The Gospel Parade

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Hello! Listen to the Story of the Beads and the Gospel Bead Song!

Here is a song that goes with the Gospel Bead Bracelet:

Learn the Gospel Bead Bracelet Song

Now Listen to the Story of the Beads by Mrs. Debbie

What is your favorite color? Comment below.

Here is the Gospel Fuzzie Song that goes with the Gospel Bracelet too!

The Gospel Parade Book: You can download Patti’s book great children’s story, The Gospel Parade, for under $10 here.

Free Download Gospel Bead Song Handout:

Posted in Bible Lessons, Children's Ministry, Color Page, Evangelism, Evangelistic, Seasonal Lessons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Overcoming Fear: Teaching Our Preschoolers about God’s Presence

October tends to bring out all the spooky themes, but for our little ones, it can be more than just pretend. It’s real fear. As parents, we know how easily our preschoolers can feel scared—whether it’s the dark, a storm, or just loud noises. But we also have the incredible opportunity to guide them through these fears by teaching them that God is always with them. Here’s how we can help.


Understanding Fear in Preschoolers

Let’s be real—preschoolers can be afraid of everything! The dark, thunderstorms, loud sounds, and even things like going to bed alone. And since they’re so young, they don’t always know how to express those fears clearly. They might act out, get clingy, or have trouble sleeping. But that’s where we, as parents, can step in to help.

It’s important to recognize their fears are real to them, even if they seem small to us. Have you noticed your little one suddenly getting nervous at night or jumping at loud noises? These are the moments when we can gently help them understand that they’re never alone because God is always with them.


Psalm 56:3 – A Verse to Calm Their Hearts

One of my favorite verses to teach during these times is Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” It’s simple enough for a preschooler to understand, but packed with meaning. Child Evangelism Fellowship even turned it into a song that we added motions to to help you help them remember it. I love repeating this verse with my kids, especially during moments when they feel anxious. It helps them understand that fear is normal, but we can trust God to be with us through it.

You could even make this verse part of your bedtime routine or say/sing it together when they feel scared. The more they hear it, the more they’ll begin to remember it when those feelings of fear creep in.


Practical Tips for Helping Your Preschooler Overcome Fear

Now let’s get into some practical ways you can support your preschooler when they’re feeling afraid.

  1. Modeling Calmness
    When those thunderstorms roll in or the power goes out, it’s natural for kids to freak out a bit. But our calm response can do wonders for them. They look to us for cues on how to react. When we stay calm, it reassures them that everything is okay, and we can even say something like, “God is with us, and He’s keeping us safe.” It’s a great opportunity to remind them of God’s presence. I love wrapping my children up in cozy blankets and hugging them really tight. We’ve coined it “comfy cozy” time and they love knowing they’re safe in my arms. Use this time to share that God is there keeping them safe too.
  2. Storytelling
    Another great way to teach your child about God’s protection is through storytelling. One of the many places you can see God’s protection modeled in Scripture is the story of Jesus calming the storm. It’s such a vivid reminder that even in scary situations, Jesus has everything under control. It’s amazing how much this story calms our kids when they feel afraid. CEF Press Little Kids Can Know God Through His Miracles includes this story with great visuals and additional tips. You can also create your own stories where God helps a little child overcome fear. Make it personal and relatable! Kids love hearing their parents make up stories! Enlist Dad on this one — my husband makes up the best stories that our children love and remember!
  3. Creating a Safe Space
    Bedtime can be a tricky time for preschoolers, especially if they’re afraid of the dark or being alone. Creating a comforting bedtime routine can work wonders for calming their fears. This could include reading a Bible story, saying prayers and singing together, and maybe even using a nightlight that reminds them that God is with them. You can say something like, “Let’s ask God to be with you tonight and help you feel brave,” right before bed. It reassures them and helps make the connection between faith and comfort. We love the song Jesus is Caring For You by Child Evangelism Fellowship. My children also love the calming scents of lavender. We use the Monster Sleep Spray from Jordan Essentials that calms and relaxes them, helping them fall asleep much faster.

