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!
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