Three Lessons from God

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Debbie

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Have you ever had plans fail and live to thank God they did? This is where God first began to teach us a lesson. Last year we purchased Christmas cards in the shape of a house to use this Christmas (you know… those great after-Christmas sales), we didn’t know at the time that we would soon be in out of our tiny dorm apartment. In our search for a home, we experienced several disappointing moments. All of the time, God was getting a place ready for us that would meet our every need! We almost settled for much less. Each day we praise God for our new home. We learned that God’s ways are higher than our ways!

Next, that’s the exact lesson we are teaching the children this Christmas through Child Evangelism Fellowship’s Christmas Party Outreach. When God promised to send His son, people did not expect a humble birth. They thought the Messiah would come as a king…God’s ways are higher than our ways!

Finally, God taught us this lesson again when by faith, we ordered ten Christmas party kits and prayed folks would host parties. We led three workshops and to our surprise, we sold twelve kits! As the lesson emphasizes, God’s ways are “awesome, extreme!” We praise God for the Christmas Party Outreaches that will happen throughout greater New Orleans (NOLA)! We praise God for you, we think you are awesome! You are extremely important in enabling us to train teachers and reach the children with the Good News of Christ throughout the year!


 

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Plan a Snow Fest for your Children

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Debbie

Snowboarding? Howcan New Orleans (NOLA) children relate to snowboarding? When I learned that Child Evangelism’s Fellowship Christmas Party Kit was a snowboarding story, I was disappointed but I had little choice, it was the only kit available for 2011. However, after looking over the material, the Lord inspired me with several ideas to bring the snow to NOLA!

Here are some ideas to bring a Snow Fest to your children:

First, order The Extreme Christmas Gift Party Kit from CEF Press at this link. At $10.99 it’s a bargain. Although the emphasis is Christmas, this lesson can be adapted for after Christmas too.

Next, plan to decorate using giant snowflakes. You can learn to make beautiful snowflakes with paper and scissors on this YouTube video, click here. (They are really easy to make!)

Snowy Snacks:  I recommend beignets (that’s a French donut loaded with powder sugar). All you need is inexpensive canned biscuits. Cut each biscuit in half and fry in hot oil (I use an electric skillet). When they float to the top, flip over and fry until golden brown. Remove from hot oil with a spatula and put in a bag filled with powder sugar. Shake well to cover donuts in powdered sugar. Serve with additional powdered sugar.

Drinks:  I served melted snow (7-up with crushed ice). If you have access to a sno-cone machine, serve sno-cones! (In New Orleans we call them sno-balls.)

Take-Home Treat: A great take-home treat is what I call “Dirty Snow” (our NOLA kids are familiar with “Dirty Rice”). Take large white marshmallows and dip one end in melted semi-sweet chocolate then roll in crushed graham crackers (it’s like a mini s’more). Place on wax paper to cool. Place several in a snack-size zip lock bag. (A super easy alternative is “Yummy-Snow” a mixture of large and small white marshmallow and M&M’s in a snack-size zip-lock bag).

Grand Finale: For the grand finale, end with a snowball fight! Take used Wal-Mart plastic bags, let the children ball them up tight in a ball. Before handing out the bags, explain that they will make snowballs by wadding up the bags in a tight ball, no throwing balls until you blow a whistle. When they hear the second whistle blow, it’s time to stop the fight and clean up the snow balls!

If you would like additional helps to enhance the CEF Press The Extreme Christmas Gift Party Kit, I’ve created a skit, game-ideas, lesson outline, and visuals. You may download the additional helps from me for a small donation of $5.00. Just contact me at phil.debbie@weecanknow.

Bibleway Missionary Baptist Christmas Party workshop


 

 

 

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He is God in Amite, LA

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Debbie

I couldn’t believe it! When we arrived to teach a full day seminar at Little Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Amite, LA, we discovered we left our projector, extension cord, and speakers at home. What could we do? The drive to New Orleans was over an hour. Phil jumped in the car and headed back to New Orleans but he didn’t need to drive far. Rev. Frank Davis found a church member that met our every need…including the notes that the Jolissaints left in New Orleans!

Satan appeared to be at work (or human weakness) but God moved mightily through your prayers. After the conference was all over, one student, Caryn Martin, shared this testimony:

“As Bertha Price taught regarding teaching children truths about God, I wrote in my notes the name of one of my favorite children’s song, “He is God” by Jana Alayra. I also shared with my friends sitting near me how I love Alayra’s music,” Caryn shared.

