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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.
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)
Principles & Strategics to help all N.C. schools flourish!!! (Durham Local Website – Overview)
Power & Light and other workshops are offered in a series of 1 hour sessions, each adaptable for all school-age groups, faculty, and other audiences. These workshops, conducted in school classrooms, will challenge students at a very strategic time in their development. See Outcomes, Workshops, Seminars, Assemblies, and strategies for schools below.
We provides principles & strategies to help all N.C. schools flourish. Special events, workshops, and seminars are scheduled when requested by a school.
Outcomes: Students, Faculty, and Schools accept the truth about their identity, value, and destiny as world-changers. Where everyone is valued and matters.
All workshops, seminars, and follow-up activities use discussion, object lessons, high-energy games, and relevant applications.
Assemblies: Amy Williams, Humble Tip, Bouncing Bulldogs, and the Strongest Redneck in the World are scheduled in 2022-2023 as assembly speakers in schools.
We have a New Partner
The Maxwell Team has agreed to partner with our character education programs by providing a curriculum, called iLEAD, for weekly student-led discussion groups within classrooms where we offer school assemblies and workshops. Students used this during our 2022 collaborative summer camps. Find our more about iLEAD.
Stay connected regarding orientation and training courses for facilitators, as well as, how to serve and support values-based character education workshops and special events at local schools. The 2022 schedule at local schools will resumed (via COVID, etc.)
PrayDurham seeks to cover the streets and strategic sectors of our city with prayer through a collaborative of churches, individuals, and intercessory prayer groups. This site is a venue for encouragement, motivation, and a challenge to the Church at Durham to fulfill the Law of Christ, to bless our city with Godly peace and mercy, to pray and serve with our city — not merely for our city. We follow the teaching of Jesus for engaging our city through Prayer Evangelism.
- Engaging – 7 sectors of our city with Prayer Evangelism is the 1st leap towards spiritual transformation of the marketplace, home, city, etc.
- Ministering – to those in need are encouraged to adopt their own residential street for regular prayer to see the Kingdom of God flourish in the homes of each resident and neighborhood.
- Affirming – our city officials, schools, and marketplace in Durham have intercessory for 20+ years. Durham Ministries in Prayer share a common vision and heart to pray for Durham. Meet on Tuesday at 9:30-10:30 am, Dayspring/New Path Durham / 9th St.
- Justice – Church and marketplace intercessors meet monthly at the Durham County Courthouse to pray for judges and the local judicial systems. Monthly ZOOM: TBA
- Marketplace & Schools – Praying within the Durham’s marketplace, including local schools and strategic locations believing God will repair, rebuild, reconcile, and heal.
- Pray Walking – Justice. Unity. Solidarity. Prayer Walking with Communities.
Pray with DURHAM: Join a Prayer Group — National Day of Prayer: May 5, 2022
Considering the Cost of Biblical Leadership
The cost of Bibilical Leadership calls us, through God, to go deeper and wider with Him… are we willing to surrender our way to the Father? It means a willingness to have our Father intervene, even to the extent of having life plans messed up/crushed/remade with the Master’s Hand. This remolding process can make biblical leaders vulnerable, take what others would consider risks, and even face failure of being misunderstood, sometimes rejected. Understanding stewardship as a precept to biblical leadership includes practicing discipleship and trusting real ministry is lived on the Jericho Road.
I’ve presented various topics here under Ministry Development to CEF staff across the USA. Most of these topics and/or articles can also be found at the Stewardship series. Today, I’d like to present some principles and practices of biblical leadership.
Choosing to walk this road, although easy to change your mind before taking those first steps, the Jericho Road is a front-porch view into the life of the poor, brokenness, stagnation, and loneliness of others. It allows us to see and experience the Father’s Heart. Consider the following Bible passages in understanding the cost to biblical leadership:
- Commitment: Luke 9:23, 59, 62 Following Christ, not turning back, learn and discipling others
- Collaboration: Luke 10:1-23 Jesus taught/conveyed His plan for real ministry and indigenous leadership
- Compassion: Luke 10:30 Good Samaritan teaching on true sacrifice for the hurting and needy
- Crying out: Luke 18:35 Jesus healing the blind
- Transforming the marketplace: Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus had his heart saved and changed which transformed his city
- Faith: Hebrews 11:30 Trust is experienced by doing what God has said: bringing down walls of Jericho
- Prayer: Luke 10:5-6 Praying in the manifold presence of Christ with His blessing, peace, and the atmosphere of God’s Kingdom in cities, communities, and homes where you minister.
