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Melody Bentley : Jun 3, 2013  Child Evangelism Fellowship

Less than 17,000 children were enrolled in after-school Good New Clubs in 2001, last year that number was over 156,000.

(Warrenton, MO)—Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) announces the results of a survey of 224 public elementary school principals from 28 states conducted in April 2013. Of the principals surveyed, 87.4% responded that after-school Good News Clubs, Bible clubs sponsored by CEF, have been "a positive experience for their school." One principal commented, "Some of the students reference the lessons learned and will at least think twice before acting. It has also helped some of our students that do not make friends very easily find a common ground."

52.2% reported noticeably improved behavior on a part of the students who participate in the Good News Clubs. "...the students who are in the Good News Club rarely receive discipline referrals to the office. Undoubtedly, the club has been a successful part in our curbing bullying and classroom disrespect for the children," another principal said.

"We are particularly grateful that the number of Good News Clubs held in public elementary schools has steadily grown for the last twelve years." said Mr. Moises Esteves, vice president of USA Ministries for CEF. "This growth is a result of the goodness and blessing of God," Indeed, the increase is impressive: Less than 17,000 children were enrolled in after-school Good New Clubs in 2001, last year that number was over 156,000.

What accounts for the remarkable increase of children enrolled in the Good News Clubs? The landmark 2001 U.S. Supreme Court case, Good News Club et al. v. Milford Central School has certainly been a catalyst. The justices' decision in this case confirmed the constitutionality of the Good News Clubs' meeting in public schools after the school day ended. This decision markedly improved the accessibility of the clubs to public elementary school children. Once available the children started coming. "It's the Biblical curriculum taught by caring volunteers that draws parents and children in," explained Mr. Esteves. The clubs, which require parental consent to attend, offer a healthy mix of engaging Bible lessons, memory verses, songs and fun-filled games which all emphasize that one's faith in Jesus Christ is evident through loving others. CEF recently updated and improved the curriculum, music and visuals for this ministry.

"I see again and again that parents and their children are hungry for the love and meaning that the Gospel offers. We, at CEF, are passionate about this Gospel and sharing its message of hope, love and mercy with children through teaching, praying and caring for them," offered Mr. Esteves. As the April principal survey proves, not only are the parents pleased with these clubs but so are principals in the public schools who value the results of the moral and ethical teachings of Christianity. "We hear reports on a regular basis of improved behavior of the children and even improved test scores," said Mr. Esteves. At Hernwood elementary school, in Randallstown, Maryland, Baptist Life Magazine reports in its August 2012 issue, that the suspension rate has dropped from 11.5 percent to 2.5 percent and report card grades are up since the Good News Club started at the school, according to Ms. Cathy Gantz, the school's principal. "That's hard data. The Good News Club works," Gantz said. "The Good News Club has just brought peace to Herndon (sic)."

There are about 4,000 after-school Good News Clubs in the public schools in the United States. CEF has increased its full-time staff to 710 to handle the increased demands of training, screening and equipping more than 25,000 volunteers who lead the clubs. Still, the demand keeps growing. Many principals around the country are asking for Good News Clubs. Thankfully, pastors and congregations across the country are becoming increasingly interested in meeting the spiritually needs of children. Having learned that it is legal for them to be in the public schools after classes, many have agreed to partner with CEF and provide the volunteers to lead a Good News Club in their local school. "We are excited about the momentum that is growing," said Mr. Esteves, "There are 65,000 public schools in the U.S. What we have accomplished so far is just the beginning."

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