Hey everybody, welcome back to The Covenant Eyes Podcast. We're so glad to have you join us today. Before we get into today's episode, I want to remind you to make sure that you like and subscribe to this channel. We want to keep this outreach free to you. And the way that we do that is by you subscribing and sharing the podcast with your friends and family. So take just a quick minute and make sure you hit that subscribe button. On today's episode, we are going to be exploring a topic that I think you'll be really interested in. We're going to be talking to the Child Evangelism Fellowship and one of their leaders, Fred Pry, who is passionately serving the community of children globally sharing the gospel. They have creative outreach, opportunities and so much more. You're really going to enjoy this conversation and I hope you stay tuned. We are actually going to meet with Fred Pry Did I get that right? You did awesome with the Child Evangelism Fellowship. And it is an organization that is passionately committed to sharing the gospel with children worldwide. They have creative outreach strategies, equipping communities and they are transforming young lives. I know you're going to love this conversation, because everyone I talk to has a heart to help our young generation. So, Fred, with that, we are so grateful to have you back on the podcast. How are you today? I'm really doing fine, thank you. It's good to be with you. Awesome. Well, for our listeners that are not familiar with your ministry, would you mind sharing just a little bit about what you guys do and how long you've been doing it? Sure. So CEF its purpose is to evangelize boys and girls, disciple them in God's Word, and established them in a local church for Christian living. That's our purpose. Our vision is to reach every child, every nation, every day. And that's our vision. We'd love to see us continue to reach more and more boys and girls around the world. And it's just exciting because CEF has been doing this now for 88 years. We began the organization began in 1937, long before I was born. But it has grown and God has blessed it over these years. And now we're in our 88th year and that's exciting. That is amazing. Oh my gosh, what a long run. You guys have had. And what amazing work. Well, talk to us a little bit about some of the practical things that you guys are doing to reach and to evangelize to our young people. Just what does that look like from a day to day kind of practice? So we have some primary ministries. Christmas Party Club is one of those. We really focus on reaching children through that Christmas holiday season. And we had a such a successful one this past year. So that's one of the primary ministries. Then we have Good News Club. That's the long running ministry of CEF we've been doing that for many, many years. And then five day club and we do it in different ways. And there are other ministries as well, but those are our primary ministries. Okay. Talk to us a little bit about what those actually look like. So if I'm not mistaken, you're partnering with local churches and bringing kids. And is that part of it? Is that part of the outreach? Yeah. Yes. Especially here in the U.S., we partner with churches around the world. In some areas, that's much more difficult. Of course, there's underground churches where it's much more difficult to partner with the church, at least openly. And so but but here, yeah, we partner with churches in the US, and we just love doing that because it's that natural bridge. Then to our third purpose, which is to establish them in a local Bible believing church. So that's why the partnership exists. We really come alongside the church to really meet their needs, of evangelism in their community. And that's the exciting thing with CEF, because in our good news clubs, in our five day clubs, those happen in the community around the church. And it's so exciting to see the churches grab, grab on to this philosophy of ministry and we just really come alongside them. So a good news club is really, one of the strong ministries of our of our ministry because we are not only evangelizing boys and girls, sharing the gospel with him through our Bible lessons, which, by the way, yes, the the truth of God's Word. But we present him in such a way that's exciting for boys and girls. It's not just facts. And besides the facts that are given, really, it's application to the child's life. And that really is what makes a difference in a child's life. So there's the Bible lesson, there's missionary stories. And of course, those are exciting because it's an ongoing story and because it has a cliffhanger at the end of one week. And of course, the kids go, I what? I keep telling us the story, but that's where we get them to come back. And it builds excitement. And those stories are filled with excitement as well. And then there's, there's, songs that we teach them. And not just songs for songs sake, but songs that teach and really teach the truths of the Bible and spiritual truths that will help them live life and and really be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. And then, of course, the there's all kinds of discipleship that's woven through this, which is teaching them all kinds. You know, how to behave, how to love your neighbor, how to behave in, in, respectful way with your peers and adults as well. Your teachers. And so that's part of what we teach in that