Practices of Biblical Leaders
- Has a vision worth following
A leader needs a vision which lasts beyond today. There needs to be an element of faith and risk to motivate followers. The vision needs to take people somewhere they want to go, but aren’t sure how to get there. It needs to be a “bigger” reality than people are experiencing today. (Do I have to make that point for Jesus?)
- Willing to lead the way
A leader who is easy to follow is willing to go first. They pave the way. (Jesus went first. He suffered first. He challenged the tired, worn out system first. Others could follow, because He led by example.)
- Remains steadfast with integrity
A leader stays the course and keeps his or her character in tact. Followers know they can depend on the, resolve, strength and fortitude of the leader during the darkest hours. (Jesus remained sinless all the way to the Cross!)
- Displays grace and patience
A leader extends grace and forgiveness when mistakes are made. They pace the team until the team is ready for greater challenges. They equip the team with the proper training and resources to complete assignments. (Jesus gave His disciples, and everyone He met, much grace.)
- Challenges followers with high expectations
People want to follow someone who sets the bar for achievement high. There’s no intrinsic value in following easy-to-attain goals. (Jesus pushed the disciples beyond what they thought they could do. Recall Peter walking on water?)
- Practices consistent humility as a servant
A leader should display humility and be a servant of others, especially those he or she is supposed to be leading. (Jesus washed the disciples feet.)
- Places energy into others
A leader consistently invest in other people. They give real authority and responsibility as they encourage and develop other leaders. They even replace themselves in key positions. (Jesus sent the disciples out and He’s left His church in our hands.)
Principles of Servant Leadership
If you value people in the city, then you will make intentional decisions to build long-term empowering relationships. Intentionally doing so will allow you to cross cultural barriers and build community by listening to others, investing stewardship of resources, while also enriching the life/testimony of the surrendered servant. Knowing (awareness) of people within the city helps cultivate an appreciation of their diversity, which enriches and broadens their own visions, ideas, and ministries. A servant leader will make deliberate decisions to ensure commitment to growth of indigenous resources as well as the foresight, through prayer, in the utilization of those resources.
Invest in people. Pour yourself into those that God sends your way by taking what He poured into you and reinvest it into others. It may take fifteen years to develop indigenous urban leadership. Empathy is absolutely necessary in healing and implementation of effective and sustainable ministry within a community. Trust built through this healing process can provide opportunity for mentoring/discipleship of city kids towards becoming world changers in their community and beyond.
Leaders who pray with their city: A Closing Prayer
Gracious Lord, the Lord that invites us to be honored enough to work alongside others through the help of Jesus Christ, the creative God who created all creatures on earth including the tall pine trees in our state. The creative God who created diversity among humankind on earth, where there are all kinds of shapes, sizes, ages, skin colors, and languages.
You sent Your Son to earth, to Galilee, a small marginalized town on the outskirts of a major city, this earth, where He saved us from our sins. Jesus, you were born into a human body among a marginalized and oppressed nation, and from there you started your ministry to those that were on the outskirts – the women, the nonreligious, the people that nobody considered to be important. There are so many which we reach and love called “city kids”, those we are allowed to minister through Child Evangelism Fellowship.
We call and depend on the power of Your resurrection, the entire world and mankind of the changed/unchanged. Thank God you have blessed us to live and be stewards to your creation, allowing us to realize Your Kingdom on earth. Fully realizing, we will be judged not by the amount of power, prestige, and bank accounts, but where we will be judged rightly on how we treat mankind (as children and poor) on this earth by our love.
Footnote Disclaimer: As a result of my brain surgery (Sep.17, 2021) my speech and writing have been affected. During future blogs, I’ll try for others to edit my drafts to provide clarity and understanding for my message. Thank you for your patience. Subscribe: johneblake.blog (button)
Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels. Palm Sunday marks the first day of Holy Week, the last week of the Christian solemn season of Lent that precedes the arrival of Easter.
In the Bible, as well as from sources outside of the Bible, we see that the use of “palm branches” was often tied to “victory.” The Bible first shows us this in conjunction with the “Feast of Tabernacles.” As a part of this celebration, the Israelites were commanded by God to construct and live in “booths” (for 7 days), which were made from “the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook” (Lev 23:40)(also see: Neh 8:14-18). This was done to commemorate the way the people of Israel lived after God gave them “victory,” and brought them out of Egypt.
