The Juniors started the day (28th April, 2012) with juice and cake and later games, craft and a Treasure Hunt in the nearby park. The adults met meanwhile for the Annual General Meeting.

The ‘Gathering’ at 2:30 pm was when young and old, and those in between, gathered to worship together. Six bronze badges and certificates and one silver for the Scottish Award Scheme were presented to Juniors. Two girls gained over 95% in the Bible exam on Peter and were awarded special certificates. The Robert Hunter Memorial plaque was won by Heather McLellan for gaining the highest mark in the Peter exam. During the programme Rev Jim Miller laid down the presidential chain which will now be worn by the new Scottish President of CE, Mrs Irene May.

“Regeneration” was the theme of the day and Ian Paget spoke about the changes the young king Josiah made as he reformed worship, revived prayer, restored the word and renewed the covenant. Bible episodes illustrating these elements were mimed by the Juniors and, just like the game of charades, the congregation had to guess which story it was! The Juniors made pictorial notes of this teaching as it went along and the adults undoubtedly benefited from the illustrations too.

The Gathering was closed with the Mizpah benediction: “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.” It is good to know CE is moving on!

Please let us know the date, place and theme of your next convention. It is also good to inform about your next Annual General Meeting and/or forthcoming elections if any. Please report names of the new office bearers and what they have in mind to do. We appreciate reports about conventions, conferences, seminars, and projects as well, but would like to remind you that space is limited and your articles should not exceed about 500 words. If it is far bigger we reserve the right to abridge the text. Put the most important facts (who, where, when, what, how, etc.) in the first sentences of your article. And remember to write just after the event. We try to publish in each issue news from the last three months before only. It is our plan to publish the WCEUnews in February, May, August and November. We would like to have your contribution at the beginning of the resp. month.

Make use of the opportunity to let know Christian Endeavorers worldwide about the activities in your CE!

May God bless your ministry!

Today's youth encounters a lot of influences, but least of all answers from Christianity which would reflect God's Kingdom. In the midst of all these impulses it seems unlikely to live a worthy life with definite purposes and even if there is a need for it, seems impossible to find a good way. The trends that we follow blindly or unconsciously make us disorientated and unstable. Vertical Conference 2012 looks for solutions to avoid purposeless life-style, offering answers from the Bible and proclaiming God's love.

God blessed this time with good discussions, fellowship with the local CE people and progress in our ministry as the CE movement.

Retrieved from a report by Mr. Ko Tong-un, WCEU Vice-President

The purpose of “Pray21™“ is to help young leaders recognize and respond to God's call on their life and releases their potential to serve in his kingdom. During the three-week period, adults and youth pray together for youth to find their place in the cause of Jesus Christ. God is opening doors for CEI to distribute this tool via ministry partnerships, via print, online, and smart phone app versions throughout many nations. The entire 21 Series™ (pray, study, serve, share, and live) will be complete by the end of 2013. It will be incorporated into a global web-based resource entitled, Youth Taking Action ( youthtakingaction.org).

If you would like to learn more about the free tools from CEI, please contact admin@christianendeavor.com.

By Tim Eldred, President CEI

by Dave Coryell, Executive Director, CE mid-Atlantic, USA

From March 16th to 18th the „denk-mal“ congress took place in Marburg, Germany. The training event for ministry with children and juniors was organized by the German CE in cooperation with the Gnadau Fellowship Movement (www.gnadauer.de) and attended by almost 500 participants.
Major topics were “faith@family” and social-missionary work. The congress encouraged for the ministry with children which is often taken for granted and showed appreciation to those involved in it. It was a great event and we hope that it will be repeated in two years.

The council also elected new members to the board. Mr Gerald Pauly retired as president after 11 years of service. Mr Hartmut Kämpfer was elected as new president and Ms Gesine Westhäuser as vice president.

Photos of the council meeting are available at http://www.facebook.com/ecjugend

From 22-23th January the Romanian CE organized a youth forum and invited some of the Christian Youth Organizations for discussing possibilities of cooperation in this new year. Participants came from different CE districts (Oradea, Targu-Mures, Cluj-Napoca). Two leaders represented Romanian YMCA and we had some students from the Protestant Seminary. We talked about plans, dreams and common problems we have in youth mission. Finally we discovered ways we could work and learn together in the future.

