Durham Ministers in Prayer, CEF Durham, PrayDurham, and the National Day for Prayer Task Force pray for our Nation, State, our Communities

May 2, 2023 in Current Topics | Leave a comment

“…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16

We will also gather on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 12 Noon at the Bull located at CCB Plaza, 201 Corcoran Street, Durham, NC for our National Day of Prayer. We will have the National Day of Prayer, Prayer Guides for everyone. Please join us and bring someone with you. 🇺🇸

Please pray for the National Day of Prayer Task Force throughout this week and then join us in prayer on May 4th, first at your local community prayer gathering and then with the world at 12:00 p.m. The 2023 year the theme… “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much” from James 5:16.

Pray Durham connections with Durham Christians

Durham Ministers in Prayer, Durham County Courthouse Prayer, Shielding First Responder Badges, Prayer for Local Schools, Adopt Your Street for Prayer, Prayer at Detention Centers, National Day of Prayer, Global 4/14 Day of Prayer, Triangle Prayer Room, and other local events and weekly praying gathering at [ https://www.facebook.com/PrayDurham and https://praydurhamnc.com/local-prayer-groups

2023 National Prayer For America

We come with fervent hearts to praise You Lord. You are The Word, the Way, Truth and Life. The Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah, Almighty God who was, and is, and is to come. You clothed Yourself in flesh and dwelt among us, to remove our sin and clothe us in Your righteousness that we might dwell with You forever and ever… Prayer for America

Happy Easter & Contribute: Our 2023 Annual or Summers Sport Camps

April 6, 2023 in Camps for City Kids, Capacity Building | Leave a comment

CEF’s purpose has remained unchanged for 85 years. For over 30 years the Durham Area Chapter has created new programs and changed some ministry methods, but our purpose to reach, teach, and disciple children for Christ will never change. We operate as a faith-based, donation-supported organization, with the staff, board members, and financial sub-committee sharing the fund-raising responsibilities. Thank You for contributing to boys and girls we minister!

Financial and prayer support come from churches and individuals who share the vision of reaching kids with the Gospel and teaching them in Christian living. Our Annual Fund covers all organizational costs and direct ministry expenses. Camps for City Kids funding cover summer staff, classes, and equipment.

Fun play, basic skills, and court fitness are offered by CEF and summer staff members conducting classes to build character, understand their value/power, and change things in their world. Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Kickball, Pickleball and Soccer to be held in conjunction with Bible, Power & Light, Reading, Etiquette weekly this summer from June 20-July 13, 2023.

7MIT helps City Kids learn & live for Jesus!

February 2, 2023 in "City Kids", Camps for City Kids | 1 comment

7 Most Important Things in the World: Further benefits of using the 7MIT allows children to hear the Message of Salvation as well as the Word of God over and over, week after week, via Scripture-match to all seven statements and a catchy tune with actions in every song verse. Kids will enjoy clapping, stomping and shouting as they sing this visualized song about the seven most important things in the world: 1. God loves me! 2. Jesus never sinned! 3. I have sinned! 4. Jesus died for me! 5. Now Jesus lives! 6. I put my faith in Christ! 7. I can live for Him! Words/Music: John & Sean Blake

Through weekly teaching and repetition of the 7MIT children will be challenged to memorize and apply these seven statements. A further benefit of using the 7MIT allows children to hear the Message of Salvation as well as the Word of God over and over, week after week, via Scripture-match to all seven statements and a catchy tune with actions in every song and verse.

John and Sean Blake originally developed 6 most important things for city kids to memorize, then wrote the song to match. It was found to be extremely effective in communicating God’s Word and the Message of Salvation to non-readers and those with short attention spans. Later, the song and list of important things grew to seven. Most children, youth, and teachers love the song, but may not fully utilize the contents, so here is how we use the 7MIT every week in clubs.

7MIT is being taught throughout the world within CEF Good News Clubs – in other countries (as we knew): Canada, China, France, Ghana, Honduras, Italy, Malawi, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, USA, etc.

