This Christmas season, a remarkable initiative is set to light up the hearts of millions of children across the globe. The Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), a ministry dedicated to sharing the Gospel with children, is on a mission to reach over 12.6 million young souls through its Christmas Party Club campaign. With a call to action for churches and community leaders to get involved, this effort promises to make this holiday season one filled with hope and love.
Founded in 1937, CEF has a long history of equipping Christians to minister to children, helping them grow into devoted followers of Christ. With recent studies indicating that younger generations are less likely to attend church and engage with faith, initiatives like the Christmas Party Club are more crucial than ever. According to research, only about 28% of Gen Z attends church at least once a month, highlighting the need for innovative outreach strategies.
Fred Pry, the acting Vice President of Administration at CEF, emphasized the enduring relevance of biblical truths. "The truth of the Bible is still applicable today no matter what is happening in the world around us," he shared. This conviction fuels CEF’s commitment to sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children everywhere.
This year, CEF aims to train a staggering 348,000 volunteers and conduct 367,000 Christmas Party Clubs, all designed to engage children with the Gospel message. The clubs, which kick off in November and sometimes continue into January, offer a variety of activities, including songs, Scripture memory, and interactive Bible lessons. One particularly engaging lesson, titled "Light of Life," teaches children about the significance of light in announcing the birth of Jesus. Kids even get to create their own "Light of Life" crosses, allowing them to share the message of God’s love with their families and friends.
"When you talk about a gift, children naturally connect that with Christmas," Pry explained. "When you explain that the best gift they could ever receive is God’s love, their eyes light up with understanding." It’s this connection that makes the Christmas Party Clubs so impactful.
Last year alone, CEF staff and volunteers organized 295,000 clubs, reaching 9.1 million children worldwide—a significant increase from previous years. In 2023, the organization conducted 12,900 training seminars, equipping 277,500 volunteers to spread the Gospel message. These dedicated volunteers work within their own communities, guided by CEF staff who provide essential training and resources.
CEF’s reach extends even to countries where Christians face persecution. "Prayer is a vital component of our mission," Pry emphasized, noting that it is through prayer that they find strength and direction. The organization holds a 50 Days of Prayer initiative, encouraging supporters worldwide to join in interceding for the children and communities they serve.
Pry expressed gratitude for the generous donors who support CEF’s mission, stating that providing free materials globally costs the organization over $1 million annually. Last year, a single donor contributed more than $500,000 to further CEF’s outreach efforts, illustrating the value placed on eternal destinies over temporary goods.
"As we look at the world today, many people do good things, providing food and clothing," Pry reflected. "But when considering a person’s eternal destiny, what value do you put on that?" This perspective drives the passion behind CEF’s work, as they strive to ensure that children not only receive material support but also the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
As the holiday season approaches, the CEF Christmas Party Club initiative stands as a heartwarming reminder of the power of faith, community, and love. By uniting churches and individuals in this mission, CEF not only aims to spread the Gospel but also to ignite a passion for Christ in the next generation. For more information on how to get involved, visit Child Evangelism Fellowship and join in the effort to share the true spirit of Christmas.