November 8-12, 2018 I (Sean) went to Grand Cayman to assist CEF of the Cayman Islands with training new members of the national board and also with their first major promotional event!

CEF was locally established as a Caymanian Non-Profit Organization earlier in 2018, and so they desired to hold their first major promotional event to share about the ministry with the community in Grand Cayman.

The Cayman Islands are well known around the world, a beautiful twin-island country full of history and unique characteristics. It is one of the top diving sites in the world and one of the top-five centers for global business law and banking. But did you also know that there are millions of iguanas…so much so that there is a bounty of $6 USD per iguana? And did you also know that there are countless wild chickens and roosters that walk around?

CEF of the Cayman Islands also desired training for their new board members, so a second main priority of the trip was spending time with the national board to train the new members.

As I have shared in the past, I always try to travel with someone so that they can see the ministry first hand. However, I specifically try to bring someone who can strategically assist with the objectives of the trip. So it was a joy to travel with my long time friend Chris Carver, a Montgomery banker and CEF of Central Alabama committee chairman! Chris brought a wealth of experience to the table, able to speak to fellow national board members as a committee member himself.

The training went excellent, with us learning more about what the national board was already doing in the Cayman Islands, and us sharing policies, board responsibilities and strategic vision planning. It was an excellent time with the CEF Cayman national board.

The Cayman Islands has a population of 60,000-70,000 people, with 160 nations represented in only 76 sq miles! It is an incredibly diverse place.

The Cayman Islands may be a top tourist destination, but it does have its challenges. Over the past 5-10 years there has been great cause for the local people to be concerned for their nation, with a loss of many of the young men and women of their country. This has been heartbreaking for the mothers and fathers of these teenagers and young adults, and the local church wants to change the direction of their nation.

However, as Dr. Bramwell (CEF national coordinator) told me, “We (the Cayman Islands) are a small island nation, but we have the problems just like anybody else. But God is able, He knows all the challenges and He is is greater!“

One side highlight for me but also a strategic opportunity for CEF Cayman was a furthering of the relationship with First Baptist Church Grand Cayman. I have personally been spiritually enriched by God’s Word as taught by Thabiti Anyabwile, and he was the senior pastor there for many years. We were able to meet with pastoral staff there and invite folks to come to the promotional brunch.

The promotional brunch went extremely well, with a full room of folks from many different churches. The ministry vision was shared clearly, and there continues to be fruit from this major event. Here is footage from the event and plenty of pictures!

When the brunch was over, and everything was cleaned up, everyone was quite tired from the weekends events. But Chris Carver and I are Auburn Football fans, and we couldn’t miss watching Auburn beat the snot out of (unfortunately lose big time to) Georgia!

Sunday morning we worshiped at Cayman Islands Baptist Church, and many of the CEF Cayman Islands national board members joined us. CEF Cayman was recognized in the service, and we are grateful for their partnership with CEF in the Cayman Islands!

Sunday afternoon was an extra special blessing, we spent time with the national board over a delicious meal, chatting together and building relationships as I continue to work with each of them and serve them in ministry.

Will you pray for CEF of the Cayman Islands, for Dr. Caris Bramwell and for the children of the Cayman Islands? CEF Good News Clubs are working. One principal told me during the trip: “Since GNC, there are children walking down the school yard singing GNC songs, detention visits have gone down in my school. There is a new spirit among the children at my school.“

As Dr. Bramwell said: “There are 12,000 children under 12, we must reach them all!“

September 19-24 I (Sean) was in Bermuda to serve, train and equip the CEF nation-wide ministry there. This summer CEF Bermuda held their first Christian Youth In Action training and they commissioned ten local teenagers! They divided them into two teams and those local Bermudian teenagers taught hundreds of children in 15 5-Day Clubs! Almost every corner of Bermuda had a 5-Day Club nearby!

The CEF ministry there is led by Dr. Melvyn Bassett, a dynamic gentleman who has spent decades creating a better future for Bermuda through its public school system. He was a principal for many years and God used him mightily in that role. When he retired, he later became the volunteer CEF national coordinator! Melvyn is a faithful worker that cares about local churches reaching all of Bermuda. Melvyn personally has been an encouragement to me as a husband, father and leader. I have learned so much from his example and fountain of wisdom in every conversation.

