Youth Challenge Blog

Arriving at Seaview on the Friday evening, I didn’t really know what to expect, but from the reports I’d received from my friends I was assured it would be a good week. After a brief introduction to the week ahead and a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones, we went to bed to get a good night’s “sleep” to be nice an fresh for the first day of classes!

A typical day started off with a rise at 7am to get washed and beautified, followed with a chance to have a quiet time for half an hour; breakfast was after that, then prayer time. Before we got into the teaching classes, John Nixon gave a Bible study. He was teaching on the Tabernacle and I found this very interesting and enjoyable. It was amazing to see Christ being brought out through the deconstruction of the tabernacle. We usually had four or so classes after this, with a short break in-between each one, and this would bring us up to lunch! The afternoon varied each day – some were more class orientated and some gave us a good dose of what we felt was well deserved free time. Tea was at 5.30pm or so and after this we finished off the learning day with a few more classes or prayer and study time, ending at 8.30pm. Often after classes finished we would head down to the harbour in Kilkeel to have a time of praise before supper.

For me this was my first year at training week and throughout the week I undertook several classes. These included, “Counselling a child for salvation”, “Discipline”, “Teaching a memory verse”, “Urgency in the Gospel” and the very important “Teaching a Bible lesson”, but for me my favourite classes were on “The Roman Catholic child” and “What is the Gospel?”.

In the “What is the Gospel?” classes we considered the Gospel in four parts – God’s perfection and purity, the separating sin within us all, the Lord Jesus Christ, and responding to the Gospel. This was such a good class as it taught us how to make the Gospel understandable and clear for children, while still staying true to the Bible. The class focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ made me realise just how gracious my Saviour is, and made me more thankful for my salvation and the opportunity I have to minister the good news this summer.

I really enjoyed training week and I am grateful to the staff who took their time out to teach and help us. However, I ultimately thank the Lord for bringing me to the week, for using it to help equip me in the evangelising of children. I just hope and pray the He will help me to put into practice what I have learned and continue to draw me closer to Him.

Mark Ferguson

Sometimes young people who can speak another language spend some time in their summer holidays putting that language to good use in sharing the Gospel with children overseas.  Sam Galloway did just that this summer.  Here’s what he writes:

“From the 28th June to 11th July 2009 I was in Switzerland on a campsite called Avenches. CEF run two Holiday Bible Clubs a day there. They have been running for around 25 years, and were started by a woman from the local church. When she sadly died, she gave her caravan on the site to CEF.

The clubs take place in a large tent on one of the caravan pitches.

The Swiss HBCs are very similar to those in Ireland. However at least half the kids would shake each leader’s hand and say thank-you after the club, which was a nice change! For the first of the two weeks we had approximately 25 children at each club and for the second around 60. The week after I left there were over 100 at some of the clubs!

Each morning I was involved in a short sketch or play at the start of the club. For the first week I was Franz Forscher, an explorer archaeologist uncovering treasure in Egypt. (The Bible lessons for the first week centred on the story of Joseph.) The second week I was an Indian warrior along with my Indian Chief, Tomahawk. These sketches were great fun and helped to get the children involved in the club. I also had the opportunity to do a memory verse and to lead two of the clubs. This was really scary, to teach and lead in German, but God was with me and really did give me the words to say.

It’s a great opportunity to get to know the children on the campsite because you’re living so close to them. Literally everywhere you go you’re guaranteed to meet one of the kids. For me, this was the best part of taking part in the work at Avenches. It was amazing how God built relationships with the children and the team, and how He was willing to use me with the children. The children (and some of the leaders as well) were fascinated by this strange, tall person who couldn’t speak their language properly.

At times it was difficult, but it was where God wanted me to be. My time in Switzerland was fantastic, and I’m so glad God led me there.”

 So for those of you who are studying French, German, Spanish or whatever, why not think of next year spending some time using that language to reach boys and girls with the Gospel?  Keep reading this blog to see what opportunities are available.

Angie

Summer 2009 was a Spectacular Summer. It was action packed and extremely busy. The highlight of Summer 2009 for me was CEF Scottish Camp! It was FANTASTIC!