discipleship area, helping them to do to grow and develop, to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. And then we do all kinds of review games. And of course, kids love games. So it's just a fun activity for boys and girls to engage in. That's amazing. And oftentimes, you know, kids that are participating in this may not have a strong faith at home. And so this is a way to help them. You know, maybe the parents, you know, are not interested in going to church, but you're able to draw them in. And hopefully we've the parents too. I've seen programs like this where kids start going to these and then lo and behold, you'll see the parents come in as well. You know, as they see their child continue to grow and develop and, and they kind of hunger for that as well. So I think it's a beautiful family outreach. Yes. It's not just a wish that's I mean, we see this happening over and over again, not only in a, in a family, like parents, but, other siblings that, you know, the child goes home and shares that what they've learned. And guess what? The God's Word is still powerful, even coming out of a child's mouth. So it is powerful that child, especially if they trust Christ as their Savior, that the Holy Spirit goes with them right back into that home where the Holy Spirit not may not have been present before. Now he is present, and it's a wonderful thing. And that transforms, of course, this Holy Spirit, the gospel, the gospel message, the truth of God's Word transforms not only children's lives, but families, parents as well. And it's repeated over and over in our ministry. I love that, you know, it's been interesting because when I joined Covenant Eyes, gosh, eight years ago, I remember there was a lot of news articles, a lot of chatter about the younger generation really turning from the faith. And, you know, what's interesting is in the last, I don't know, last six months to eight months, I've seen more and more articles talking about Gen Z returning to the faith and growth and explosion in our young people, being faithful and wanting to be involved in the local church. And I am so encouraged by that. And I think organizations like yours have played an instrumental role in invigorating that return to our Lord. I just I'm so excited to see the the shift in the tide. What what do you guys think is causing that? Is it just the Holy Spirit working and, you know, God's will being done, or is it is it more practical things that maybe our culture is making some changes that really are making it more appealing to our young people? I have to believe the church is making a difference. The gospel is making a difference in our culture. Also, the light always shines brightest in a darker culture as well. So I believe children are anxious to hear truth that they're experiencing life that really doesn't promise things that deliver. I mean, they make a lot of promises, but those promises don't deliver. But a relationship with God that delivers every single time. And they're hungry for it. They're searching for it. They want answers. The world doesn't truly provide answers. It it it just doesn't meet their needs. And they really do have needs that need to be met. Absolutely. Yeah. And often the messages that they're getting in culture and from the world around them lead them to more loneliness, more, you know, anxiety more. You know, they can't fill the hole that's in our heart that only can be filled with a relationship with Jesus Christ. And so I think this message is really piercing their hearts because they are searching. They're searching for that truth. Like you said, I love that. So talk to us a little bit about how your personal faith has really shaped the vision for the outreach in the ministry. Over the years that you've been with the organization? Well, you know, I there's no way you could do you could be in ministry and not, be challenged by your own personal faith. In fact, that's what drives me to the ministry. That's what, you know, to to hear God's call. First of all, for in my life, he called me. He's saved me. I see the difference he's made in my life. I see the difference he's made in my own children's life as they've come to Christ and now my grandchildren. There's no no other answer that truly satisfies. So my faith informs my work. What I do for God. God, you know, we're called to love God and love people. And so my faith directs that. It drives that, if I didn't have faith in the one true God, I could do maybe some good things to help people once in a while. But God changes the heart. He changes the mind. He allows. He gives us, a desire to serve him and to serve others. Otherwise, I become so self-centered. So my faith informs what I do. Absolutely. Yes, I love that. You know, I think, a lot of times as we're thinking about our young people, they face so many challenges, you know, that perhaps, generations before them have not faced. And part of that is due to technology. Part of it is just there's been a shift in culture. And then we always have the social, economic challenges that face children just generically across our country. And how is that really impacting faith and moral formation? Because when there are real needs in a child's life, you know, hunger or love or, you know, a stable home life and those types of things, sometimes that can be a hindrance. So how is that, you know, hindering their, their faith in their moral firm formation? But how are you