We hope to meet you at Sonrise 2013!

For more information about joining the project please contact Deborah Wedekind (deborahwedekind@hotmail.com ) and download the flyer (289 kB).

The book is a collection of prison memoirs written by CE minister Rev. Ferenc Visky who was imprisoned for his faith by the Romanian communist government during the 1950s. A Facebook page dedicated to his life and work can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/ferencvisky

For orders please contact Angela Lazar at angela_lazar@koinonia.ro .

The first edition of The Foolishness of God, published in 2010, sold almost 1,000 copies worldwide. The Orphans and the Raven, a book by Rev. Visky's wife, Julia, who was imprisoned in another part of the country than her husband, has also been read internationally in both English and in French. It is clear that around the world people are interested in and have been encouraged by the testimony of believers in Romania who suffered for their faith under communism.

In 1958, Ferenc Visky, a minister in the Hungarian Reformed Church in Romania, was sentenced to 22 years in prison on trumped up charges of sedition against the Communist regime. His wife and their seven children were also convicted and sent to a prison camp in another part of the country. Neither were places from which the inhabitants were supposed to emerge alive but after seven years, the entire family was released.

Although given the opportunity, Visky never left Romania for the West, but served as a minister virtually up until his death. After the Communist regime fell in 1989, he was one of the people involved in the founding of Koinónia Publishing and has of late, along with his wife, Júlia Visky, proved to be among Koinónia’s most popular authors. The Foolishness of God by Ferenc Visky, a collection of reminiscences from his years in prison, is Koinónia’s first publishing foray in English.

“In prison,” said Ferenc Visky, echoing Bonhoeffer, “I learned to laugh.” To laugh, and to hold on to God, wrestling with Him for a sign. In stories he would sometimes tell of his years in the Communist prisons of 1950’s Romania and of his friends there, especially Richard Wurmbrand, controversed minister as well in that era. “The madness of the world,” says the author, “including that of the [then] Soviet system, can only be dispelled by the foolishness of God.” In 2002, Ferenc Visky compiled a slim memoir, Fogoly vagyok (András Visky, editor, Fogoly vagyok [I am a Prisoner]. Cluj, Romania: Koinónia Publishing), of some of these stories and it is on that small volume that this English edition is based. Foolishness of God answers to the callings of a world that is still trying to come to terms with the multiple genocides of the twentieth century, and with 9/11 and its aftermath of fear and suspicion.

For orders please contact Angela Lazar at angela_lazar@koinonia.ro .

Teen Bash Last year C.E. Mid-Atlantic started an event with friendly competition and a brief message about using a person’s gifts and interests for God’s glory. This event, called Teen Bash, occurred for the second year in a row. It grew from four churches and about forty-five people to nine churches and over one hundred people. The dates are already set for 2014! Teen Bash is also about to go multi-site. Teen Bash will be happening in central Pennsylvania during the fall of 2013 as a group of C.E. churches want to have a Teen Bash in their area. Materials from the event have been put in a binder in order to help Teen Bash expand to more regions in the future.

Monthly Blog and Download A monthly blog and downloadable resource are being created to serve local church youth workers. This resource will begin going to interested people in May. Please send a message to mstrayer@cemidatlantic.org if you would like to receive this resource.

Hosting the World CE Executive Team My family had the pleasure of hosting the World CE Executive Team meetings in our home April 4-5. Team members stayed with host families in the Ephrata, Pennsylvania region of the USA. Ephrata is right in the middle of Amish Country. The Amish are people who choose to live without electricity and other modern conveniences. They are known for their craftsmanship, work ethic, and committed faith. The Team was able to complete its business on Friday before going to the famous Shady Maple buffet. The next day the Team traveled to experience a US Youth Worker Conference at Messiah College.

Over 100 volunteers are helping in the preparations, 5-6 churches take on food costs, and 90% of our speakers are attending on their own costs. The sound system is offered by a Transcarpathian presbiter. It is important to list these facts, because despite a lot of volunteer work and offerings, KRISZ lacks funds. It is sustained with grant applications provided by the Hungarian state, but these are uncertain sources. There's no support at all from the Ukrainian state. Unfortunately, grants are decreasing, and the economical situation of the Transcarpathian church, like the state’s economical situation, is far from being stable.

5000 euros are needed in order to be able to rent a suitable tent for 1600 people.