After the CE Prayer Week we organized a Marriage Week, together with three other Christian organizations. February 8th we had a marriage evening at Cluj-Napoca. Five different Christian couples had been invited to talk about their marriage. There were more than 80 participants, students, families, married and unmarried couples. God blessed this evening through the honest, familiar and cheerful atmosphere which made everyone feel good and think about the value of marriage.

300 people sat with me listening to Johannes Warth, absorbing every single word of this 'encourager by profession'. Very soon relaxed and happy faces could be seen around. From time to time people burst out laughing. The speaker really raised our spirits. How true what he discovered on a T-shirt: ‘When God created me he wanted to show off!” Yes, when God creating mankind ”it was very good.” Even so a lot of people feel unloved and suffer from inferiority complexes.

This year’s SOS Conference on January 21st and 22nd had the motto: “Let nobody lose heart“. In ministry with children and youth we encounter a lot of discouragement. One third of German students suffer from depression and stress. We meet children and youth suffering from drug problems, self-harming behavior, mobbing, and relationship problems. It’s great when they encounter encouragement, and their quiet cry for help is heard and attended to.
The almost fully booked conference showed how big a demand for competent training is out there. Through evaluation sheets and conversations the participants told us how useful the seminars and how competent the speakers are.

Somehow I found myself in a workshop on 'doubt'. But maybe it was not just by chance. The workshop was booked out very fast. Some people came for themselves, others came because the theme was interesting for their work with youth. I learned that an authentic faith includes doubt. Talking to others I sense the relief that one can discuss this problem without being looked at as a heretic. One thought from the Sunday sermon on Rev. 1, 1-18 by Rudolf Westerheide, Theological Director of the German CE, stuck with me: “The influence of Jesus on our ministry is more powerful than our failure. Do not fear failure. God has the last word.
SOS was an encouragement for encourager. In 2013 there will be the 9th SOS conference.

Jörg Maushake, German CE

The adults of the tiny CE in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA, decided to pray for youth around the world, for CE ministry and for those who cannot serve Christ openly. Additionally each one choose one of their churches young people as a "GRAND child" to pray for on a daily basis and to continue to do so throughout 2012. (reported by Lynn McKnight, member of CE in Mid-Atlantic)

Romania

We joined the CE Prayer Week based on the booklet published by WCEU. From evening to evening the interest was growing in our community. Usually 30-35 people participated, but 70 people came together on Wednesday evening. Every occasion was introduced by a member of a present family, they read the bible verse and the meditation, as well as the prayer tasks from around the world. Than we discussed our community’s prayer items and finally personal requests were added. We started our prayer in groups of 10 people, to be able to pray for more tasks through short prayers. (Attila Gáspár, CE member Zilah)

I was amazed how the whole world could meet for a week by prayer. Just imagine how far we live from each other, we don't even know each other, and still: we can communicate, we can meet, get closer, unite. Not by internet, skype or messenger, but by carrying each other's problems, sorrow, joy and praying by faith. As I imagined lots of people worldwide praying for one goal, believing in one God, I knew God will listen to us, and give further blessings in everyone’s work and in CE Union's life. (Júlia Nagy, CE member, Cluj-Napoca)

India

Madhya Pradesh (North India): Dr. N.K Boro, representative of CE in India, reports that 2nd Feb 2012 World CE day was celebrated in the city of Jabalpur. Around 100 students attended the event.

Odisha (Orissa) CE Union (East India C.E Union):- 2nd Feb 2012, World CE day was celebrated in the city of Bhubaneswar by the local CE society. The cities Khariapada and Kambarkia Kandhamal celebrated on 5th Feb 2012. 200 students and church leaders attended the event. Mr. Jacob Pradhan, President Odisha state CE society and myself hoisted the CE flag and delivered Lord's message. (Reported by Purna Nanda Pradhan, General Secretary, CE in India)

A mobile devotions and bible study app for all Christians who like to strengthen their relationship with God and their bible knowledge. It is based on an English translation of the daily devotions of the German CE.

• Explanations and inspiring thoughts for a daily biblical text
• Note pad functionality for your personal insights
• List of Scriptures
• Price: 5 USD

Search for „mobile devotions 2012“

The group of about 15 people meet regularly in Eindhoven. Dauda Vallie is leading the group, who comes originally from Sierra Leone, where he got acquainted with CE, but he has lived from many years now in the Netherlands with his family. He was a good friend of the late Philip Johnson. We hope and pray that this work, currently led by African immigrants, may be blessed by God.