guys addressing that as well? Sure. I mean, that's a huge subject. What you just mentioned, you know, you know, kids, everyone needs love. And the only person that really can provide a selfless love is God. And as they're searching for this, as they're dealing with their peers and the world around them, as the culture around them, for them to be hearing about the one true God who loves them and and truly came to save them, and he has a purpose for their life. See, that's what it's about. So many people, children included, they lose hope. In fact, children are starting to consider suicide as the way to go. And that's so sad for me. They're just beginning life and they've already lost hope. So talking about the, you know, reaching the boys and girls, giving them, hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, hope in the gospel, that is powerful because it does change their life. It transforms them. Now, how do we do that? Of course, it's just loving on them. It's getting people who are engaged who understand the scriptures, who want to reach out to boys and girls. They feel called to that. And truly, I believe it's a calling. I believe we're all called to ministry, but a calling to reach out to the boys and girls that, you know, just encountering people that have that love for children and then giving them the tools to share with them and reach out to them and, and really see change in the child's life. And and to tell you the truth, as those, adults get involved in children's ministry, they start to realize their purpose, what God called them to do, and they start to see God using them. And what a great way to not only reach boys and girls, but to encourage our peers, our my peers to do this ministry, to get involved and to really fulfill the great Commission. The Great Commission is for everyone. And sometimes, adults, they don't know where to go. They don't know what to do, they don't know where they fit in. And this is a great place to fit in. Again, if they're called to boys and girls, if they have that desire to share the good news with them, and then those boys and girls hear it, and those adults see the transformation. It drives them forward. They want to do more and more. And I don't know if I've answered your question completely, but, you know, I may have headed down this path like the Apostle Paul did sometimes start down one way and go another way, but it's just so exciting to see boys and girls lives changed. And yes, is it the gospel? Let me, let me say this the Bible never changes. It is eternal. It has truth for for yesterday, today and tomorrow. The difference in what we have to do as an organization to meet the specific needs of this generation, is to apply it to this generation. Don't be afraid to talk about any subject that a child wants to talk about. Allow yourself as a as a teacher, to be vulnerable and open to discuss the things that you may be struggle with, because that allows the child to then realize they can talk about the things that are on their heart and on their mind and that bother them. And so it just, I, I don't know if you can see the passion or hear the passion in my voice, but it's powerful to know you are making a difference, not just for this life, but for all eternity. That is so wonderful. Absolutely. I have always enjoyed my time working with the youth and youth ministry and volunteering in those ways, I it fulfills my heart in just such an amazing way. I, you know, to be able to touch that next generation and to to help them and to develop relationship and let them know they are cared for and loved by the Almighty, is just such a powerful and enriching experience for our listeners out there who have not. Maybe they thought, you know, I'd like to get involved, definitely pray about it. And if you feel called, this is a great organization that you can get involved with. So speaking of that, if someone is listening to today's, conversation and they're like, wow, you know, this sounds really great, I'd love to, you know, dip my toe in the water here. How do I get started? Can they connect with your organization or how do they get started? Oh, absolutely. I use a phrase and I it's not it's not my own, but it's to know, pray, give and go. But first it starts about to know. Know the organizations that you want to get involved in. Maybe God's calling you to ministry to boys and girls in your church. We'll see if can still come alongside and help that. But it's to know learn about, see you have. So go on our website at CEF online.com. That's CEF online.com. And there you can read all about the ministry. You can look at our, materials that we have available to use with boys and girls, even children in your neighborhood, even with your own grandchildren or children. If we're talking to young families here as well. So there are many resources you can explore, things you can look at, you can read, you can understand the ministry, and then pray. So know, then pray, ask God. And you've already said that, Karen. Ask God where he would call you, because that's the most important thing is to go where God is leading you. So not just go where you feel good or comfortable, but go where he's leading you. And it might be, hey, I need to take some training here, but that's where God wants you to go. So, so no, pray give. So this work is needs people all the time to support us. We have people supporting us and that is their ministry. It's what