So there are volunteers, churches that help Dynamics, food is provided, but there are no funds for renting a tent or building a covered arena. Please consider KRISZ's needs and finance through Go Fund Me with Pay Pal, if possible:

http://www.gofundme.com/2q1uis

Registration: 
Download the flyer with detailed information and the registration form. Print the form, fill it, sign it and send it to your National CE Union or to Daniel Hoffmann, Schreppingshöhe 3, 45527 Hattingen, Germany BEFORE 15 JULY!

http://www.worldsceunion.org/files/connect_europe_registration_flyer.pdf

22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

We can’t live without sensing the influence of nowadays psychological and self-knowledge trends. The ‘be your self and you can do it!’ slogans got to be important to us. We get sad against our will, we consider that we are not smart or clever enough in a situation, we can’t accomplish things or we can’t be joyful the way that we imagined to be and we can’t be released like our co-workers, friends and brothers. These problems occur in our Christian communities too. The book of John ends with an interesting conversation. We meet a disciple who relies himself totally on Jesus when about self-knowledge: he defines himself as a person who is loved by Jesus and the people see him this way also. On the other hand there’s Peter, who receives a new calling from Jesus, but his curiosity diverts his attention from the task (‘follow me’) and he compares himself to John. Jesus intervenes: ‘I gave you a huge task, Peter, you don’t have time for other disciples’ business. Concentrate on one thing, let this be the fulfillment of your life: follow me!’ John and the disciples were probably affected by the myths spread about the disciple who would not die, mentioned mysteriously in Jesus’ teaching. The writer apologizes: Jesus didn’t say that John will not die, he said that his mission is hidden from the disciples. It’s important that Jesus would be in the center of attention. Do not take time, energy for analyzing other people’s life: even so, a life’s not long enough to understand everything about Jesus (verse 25).

MEDICAL CAMP, Venue: DHARIKATI, Date: May 6th 2013 Jointly Organized by North East India Christian Endeavour Union, Sonitpur Baptist Christian Association Sonitpur District CE Union & Dharikati Mising Baptist Church In collaboration with BALIPARA PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, Government of Assam, (India)

See some pictures about the plans...

Saturday started with a devotion, which was followed by a morning and an afternoon small group bible study on II. Timothy 2:22-26 and I Peter 1:13-25. We talked about aiming to the holy life, we deepened in dialogs and experienced growth by each other’s faith.

During the free time in the afternoon we were divided to 4 groups and had different ways to process the theme like esperente and pantomime.

The bible verses, discussions, happy and serious moments led me closer to the holy and living God, I could grow spiritually in this brotherhood.

Print the form, fill and sign it and sent it to your National CE Union or to Daniel Hoffmann, Schreppingshöhe 3, 45527 Hattingen, Germany.

Here is the flyer for download (pdf, 872 kB)

Download the lates issue in English. (570 kB)

Download the lates issue in German. (719 kB)

The event took place on 8-9 February in a retreat house in the South of Lima, district of Cieneguilla and was organized by the Synodical Commission of CE. We implemented our working plan through dialogue and participation. We had training workshops with the themes: Youth serving in emergency cases and Synodical Convention on 26-29 July - one of the most relevant activities of the annual program. As part of the tasks of the church we felt the need of a profound renewal, where we embrace service in the diversity and complementarity of the gifts, in the atmosphere of the community as Christ's body, being persistent in prayer like transforming agents of CE.

Andrés Jacobo, US native musician preached on the theme “Un tesoro en tu corazón” (A treasure in your heart). Many participants lives’ were touched through the sermons and also through funny challenges where their biblical know-how and dexterity were tested. From beginning to end, Jesus Christ was calling the heart of some attendees who finally received Him as their only Savior. Others had such experiences which impacted their personal lives that they decided to stay on the path of purity by living according to the Word of God: Loving the Lord our God with all the heart and with all the soul and with all the strength. It means we have to use all what we are to seek Him, to make a firm decision to not stray from His commands but to hide them in our heart in order to not to sin against Him (Psalm 119:9-11, Deuteronomy 6:5).

God demands an increasingly holy life, to be witnesses to the nations and to preach the Good News, so we must be consistent and congruent with the faith we have. What actually make these reunions unforgettable are the whole experiences that each young person keeps in heart at the end of it, just as making new friends from different places, learning bible content, growing up spiritually, and sharing all this with other youth of same age and belief.

We already look forward to the activities of this year and we hope to keep on growing spiritually in the name of The Lord.

…Till the next national activity!

Reading the prayer tasks of the different countries, what does it tell you about CE around the world?