This past summer was full of what I like to call “blessons,” experiences which are both blessings and lessons. Last spring, I had thought God was leading me towards an internship in Colorado. All the pieces were falling into place and I had even gotten to the final round of interviews. I was certain that it was where God wanted me. Then I was told that organization wanted to put an older student in that position and I should apply again next year. I was disappointed and confused. Had I misinterpreted God’s directions? I was also concerned; it was already March and I had no summer job lined up. Then God dropped an opportunity into my lap that I couldn’t resist: being a Summer Staff Member with Life Builders in Pulaski, Virginia.

I frequently told campers, this summer, that I had the best staff job there was, and I really think I did. My main function was to video record and take pictures of the work everyone was doing at all the different worksites and then edit the clips into a video for the nightly program. I loved getting to see everyone enjoying each other’s company, laughing while they worked hard in service of the community and the Lord. I was also privileged in that I got to show the big picture. Through the nightly videos, campers get to see more than their own individual worksites. It was really neat to see the whole scope of what our organization was doing for the town.

People teased me about having “the easy job” because I didn’t have to do all the physical labor (although I did when I had time off!) The truth is that the job was difficult and trying at times. The technology equipment didn’t always cooperate, emergencies came up, and sometimes it was difficult to get the video and PowerPoints for the worship band and the speakers together in time. It was a great learning experience for me. I went in a perfectionist and a worrier. I came out with the relaxing realization that I’m only human, but with the assurance that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 3:14

God also blessed me with some wonderful new relationships. The other two summer staff (Paige Fronheiser and Tim Seese) were gifts from God. They are amazing people, leaders, servants of God, friends—friends with whom I hope always to remain as close as we are now. I also met some inspired (and inspiring) church leaders and some incredible young people from other youth groups across the region. I’m so glad God “disappointed” me back in March. I learned many important lessons this summer in Virginia that I am applying in my life. I got to be a blessing to the Pulaski community and the Life Builders campers and staff, and I was also richly blessed by God through them.

Dave Coryell, representative of CE Mid-Atlantic, prepared a visioning session on the basis of the bible verse:

'Where there is no vision, the people perish.' Proverb 29:18.

The visioning session started with a task: members of the board had to compose an article about WCEU in 10 years. Later they enhanced the ideas and set 40 goals for WCEU, of which the most popular were:

1. Bible College CE module - 11 votes
2. Traveling secretary for each region -11 votes
3. Training leaders to lead local youth - 11 votes
4. Youth parliament on national/international levels - 10 votes
5. Strengthen volunteer program - 8 votes
6. Training/mentoring CE national leaders - 8 votes
7. Develop effective youth communication - 8 votes
8. Gathering around the gospel - 7 votes
9. Founding - 6 votes
10. Expansion of the internet - 6 votes
11. Birthing and rebirthing national unions - 5 votes
12. Publicize - 5 votes

It was decided that the 2014 World Convention will be held in South Korea between 15-18. July.

The International Prayer Week will be organized by:

2012, January 30 - February 4. - Romania-Hungary

2013- Peru

2014- Ireland

Connect Europe will be organized in 2013 between August 1-4. in Hattingen, Germany.

2012, September 27 - October 1. - Board of Trustees Meeting will be in Romania.

by Christian Mempel

Again, following the tradition of the last 6 years, a number of German endeavorers invaded Portaferry, a small town in Northern Ireland. This time the ‘raid’ was organized by „Jumpers“, a network of projects caring for youth in socially difficult conditions. Purpose of our mission was supporting churches and especially the young CE society. Ready for action and full of plans we got down to work. We had a great time especially during the GalaWeek, 16-22 July (the big Portaferry fair), where we had plenty of opportunities to share our faith and beliefs. We experienced how God acts in Portaferry, how he moulds lives, and that he used our presence to do it.

To learn about the state of CE in India (CEiI) A. Rudolph visited three areas with strong CE presence and met mainly regional leaders. The Indian CE - one of the oldest national unions - is challenged by its great diversity of languages, cultures, churches and the vast distances of the sub-continent. There are no full-time workers in CEiI. In South India A. Rudolph met the Youth Coordinators of the CSI Diocese Nagercoil, representing 500 CE groups. In Madras he met the CEiI Bhubaneshwar, attended a district CE conference. In North-East India, an area partly entirely Christian, A. Rudolph could meet with some members of the regional board for personal conversation. CEiI thrives where individuals whole heartedly work for Christ and His church. Lack of national coordination and strategies for the future cripple CE in India.