While not recorded in the Bible, history tells us that waving palm branches was also done to celebrate kings and conquerors. We also know that in Greek athletic competitions, victors were often given a palm branch, which they would wave to celebrate their “victory.” Palm branches are a part of Christian worship on Palm Sunday, or Passion Sunday, as it is sometimes called. This event commemorates Jesus Christ‘s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, as foretold by the prophet Zechariah.
Palm Branches on Palm Sunday
- In the Bible, Jesus ‘ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem with the waving of palm branches is found in John 12: 12-15 (see below); Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; and Luke 19:28-44.
- Today Palm Sunday is celebrated one week before Easter, on the first day of Holy Week.
- The first celebration of Palm Sunday in the Christian church is uncertain. A palm processional was recorded as early as the 4th century in Jerusalem, but the ceremony was not introduced into Western Christianity until the 9th century.
The Bible tells us that people cut branches from palm trees, laid them across Jesus’ path and waved them in the air as he entered Jerusalem the week before his death. They greeted Jesus not as the spiritual Messiah who would take away the sins of the world, but as a potential political leader who would overthrow the Romans. They shouted “Hosanna [meaning “save now”], blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry in the Bible
All four Gospels include the account of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem:
The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:12-15)
Palm Branches Today
Today, many Christian churches distribute palm branches to worshipers on Palm Sunday, which is the sixth Sunday of Lent and last Sunday before Easter. On Palm Sunday, people remember Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, praise him for the gift of salvation, and look expectantly to his second coming.
Customary Palm Sunday observances include the waving of palm branches in procession, the blessing of palms, and the making of small crosses with palm fronds.
Palm Sunday also marks the beginning of Holy Week, a solemn week focusing on the final days of Jesus Christ’s life. Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday, the most important holiday in Christianity.
Luck has nothing to do with getting there!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day / Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit (in the Irish language, also called Erse or Gaelic, Irish Gaeilge, a member of the Goidelic group of Celtic languages, spoken in Ireland) so, if your thinking whether you’ll get LUCKY or reach that pot of gold at the end of your rainbow on this special holiday, Níl aon bhaint ag Ádh mór le dul ann! (in English, Luck has nothing to do with getting there!).
Saint Patrick (Latin: Patricius; Irish: Pádraig [ˈpˠaːd̪ˠɾˠəɟ]; Welsh: Padrig) was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He was also known as the Apostle of Ireland. According to the autobiographical Confessio of Patrick, when he was about sixteen, he was captured by Irish pirates from his home in Britain and taken as a slave to Ireland. Was This Bad Luck? While a slave, he looked after animals; he lived there for six years before escaping and returning to his family. Was this Good Luck? After becoming a cleric, he returned to northern and western Ireland. The dates of Patrick’s life cannot be fixed with certainty, but there is general agreement that he was active as a missionary in Ireland during the fifth century.
In later life, he served as a bishop, but little is known about the places where he worked. By the seventh century, he had already come to be revered as the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th, the supposed date of his death. It is celebrated inside and outside Ireland as a religious and cultural holiday.
Luck had nothing to do with the events in Patrick’s life, nor do they in yours. If you know Christ as Savior, you are redeemed back to God the Father and are a Saint as well, according to the Bible. On Saint Patrick’s Day we observe, celebrate, and remember how a young man dealt with evil and unfortunate life circumstances and became the man God had foreordained. From Scripture, we know of so many others like Patrick: Joseph, Jonah, Daniel, and Paul, to mention a few. As a result of God’s Will for Patrick’s life, many in Ireland and around the world were encouraged to press through adversity as well as to place their faith and hope in Christ Jesus for salvation and daily living.
You may be experiencing things in life that make you question your worth, luck, destiny, or even God Himself. Though we all live in a fallen/sinful world, God is always at work in your life as He was in Patrick’s. It’s not about LUCK or being LUCKY, but The Kingdom of God / Ríocht Dé expressed and experienced in the midst of the struggles, disappointments, and confusion of life. If you minister/work with city kids, then you know that it seems there is never any let up to problems and issues in their lives. Sometimes we wish for somewhere over the rainbow for these kids… Can’t they get a LUCKY break?