A blessing on this specific trip was that my pastor James Williams and his wife Barbara were able to join me on this trip! This was a vision trip for them to see firsthand what we do as missionaries and also how our church could be more specifically involved. I was so thankful for the time spent with them but also their special blessing to the trip. James and Barbara faithfully encouraged everyone they met and James spoke on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the main CEF event and also at Dr. Melvyn’s church.

I had three main objectives:

1. Train, equip, assess and encourage the CEF national board

2. Assist CEF Bermuda with their GNC volunteer appreciation brunch

3. Have meetings with various Bermudian officials and leaders regarding the CEF region and a few upcoming possible events

All of the objectives were met and it was a very fruitful trip!

The CEF Bermuda chapter is very healthy. On the detailed assessment survey, a national board member stated: “I cannot help but give my all!” This is the attitude of everyone involved, they believe strongly in both the priority and urgency of the vision of every child in Bermuda being reached and they are acting on that vision.

The beautiful room and table settings for the GNC volunteer appreciation brunch!

On Saturday morning Dr. Bassett said: “This morning is the first time the entire CEF Bermuda family has been all gathered in one place.” CEF Bermuda held their first annual Good News Club volunteer appreciation breakfast, they have six Good News Clubs in elementary schools! Pastor James Williams gave the main address to give appreciation to all the volunteers, and then afterwards the national board met and I presented the chapter assessment. I worked together with them on best practices and recommended a course of action.

Places like Bermuda have such an overwhelming reputation as solely a vacation destination, but when you strip away the tourism industry and the beauty of the beaches and the island, you have a key strategic place for reaching the next generation in global missions. Bermuda is the quiet hub of the global economy. The children of today are truly the next set of global thinkers and business leaders. Just one example, one of the CEF national board members for Bermuda has met and worked with four US presidents. Thankful for a thriving CEF ministry there mobilizing churches to reach all the kids.

On Sunday morning Pastor James preached the sermon at Dr. Bassett’s church and I preached the sermon at Rev. Steven Powell’s church.

Pray for Rev Steven Powell (L) as he serves as the CEF national board chairman and Dr Melvyn Bassett (R) as he serves as the national coordinator for CEF.

Pray also for Mandi and me as we serve CEF Bermuda in ministry!

June 9-11 I (Sean) had the humbling privilege of being a part of the 25th anniversary celebration day for CEF Bahamas! Dr. Willamae Miller, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and national director for CEF Bahamas was also celebrated on this historic day.

Child Evangelism Fellowship, from its beginning in 1937, has strongly had as its foundation a belief that the local people are who God intends to reach the local children. As CEF chapters were established around the world, our founder (Jesse Irvin Overholtzer) was quoted (paraphrased) as simply meeting a dynamic couple and telling them: “Every child needs to be reached in your country. God commands all throughout the Bible us to do that. So mobilize all the churches to reach the children!” Then Mr. O would go on to the next country. Obviously there was follow up and leadership afterward over the years, but our founder Mr. O was laser-focused on nationals being trained and equipped to reach their own nation’s children. I share that belief!

This was a short trip and very fruitful. I met up with Myron and Nita Tschetter in Charlotte and we flew together to Nassau, Bahamas. As most of you already know, Myron is the Regional Director for the North America/Caribbean region of CEF and therefore also my immediate supervisor. We were able to catch up and discuss the trip but also connect face-to-face regarding other countries in the area we serve as missionaries.

Upon arrival to Nassau, before anybody was allowed off the plane, I heard on the plane intercom: “Passenger Sean Miller is requested to present himself as soon as you depart the aircraft”! I was quite shocked and didn’t know what in the world was going on. 🙂 What a surprise that CEF Bahamas had arranged in advance an expedited police escort for myself and the Tschetters through the airport. Such an honor!

Even though the Bahamas is a large island nation, I had the surprise chance to see Mindy Seeley as she was picking up a team for the Adventure Learning Centre and Camp!

