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!
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