Talyn McKinley Spotlight

CEF has been working as an organization since 1937. Over these past 83 years God has been at

work saving many children’s lives and discipling youth and adults all over the globe.

Even if these workers don’t continue working at CEF, the skills and lessons they learned while

apart of CEF has had a lasting impact on their life. 

Talyn McKinley has used the lessons she’s learned in CEF to continue reaching Children for Christ through many different avenues. Talyn answered some questions to share how CEF has impacted her life and to describe how God is at work in her life right now.

1. When did you go to CYIA? I went to CYIA as a student from age 13 (2007) - age 18 (2012). Then came back in 2014 as a cabin counselor and part of the A-team.
2. How did you hear about CEF? I first heard of CEF when the state director at the time got my name from someone in my town. He called my home number and left a message on the answering machine. He wanted to do a presentation of the ministry. He came over to my house, and gave my parents and I a full scope of CEF and then shared about CYIA. He asked me if I'd pray about going and I told him, "I don't need to pray about it, I need to do this." The rest is history! 
3. What is the biggest thing you learned from CEF when you went to CYIA? I've learned SO much from being a part of the ministry. The first thing I learned from CEF/CYIA is to have a huge appreciation for sharing the Gospel with people. I knew it was important but I didn't know how and I certainly wasn't confident enough to share what I did know. However, when you really believe in something, you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. Secondly, CEF gave me something to believe in that was bigger than me and taught me whether I was at HQ working internationally or in the backyard of a trailer park in the middle of nowhere, I was making a difference in the lives of children, teenagers and adults for the Kingdom. And the third but definitely not the only, was that I learned that people aren't perfect. We make mistakes, we don't always get it right but I learned the art of grace, new beginnings, and starting over when you fail and being surrounded by people who believe and love you. 
4. Do you think what you experienced and the lessons you learned through CEF still affect what you do today? This is a resounding YES! I felt like each year I grew into the next best version of myself every time I went to camp, taught clubs, Good News Across America, Good News Clubs or HQ trips. I have taken that same approach into my life now and my desire to grow and change is hugely because of CEF. I learned confidence, leadership, connection, boldness, courage, and commitment from my time with CEF. I couldn't even begin to explain the ways I have been changed because of this ministry. I have taken every lesson, every challenge, and every hardship that I encountered in my time and have used it to do what I do today. On multiple occasions I had to learn to listen to the voice of God when teaching clubs, at camp and working with the children. CEF taught me how to quiet myself enough to notice what God is saying and I use that skill EVERY SINGLE DAY.
5. What do you do for a living? Right now, I am the founder and owner of First Position Dance Company. We are a christian dance and discipleship company in Eau Claire Wisconsin. I train, coach and mentor young people ages 2-mid 20s in dance, theology, and leadership. I also own another company called Built to Last, that coaches and mentors business owners and entrepreneurs. I am also a public speaker, and an artistic director for the company in creating shows, and performances that share the Gospel to the community.
6. Do you have any particular stories that you wouldn’t mind sharing with us about your ministry and how it has affected yourself and others? I started First Position a year after I left CEF, as well as Build to Last. Both companies have grown in different ways but First Position was where most of my time went for the majority of the last 7 years. I wanted to create a christian atmosphere for dancers to grow and be challenged in their faith. We added bible studies to every class in order to spiritually feed our dancers so that they could go out and be a light. This ignited a passion in me to continue my mentorship with young people and adults even more. We have multiple discipleship programs within the company. One being called NTS (Never The Same) which is a close version to CYIA but with dancing. I've combined dance training and worship with teaching them how to share the Gospel, and discipling them in how to build their life around God. We also have had a chance to put on over 12 shows/performances in our time in operation. We've done shows on suicide and depression that Christ has used to help many people accept Christ for the first time, get the help they needed through counseling, and even putting themselves in rehab. We've done outreaches and ministry opportunities that have reached thousands of people with the Gospel and we aren't done. This summer we are putting together a show called "Behind Closed Doors". It will be about pornography, sexual abuse and sex trafficking and redemption and healing that comes through Jesus Christ alone. We are also preparing for a new program called "Launch" which is a leadership development program for students 13-18 that prepares them to launch into their adulthood as the leaders God desires them to be! 

Pictures of First Position Dance Studio

Dancing together in the Christmas show:

Bible Study with the girls:

If you are interested in learning more about First Position Dance Company here is the website:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/2/#inbox/QgrcJHrnwgwzgLZKzRShLzGkCDRvWNxKdsL

Elizabeth's Story

Elizabeth is a Summer Missionary from the Greater Madison Area. This summer Elizabeth experienced God's work in great ways. Here is a part of her story that she shared with me:

One time this summer a father brought his daughter to club and we could tell right away that she didn’t want to be there. She made faces at all of us and sat in the corner and pouted. We would try to talk to her but she refused to say anything back. She was very difficult to handle the first two days. She would talk really loud during the lesson and pick on the other kids. Us teachers were super frustrated and were constantly asking God for grace.