God has called them to do because we don't ask for funds from children. We're here to reach boys and girls. And then of course, to go, if God's calling you to go get involved and again go to our website and on our website you go to the ministry tab and at the bottom of the page you'll find you'll see another tab that says find a chapter near you. And you click on that put in your your zip code, you know, bring up the chapter nearest to you and then you can get involved locally as well. That's amazing. And those are easy steps for someone to take. And then I love the process you laid out. I think that's a great and wise process to take any time we're, you know, thinking that we want to get involved in some sort of ministry outreach that's wisdom beyond, you know, our ability to comprehend, I love it. Let's talk a little bit about probably how technology has changed your approach a little bit. As you guys are working with kids, because I can imagine that, you know, technology is shaping, you know, the minds and the hearts of the children and you've got to kind of respond to that. So what is CEF done differently over the last few years to kind of embrace technology or maybe not embrace it, but to know that that is definitely a challenge? We definitely have embraced technology. One of the things that happened during Covid, and now that seems in the in the past, but it's really what has caused us to do what we've done in many ways, because our ministry primarily was a face to face ministry and still is. That's a biggest part of what we do. But during Covid, we realized schools shut down. We couldn't get into the public school anymore and do afterschool good news clubs. A lot of restrictions in certain areas, towns, etc. and it really had us look at our ministry and say, is that God? Do you want us to expand in another area? And that was digital ministry. And so we started a digital ministry department. We took a large, facility here that was used to be our mailbox club or Tree chasers club, which was physical mail back and forth to boys and girls. And we said, you know what? We see that diminishing the cost of postage going up. It's let's consider changing that to our digital creative center. And so we have a large place where a large center here dedicated to creating digital content specifically for boys and girls. And so we have shorts that we've produced. There's, there's, animated videos, of course. And we, we create them specifically for children's attention span. But there's also full length movies on there from other organizations like the Jesus film, and we have other content on there for we've so we've partnered with other ministries, we create our own, we've put staff on, we have animators on on staff here at CCEF, and we are using technology as another open door that God has given to us, and we have to be willing to go through that door. Is it expensive? It certainly is expensive to go through that door, but we believe that's what God is calling and he is blessing it. And we're reaching children not only in the US, but around the world. In fact, we have some countries that actually are logging on and using our content even more than the children in the US. So it is really exploding around the world, reaching boys and girls through our unite TV, Unite radio and our kids app. That is amazing, I love that, and let's talk a little bit about your global approach as well, because I would imagine that in different countries and cultures, the approach to evangelism is going to be different. I mean, in some countries, like you mentioned earlier, there's underground churches. And so the the approach has to be completely different. But talk to us about some of that. I think our listeners would be interested to know that it's not like it is in the US. You know, in different countries. You have to try different things and maneuver in a different way to get the message of the Lord out to people. Yes we do. It depends on the, of course, the country, the situation. Here in the US, we do after school. Good news clubs, as I mentioned. But in some countries we're actually allowed and invited by the education system to come into their schools and actually teach a religious education during school time on school property. And it's amazing we can have a thousand children that come to, a good news club in one day from one school. It's just amazing what God is doing. Oh, it's it's exciting when we see that happening. Of course, there are places where now, I told you how open it is in some countries, but there are countries that it is closed. We call those are red countries. I don't I can't even mention them to your listeners or your viewers because, it would put our workers in danger, the ministry in danger if I mentioned those countries. But I will say this. We are in most every country in the world with ministry, and that includes some of those red countries. And it's exciting to see what God is doing there. Instead of doing a five day club, which is, a summer type of club or a holiday type of club that meets five consecutive days. And it's similar to a good news club, but it's five consecutive days and then we move on to a new location. That's what's happens in the US and other places in the world, but in some places we can only do three day clubs where. And the reason for that is the neighbors start to wonder what's going on over there. There's kids all meeting together, and by the