We can specify some common and particular characteristics regarding the prayer requests. A common issue concerns the training of youth leaders. From local and national actions, to the events of the WCEU regions, CE people are trying to train youth leaders. The Connect Europe 2013 convention is a good example for such an initiative. There are also particular characteristics: CE in Scotland is looking for involving churches in the movement; in Romania concrete steps are taken towards teenagers; the many activities of CE in Germany calls our attention that December is the busiest month in collecting funds for ministry. We also learn that Christian Endeavor is in crisis in many countries, however, we are happy to hear about communities that persist and get stronger, the same way just as Gideon in the time of the Judges.

Which prayer task touched you most?

The little CE society’s prayer tasks, where God’s presence can be spotted in the movement. We join them in prayer, hoping that God will call the next generations to be instruments of God. Our time demands new Gideons, young men and women, to prepare soil for the gospel’s seeds.

Can you remember a prayer task that you prayed for and the answer came soon?

We prayed for the involvement of endeavorers in the Prayer Week and we could see that from 2012 to 2013 the participation became stronger. We hope that in 2014 there will be even more endeavorers praying.

How can you imagine a Prayer Week in which the different National Unions in the world meet, pray together and realize the dynamics suggested by the guide?

It would be impossible to meet for a whole week, but we could get together through Ustream or Livestream (online broadcasting). We could establish an appointment most convenient for everyone. It’s inevitably a sacrifice for some, because of the different time zones. For those who can’t participate, the video streaming would always be accessible. We have to continue promoting the Prayer Week by offering materials to be followed and by giving opportunity for endeavorers to bring in specific elements of each country or region. That way, we could strengthen our union; and even though we cannot be together in one place, we can be united in fellowship as CE in the world.

How did the Prayer Week influence CE in Latin America?

As I mentioned before, this year we have had more participation on the Prayer Week, although I have to note, that there is little global involvement of endeavorers from Latin America. However, in México, the denominational unions have scheduled and promoted Prayer Week. In Guatemala and Peru, a special activity was organized for February 2, CE day. In the last two years the organization of the Prayer Week has been developing.

'The Rising Sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace' (Luke 1.78-79)

Since more than a year our country is in a different situation.

I wonder, am I living in the same city (Aleppo), where a lot of tourists were visiting us just before two years, where there was no so called 'Arab Spring' at that time? During those 'golden' days, people were traveling without any obstacles or fears. The families were living in heated houses, with electricity, telephones, e-communications, medicines, water, bread, and the poorest person was able to live and survive. Plus, the city was night city and every person was going and coming without fear and the people were living peacefully.

As a church, during the week, we were having several activities. The Sunday morning Worship Service and the attendance were between 200-220 people. The Sunday School, 95-100 kids, attending every Sunday morning to worship the Lord. The Youth, 35-40 young people, meeting twice a week for Worship and Bible Study. The Ladies, 65-75 ladies, meeting once a week. The Young Couples, 34-38 couples, meeting once a month.

Let‘s remember, still there was no so called 'Arab Spring'.

Before two years, the so called 'Arab Spring' hit the country and before six month hit our city as well.

Now, the people of Aleppo are living without fuel for heating homes, no gas for cooking, no water, no electricity, no medicines, no doctors, no bread, and the prices of the daily necessities are five times more. Plus, after 4.00 pm the city looks like a ghost city, no one out of homes.

I wonder, is this the so called 'Arab Spring'? Or, this is 'Arab Winter (Freezing)'.

Before several days an eighty years old man phoned me and he was begging for ten liters of fuel to heat their room. He is crying for help. No bread, no electricity, no heat, no medicine and his wife is paralyzed in bed. He was saying: 'Please Pastor, help us and pray for us, we want to die.'

Another man, 66 years old, came to the church office asking for help: 'I lost my wife, because I didn’t find medicine. Now I am selling the equipments of my house, to survive. Please find me a way and send me to a place. Just to have a hot meal. Call one of the Embassies and tell them to obtain me a visa to go from this 'hell' that I am living. I am sure they will listen to you.'

I wonder, is this the 'democracy' of the so called 'Arab Spring'? Or, this is 'Arab Winter (Freezing)'.

A young mother who just gave birth to a baby, asking for bottled water and milk. Because of the stress, she is not able to feed her baby. No electricity to heat the water to prepare milk and no money to buy the milk.

Another seventy years old man, asking for help to pay the rent of the house and begging for some food to feed the family. Becaue since several months, no work and no income at all.

I wonder, is this the 'freedom' of the so called 'Arab Spring'? Or, this is 'Arab Winter (Freezing).'

This morning, another father, came to my office and asked: 'Pastor, do we deserve to live like this? No water to wash my face. No bread to eat, no electricity or fuel to heat the house. Are we living like human beings? Is this another kind of genocide? It is better not to live.'

Following our Lord’s commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself' (in Matthew 22). I have a lot of examples from the neighborhood, but I will mention only one.