On the third day of club I taught the Bible lesson, and to my surprise, she followed me back to be counseled for salvation. I thought she was just coming back to get out of being in club; but it turns out she was really hurting on the inside and wanted to know more about this Jesus who says that He loves everyone! She asked me questions like “Does God love my mommy even though she’s in prison?” And “Does God love me? Because no one does.” I shared some verses with her and explained the gospel.

After that, she prayed to receive Christ as her Savior. She came to club the last two days with a smile on her face and was hungry to hear more of God’s truth. She came back for counseling for the remaining days of club and asked a lot of deep questions. She was very sad on the last day of club when we said our goodbyes. She said, “I want to hear more Bible stories!” So I gave her a Bible. She got really excited and couldn’t stop thanking me. If anyone ever asks me why I spend my summers teaching clubs, this is the reason! Words cannot describe the joy that comes from watching kids come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ and then seeing how God transforms their lives!

Please continue praying for this little girl and her family! There are many children just like her seeking to find love. As Christians we need to be sharing this love to everyone we come in contact with.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Here are some pictures of Elizabeth teaching:

Summer Testimony from North Central

God did many amazing things this summer. I am still in awe of the many ways he answered prayers. Please continue to fervently pray with us for the children that have been reached. One amazing testimony of God’s work from this summer was in a story of forgiveness and change in a little boy’s life. Here is the story, written by one of our first year Summer Missionaries, Samuel Howard: 

“There are nearly 1.9 billion children across the world and of these children 67% don’t come from Christian homes. This is why organizations like Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) are important. CEF not only spreads the Good News of Jesus Christ around the world, but it strategically focuses on reaching unsaved children. Every year CEF aids in leading children to Christ, changing their lives forever, and allowing Christians the ability to witness amazing works from God. This summer I had an amazing experience like this with a little boy.

After arriving ready for club, one boy showed up eager to cause trouble. My partner and I tried to make the 5-Day Club fun and engaging, but it seemed as though there was nothing we could do. This little boy was hitting, spitting, and screaming at us. After an excruciatingly long hour, the boy left. I hoped and pleaded I would never see him again, but God had a different plan in mind for me. This boy returned another day and this time brought an extra surprise: his little brother. This was when I learned an important lesson. I thought I could teach these children about God without God. With a new mindset and God’s help, I saw the kid change from a crazy irresponsible boy to a child looking for God. As we read through the Bible story of the day, he wanted to learn more about God and heaven. He started acting friendly and wanting to know more about what God could do in his life. He wanted to know how he could change to be a better person. He wanted to understand what he could do to please God.

I remember one specific moment that really stuck with me. At the end of club the boy’s little brother slapped him across the face. I jumped up to stop the emerging fight, but instead of fighting, this little six-year-old boy did something that showed the change in his heart. He looked back at his brother and did nothing. He didn’t yell at him, or hit him back, or make any expression at all. As I walked back with him, he told me how he just needed to forgive his brother. By the end of club, it was hard for me to see this new boy leave. We don’t save children, God does. But a seed was planted in this little boy’s heart and I can’t wait to see how it will grow.”

Here is a picture of Samuel teaching a group of children this summer:

Summer Ministry in Full Swing in St Croix Valley

     By the time you receive this newsletter Bill and I and five teens will be packing to head to Christian Youth In Action^® (CYIA™) training camp. Our three assistant missionaries have been trained and will be practicing until the first 5-Day Club^® begins at the end of June.

     CYIA is a two-week long training filled with classes taught by CEF staff from around the state. We are planning on 38 teens attending this summer, some returning and some brand new. They are all anticipating being equipped to share the Gospel with children in their local neighborhoods in rural and urban Wisconsin.

     My main role at CYIA is missionary class coordinator and I will be working with the first-year students who will  teach the missions time at 5-Day Club. This year they will be teaching the story of missionary to China - Hudson Taylor. Very exciting indeed! I’ll also be part of the A-Team, helping students with practicums and giving team leaders much needed breaks.

     Bill wears some important hats at CYIA. As Dean of Men he’ll work with and encourage cabin counselors. As Resident Life Coordinator he’s responsible for overseeing the Social Life Team, Nurse, Deans and Counselors.

      This training is a huge undertaking and we all covet your prayers to carry out our roles for God’s glory and ultimately for the salvation of children. Take a look inside to meet our teens and see how you can pray for them specifically.