Níl aon bhaint ag Ádh mór leis! …again, Luck has nothing to do with it! Jesus said: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom [eochracha na ríochta] of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Take the Keys of the Kingdom to the Gates of Hades, no LUCK needed, and lock up evil, demonic, and satanic mindsets of poverty, hatred, racism, low achievement, and on and on… And then, take those same powerful keys and unlock the Gates of Heaven; the Heart of God the Father; and express His Kingdom to city kids and others.
Speak the Truth that says: You matter! You are a gift to me! You are a delight to know and to be my friend! You make this world better! This world needs you! These are the expressions of the Kingdom, in which everyone needs to hear. This is the power that you possess to change your world and LUCK has nothing to do with getting there.
Matthew 16:18-19 "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” ESV
It’s about BECOMING an Expression of the Kingdom
Inclusion and diversity of your staff, board, and/or committees:
- Becoming vulnerable, a risk-taker, teachable, developing intentional cross-cultural relationships
- Becoming consistently proximal, thus present to serve, learn, and minister
- Becoming 35% + more productive fulfilling your mission
Cultural competencies for effective direct ministry:
- Becoming a leader who embraces cross-racial/ethnic leadership and churches
- Becoming a connector of indigenous resources within cross-racial/ethnic communities for mutual benefits
Engaging cross cultural communities with their invitation and favor:
- Becoming an organization with an asset-based approach to ministry
- Becoming a collaborator in ministry
- Becoming an innovator in ministry
Personal reflection and biblical reconciliation where needed:
- Becoming fully engaged in the process of biblical transformation of lives and communities
- Becoming an advocate and practitioner of the paradigms and methodology of biblical transformation
- Becoming a reflector of the social, economic, racial, gender, church denominations, geography, and occupations where you minister regularly
Consider then incorporate these biblical constructs for steps forward:
These paradigms apply whether you’re ministering in a community, city, state or the world (nations). There are many testimonies from around the world, when the practical application of these principles are active, resulted in the Kingdom of God in operation on earth.
- We are called to disciple nations, not just individuals. (Matt. 28:18-20)
- The Marketplace, which is the heart of the nation, has been redeemed and now needs to be reclaimed. (Luke 19:1-10)
- Every Christian is a minister, and labor is worship. (1 Tim. 2:1-8; Acts 20:34-35)
- We are called to take the kingdom of God to where the gates of hell are for Jesus to build His Church. (Matt. 16:18)
- Nation transformation must be tangible and the premier social indicator is the elimination of systemic poverty. (Gal. 2:10)
The Methodology is found in Luke 10:5-9
- Pray and Bless: Speak peace to the people and the systems which influence/impact them (v.5)
- Fellowship: Engage, listen, from learn from the people (v.7)
- Minister: Address the felt needs in the Name of the Lord (v.9a)
- Proclaim: Let it be known that the Kingdom of God is near (v.9b)
What are the possible next steps for you and your ministry?
- Which paradigms do you readily identify with? Which principles speak to you most strongly?
- Which paradigms need the most explanation and/or example of implementation?
- How would you answer the question, “Tell me about the impact your church is having on your community?
- What are some natural ways you can begin building bridges into your community?
- Where do you sense is your first (or next) entry point into your community?
- What are the internal / external barriers to entering into the life of your community?
- Which agencies, ministries, or programs would make good “partner ministries” for your church?
- What are some ways that you can “pray and bless” your city and/or community?
- Discuss the Ten Paradigm Shifts / 10 Keys of the Kingdom / 5 Pivotal Paradigms of Transformation / 5 Characteristics of Connectors with your staff / board at your next leadership retreat
- They are “gift‐centered” people. They see the “full half” in everyone.
- They are well connected themselves. They have friendships and are active in their community’s life.
- They are trusted and create new trusting relationships. The trust they have grows from the fact that they see the gifts of their neighbors, and they are willing contributors to their neighbors and the neighborhood.
- They believe in the people in their community. They are not cynical, doubting observers of local residents. They know that their community is a place rich in resources.
- And they are people who get joy from connecting, convening and inviting people to come together. They are not seeking to lead people. They know the power in joining people together.
The Spirit of God is at work. There is a good chance that the next great movement of God will involve putting the church back into community where it can be the leaven, salt and light God designed the church to be.
Next: 5 Pivotal Paradigms for biblical transformation – Pray – Bless – Fellowship – Minister – Proclaim
John Blake shares his "Heart for City Kids" 