This was my first year attending Scottish Camp and I had heard a lot of good reports about it. It was rated as the best ever CEF Camp and everybody who attended it had always the same great positive opinion on this sensational camp. I had previously attended various CEF Camps (Inters and Teen) and if Scottish Camp was as good as they were, it had high standards to reach. And boy, I certainty wasn’t disappointed – Scottish Camp reached those standards and soared way above them.

I am going to try and sum up the whole Scottish Camp in 4 small points:
• Food
• Meetings
• Evening Activity
• Outings

1. Food
The food was delicious and the cooks who prepared it were terrific! They were the most cheerful and happy people at the camp (even in the early mornings). They always had a big smile on their faces or were having a laugh with the campers and leaders. Sometimes it was hard to keep them quiet during the meetings and grace!

On the days that we were leaving the camp centre, we were given a fry with cereal, fruit and tropical fruit juices for breakfast. Those breakfasts were the best, and really set you up for the day’s activity. However, my favourite meal was the banoffee pie because of my sweet tooth – it was delicious!

2. Prayer Meetings / Bible Study / Praise / Discussion time
Every morning before breakfast there was a prayer meeting which I found very fulfilling and helpful. I believe that it set you up for the day and I would truthfully recommend attending these, even though you have to get up a wee bit earlier.

Then we had our morning Bible Study in which David Crutchley lead us and taught us through the highs and lows of the life of David. These lessons were fantastic because they related to us in our everyday lives. I personally found that the ‘Giant Killing’ lesson was very helpful and beneficial as I had been trying to knock down one or two of my own ‘Giants’.

Then in the evening, usually after supper, we had our praise time which was when we got to pick and sing our favourite songs. (I would recommend picking 230, it’s my favourite!) This was a wonderful time of praise and fellowship together.

At the end of the day we had our discussion groups with our dorm and our leader. I found this time to be very beneficial because it gave the opportunity to talk about and discuss any matters that were on your mind and also to discuss the various teaching and experiences throughout the day.

The leaders at Scottish camp aren’t really your leaders – they are more like big campers. They are really great fun and are so passionate and enthusiastic about what they are doing. They set a great example for us campers to look up to.

3. Evening Activity
The evening entertainment was always brilliant fun and always got everyone laughing. It consisted of volleyball (I would recommend anyone to play the volleyball – it is so much fun and by the end of the week you can get really good at it!), football, group board games, social, Edinburgh Tattoo, Concert and much more.

Every evening there was something different and fun to do. The social was so much fun and I won a few different games. I also got to wear my cool checked shirt and then I released I was the only fella wearing a shirt, but I was proud to be different and unique!!

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Edinburgh tattoo. It was one of the many highlights at camp for me. This was my very first time attending it and I sort of expected to just see and hear bagpipes playing the same tune over and over again… but boy was I wrong! There was loads of various displays including RAF military band, TOP SECRET drum group (they were amazing), Chinese display, Caribbean display, military display with guns and army jeeps, fireworks and so much more. It was an amazing time at the Tattoo and I hope to attend again in the future (hopefully next year at Scottish Camp 2010).

On the final evening of Scottish camp there was a concert for the campers to participate in. Each dorm could make up their own little act and perform it in front of the rest of the camp. Our dorm jumped at the occasion and we performed ‘Hit me baby one more time’ by Britney Spears. It was so much fun, I loved it! We were slightly out of tune and high pitched in places but we still managed to win over the audience – it was brilliant! Other acts included:

• The Proclaimers ‘I will walk 500 miles’.
• ‘Weast of the Bann’ by the Girls from the West and East of Northern Ireland.
• A tribal percussion and dance group which had very impressive costumes.
• Some crazy Scottish dancing.
• A singing girl group from Cookstown who made up a very catchy Scottish camp song.
• Blind date with a twist – which included 3 very charming men from Russia, France and Espana and 1 lovely lady from Northern Ireland! I was involved in this act and I was Juan Carlos from Espana! I really enjoyed acting this one out, I had so much fun and it was so funny! I have never laughed so much in all my life!!

4. Outings/Day Activity
On the Saturday we went into Glasgow and did a bit of shopping. Then in the afternoon we all met up and went to M&D’s, Scotland’s Theme Park. We were given a day pass and we could go on all of the rides as many times as we wanted.

I would recommend going on the water rides, the swings and the roller coasters. Watch out for the magic carpet and the pirate boat – they both look relaxing but before you know it you can feel your stomach moving.