Nepal

CE-Kathmandu, Nepal organised a one day Youth Seminar on 21 August in Aashish Presbyterian Church. Established Christian specialists presented useful information on the subjects of Responsibilities of the Christian Youth, The Generation Gap, Worship and Music and Substance Abuse. Over 50 youth and teenagers attended the event. Secretary of CE-Nepal presented a report on the activities of CE-Nepal and Rev. Andreas Rudolph gave an introduction of WCEU. The Programme was conceived and designed by Coordinator of CE - Kathmandu and conducted by Treasurer of CE-Nepal.

Report by Dr. M. Bhattarai, President Nepal CE Union

CE is in Nepal since 1993. The National Union was formed 1998. There are about 40 societies mainly in the Eastern Region of Nepal. About 500 youth are now members of CE in the poverty stricken country which was a Hindu kingdom until 2008.

The international camp conducted in July by the Hungarian CE turned out to be small, but fine. Twelve young people from Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Hungary paricipated and enjoyed the program and the fellowship. In the mornings they studied the letter to the Philippians letter and in the afternoons they had different programs. They were in Visegrad and rode bobsleds, had a garden party and went to the beach Dorog. At night they shard testimonies and also had a movie night. The participants enjoyed the camp and decided to come back next year. As the date was too early this summer, the next camp will be organised in August.

CE Mid-Atlantic organizes a tour to the convention. For more information contact: Dr. David Coryell, Executive Director Christian Endeavor Mid-Atlantic P.O. Box 190, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 610-369-0207, dcoryell@cemidatlantic.org

From June 15 to 21 Rev. Andreas Rudolph, General Secretary of WCEU, visited Ivory Coast and conducted a seminar on CE basics. About 30 participants (mainly pastors) attended the program in Abidjan. It was organized by Madame Clementine Konan N'Goran, the president of Effort Chretien de Côte d'Ivoire, and was conducted in French. Bible Studies were based on Romans 12. In the course of discussing CE A. Rudolph made it clear, that WCEU is not a funding organization, but encourages young people to serve Jesus Christ and minister in their local churches. It seems necessary to modify the original CE youth ministry for better integration in the African culture, so that also African youth and African churches will benefit from the invigorating effects of CE.

In 1957 young people in a local CE society in Cologne, Germany saw the responsibiliy to do something to help poor people in need. Otherwise, they felt, that they would not be true Christians. This local initiative grew and in 1961 became the seed of EC-Indienhilfe, the Social-Missionary Service of the German Christian Endeavour Union (CE). As Dr. P. Sethu, the director of the Indienhilfe Trust in Bangalore, India, estimates, this ministry has supported about 35.000 people in need in India and Nepal. To this can be added a few thousand people in Brazil, Micronesia, Eastern Europe and other countries. The silver jubilee of Social-Missionary Service was celebrated from May 27 to 29 in the CE Centre in Woltersdorf near Berlin. About 80 friends of the ministry and representatives of the church participated and considered the humble beginnings and today’s challenges. The Social-Missionary Service plans to provide more training opportunities of the children and youth in its care, to improve the infrastructure of the hostels, give more support to its staff and develop new projects without hostel accommodation. In order to reach those goals more support with donations and sponsorships is needed. In India the jubilee will be celebrated from 13th to 15th August 1011 in Bishop Heber College, Trichy. Representatives from all major projects and friends from Germany are expected to participate. More information about Social-Missionary Service is available in the Internet at www.ec-sma.de (in German).

On May 6-8, 2011 more than 500 young people gathered for this year’s FÜGGŐleges (Vertical) youth conference in Cluj (Romania). A promo (http://www.fuggoleges.ro/index.php/site/index/56) was produced by young people from the region.The majority of the participants were of 17-19 of age and gathered especially from Romania, but we had guests from Hungary, Ukraine and Germany, too.
The main speaker Rev. Jozsef Csomos jr. from Hungary spoke about ‘Sex is good’ and ‘Destroying Christian myths’. There were also 15 minutes presentations about topics related to sex. Besides lectures and group discussions participants could enjoy themselves during sport, entertaining and leisure time activities (including free hug in the city and flash mob in one of the local malls). Young couple were also interviewed and gave their testimony.
Before the end of the conference participants joined the local Sunday morning service. This was very special for the local congregation, too, because of the youthful decorations in the church and the hot topic of sexuality addressed from the pulpit.