There are 4 verses to the 7MIT Song… Teach a new verse each day or week that goes with the important thing to be taught that week, and always sing/review previous verses. The 7MIT statements should be grouped and taught to match the song (i.e. teach #2 and #3 together and #4 and #5 together). The #6 statement can be emphasized every week and/or at any time appropriate in your teaching segments.

Use the 7MIT as a review/remix when the Message of Salvation: GOSPEL is presented in a lesson, memory verse, or invitation/challenge. Emphasize the target 7MIT which is being used in your main teaching that day. The 7MIT is the Gospel. It can be used as a stand-alone Gospel presentation or while giving an invitation to receive Christ as Savior. The entire 7MIT usually should not be fully explained in one teaching segment of a Bible lesson or when using the song. See how we introduce and lead the 7MIT below in a Good News Club. (Older version of #6 being used)

CEF Ministries in communities, schools, churches and beyond into 2023

December 27, 2022 in Capacity Building | 1 comment

Our Vision: Reaching City Kids for Christ Foundation Steps Toward Reaching a City for Christ through…

God has continued to bless CEF Durham in 2022 with funding to cover ministry expenses. As we reach out to those around us in prayer, we do so knowing that we carry the authority of the Name of Jesus as well as protection from evil. Through our expressions of the Gospel, God’s Light and Truth bring about change in the spiritual climate within the community we reach through ministry.

Kingdom Building: Bless the lost. Relationship with fellowship. Prayer walking. Every Christian is a Minister. Proclaim the Gospel. Biblical discipleship in schools, neighborhoods, and marketplace. Identify assets and meet needs. Transformation: Kingdom of God is near/has come to the City.

CEF continues to go forth in 2023.  Michael Harley, Lou Brogden, Christina Snowden, David Johnson, Darrell Moser, Steve & Millie Hannamans, and many other volunteers work with city kids in our Good News Clubs and Power & Light. CEF supports many families with basic needs – food, furniture – plus the Gospel is presented and shown in love for God’s children on a regular basis. Kids we minister with have parents or families in prison or crisis. CEF prayer groups/discipleship offered to these families. Thank you to all supporters – for this coming year, we hope you will continue to stand with us and give.

What’s In A Good News Club?

November 18, 2022 in Current Topics, Education, Leadership | 1 comment

Good News Club® is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship in which trained teachers meet with groups of children in schools, homes, community centers, churches, apartment complexes, just about anywhere the children can easily and safely meet with their parent’s permission. Each week the teacher presents an exciting Bible lesson using colorful materials from CEF Press. This action-packed time also includes songs, Scripture memory, a missions story and review games or other activities focused on the lesson’s theme. As with all CEF ministries, the purpose of Good News Club is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.

Virtual Good News Clubs can be viewed at U-Nite, is the CEF YouTube

U-Nite is a CEF YouTube channel which shares God’s Word in a fun, engaging way to draw children to both understand and apply biblical truths to their lives. Songs, Bible lessons, and Scripture verses presented are great ways for children to memorize God’s Word as they sing of God’s promises and commands, the message of salvation, and other biblical truths. Each Bible lesson clearly teaches the Gospel since it is woven throughout the lesson.

School Good News Club® ministry held immediately after school in local public and private schools is happening with the partnership of local churches, ministries, and CEF. These 60-90 minute Bible-centered clubs are held with parental permission. Other programs, like mentoring, tutoring, and character values education may be offered at adopted schools depending on need and available resources.

  • CEF Bible lesson series offer a systematic approach to Bible teaching.
  • Each series includes five or six lessons based on a theme, character or book of the Bible.
  • Biblically sound Gospel presentations and growth applications are built into each lesson.