Another day we went to Xscape and it was amazing! I have never seen anything like it. It was a huge place and it had loads of things to do at it which included snowboarding, skiing, and tobogganing on real snow inside, bowling, cinema, rock climbing and a skypark, soccer circus, Robocoaster, mini golf, laser station, fun station, and shopping and restaurants. And this was all under the one roof – it was brilliant. We went tobogganing and it was brilliant fun. It ended up turning into a huge snowball fight. Well, we used the toboggans as shovels and threw snow with them (…it worked really well, but don’t tell anyone I said that!)

On the Wednesday we got up early and went into Edinburgh and spent the day there. First of all we had an open air meeting in the middle of the city and campers volunteered to give out tracts to the public. It was my first time doing this and I loved it.

Then after the open air we had the whole afternoon to ourselves and you could go shopping or you could visit the many attractions that Edinburgh offers. Then finally in the evening the highlight of the day was the Edinburgh tattoo. It was spectacular, amazing, awesome! The variety of displays and performances was amazing. I also loved doing the horse game and shouting for Ireland at the start (it gets the spotlight on you). At the very beginning the commentator announced each country and people shouted for their country, but when he came to Ireland the whole 68 campers and leaders stood up and shouted as loud as we could. We were so the loudest we even beat the Scottish – the hosts! Whoop Whoop!

In conclusion I would sincerely recommend Scottish Camp to anybody. It has been the best camp I have ever been on! I had such a great time and I met so many new friends that I hope to meet at the reunion and Scottish Camp next year. I also personally found the teaching and discussion time extremely helpful and valuable in my walk with God and lessons that I will keep with me for life. Seriously, book for CEF Scottish Camp – you won’t regret it!

Graham Dunne (AKA Juan Carlos!!)

PS If you want to see more photos of Scottish Camp check out the Camps page

To see more photos of the course look under Training – Junior Training Course

“What will I do during the first week of my summer holidays?”  This question resounded in the back of my mind.  I could sit at home, put my feet up and make the most of not having to think about anything; but then there would be seven more weeks to do that.  So, I decided to go back to the class room and attend the JSOTC in Kilkeel Presbyterian Church Halls.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon and got stuck in.  The first class was taken by David Crutchley, and it was entitled “Why Evangelise Children?”  This highlighted the urgency of reaching children with the Gospel because “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3v23).  He also taught us that the children are the future of our nation and if they come to Christ now, at an early age, then this will enable them to lead lives of service to God.

Angie McKee’s morning Bible studies on Moses really spoke to me.  “Moses spent his first 40 years thinking he was somebody.  He spent his second 40 years learning he was nobody.  He spent his third 40 years discovering what God can do with a nobody.” (D L Moody)  It really struck me how God overcame Moses’ excuses and came up with a solution for them all.  We also learnt about how God’s compassion and love for the lost has not diminished and He still is commanding His people to go and tell them of Him!  We realised how we should only listen to God’s voice and follow in faith no matter how ludicrous the situation may seem to us.

On the practical side of the training course, we were required to demonstrate teaching either a memory verse or a quiz.  We were absolutely terrified, but the teaching and help from the CEF workers were amazing.  Their enthusiasm was a great encouragement to us all.  Although our hands were shaking during these demonstrations God was definitely with us and I know that I could feel Him helping and guiding me throughout my memory verse.  We were given a bookmark at the start of the course which said “For I, the Lord God will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13).  We also had to demonstrate the Wordless Book, and although we really dreaded this, it was great learning how to present the message of the Gospel in a clear and simple way so that children can easily understand.  We learnt the four main points of the Gospel:
1. God is holy
2. We are sinners
3. Christ is the answer
4. We must respond

This was my first experience of a training week and I can say that it was wonderful!  The food was lovely and we really appreciated the ladies from Kilhorne Church of Ireland coming along to cook our dinner each evening, and just around the corner we could purchase “a big dorty chip”!!  I learnt so much and I’m really looking forward to putting the lessons I learnt into practice by helping at a camp and in 5-Day Clubs®.  It was great having the opportunity to meet other Christians my age from all over Northern Ireland with the same burden to reach children.  It was brilliant craic, the fellowship was really encouraging for all and we all managed to survive the course despite the extreme lack of sleep!  I hope to attend the SOTC next year, God willing.  Please continue to pray for the work of CEF during this summer time through camp ministries, 5-Day clubs and Holiday Bible Clubs.