Tim and Mindy Seeley have become good friends over the years, I took many online classes with Tim at the Moody Bible Institute. Thankful for their faithful service in Nassau over the years as they served Him and now are back in the USA after many years living in Nassau.

We then met with Lisa and Kimberley at Outback for lunch/dinner (only reason I mention that is because even after 7+ years it is still so interesting to me that Nassau has an Outback Steakhouse!) to discuss face-to-face the weekend’s plans and schedule. Lisa is full-time with CEF Bahamas and Kimberley is a long-time volunteer with CEF Bahamas and national board member. Both are gifted CEF workers and I am thankful for their service!

Sunday was the main event, and it started with a special service at Abundant Life Bible Church. You can view the entire service at http://abundantlifebahamas.org/albc-live-stream/ and scroll down to click on the June 10th broadcast. Here are some pictures of the 25th anniversary service at CEF Bahamas!

Though there were many special government dignitaries present in the service, something very special was that Her Excellency the Governor General Dame Marquerite Pindling of the Bahamas was in attendance. It was an honor to be present with her in the service and share in presenting an appreciation plaque on behalf of the region of CEF to Dr. Willamae Miller for her legacy of faithfulness. She was awarded the rare title and privilege of being the “National Director Emeritus” for CEF Bahamas.

After the special church service at ALBC, we then were taken to the special appreciation dinner for Dr. Miller. It was well coordinated and the program was inspirational. I had the opportunity to speak about CEF, CEF Bahamas and the future and I was thankful for the time there at the event.

The next morning before our flight back to the USA we had a chance to have breakfast with many of the core group of CEF Bahamas, sharing both personally laughter and family stories and of course discussion of CEF. It is a joy to interact with the workers in the various countries that we serve, it is truly a family throughout the Caribbean. Yes these are all co-workers and the leaders I serve as the Area Director, but it is our region together and they are friends as well.

Something important as a mindset to remember: as missionaries, we don’t ‘minister to the Caribbean’. We minister by, with and alongside the Caribbean national workers and churches. We train, equip and support, “teaching others to train others also” is our mission.

By His grace we are seeing that happen, and you are a vital part of this ministry! Thank you for your prayers and faithful support!

“The children are Antigua & Barbuda’s most fragile natural resource” – This quote was shared to me by the Child Evangelism Fellowship national board chairman during my recent ministry trip. August 14-18, 2017, I (Sean) went to meet with the CEF national board and national staff there in Antigua. Fitzgerald Semper is the national director, and he has served as both board chairman and then national director when the Lord called him to serve full time with CEF.

 Fitzgerald Semper and me (Sean)

There has been a CEF ministry in Antigua & Barbuda for some time, but officially incorporated in late 2012.

They have ministry in a number of primary schools and preschools, and God has used the local chapter of CEF (nationally run) to help the local people reach over 1,800 children with the Gospel! These are children that are also being discipled in the Word of God.

August 28-29 they (CEF Antigua) will be holding CEF training here
at this church/school

Monday, August 14:

My plans began to change big time when my cell phone battery died that morning and I had to spend time (and money) I didn’t have getting a new battery installed before my flight. Because of weather delays, the flight to Charlotte was delayed over an hour and I missed my Miami flight by Only. Five. Minutes. I almost was placed on standby but thankfully was given a confirmed seat on the 10pm flight to Miami. Long story short, with the CLT weather I did not arrive at my Miami hotel until 4:30am. Only got 2 hours or so of sleep and it was off to catch my flight to Antigua.

Flew directly over St. Kitts! Saw so many familiar places from the air!

Tuesday, August 15:

Running on adrenaline, I had a thankfully uneventful flight to Antigua, where I met with Fitzgerald all afternoon, stopped by the CEF office and we said hello to Ianthe, the CEF office manager and teacher trainer. She is doing a great job!

Tuesday night we went to the church where we were to have a meeting with the national board. Unfortunately the key was in another vehicle, so ultimately the meeting did not begin until 8pm. It was a good, healthy discussion with the national board about the CEF ministry there in Antigua & Barbuda, developing a strategic plan of action and how to grow and develop a thriving national board and ministry.