Funding in 2022-2023 for Kingdom-Building Ministry

October 29, 2022 in "City Kids", Camps for City Kids | Leave a comment

Funds, Stocks, and Sponsorship donations to CEF Durham go towards funding its various local ministries. This year (2022), God has continued to bless CEF Durham with funding to cover ministry expenses. As we go forward, new and even more exciting work has been shown for Durham. We, as with other CEF ministries worldwide, know and trust that God’s Work, Done God’s Way, Will Never Lack God’s Supply. Thank you to all supporters. For this coming year, we hope you will continue to stand with us and give. There will be a need in 2023 for new staff/supporters for us to go forward. Please pray and invite others to support this ministry.

Kingdom-Building with GNC Teachers

CEF Durham has 50+ teachers for club activities within schools/neighborhoods. We need more teachers to minister in area schools and communities. Michael Harley and other volunteers work with families of our Good News Clubs to support them with basic needs – food, furniture – plus the Gospel is presented and shown in love for God’s children on a regular basis.

During 2022-2023, Bible Lessons will be taught in local communities and schools from the Old and New Testaments as follows: God: The One Who Knows, My Heart (David), God Rules: Be Strong (Daniel), God: The One to Follow (Peter) CEF offers 6 sessions of U-Nite clubs on our YouTube channel where songs, Bible verses, and activities are accessible to clubs.

Volunteers for CEF

Summer Camps Ended!

July 12, 2022 in "City Kids", camps, Camps for City Kids, Current Topics | 1 comment

John Blake, Director CEF and Camps for City Kids

These classes and sports camps (Bible, Power & Light, Reading, Etiquette, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Pickleball, and Black-Top games) went four weeks from June 13-July 8th. Tennis, Basketball, Pickleball & Soccer sports camps were held in conjunction with Camps for City Kids and the DNS Reading Camp.

Fun play, basic skills, and court fitness are offered by Doc Blake, summer staff members, and “Mak” our intern. Dr. David, Pastor Harley, Jamo, Ms. Jackie, and Mak (above) conducted classes to build character for campers, understand their power, and change things in their world.

Kevin Mahoney, Dean of Studies, Durham Nativity School and Director of the Reading Camp

It’s difficult to put an exact dollar amount on the service, food, transportation, care, and academic enrichment that we provide. But know that we are providing each family a service valued between $50 and $400 per week  for summer camp. As a father, I know the face-value/dollar importance of that.

However, the real difference is the energy and kindness each of you bring. As a team, we have been consistently reliable and nice, which is always the goal each summer. As a result, and thanks to your efforts and attention to our students, the Jenny Koortbojian Reading Camp will successfully conclude tomorrow. 

Thank you so much for keeping our campers safe, engaged, and full of joy. For tomorrow, we have a bunch of food and beach toys; have some fun!

Sponsor-A-City Kid for summer camp

June 16, 2022 in "City Kids", Current Topics, fitness, Mission Posts | Leave a comment

John “Doc” Blake JHS’73, Coach Parrish 45+yrs, and Emily Biggs JHS’74 want to make a greater impact on city kids this summer with your help! Our summer includes 4 weeks of fun and 35 campers. Here is your chance to sponsor a city kid. $5,000 will sponsored kids and the supplies this summer. CEF is pleased to introduce our summer intern, Mak, who will facilitate and lead our campers.

Tennis, Basketball, and Soccer: Camp for City Kids will include these sports and the following activities this summer June 13th-July 8th. We’re offering tennis, basketball, and soccer. Camp will instructions, drills, and team play each day. Week on Tuesdays & Thursdays ››

Pickleball: Fun, social and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Picklebell Learn About ››

Blacktop & Field Games: These are the same games we use for fun and gather kids during weekly clubs, sports clubs and sports camps. Games on Blacktops: Ball throws, Hulo Hoop relay, Water Balloon relays, etc.