“Later in the afternoon”, Caryn continued, “Phil taught on teaching through music. When he handed out the Good News Club schedule, I was amazed, a suggested song on the schedule was ‘He is God.’ However, I wasn’t sure if it was Alayra’s song. Then, when you played one of Alayra’s songs, I gasped in surprise!” Caryn concluded, “God used that song and the events that day to confirm His will for me to teach the Bible club for the CHESS homeschool students.”

Students participate at Amite Seminar, Ora Smith (frt); (Back lft to rgt) Lori Smith, Rachel Filla, Don Jolissaint, Caryn Martin


 

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God Answered Prayer!

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Debbie

“The school representative gave the option of three schools, Nelson Elementary, Gentilly Terrace, and one additional school…” Chris Jolissaint explained.

“What?” I exclaimed, “Gentilly Terrace! That’s right beside our church!”

Phil and I knew this was answered prayer for an after school Good News Club (GNC) at Gentilly Terrace. We gladly offered our services to make it happen. We also knew that our pastor, Dr. Ken Taylor, and the Gentilly Baptist family would support the effort.

Chris immediately got the ball rolling contacting Dr. Taylor and the school authorities. We began to pray and contact needed volunteers. God did the rest!

As a result, Gentilly Baptist agreed to sponsor the club, the school authorities gave permission to start, and God provided three additional volunteers: Ada Arzu, Kelly Ruff, and Joy Tolbert.

The club is set to begin Monday, Oct 3, 3:50 – 5:00 p.m.

Thank you for your prayers. Would you like to be a prayer partner for this club? We could send you specific request each week. Contact me by e-mail, text, or phone if you are interested (504-400-4095).


 

 

 

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Hope for Haiti

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Debbie

When Phil learned he would go to Haiti, he contacted the Child Evangelism Fellowship National Director of Haiti, Adline Liberal Caméus, to see about children’s resources available. She responded saying his email put a smile on her face. Phil told her that we planned to bring 1,000 Gospel bracelets.

Adline told this story “Every time we teach children for the first time, we teach the Wordless Book. At a recent school ministry, counseled 16 children for salvation, of which four of them are Witchdoctor’s children and others from voodoo worshipers.  We gave the children Gospel bracelets donated by a women’s group from the U.S. The excited Principal was telling me this morning that since our visit, they gather the children every Friday for prayer. She is asking me for teacher training, for the teachers also attended the program and thought it was good and they want training through CEF.

The amazing part about it is that one of the children who received the bracelet, after she went home that day, the evil spirits that her mom serves “said” that their servant has done wrong to them, that she had betrayed them by sending the girl in a school in which they were not there! The spirits said the child came home with a bracelet that was giving them trouble, they cannot stay in the house since that day, and that they require that mom burn the bracelet. (The little girl did not let mom but even though the bracelet is torn up, the spirits still cannot get in the house when the girl is home. We know it is not the bracelet, but the Holy Spirit in the life of the child.) What a mighty God we serve!”

Adline concluded saying, “You may not realize how powerful these tools are, but us Haitian, living in Haiti and being on the mission field, facing spiritual warfare, we know that God is using them to make a difference in the life of many.”

Pray for the 3,000 Gospel tracts and 1,000 Gospel bracelets, that Phil brought to Haiti. Pray God will use them mightily for many to come to salvation. Give: We need donations to cover our expense of the material ($400) plus, our additional summer ministries (snacks, prizes, gas). Thank you for your generous gifts.

Peru children show their Gospel Bracelets- from Peru 2010

 

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Where’s the best place to fish?

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Debbie

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. Luke 5:5

In our April post, we shared how the Lord encouraged us regarding Ministry Partner Development (see Need Encouragement?) This past month one of our Ministry Partners, Bertha Price, invited us to assist her in a training meeting held by the Christians Ministry Union here in New Orleans, the emphasis was on evangelism and they asked Bertha to lead a workshop on child evangelism. Three things impressed us …

First, the leaders recognized the importance of the children at an evangelism conference (we’ve seen many conferences neglect child evangelism).

Next, our workshop overflowed with participants, indicating a desire for training in child evangelism.

Finally, when we united with others for the sermon challenge, the pastor exhorted the people to ‘launch out into the deep’. Where was the deep? The deep was reaching the children for Christ!

Through this conference, we found a place where we can ‘cast our nets’ for training and equipping others for children’s outreach and ministry partner development. Yes, The time is now to launch out for the children! Just as the disciples had to recruit others to help with the catch, we need your help with prayers, finances, and helping hands. Let’s launch out together!

It's time to launch out for the children!


 

 

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Invest Here for Great Dividends

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Debbie


 

The other day I was sharing with a children’s minister at a prominent church about our outreach programs and training seminars. I was surprised when his first question was, “How much is it going to cost?” I explained that our training fees are minimal and only to cover the cost of supplies. However my thought was, “What is the cost if we fail to reach out to this generation of children?”