Trusting God Together

Helping our preschoolers navigate their fears is an ongoing journey, but reminding them of God’s presence is one of the best gifts we can give. Every time we speak His promises to them, we’re building a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime.

I’d love to hear from you—how do you help your little ones deal with fear? Let’s share ideas and encourage one another as we walk this path of parenting together!

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Navajo Nation Day of Prayer

Join with us today praying for the Navajo Nation. Debbie chose to pray for the Navajo families.

Use can use this prayer guide for additional ways to pray.

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Give NOLA Day 2024 Business Sponsors

We thank the Lord for these business sponsors and their generosity.

Bay Auto Glass & Upholstery (Daphne, AL)

Bay Periodontics & Implants, Marc Millier, DDS, MS (Daphne & Mobile, AL)

Butch Cassidy’s Cafe (Mobile, AL)

David Dutton, CPA, 251-340-7345 (Mobile, AL)

Gethsemane Preschool (Chalmette, LA

Midtown Family Dental (Mobile, AL)

Ponstein’s Food Store, 3523 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA

Zick and Associates, Accounting & Tax Services (Mobile, AL)

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Wee Can Know and Mardi Gras Outreach

Recently, we received an anonymous letter from a concerned individual due to the WCK Mardi Gras outreach. We greatly appreciate this person’s concern about Wee Can Know and Mardi Gras.

First, I do want to reassure this person that we completely agree with them regarding participating in the celebration and the need to separate ourselves from drunkenness and revelry (Romans 13:13-14).

Considering this individual’s concern, we will no longer call the outreach, Mardi Gras. Instead, we will call it what it truly is, The Gospel Parade. Wee Can Know does not “take part in the celebration of Mardi Gras” we are not involved nor pay fees with any Mardi Gras Society.

We do not “adapt to the cult of other Gods” but we shine God’s light in the darkness. We want to expel the darkness with the truth of God’s Word. The Gospel Parade was inspired by the children’s book written by Patti McDonald, “The Gospel Parade.”

As we reflect on scripture, we think of Jesus love for sinners and his willingness to go where they live. To one group who questioned His actions, Jesus replied, “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick” (Luke 5:31). We also see Jesus love for sinners with the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears (Luke 7:36-50) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). While Jesus actions were questioned, Jesus intention was love for the sinner and their need for salvation. In Acts, we see Paul, at Mars Hill, he used the false gods as an object lesson to preach the Gospel (Acts 17:22-31). These are just a few references but there are many others.

Basically, the Gospel Parade happens early in the morning (5 am) before the first parade rolls. Adults and children are sitting and waiting in a family-friendly area (uptown New Orleans) for the first parade of the day (10:30 am). As they are waiting for the parade to roll, we share with them the story of Wordless Book using shoebox floats decorated to represent the meaning of the Wordless Book. We hand the children and adults a Wordless Book bracelet (the beads that tell His story) with a tract explaining the meaning of the colors. The packet also includes follow-up information. What a delight to see these children and adults reading the Gospel tract and wearing the Gospel bracelet after we pass on.

These children and parents along the parade route are individuals created in the image of God that Jesus bled and died for. Many of them are in darkness. They represent the “world” in John 3:16. It’s our desire to introduce them to the One True God and plants seeds that will bear eternal fruit. In New Orleans, the children make shoebox floats at their schools to represent themselves and the things they enjoy. We took that concept and the story from Patti’s book and created the Gospel shoebox floats.

By the time the Mardi Gras parade rolls, our volunteers pack up and go home. Believe me, it would be so much easier and convenient for us to take the day off and not “go.” However, God has called us to “go” and tell His story. What better place to go than where multitudes gather?

As we pray and seek God’s will regarding the Gospel Parade ministry, God continues to confirm His will for us to “go” and tell His story.  

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Posted in Evangelism, Missions, Modesty, The Gospel Parade, Uncategorized, Wordless Book | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wee Can Know Lagniappe’ Spring 2024

We made a couple of videos for our 20th Anniversary Zoom Fellowship that highlight our 20 years of service.

