From Chaos to Confidence in Christ
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
This fall brought many questions for our Good News Club® volunteers. Is the school going to meet in person again? Will the children be doing school virtually? Or will there be some kind of mixture of both? Will schools allow outside groups in the building again? How do I teach online when I know nothing about it? Do we just wait this whole thing out and let this school year go as far as ministry to the children is concerned?
Answers? Out of 26 after-school Good News Clubs that met in our chapter last year, 24 have decided to continue reaching the children this school year, either through a face-to-face club at the school, an off-site club at an alternate location, or a virtual club online. Most will start in October, with just a few waiting until January. This a 92% retention rate of GNCTM teams returning. Amazingly, Rock Lake Baptist Church in Lake Mills is on fire to start a brand new Good News Club in the elementary school right across the street from them! They have caught the vision of partnering with CEF® to reach the kids in their neighborhood.

The staff have been working zealously to train and equip all the volunteers to continue loving, nurturing and helping kids to know Christ. After months of preparation, we held our first-ever virtual curriculum workshop in late September. Approximately 40 workers attended. Many voiced words of appreciation for equipping them to continue reaching children both virtually and face-to-face with social distancing. The first curriculum unit this year is “God’s Love: Hope for the Outcast.” God’s timing is perfect, pairing this time in history with these true lessons about His mercy, hope, and love for all people.
More than ever before, the children need Good News Club in their lives. We are seeing an increase in hopelessness with the fear and violence in our country. People are placing their hope in things that will fail and let them down. Hope in God and His promises never fail. The children need to know this. We will continue to bring the Gospel message and His Word to them. Thank you for your part in this mission!
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