time they reported to the authorities to come check it out, our workers have moved on to a new location. So there are different things we do. Of course we do some things that are totally underground. They aren't visible to to the average person to see. And we have to be very careful with that teacher training. We do that at night. People will come in from different angles. They'll walk into a house. They don't all come at one time. They may come over a period of 30 minutes and they'll come one at a time. Again, you see a whole group going into a home or to a building, and it draws attention. And so we are very, very careful in those areas. Wow. Oh, my goodness. And that I mean that is really impactful work. But yeah, very dangerous work as well. But grateful for your volunteers and your, your workers that are over there like investing in those children despite the challenges and the dangers. I love that. So I think that's where the technology probably also becomes very useful, is in those places where you have limited ability to navigate most children in most countries have access to technology, and so that's a great angle to reach some of those children, with your content. So let's talk a little bit about some of the innovation and the outreach and the things that are on the horizon for your ministry. So let me address that one right there is, being able to do this in sensitive areas or in, distant areas where the gospel doesn't reach very easily. In fact, we're in the Amazon region doing some ministry, and we have to be we have to be very, very careful in that, that area because they don't want outsiders coming in. So what we've done is we've actually brought people out of the Amazon, trained them, the adults, and sent them back. And these are natives. And that's what's neat about the ministry. But but I want what I wanted to mention is in some of these areas that are remote, what we've done is we've partnered with a ministry that has created what they call light stream and what that is, it's a digital device that basically is a localized Wi-Fi device. And what we what we're partnering with them is to put our content on that device and then get that device. And it's a small device. It's about the size of a cell phone. And they can take that into a region, into a village, into the bush. And they can people can come out with their phones there. And believe it or not, their phones everywhere in the world, even in the bush. And they can come out and they can actually views our content. Wow. We've created and other content and they can view it, or they can download it onto their device and view it later. So this is really great for these Bush churches that want to do children's ministry, and they want to have some resources. This is a great way to provide digital resources to them. That is incredible, and I love how you have redeemed technology for good in that way, where you are leveraging it in a capacity to reach more people in a way that most of us would never even think of. I mean, that is just so unique and so wonderful. And again, I mean, that just kind of reinforces the need for, you know, if you feel called to get involved with CEF, you know, financially or otherwise, that all takes money, that takes people resources, and there's such a need to invest in ministries like this. So I, I'm so grateful for your investment in that way. That's amazing. So what what is new? What's on the horizon for you guys into the future? Do you have anything on that you'd like to share with our listeners? Well, that that item that I just mentioned, that's certainly in the future, that's it's new technology that we're going to be using and getting that into the hands of our workers. That's of course, the next step. Yeah. It's one thing to to say we're going to do it now. We've got to do it. Yeah. But but also junior youth challenge, reaching into the middle schools, CEF primarily has been focused on the children ages 5 to 12. In that age range. But now we're really kicking off, in fact, in our conference that's coming up, this May, for our workers from around the world, it's an international conference, and we're going to be focused on sharing what Junior Youth Challenge, or JYC, is all about. And it's to develop ministry in we're in that age group, and to see those young people continue in their faith when they leave our good news club. Where do they go? What do they do if they're not engaged in a church somewhere, then, you know, they they lose that connection. And so doing this is a great way to develop them, to continue to disciple them, but also to see them develop in, to take those next steps. And we've seen children come into our programs, become Christian youth in action, and becomes workers in CEF in the future. And so JYC is one of those areas. The other thing that's really interesting and, a direction that we're headed is children reaching children, and we have a go and tell curriculum where we are actually teaching this evangelism method. It's peer evangelism ism is what it is. And, you know, and I think about, the story of Naaman and the servant girl from Israel that was captured, taken into Naaman’s home. She was a missionary in his home because he had leprosy. And of course, she spoke up and said, oh, but it's it's the God, the God in Israel, this there's a prophet there, and he can help you. And so children can be a witness and a testimony. Of course, Samuel was he even he