By the way, all those of you who visited us, knows that we are living in the downtown of Aleppo, where our nearest neighbor is the Mosque (in fact, it is the nearest Church - Mosque in Aleppo, ten meters is the distance).

A man, from the neighborhood, in a desperate situation came and asked a loaf of bread to survive the whole day, while at the same time trying to get some help to feed his wife and his six kids who were living in the park.

Still I am wondering and asking, is this the so called 'Arab Spring'? Or, this is 'Arab Winter (Freezing)'.

During the Armenian Genocide, in 1915, my grandparents survived by God’s miracle and through the Arab people. When I was a kid, they were telling me their stories and their sufferings. Now, during these days, where I was obliged to be always at home, I was telling my two junior-kids (George and Vars) about my grandparents’ life style and how by God’s grace and miracle they survived. Therefore, with patience and by God’s grace, we too, will survive and have better days. After listening carefully, their comment, question was 'Are we living in the 21st century'?

But, always, thank God for the Oxygen.

Despite all these, our Shelter and Refuge is our LORD (Psalm 91). He is keeping us. Although, we are facing different types of difficulties, but HE is our HOPE. Thank God that every Sunday morning, 75-85 people are coming to Church for Worship Service and most of them by walk, challenging their life, to pray for the Prince of Peace to change people’s heart and mind in order that the human being to live peacefully with God and with each other. But, unfortunately, other Church services and activities are 'frozen'.

Christmas season is a season where the believers once more remember God’s presence with us, 'EMMANUEL', and at the same time families and friends are exchanging wishes and prayers. In this Christmas season where our people are struggling for survival and at the same time remembering and enjoying God’s miraculous presence, we are remembering you and your prayers for us. On behalf of my family and the congregation, I want to thank all of you for your supports, concerns and especially for your prayers through your e-mails, phone calls or messages. May the Prince of Peace fill your heart, mind and your daily life, with Joy, Hope, Love, Peace and blessed life. 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men' (Luke 2:14).

With best wishes and prayers, Rev.SeropMegerditchian (Pastor)

(the pictures are illustrating the article)

God is high and holy: this is what Christmas speaks us about. The Son of God left the high and holy place called heaven and came into our world. But look, His mother, a simple maiden from Judah had no influential spouse, who could arrange to be exempted of all the annoyance the census caused to them: of the long travel and lack of proper accommodation. No, He was not to be found in the “highest possible” place where the wise men looked for Him, in the royal palace of Herod. The experts of the “holy place”, the Temple of Jerusalem, were not excited enough about the fulfillment of the prophecies to join the wise men of the East in their search for the newborn king. What is more: whatever could have been considered “high and holy” in Jerusalem, seemed to be hostile to the One, who's heavenly dwelling place with all its highness and holiness was supposed to be mirrored in them. No, Jesus didn't come in this world to dwell in the safety and comfort this world could offer to him. The highness and holiness of the place He left was of a different kind.

The holiness and highness of God separates Him and even His Son (“a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens” - Hebrews 7:26) from sinners. Yet God in His love didn't suffer any more this separation. Indeed, He was the first “contrite”, His heart was broken first because of this separation. Christmas and all what follows of it, tells us, that God in Jesus became human, to end this separation of the holy God and fallen, sinful mankind.

He came into this world to reveal the real meaning of God's highness and holiness by dwelling with the “contrite and lowly in spirit”: with sinners, outcasts or people just considered unimportant. His “dwelling” with them made Him seem to be one of them, “a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (Mt 11:19), as His opponents liked to accuse Him. Becoming a man, a friend of sinners, Jesus humiliated himself. By this He conveyed to the people around Him this message: “You don't need to prove yourself 'high and holy' in order to be accepted by God. You may come as you are. If your heart is broken because of being separated from God by your sins, I came to separate you from sin and unite you with God again, lifting you up to the dignity of being His own child.”

Thus the cross of Jesus, foreshadowed by all His humiliation and suffering for which He became flesh, became the meeting point of God, The Most High and Holy and of sinful and needful people, then and now. The place of reviving the spirit of those who are oppressed, depressed, downtrodden by their own sins and faults and by hostile circumstances.

We are called to testify Christ's condescending holiness and love to this fallen world by words, conduct and our service to those, whose hearts are broken and whose spirit is low because of their separation from God. Let the power of His voluntary humility enable us to fulfill our calling.