Praises:

   · Eight teens devoting some or all of their summer reaching children in clubs

   · Seven Good News Clubs finished strong with good attendance and spiritual growth

   · Thirty-eight teens statewide attending our two-week training this month

   · New Good News Club^® looking to begin in Baldwin

Prayer Requests:

• 5-Day Club^® hosts to fill all 24 club openings
• Strength and stamina for staff and teens during the rigorous training at camp
• Each club that is scheduled to be filled with children to hear the Gospel and grow in faith
• An additional $5,067 needed for summer ministry expenses
• All the details to begin a Good News Club in Baldwin this September will be worked out

                                                                                                                                                                                              

A Safe Place for Young Teens

     In 2011, a wonderful program began called JYC™ (Jesus You Connec­tion). A JYC club is the next step for middle school age kids after they grow out of Good News Club®. This program uses inductive Bible study and small group discussion to allow kids to discover the meaning of God’s Word for themselves. Here is a story about a young teen who found her way by joining this special club.

     During the first couple weeks of JYC, a young girl named Susan (name changed), was curious of what some of the other girls in her grade were doing in the after-school club, so she decided to visit. Susan had never gone to church; she did not know anything about the Bible, God or Jesus. Her family life was challenging and Susan would rather be anywhere BUT home. Susan could be found at any given time on the streets in her neighborhood. On more than one occasion, a couple of the JYC leaders would see Susan walking down the street after dark in her pajamas, carrying a blanket and a backpack.

     Susan remained a faithful club member and the leaders continued to pour God’s Word and genuine love into Susan’s life. It took Susan a couple of years, but she finally came to know the Lord at this JYC club. When Susan went to high school, she asked if she could still come to the JYC club. Of course, the leaders allowed her to continue and she attended club for most of her 9th grade year. Susan went on to join a church youth group. Over the years she has grown in her faith and loves the Lord. She is now 19 years old and goes to church every week; she is a member of the choir and still helps in her church youth group.

Think of where Susan would be today had there not been a JYC club at her neighborhood school! Together we can influence the lives of young teens. 

CEF - Southeast WI Chapter

Ingredients For a Fun and Spiritually Powerful Winter Retreat

Ingredients For a Fun and Spiritually

Powerful Winter Retreat

● 12 incredible staff and volunteers 
●   1 super Bible camp 
● 30 amazing teenagers 
●   1 awesome Bible teacher
●   5 fantastic meals, 

●   hours of laughter and silly games.

Serve with generous scoops of personal testimony and heartfelt prayer for children. Mix well over 2 ½ days, adding 10 inches of fresh snow,

This was exactly what we experienced at our Wisconsin Christian Youth in Action^® Winter Retreat, February 1-3 at Camp Fairwood in Westfield.  Four local teens journeyed with me, joining teens from around the state.  Many of these teens were reunited with friends they hadn't seen since summer training camp.  More than a third though were new and through the course of the weekend were wrapped into this extraordinary, welcoming "family". 

Laughter abounded over indoor games, outdoor fun, and around tables at meals. You would be hard-pressed to come away from this weekend unaffected by the living God.  Solid Bible teaching both challenged and encouraged all of us in our personal relationship with Christ as well as our ministry to children.  Five youth and several adults gave powerful, personal testimony of their own experience in CYIA™ summer ministry. The twelve teens not previously involved in CYIA heard clearly how, through their own involvement, God could change their own lives and impact children for eternity. 

If you are a teen 12 years or older, it’s not too late to join us this summer!  Contact our office for more information.

Bill Stirrat
CEF St. Croix Valley 

Good News Club Growth in Madison Chapter

     On behalf of the Greater Madison Chapter of CEF, I am pleased to report that this has been a year of growth and blessings. While we are only half way through the academic school year, we have added three new clubs to our program and a new church partnership. The church partnership is with Word of Life Church. Their program is being implemented in the form of a children’s church called the Breakfast Club. The program is open to the children in their community on Sunday mornings. They provide a well-balanced meal, starting with a heaping plate of the Gospel served alongside a nutritional breakfast meal. We also have a club at Mt. Zion Church through their Academic Learning Center. These are just two examples of how we are looking to share the Gospel using the Good News Club® model in creative ways, such as a children’s church, community centers and alternative academic learning centers.
     We hosted our first annual Good News Club Christmas Celebration at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Madison. The event was open to all of the clubs in the Greater Madison area. While each club had their own Christmas celebration, the collaborative event was an opportunity to reach the families and friends of the children that attend Good News Club. The Gospel message was presented by Joan Wheeler, who has been battling health problems all year that have kept her from being involved in a club this year. She presented a powerful Gospel Message. Two children, whose mother had stopped into our Good News Club and asked us to pray for, received Christ that night. They came to club after winter break and they were still on fire for God. A wonderful friend name Donna who works at Walmart, made a special donation of gifts so that each child who attended the event left with a gift.
   We thank God that the first half of our year has been blessed and that He continues to work in and through us. Please pray for the health of all of our Good News Club workers; particularly those workers in wheel chairs, or those who rely on walkers and scooters. We are going into the time of year when the weather can make it very challenging for these individuals to continue to serve.
    If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering on a part time or full time basis through the end of the academic school year please contact our local CEF office.

Cheryl Knox
Good News Club Coordinator
Madison CEF