to have food. 1/24/2017 In my scripture reading this morning I came across Acts 11:23 "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." (KJV) It is my hope that more believers will cleave unto the Lord and be an example to the next generation. I see the children, so spoiled, so indulged and yet so miserable. My prayer is that the children will come to see that true joy only comes from a relationship with Christ. Will you pray that with me for the sake of the children and the Kingdom? 7/18/2016 Last week was our first week of 5-Day Clubs. We had 55 children attending 3 clubs in the Richland area and 2 children put their faith in Christ. These neighborhood clubs bring in a diverse group of children from many different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. We even had a Muslim girl coming to one of the clubs. Please pray that the truth of Jesus and His love will stay with her and result in salvation for her and her family. 7/6/2016 GOOD NEWS CLUB TOTALS: June was our last month for Good News Clubs. We had clubs in 13 schools this year with 488 kids enrolled. Of those, 256 put their faith in Christ this year in the clubs. Imagine the impact if we had a club in every school. Most every elementary school in the Tri-Cities area has an evangelical church just blocks from it. Please pray that more churches will take advantage of the ministry of CEF to get into the schools so our local children can be saved and growing in Christ. 7/1/2016 We just returned from our annual Christian Youth in Action training camp where teens from all over the state were trained to do 5-Day Clubs. While at camp the teens did 5-Day clubs in the Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas. The teens reached 621 children with the Gospel, led 41 to Christ and counseled 32 saved children with assurance. It is always an honor to supervise a team at this amazing event. I am always impressed by the many teens who love the Lord and desire to serve Him. 4/27/2016 We have great opportunities to evangelize children with the numerous face painting events coming up. Please pray that many teens and adults will attend the training in May and become equipped to give a clear presentation of the Gospel on a child's level while face (or arm) painting with the 5 colors of the Wordless Book. Also pray for God to call many to serve at the two face painting events already scheduled for May and that many children will hear and respond to the saving message of the Gospel.
Year to date Good News Club totals for the 2015/2016 school year.
13 Clubs CHILDREN ENROLLED: 488 SALVATIONS: 256 January, 2015
My first month under contract as the new director of CEF, continued teaching two clubs while taking CEF online training and performing director duties. Helped teach a Teaching Children Effectively course in Everett, a Super Saturday training in Longview and a face painting training here. February Attended the three day Global Impact missions conference at CUP. Held a local training. Attended a good friend’s wedding in Longview. On the way I met a young Muslim man at a rest stop and had the honor of leading him to Christ. Continued with online CEF training and teaching two clubs weekly. March Wrapped up my two clubs for the year with a few end of the year salvations. Finished my online course for CEF. Flew to Missouri to take some courses at the Children’s Ministry Institute. Celebrated my 53rd birthday while there. April Finished up at the institute and flew to Texas for a short family reunion with my Son, daughter and daughter-n-law. Interviewed teens and submitted applications for the summer Christian Youth in Action Camp. Had some meetings with pastors. (All of our clubs are church sponsored now) May Hosted and taught at the CYIA pre-training for our region. Held a Wordless Book training and prepared for summer camp. June Had our first CYIA fundraiser at Applebees. Worked with our local summer missionary, Ruvim, getting him ready for this summer. Had a face painting event at the local Four Square Church. Attended the CYIA camp in Portland, supervised a team of teens and also taught some classes. July Had 5 day clubs, working with our local summer missionary and other teens. Recruited my daughter and also a middle schooler from one of my Good News Clubs to start helping in the office. August Had a large all-day training. Hosted and utilized the state summer missionary, Josh. Continued with 5 day clubs, including one at my church. Held two more face painting trainings for the fair ministry. Had a face painting booth at the Day of Hope and was at the county fair face painting also. My daughter-in-law, Falon, flew in from Texas to help face paint the Gospel at the fair. Started applying for Good News Clubs in the schools September Applied for clubs in the schools and equipped the teams of volunteers for those clubs. Face painting events in Prosser and West Richland Attended a mandatory support building seminar in Moses Lake for 2 days. Met with club leaders and school officials for the different districts to get the clubs going. All Richland and Kennewick clubs approved and first club of the year starts. October Clubs up and running in 5 districts. Started my club up with a new team. Best blessing of the year when 6 of my kids from last year’s club showed up from the middle school to help me with my club at the elementary school. Second Applebee’s fundraiser. Three day mandatory staff conference in Ellensburg. Face painting event at South Hills’ Trunk or Treat function. November Continued to strive for the clubs in Pasco. One approved so far. Went on an adventure with my daughter, drove a motorhome to Texas. Flew back. Continued teaching at my club and had a Thanksgiving party. December Continued with my regular club and had a Christmas party club. Looked back over the year and praised God mightily for His grace and mercy and deeds. Over 1000 kids were given the Gospel locally through CEF this year. Please be praying for their continued growth in the faith and for a fruitful 2016. |
AuthorBradley Lemmon has been serving with CEF of Tri-Cities since 2022 and stepped into the coordinator/director role in 2023 Archives
November 2017
Categories |