This 5 minute upbeat slideshow highlights the many aspects of our ministry over the years
This 3.5 minute joyful slideshow is packed full of favorite people and memories then and now
Debbie was featured in the March WMU Mission Mosaic Magazine, to her surprise!



This is a slideshow video of our two recent Gospel Parades! 

 

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CEF Press Jesus Gives Life & Hope Easter Lesson Overview

We love the easy- user friendly Easter Outreach Kit designed by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Below I’ve provided demonstrations of crafts, snacks, games, lesson, and songs.

Memory Verse song. Purchase Video just .99 cents @ CEFPress.com
Chris Jolissaint Demonstrates Jesus Gives Life and Hope
lesson Live. Order the full kit digital or flashcard @ CEFPress.com digital is just $2.49, order here.
Debbie Demonstrates the Silly Shepherd Lesson Review Game
CEF Press Song: Jesus is the great Good News is the theme song. Order at CEFPress.com Download the video or MP3 for just .99 cents.

The Greater New Orleans Good News Club volunteer, Vallerie, created these Bingo Cards for the recommended game. She created 22 different cards you can download right here for free! You will need to print an additional card to have calling cards.

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One Teacher – One Child

Do you ever wonder if sharing the Wordless Book to a group of children makes a difference?

Here is one of our CEF’s Teaching Children Effectively Level 1 students (Tim Floyd) father’s testimony.

Posted in Life's Lessons, Teacher Training, Testimonies, Uncategorized, Wordless Book | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Fall-o-ween Jesus 2023

What a blessing to partner with Pastor Trevor and Celebration Church (Arabi/Lower 9th Ward) once again for a neighborhood outreach.

This year we added colored lights to our Gospel Shoebox Floats!

We thank the Lord for volunteers: Mia and Mya Augustine, and Candy Campagna. We are grateful for those who helped bundle up our bracelets packs: Trudy Albarado, Mia and Mya Augustine, Cyndy Jones, and Liz McNabb. Also, Alfie Owens who hand-made 2200 bracelets.

This year we distributed almost 600 bracelet packs with a Gospel presentation on Palmisano Blvd, Chalmette and 144 bracelet packs with presentation at Jolly Kids Early Learning Center Fall Fest.

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Super Seminar this Saturday

Join us Saturday, August 19, for CEF’s Super Seminar.

Outstanding Topics from 9 am – 3 pm.

We will broadcast live on Wee Can Know’s Facebook Page.

Here’s the schedule:

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Always a Student

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139: 23-24

Sunday, after children’s church, I felt defeated. Even Though there were only five children, the class didn’t go as I planned. Whenever I have an issue or incident when teaching my class, I always reflect upon it. What did I do wrong, how can I manage it better next time? Some people view the children as the problem. However, in most cases, there’s things the teacher or parent can do to better manage the problem in the future. 

I examine if the incident was poor planning, issues in the environment, unmet needs in the children, or other circumstances? Sunday, the challenge was because of poor planning on my part. I was not prepared for an active 5-year old who came to class, and also, another new 5- year old who came to Children’s church. I had planned and prepared with older children in mine. Plus, I thought the upstairs A/C was working but it was too warm (environment). Along with other circumstances (unmet needs in the children)!

All of this created problems. At the end of church, I felt defeated and that I didn’t manage the class well. Looking back, I could see changes I need to make next time and also individuals I needed to apologize to (which I did).  What I’ve learned over the years, teaching and parenting is like a classroom. We can always learn, change, and improve. We will have “incidents” but we can always grow from them. If we point to the child, life circumstance or environment as the problem, we will become bitter and want to give up. 

We can thank God for allowing the “testing” in our lives to reveal our weaknesses and help us grow and mature. We can commit each day to Him and ask for His help and guidance along the way. He is the Good Shepherd and Divine Teaching Coach! 

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide me and teach me. Cleanse my heart from sinful and selfish ways. Fill me with your patience and love for the children in my life. May your joy be my strength. 

 In Jesus name I pray and believe, Amen. 

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