Board development is a primary part of my missionary responsibilities, and these face-to-face times are vital as I interact with board members throughout the year.

Wednesday, August 16:

Wednesday I was able to spend the full day with Fitzgerald, as he had a number of errands to run. It was a privilege to see parts of Antigua I had never seen before, meet his mother, his mother-in-law, nephew and sisters. I have been friends with Fitzgerald for almost four years, but it was amazing to hear more about the history of Antigua & Barbuda, his upbringing, the culture and current state of the country. Fitzgerald has a deep heart for the children of Antigua & Barbuda, he said many times “I enjoy traveling to the USA and other places, but I love my country of Antigua and I love living in Antigua.”

He also stopped downtown at the local market where I picked up a bounty of local fruit that I missed!

A guinep!

Thursday, August 17:

Thursday we stopped by Fitzgerald’s church that he pastors (separate from him being a full-time national director for CEF)! I am thankful for local churches that reach the local community and faithfully teach the Gospel.

We also drove to his sister’s home, which is near where Fitzgerald grew up. I was able to see his stomping grounds and get a better appreciation for what local children experience there in Antigua.

The beautiful view from Fitzerald’s sister’s home of Antigua’s country area

Wax Apples/Plum Rose from their tree

My flight back to the USA was uneventful, but there was an hour & a half delay at JFK with the baggage that led to me arriving quite late to the hotel (past 11pm). Needless to say, I have been quite tired this week.

Friday, August 18.

Traveled back to Montgomery!

Was able to deliver these Teaching Children Effectively Level One
flannel figures for CEF Antigua to use as a backup when power outages occur
and the projector cannot be used.

Again, in partnership with The Gospel Coalition: International Outreach,
I was able to get a case of Tim Keller’s Galatians for You (an EXCELLENT book)
to give away to the leaders in Antigua!

A big thank you to Fitzgerald for being such a gracious and hospitable host, he opened up his home to let me stay there and I am grateful.

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Two VERY important things to understand:

1. This was an incredibly needed trip because as an Area Director it is vital to have face-to-face time with each of the national workers we serve at least once a year. In addition, it is important to have face-to-face time with national boards because instead of emailing or calling strangers I am speaking to friends, to co-laborers.

So much of what I do on a daily basis from Montgomery, AL is done via Skype, email, phone call, WhatsApp and other technological methods. But these things are limited. With a visit, even if it is short like this one, I can spend over three hours with the national board, and over 27 hours of discussion and conversation time with the national staff (which is what I did August 15-17). Visits like this are vital and help me assess better the current state of the CEF ministry and how I can best serve these national workers along with the regional team.

2. Spiritual warfare is extremely real and can be very much in your face at times. I experienced this heavily this week. This week I had the cell phone battery distraction Monday morning, the physical exhaustion from the many flight delays and severe lack of sleep on multiple days, I could not find my passport for almost five/ten minutes on Tuesday, our mortgage payment incorrectly posted twice to our bank account which caused me to spend over 30 minutes on the phone Wednesday (plus the emotional distress of what in the world we were going to do), the car back in Montgomery had the brakes go completely out, there was not a quorum of the national board because 3-4 members were sick, among other things. The enemy does not want the children of Antigua & Barbuda to be reached, and Satan will stop at nothing to distract, hinder or throw curve balls & roadblocks in your way. Everything is on the table for Satan. However, God is infinitely greater and infinitely more powerful! We saw His hand of providence & protection in countless ways this week.

This is why prayer is so important; please remember us as missionaries in your prayers!!! Also, pray for the local CEF staff of the countries we serve, and pray for the local volunteers who teach the children in Good News Clubs & 5-Day Clubs. Pray for their families. Pray for their health. Pray for favor in their travel and pray against the evil one that seeks to devour. Pray all of these things for us as well! Prayer is a vital way to partner in ministry with us as missionaries; so many battles in our ministry are deeply spiritual.

Pray for Fitzgerald, Ianthe, and the entire CEF Antigua & Barbuda family today!