Helen Macauley

To see photos of SOTC 2009 look under Training – Summer Outreach Course

Summer Outreach Training Course 2009 was SPECTACULAR!  The atmosphere was amazing, the fellowship was fantastic, the teaching was terrific and the meals were marvellous.  This was my first year at the training course, and even though I came home very sleep deprived(!), I had such a great week.

It was great how in learning to go out and tell the Gospel to children, we were also able to learn more about God for ourselves during the classes.  The Bible studies by John Nixon in the morning about the Tabernacle were a brilliant way to start the day, and it was great to learn how to apply the ‘architecture’ of the Tabernacle to our lives today, and what God has done for us.  During the course of the week we learnt how to deliver the Gospel effectively to children, and even with all the nerves building for having to present a Bible lesson and a memory verse, it was sooooo good to actually have the opportunity to learn how to teach the children properly, and draw out all the specific truths of the Gospel in the hope that children will come to know Jesus as their Saviour.

The class entitled “The urgency of the Gospel” really stood out to me during the week, as it did for many others.  It really struck me that we don’t know what tomorrow holds for any of our lives, and realistically tomorrow never does come, so what are we doing with our lives today?  Are we living every day for God as if it were our last?  Are we burdened with the responsibility that children need to hear the good news of the Gospel NOW?  Are we willing to put ourselves out there and really give up our lives to serve Jesus, or are we “toiling away for nothing, building castles in the sand” this summer?

The Sunday prior to training week I heard a sermon preached on the importance of teaching children God’s Word which really tied in well with what I was about to learn.  The main theme was that of “What’s the point?”  Psalm 78v7 says “That they may set their hope in God” – the same verse was used within the first day or two of arriving at training week.  King Solomon also offered wise advice to his son in Proverbs 23v23 – “buy the truth and do not sell it”.  He told his son to buy ‘THE’ truth, not ‘A’ truth, as there are currently over 10,000 religions in the world, but ‘THE’ truth.  In John 14v6 we clearly see that:

Jesus is the Way – because people are lost

Jesus is the Truth – because people are deceived, and

Jesus is the Life – because people are dead.

Children need to be taught the whole truth, not just the same punchline, but all of it!

Also the passion, enthusiasm and faithfulness of all the leaders were such an example and really gave me something to strive for.  In going out this summer to help in CYIA week and camps I really pray that God would give me half the burden for children that was evidenced in all the workers at training week.   So over the summer months I really hope that God will use all the teaching each one of us received at training week and help us put it to practical use that we might “reach the unreached within reach”.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am looking forward to going back for the advanced course God willing next year. 

Judith Whittaker

Have you heard the saying - ”It’ll do rightly!”?  It means you’ve put the bare minimum amount of work into doing something and when it’s done, “It’ll do rightly!” – you’re not going to do anything more to improve it.  It’s good enough for you. 

When it comes to the Christian life “It’ll do rightly” just isn’t good enough.  That’s not what we should be striving for.  Instead we should be striving for excellence in everything we do and giving God of our absolute best.

For most of you exams are over or almost over.  You’re looking forward to the summer and the opportunities it holds to serve God among the boys and girls in 5-Day Clubs, Holiday Bible Clubs and Camps.  Maybe for you they’ve already started.  How are you preparing for them – with an “It’ll do rightly” attitude or are you striving for excellence, aiming to do the very best that you can, because it’s for the Lord?  Can I encourage you this summer to strive for excellence in everything you do.

Colossians 1:10 says “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”  Everything we think, say and do should be pleasing to the Lord in every way.  Keep that in mind when  you’re preparing your Bible Lesson or to teach the Memory Verse or leading the quiz.  Keep it in mind in all the activities you’ve to arrange at camp.  Keep it in mind when you’re preparing for and leading your Quiet Time group at camp.  Strive for excellence, because when you’re doing your very best for God it will be pleasing to Him.

Those of you in the SYC Choir will know at times I’m a bit fussy when it comes to making sure we’re pronouncing the words correctly, ending them the same time without 20 sssss(!!) and I make you go over things again and again.  Why am I like that? – simply because I want you as a Choir to sing to your very best each time because it’s for the Lord, not for CEF, and I want it to be pleasing to Him.