Bible Study, Etiquette Class, Values Based Character Education: Character development, Bible study, and Etiquette classes offered each week to camps understand their Good-given value, power, and destiny. Our summer will last for 4-weeks each Monday-Fridays June 13th – July 8th. Our summer staff is Mr. Kevin Mahoney and the DNS staff, Dr. David Johnson, Michael Haley, Jamison Berthold, Mrs. Jackie Omotosho, CEF staff, and our new intern, Makenzie “Mak” Pendergrass.

Sponsor-A-City Kids for summer camps in Durham… so $100 at a 4-weeks!!!

PRAYER: National Day of Prayer 2022

May 5, 2022 in Current Topics, Ministry Development | Leave a comment

Today: May 5, 2022 Observances in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill

Noon 12:00 pm in Downtown Durham will Christians to pray for our city, state, and nation. Gather at the “Bull” on the Plaza for a one hour to observe Durham’s the annual National Day Prayer.

Exalt the Lord who has established us from Colossians 2:6-7 / Let’s continues to pray! Next Date: May 5, 2022 — The National Day of Prayer exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America. This is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men.

GOVERNMENT

Pray for your leaders, as well as the judges in our courts. Ask God to grant them wisdom…

  • Federal Government:

Consider praying for our President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Congressional Leaders, Supreme Court Justices

  • State Government:

Consider praying for your Governor, Executive Leaders, Legislative Leaders, Judicial Leaders

  • Local Government:

Consider praying for your Mayor, City Counsel, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Judges, County Officials

MILITARY

“He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them…and encouraged them with these words: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him only is the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles…’” (2 Chronicles 32:6-8)

MEDIA

“…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

BUSINESS

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working…” (Exodus 31:3-4)

EDUCATION

“If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:3-6)

CHURCH

“So then, just as you received Jesus Christ as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)

FAMILY

“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)

Kids Need Good News Clubs

April 12, 2022 in Current Topics, Mission Posts | 1 comment

I am planning on being back at Oxford Manor tomorrow after months of being out because of sickness. I will be taking canned goods and non-perishable items for the residents as well as sausage biscuits and snacks for the kids. Please continue praying for this ministry. We continue to need volunteers in order for us to get back into regular kids and teen activities and lessons. God shows me every week that we are supposed to be  there. I saw in the news that there are so many gangs in Durham, and the only answer is saturating these boys and girls with Jesus. These kids are worth it. Please pray and respond as God leads. He is in control and I give him the honor and glory for all he has done. 

Our 2022 Easter community party & basket give-away is scheduled for Friday, April 15th 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Join us our partners and friends of the Durham Rescue Mission to help us celebrate the miracle of Easter! We need volunteers to help Easter Baskets and CEF Gospel-booklets for over 2,000+ city kids and families. Serve for one hour or the 2 hrs.

CEF Ministries to Families in Communities

CEF Durham Area Chapter follows Luke 10 instructions toward biblical transformation. Our staff and volunteers:

  • Bless: speak (pray) peace to please v.5-6
  • Fellowship: build relationship with those outside the Kingdom of God v.7-8
  • Minister: respond to their felt needs in the Name of Jesus v.9a
  • Proclaim: announce that the Kingdom of God is available to them through Jesus Christ v.9b (Gospel)

Since the beginning of 2022, CEF Durham has given away at least 3,000 lbs. of food, furniture/children items, shoes and clothing to various communities.  It has been a blessing to be a blessing. Thank you for supporting CEF/Jesus in this way. Our staff, board, and volunteers engage all four biblical transformation principles as they minister through Good News Clubs, Power & Light, sports camps, and/or various community events.

Grateful for CEF Durham and the Blake Family

We are grateful and appreciative for your prayers, calls, cards, financial support, and faithfulness of our boards and volunteers keeping ministry going this time. John’s recent MRI scan marker shows the tumor is a “good” one and responds great to chemo. Game plan is to begin a higher dose of chemo for 5 days, then 23 days off for then several months. Additionally (up to 4 months every 2 weeks) an infusion through IV of a drug which has been proven to provide decreased swelling/irritation as well as help John feel and speak/understand better. 

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