In this episode, Adam Whitescarver sits down with Patti Harris, the Director of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). CEF is a worldwide ministry focused on evangelizing and discipling children, partnering with local churches, and establishing kids into local congregations for spiritual growth.

Patti shares her inspiring journey from a fashion merchandising career to leading CEF, highlighting how the organization’s mission to spread the gospel to children began in 1937 and continues to grow through their Good News Clubs and summer programs.

This episode dives into the opportunities for churches to partner with CEF, the life-changing impact of reaching children with the gospel, and the crucial role of volunteers. Listen in to discover how your church can get involved in local schools and communities to support the spiritual development of children.

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Jump Through the Conversation

• [0:22] Introduction to the podcast, guest Patty Harris, and the focus on evangelism through nonprofits.
• [2:00] Introduction to Patty Harris and her background, moving from fashion merchandising to ministry leadership.
• [2:46] Patty’s journey into ministry and her roles with Scenic City Women’s Network, Crown Financial Ministries, and eventually Child Evangelism Fellowship.
• [3:55] Overview of Child Evangelism Fellowship: Its founding in 1937, global reach, and mission to evangelize and disciple children.
• [6:52] History of the Greater Chattanooga Chapter and its 50+ years of service in the area.
• [8:07] Programs offered by CEF, including the Good News Club and Summer Missionary Program.
• [10:24] How the five-day clubs work in partnership with churches and their role in reaching children during the summer.
• [12:27] The impact of volunteers, from teenagers to senior citizens, and the vital roles they play in the success of the Good News Clubs.
• [15:46] The power of church partnerships: Building relationships with children and their families through school-based evangelism programs.
• [19:46] Volunteer recruitment and training: How churches and individuals can support and lead Good News Clubs.
• [24:46] Challenges facing CEF: Resource needs, reaching more schools, and the threat of satanic clubs in public schools.
• [30:46] Prayer requests: Staff needs, protection from spiritual opposition, and expanding the ministry to all 102 elementary schools in the Chattanooga area.
• [40:46] Vision for the future: How evangelism through CEF can transform the city by reaching children and their families with the gospel.

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Prayer Requests for Child Evangelism Fellowship:

Pray for protection against the spiritual opposition, particularly the rise of satanic clubs in schools.

Pray for the recruitment of staff and volunteers to continue the ministry’s expansion and effectiveness.

Pray for the outreach efforts to bring the Good News Clubs to all 102 elementary schools in the Greater Chattanooga area.

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Links and Resources

Child Evangelism Fellowship website: https://www.cefchattanooga.org/

Pray Chattanooga website: https://www.praychattanooga.com/