Is there any better investment here on earth than in the souls of our boys and girls? What will happen to the majority of these children if we fail to invest now? Statistics tell us that after the age of 14 years old, only a few will come to know Christ as Savior. (See Barna Research.)

Will you pray about investing in the ministry of Wee Can Know to help us get out of the red? Our first quarter felt the economic woes and we need your investment today. We need 20 people who read this post to give $50. We were thrilled that our last email newsletter had 57% opens! Yet no one responded to the need to invest in the work. Please respond today. You can click here and it will take you to the North American Mission Board site, 100% of your gift will go to Wee Can Know. You can also send a check to Wee Can Know, PO Box 91184, Mobile, AL, 36691. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Your gift will enable us to share the good news of Christ this summer with children and train adults for outreach this fall. The doors are wide open for ministry! Your investment will help reach children and families for Christ.

Debbie investing in children at Orleans Apartments, Mobile

 

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Do You Need Encouragement?

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Debbie

“Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5

We’ve felt discouragement about the slowness of Ministry Partner Development. We are thankful for the encouragement God gives us. The other day when we felt as though we were making little progress, the Holy Spirit reminded us of Peter after he fished all night and caught nothing. Do you remember that story? Jesus told him to cast his net one more time and Peter caught plenty! So, we will continue in faith, trusting God for His timing and provision!

April is our third full month of Ministry Partner Development (MPD). In April, we made 153 calls; gave 12 presentations; and shared our vision with approximately 261 individuals.  A few individuals are praying about the possibility of joining our support team.

One part of MPD that we both enjoy is our contact with friends and new contacts in our database. We are amazed how many of our friends are in their 80’s and 90’s now and still actively involved in ministry. They are an inspiration to us!

Thank the Lord for encouragement that comes from Him and from His people!

 

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Two Special Words

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Debbie

I admire the teachers who have a sence of command about them. You know… the kind that the children immediately sit up straight for when they walk in the room. Unfortunately, I am not one of those teachers. Just this past Sunday one of my students asked me if I always smile. When a tense moment happens, I tend to have a nervous smile… not a good response when children are out of control.

However, I have learned two special words from parenting and teaching that bring calmness to a tense moment.

The first word is need: Instead of commanding, “Justin, sit here,” if I say, “Justin, I need you to sit here,” the atmosphere changes. Justin does not feel like I am demanding something from him but that he is helping me. (BYW, this word works great with husbands too!)

The other word is okay: This word also changes a moment from one where the child thinks he has no choice to one where he has a choice. Yes, the choice may be one to obey or not to obey; nevertheless, it is a choice. So instead of saying, “Justin, I need you to sit here,” I will say, “Justin I need you to sit here, okay?” (BTW: if you are a step-parent or a parent with a strong-willed child, this word really can bring harmony in those power-struggle moments.”

Just one more tip: When you use the two helpful words, make sure you use firm eye contact; this helps the child understand that you are serious.


 

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Boston in January, Part 2

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Debbie
 

Jonathan Edwards Church in Northamption, MA

Please read Part 1 (below) to fully understand this blog… thanks! 

Have you looked forward to personal plans only to have them disrupted by unexpected events? That’s what happened to our visit to New England plans. Phil wanted to take a driving tour of eight new England states; plus a visit to New York city. I wanted to take in some of the early American history in Boston and eat some good food. Yet, with five feet of snow and more coming, it just wasn’t the right time to take a walk along Freedom Trail or go for a road trip!

 Nevertheless, a friend in Springfield welcomed us to come, visit, and stay with her. Jennifer Turney Wade, a friend from our days with Child Evangelism Fellowship® of Alabama and her husband, Bruce, provided warm hospitality. They even took us on a small tour in which we visited the church where Jonathan Edwards preached and led the 1733 revival that was instrumental in the Great Awakening of 1739-1740.  After our visit with the Wades, Phil managed to squeeze in one brief trip, before we boarded the airplane for New Orleans; we traveled to Plymouth Rock and viewed the location the Pilgrims landed in hopes for religious freedom.

Wow! What a journey of faith. Not only did we attend a conference that would train us for Ministry Partner Development, we walked on the grounds where some of our great leaders of faith walked before us. We left encouraged that we are not alone in the battle of faith. If Luther Rice, Jonathan Edwards, and the Pilgrims could step out in faith and make a difference, we can do it too!

BTW, I got my Clam Chowder and Boston cream pie at the airport at Legal Sea Food! Also, we didn’t drive through eight of the New England states as Phil hoped but we did go through seven. We will save his plans for New York City for another time… 

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