Equipping For Life by HANNAH SCHAFER
I have never seen a more passionate and energetic bunch than a group of teenagers excited about shar- ing the Gospel. There’s no experience like seeing the excitement of youth combined with the skills and experiences of a confident teacher.
Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) is a training
camp that takes place each summer, all over the world. Led by the staff at Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Omaha, CYIA East is held at Twin Lakes Bible Camp in Manson, Iowa. Two of the FEBC’s church- es, Crosspoint and Community Bible Church, have a combined total of more than 35 students, aged 12-18, attending camp this year. Students that attend CYIA go through rigorous training, classes, and practicums to empower them to share the Gospel with children in Omaha through 5-Day Clubs, which are backyard Bible clubs designed to connect children with their neigh- bors and establish them in a Bible-believing church.
CYIA does not just train students for the sum-
mer, it equips them for life. No matter what vocation these students go into, they will be able to utilize the skills they have learned. Multiple student tracks allow students to progress and develop their skills as their experience grows. All of the camp staff went through
the program themselves and are able to pour into the students to get them excited about sharing the Gospel.
Through my work with CEF, as well as being a
youth leader at Crosspoint Bible Church, I have seen and experienced firsthand the impact of camp on these teens. Not only was I equipped and empowered by this program, I now get to help other students through the same process. There are many students who have at- tended CYIA and now serve on our student leadership team. These teens are passionate, talented leaders. Whether it’s sharing testimonies during worship time, coordinating group events, or leading prayer groups, they never cease to amaze me. These teens embody 1 Timothy 4 :12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (niv). CYIA allows teens to explore the gifts God has given them and take those skills back to their churches and communities to share the Gospel and disciple others.
Hannah Schafer was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She has attended Crosspoint Bible Church her whole life and currently serves in the youth group as well as with media. She began volunteering for CEF in 2015 and now works full-time as the Office Administrator and Media Specialist.
Testimony from Community Bible Church’s Pastor of Children’s Ministry:
“A large part of the children’s ministry volunteers at our church are youth who have gone through the - ing strong believers who will lead the church in the future.”
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