In the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi a CE society was started in July 2007 by two women and five men. Now they are 36 (still growing) who praise God, serve their neighbor and proclaim the gospel. If means allow they offer food and soap to widows, orphans, prisoners, etc and additionally milk to HIV people. Their vision is to reach young men preparing and equipping them in God’s ministries to serve in the camp and in their home countries Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CE on the Island of Manus (Papua New Guinea) celebrated its Golden Jubilee during their yearly Youth Camp at Lugos Mission Station near provincial capital Lorengau from January 9th to 15th. Almost 1000 youth and older friends of CE attended the convention. A. Rudolph, General Secretary WCEU, was the main speaker. The theme, based on 1.Tim.2:4, was: “The power of mission is the truth and salvation.” The program with bible study time, and a lot of opportunities to sing also provided opportunities for the local societies to present meaningful sketches or another small programs. The government donated a boat which is meant to make contact between the different CE societies easier. The final day saw the whole camp marching to the market place where a public rally was held inviting people to Christ.

In the “Julia Home” young people, who don’t have families that can take care of them. The children need support for their school work and counselling. The older youth are now getting vocational training in the CE “Onesimus programme”.
The “Happy Hearts Club” is a regular programme with 15-20 (sometimes up to 40) teenagers attending. They watch movies, play quiz in groups, do handicrafts and discuss topics such as: Who or what can influence our lives? How can we organize our holidays? How can we make good decisions? The leaders are happy to see that God is opening the hearts of the teens. There is also a Youth Bible Study Group with generally 30 young people taking part.

The CE Union is also running programmes for elderly people. By the “Granny Programme”, lonely old people are visited once or twice a month. By the home care programme „Naomi’s Smile“ more than 60 old people are regularly visited and cared for. The same number of elderly people attend the “Elisabeth Club”. They share their problems and joys and bring the spiritual seeds in their own families. The Easter celebration was attended by about 150 people.
Another programme is the “Winter Help” for poor families. During the winter month more than 250 families are given financial support and are invited to a monthly meeting.

From April 1st to 3rd the Executive Committee of WCEU met in Grove City, PA, USA. Due to visa and other problems only five members from USA, India and Germany were able to attend. In partucular the Saturday was a long day with many topics discussed. A major point was the future work of the World's Union. We want to put more efforts in providing training materials to the National CE Unions and to improve cooperation in the regions. The committee discussed how to share responsibilities and plans to follow up in a Skype conference. It was a good meeting. Praise the Lord!

The Hungarian CE Union invites young people from other CE Unions to its international youth camp in Piliscsaba (northwest of Budapest). The cost of the camp is 100 euro including accommodation, food and airport transfer. Member of all European CEs are welcome. More information and on-line registration will soon be available at www.ce-union.hu

Christian Endeavor was founded February 2, 1881. To celebrate the 130th Anniversary, Christian Endeavor Mid-Atlantic is holding a “2Contest” on the 2nd of each month.

How do you enter?

• Become a ‘ChristianEndeavor MidAtlantic’ facebook friend (www.facebook.com/cemidatlantic).
• On the 2nd of each month submit a picture of yourself wearing a Christian Endeavor item. Be creative and appropriate. Each month a new photo must be entered; duplicates will be ineligible for the contest.
• Go to facebook.com/cemidatlantic and in “Share:” click “Photo” and upload your photo.

All entries are to be uploaded no later than 11:59 PM on the 2nd of each month. The winner will be chosen by one of Christian Endeavor Mid-Atlantic’s staff. The winner’s name will be posted on Christian Endeavor Mid-Atlantic’s wall in the following few days. The winner will receive a $15 iTunes gift card.

The 97th Irish National Christian Endeavour Convention will be held on 16th - 17th September, 2011 in Dungannon Presbyterian Church.

The Convention Committee are particularly pleased that the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Revd. Dr. Stafford Carson has agreed to be the main Speaker. In 1991 he fulfilled a similar role at the 77th Convention in Carnmoney. His theme will be, “R U 4 REAL”?

Over the weekend all ages will be catered for with a varied and interesting programme of events.Delegates are expected from throughout Ireland and further afield. Everyone will be made most welcome.