even was working with the priest Eli. And and that was an amazing story as well. And of course, God used him mightily. So we shouldn't minimize the effectiveness that a child can have, not only on their peers, but on adults and others alike. So children reaching children is a ministry that we are just like JYC. We are really pushing at our international conference and we want to see that develop and grow, because children can go where adults can't and and they get audience with their peers and their, their siblings that we can't go. And so it's amazing what God has done. And we have some great testimonies. This ministry has been developing in, the area of Mexico, in our Latin America, a region, and we see great strides towards boys and girls reaching other boys and girls for Christ. That is amazing. I love that and I love that outreach strategy. I think that's so powerful. You know, children do have more interaction with each other and that ability to share that good news. So, are in your programing as you're equipping them to evangelize and share this, the message, are you also training them in like apologetics too, so that because I'm sure that even with peers, they're going to encounter, challenges to the faith and questions, and are you equipping them to be able to respond, with truth and kindness in that way so that they can have that profound impact? So this is part of our discipleship. All of our discipleship is is helping them navigate what life is like for a follower of Christ and, you know, teaching them those the scriptures, like, I'm not ashamed of the gospel. Yeah. For it's the power of God and to salvation to everyone who believes. And you know, when a child captures that and then they understand that what they when they understand the truth of that, when they understand they have nothing to fear because God is with them, he walks with them. He'll give them the words to say, that really builds that foundation. So that's part of our teaching. But then, of course, as they go out and they encounter some of those issues, we do teach them apologetics. Where where did the Bible come from? How can you trust that? It's true. Even even the dinosaurs? Yeah. We have we have a lesson called dinosaur tracks. And and it explains it. It deals with the false theories that are out there. And the truth that we can find in the scriptures. So all of that is building their understanding in their knowledge of who God is and all the wisdom he has and how he can help them. And and the bottom line is for them to understand they have a relationship with God, that they can talk to him at any time, and he's there to help them no matter what they're facing. What no matter what, issues come their way. I love this, this is so great. And I think our listeners are really going to be interested in connecting with your ministry and supporting and and getting involved at a local level, because this really is so impactful. It's the next generation and we have to invest. I love this so much. Thank you for the work that you're doing. I would love to learn how our listeners can be praying for you and for the mission of CEF. So, let us know. You know what we can be praying for specifically for you guys. So I'll just mention this. We have an adversary. And, I just want to remind all your listeners they have an adversary, too, if they're a follower of Christ. And the more and more we engage in the Great Commission and sharing the gospel, Satan hates it. And so pray for us. Pray for our workers, pray for our safety. Pray for our wisdom that we would have godly wisdom to know where he, where he's leading to go, where he's leading, to be safe in all that we do. Because. Because this work is so important. So pray for, pray for us. Pray for our safety, specifically that God, that we would have ears to hear God's leading because we know that is so, so important. And then as the ministry, I would say, pray for workers. I'm reminded of that passage in Luke ten to its he. He says, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest fields, because the fields are white to harvest. The reality is, this is the most fruitful mission field in the world. Reaching boys and girls with the gospel absolutely seeing life change at a young age. It's so, so important. So pray that the God that God would send more laborers into this harvest field to share the good news with boys and girls before it's too late. Oh, I love that! Well, we will definitely be praying for you guys, and we are so grateful for the work that you're doing. Just as a reminder for our listeners, can you give them your website again so they know how to get connected with you. Through our CEF online.com? That's CEF online.com. Awesome. All right. Well, we'll be sure to put the link in the show notes for any of our listeners that might be in the car or, you know, obviously, keep your hands on the road. We don't we don't need you to write down the website, but we'll make sure it's in the show notes for everybody. Well, Fred, it has been such a joy to have you back on the podcast. We are just so blessed to hear of all the good news and the ministry work that you guys are doing, and the friendship that you provide to covenant. I so thanks for coming on today. It's been my privilege. Thank you for what you do as well. You're welcome. Thank you all for joining us for this episode of The Covenant Eyes Podcast. We'll see you next time. Take care. God bless.