Darlene Zschech says “Excellence matters.  We are to serve God with excellence because we know an excellent God.  To give Him anything but our best would be demeaning.  Offer Him your finest, at whatever stage your finest is.  Not what you want your finest to be or what you wish it was, but offer your finest for today.  The testimony and impact of serving with excellence is like watching the ripple effect over the ocean – excellence sends out waves, touching lives in ways that you may never see.”  (*)

You want to serve God this summer? – strive for excellence.  You want God to use you to touch lives of boys and girls – strive for excellence.  It’s not easy.  Excellence doesn’t just happen.  Striving for excellence requires discipline and determination.  Being disciplined in your time with God and in your preparation.  Being determined that you’re going to give your absolute best to God, no matter what happens or what other people might be doing.  Being determined that this is going to be the best Bible Lesson/Memory Verse/Quiz/etc it can be, and working towards that.  There are no half measures when it comes to living for, and serving, God.  He deserves our absolute best.  If I asked you did you strive for excellence in this past year in school, university or work, what would your answer be?  Let’s make this summer one of excellence.

Strive for excellence this summer.  Give God your absolute best.  Go for it!!

Angie

(*) “Extravagant Worship” by Darlene Zschech

Some of our workers in Ireland have been in touch to let us know of their great need for help in the summer.  There are particular needs in Carlow and Bandon during July and August.  If you are interested in helping, please Contact us now!  We’ll be able to give you full details.  This is an urgent request.  Please consider if you could help.  Thank you.

David

Once again Easter Conference proved to be a wonderful weekend of fellowship, encouragement and challenge.

Each morning, after our prayer meeting, breakfast and a short bus journey to the  church, Jim Fasold took a Bible study – spiritual breakfast for the day!  The theme of the weekend was “What Next!” and from looking at the experiences of some New Testament characters we were challenged not to miss any opportunities, to listen for God’s call and to be passionate and faithful in our submission, service and sacrifice to God.

His wife’s seminar on “How to pray for missionaries” was very useful and practical.  She gave us five main points to remember when praying for missionaries and a unique way to remember them!

Speaking of missionaries, I was particularly encouraged to hear of the work going on around the world.  It was wonderful to hear of how God had provided for every need within the Romanian camp ministry last year.  Claire Bain told us how God was providing for every need and in some cases, creating opportunities to reach out to others.  We also heard about the work in the Isle of Man, Norway and South America, not forgetting the annual focus on Ireland.  These reports are not only encouraging but challenging as workers from all over Ireland and further afield are always looking for help with the summer work, be it through 5-Day Clubs, camps or CYIA teams.

The praise times each evening at Easter Conference are one of the highlights for me.  Again, visiting speakers from the Conference joined us on several occasions to share more of their own personal testimonies with us and give us an opportunity to ask questions about how God showed them “What next” in their lives.

Easter Conference wouldn’t be the same without a game of volleyball on the beach on Monday afternoon!  This year the weather was kind and although some went for a walk or thought it better to go for a coffee, some of us enjoyed a few games on the beach!

The time flew by and before long it was time to go home again.  With everything packed and taking with us many memories, we went our separate ways.  It was a busy and tiring weekend but I know I went home refreshed, encouraged, challenged and excited to see what God has in store for me in the future.  I wonder…”What next?”

Naomi Kerr

Summer holidays are fast approaching.  Some of you are in the middle of exams or writing dissertations and can’t wait for the anything from 2-4 months off that lie ahead of you.  But let me ask you a couple of questions -  “How are you going to spend that time?  Are you going to waste it or are you going to do something for God and invest it in the lives of boys and girls throughout Ireland?”  They’re simple questions, but if your answer to them is “Yes” then it will require time and effort on your part

In CEF we can provide opporturnites for you to do something that could not only change your life but the lives of boys and girls.  Why not spend some time taking the Gospel to children who probably have never heard it before?  You don’t have to go too far away to find them – in fact, they might just be right on your doorstep!  We need helpers for 5-Day Club teams and camps in Ireland – especially  in Cork, Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Dublin, Wexford, Athlone, Sligo, Limerick and throughout Northern Ireland.  If you want to go further afield teams are going to London and Scotland.

Interested?  Then Contact us now!  We’ll give you more details.  Don’t waste your time this summer.  Use it for God.  Invest in the lives of boys and girls for eternity.

Angie