Well, yes and no. Yes, anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior may apply. You should be growing in your faith and have a consistent walk with God. You must also be in agreement with all of the terms and conditions which are provided in the application. However, if you have not yet gained a relationship with Christ, this program is not for you yet. Speak with a Christian friend or Pastor to find out how you can enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Take about a year to really grow in your faith and then try us again. Oh, yeah - you must be between the ages of 12 thru college age. Find your local CEF chapter listed below to ask about their age requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) is a summer missions experience for students through college age. At CYIA missions training school you'll discover, along with others your age, how to tell the Good News of Jesus to children in your own neighborhoods and community.
Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) is a summer missions experience for students through college age. At CYIA missions training school you'll discover, along with others your age, how to tell the Good News of Jesus to children in your own neighborhoods and community.
Yes. This provides all your lodging, meals, recreation, and instruction for your 7 day, 6 night school experience. Some of CEF's local offices may provide some financial assistance with this cost. Find your local CEF office listed below and speak with a representative to see how they may be able to assist.
Deadline is May 16th to apply. You should follow the application instructions available online.
Although we have opportunities for you to serve in other countries, yes you will begin here at your own hometown. This gives you the experience of missions work with the convenience of home. Also, children in your own hometown need Christ as badly as children from other areas so you'll be doing a great and needed work.
Well, you may not be able to do both. You should first carefully pray about this decision and be sure this is God's Will for your summer. If you feel sure it is then don't let anything stop you from obeying - even if it seems impossible. But you also can receive a salary for being in this summer missions program. Contact your local CEF office for details on receiving a salary while working in missions this summer.
That depends. You should contact your local CEF and speak with a representative who could assist you.
Your local CEF sets up a pre-training, usually in the month of May. Then you will go to the Christian Youth In Action state-wide training school in June. After your week of school you will have some refresher courses and practical experience in the weeks that follow. Then the real fun begins - several weeks of ministry reaching boys and girls with the Gospel in your own community along with other students from your area. This my friend is simple awesome. Nothing like it!
Child Evangelism Fellowship is the world largest children's ministry reaching 22 million children last year with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We've been around for 80 years and, boy, has God taught us a thing or two about children's ministry. You can learn more by visiting or state website at www.cef-sc.org or our international website at www.cefonline.com
Learning how to share your faith, the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, with boys and girls ages 5 - 12 in local hometown daycares, apartment complexes, community centers, and homes. Normally you will be assigned with other students to go to three or four locations a day for five consecutive days meeting with the same children. You'll sing songs, play games, teach memory verses and Bible lessons with a gospel emphasis and invitation. You could reach literally hundreds of children with the Gospel this summer and even watch as many accept God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life!
Yep. It's good that you have some training under your belt but we teach you how to share the Gospel in very simplistic terms we call "childrenese". Plus, for you to really use the materials provided for you this summer, it may be good to know how they work. Not only that, but do you really want to miss out on the great speakers, live music, and new friends you'll gain at the training school? I didn't think so.
Your first step is prayer. Ask God for his wisdom and guidance about this major decision. Don't take this lightly. This is a major commitment - to God. Like God's Word says, you need to count the cost. Then, if you know you're being lead by God to join Him in this, you should fill out the application. You'll have an interview process and may have a few other things that your local CEF office can cover with you but these are your first steps.
Sure. Contact your local CEF office. There are representatives there ready to answer your questions, pray with you, and assist you. Hey, don't be afraid - they're pretty nice folks who really care about people just like you!
Family vacations could be considered during your missionary service but there is no compensation for this time off. Speak with your local CEF representative about your request. Just don't spring it on them two weeks before you plan to go. There is a LOT of planning that goes into the summer missions program and missing you suddenly can be a real problem. Be kind and talk with your representative far in advance.
Application processing can take several weeks so be patient. Your local CEF representative will contact you as soon as a decision has been made.
Honestly, we are looking for students who are sincere about their faith and desire to make the name of Christ famous. The application process helps us to get to know you. We also take great care to be sure that we are sending students that are ready for the demands of missions service. We don't want to send you out to fail knowing you may not be quite ready for this type of adventure.
That would be great! Of course, just like you, your friend will need to count the cost of a full summer of service and fill out an application. Then, pray for one another, seeking only that God's Will be done for both of your lives.
