HURON The state director of the non demoninational Child Evangalism Fellowship (CEF) of SD, is excited at the possibilities of his organizations upcoming fundraising golf tournament. Or, more correctly, the possibilities that will be created.
This is something completely new for us, said Greg Buche, who lives in Mitchell and oversees the four districts that make up South Dakota, for an organization that he describes as the best kept secret in the world.
First, the golf tournament.
It is a four-person scramble set for an 11 a.m. shotgun start at Broadland Creek Golf Course. It will offer cash prizes for two flights, a hole-in-one contest, lunch and pin prizes.
Register yourself or your team (green fees and cart included) at cefsd.harnessgiving.org/events/1564. Buche said that CEF is also seeking $250 hole sponsors, and those interested in becoming a hole sponsor may email a company logo, which will be put on an 18×24 sign that will be on the course, to [email protected].
Spots are limited in the field and golfers who would like to support the work of this organization should get in soon.
As for the best kept secret in the world, Buche may have a point. We have been here in Huron for at least 30 years, he said as shared the history of CEF earlier this week. (He would call later, with the revelation that CEF has in fact been working in Huron for 67 years)
I have been part of CEF for the past four years, but my connection with the group goes back much further.
It seems his wife, who was a minister, was looking for a way to boost childrens participation in the church some years back, but had been plateaued at 30 students. She had tried many different things, Buche recalled, then we decided to try CEF. The student count went from 30 to 160 very quickly.
The Childrens Evangalism Fellowship is a worldwide – save one country – organization, which strives to bring children closer to a relationship with God. And the one country that CEF does not have a presence? I cant tell you that, Buche said, explaining that there are a handful of countries where CEF is not allowed. Revealing the one, would, in reality reveal the others.
The upcoming golf tournament proceeds are earmarked for the summer missionary training for 60 youth from all over the state. Buche said that CEF has learned that children are more likely to interact in a more positive way with teenagers than they do with adults.
We begin working with teenagers at an event we call Winter Quest, a retreat for teens, he said, and urge them to join our youth in action group. I share the story of Marcus, one of our youth.
Buche said that Marcus was one of the most upbeat teens that became involved with CEF. He was just a great kidand he was blind, since birth.
The other leaders saw how the other teens and children flocked to Marcus and the idea came to perhaps have Marcus film a video to help promote CEF.
Of course, Marcus said. My school can translate the pamphlets into Braille. Im going to be a celebrity!
Summer training takes place at Sunshine Bible Academy, where teen missionaries share Bible stories, teach lessons and sing songs, all with the idea of setting kids on the path to become saved, Buche said.
For more information on CEF, contact Buche through the email address above, or through www.cefsd.org
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