Rev. Kálmán Adorján President WCEU

Rev. Andreas A. Rudolph General Secretary of WCEU

The 450 participants could practise different forms of prayer and experience the power of prayers. There were early morning prayer-groups, prayer-chain, prayer-walk, prayers for the CE activities on different continents, for the foreign mission in Nepal and Kenya. The main lectures were also about the parts of a prayer: praise, confessing sins, supplication, intercession and gratitude. Sunday the WCEU Board Members, who had simultaneously their annual board meeting in the Romanian CE headquarters, preached the gospel in five different churches of the town. Another major issue of the conference was the election of a new board. Romanian CE is facing big challenges and major developments. Last year the criteria for membership were redefined: Members can be those devoted to Christ, accepting the principles of CE, and committed for a delimited period (max 3 years, which can be renewed after expiration) to work regularly as volunteer, to do occasionally works, to pray for CE, or to support the work of CE financially. A larger board, formed of 5 seniors (above 35 y.) and 10 young adults (under 35, involved as organizer in youth conference, camps and other activities) was elected for a period of one year. The new president of CE Romania is Imola Grosz. The board will have a lot of meetings (team building, training, brain-storming, etc.) aiming at more involvement of youth. Through and with them a ‘younger-vision’, and strategies for youth mission and work shall be created. Next year the board will be elected from the younger group. The older leaders will form an advisory-board. It is the prayer and hope that with this plan more young people get involved in CE and take over the leadership and responsibilities.

Featured Prayer Tasks of the CE Prayer Week:

• Israel and Palestine. Considering the historical background and the actual political situation, we intercede that justice and peace would come to our brothers

• Endeavorers and activities of CE around the world, that God would use them in the near and far future, making the church and mission in the world fruitful

• Plans and projects of CE, that inspired by the gospel we would be encouraged to continue the mission for Christ: preaching, healing, reconcile, aiming for peace, unveiling the injustice, serving and helping our neighbors

• World's Convention 2014

Other Tasks:

Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Guyana

• for ways to reach youth and for initiatives to involve them

India

• for ways and means to encourage the many local groups and connect them for paid traveling secretaries

Korea

• give thanks for the missionaries over the world, that they may be able to adapt to the culture of the people they are living with

Syria

• for protection in the civil war and for boldness to practise the love of Christ in the climate of hate and fear

Nigeria

• Christian Endeavor Seminar in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for pastors and leaders with A. Rudolph and Dr. Adeosun (Dec. 14 - 16) sisters and for wise leaders with all parties involved in the conflict

USA

• fruitful leadership training programs, increasing numbers of churches introducing CE

The World Christian Endeavor Union’s board met this year 27-30 September in Targu- Mures, Romania, while also the Romanian CE Union had its Annual General Meeting. Trustees came together from Korea, India, Hungary, Germany, United States of America, Mexico and Romania to discuss among others the Volunteer Program, Youth Representation in the Board and CE Manual. VP for Europe, Thomas Kröck presented a draft for the Volunteer Program and he suggested that every union participating appoints responsible person willing to attend in order to facilitate the application procedure.

Last year’s visioning groups continued to be active this year, initiating a long discussion about the participation of youth in the Board, which resulted in the decision to have one youth representative at the Council Meetings from every National Union. After a long and thorough period of research, Andreas A. Rudolph, General Secretary of WCEU presented the CE Manual to the board which is a helpful guide about the organization’s functioning. It was decided to have a WCEU App in 2013 including the Mobile Devotions project and will be available for free on Apple Inc.’s AppStore and possibly others.

It was agreed that the next board meeting will be held in Korea, the location of the 2014 CE World’s Convention. Sunday, the last day of the meeting, several Board Members were invited to preach in different churches of Targu-Mures about giving thanks. You can get an insight of the sermons:

Rev. Eliseo Vilchez- Blancas, México

Isaiah 35.

As we are being thankful for little things day by day, we should also give thanks for God’s enormous deeds in our life, those events which we don’t realize, because we think that they are our merit.

Rev. Adorján Kálmán, Romania

Colossians 4: 2

Heavy thoughts, troubles wake us up at night. But what if all of a sudden we would be waken up by the thought of being thankful? Thanksgiving should keep us awake. Thanksgiving is not just a way of prayer, but Paul says, thanksgiving should be a foundation and that we have to be steady in prayer. Our life’s refrain has to be thanksgiving. Are we thankful for each other?

Rev. Daniel Hoffmann, Germany

Joshua 4, 1-9

The Israelites showed a lifestyle which honors God by thanking visibly: Glorifying praise! Praise is more than singing a lot of songs one after the other - praise is giving thanks too and hence giving thanks is a lifestyle honoring God. This thought was picked up by Paul in the New Testament. He writes to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:18) the following challenge: ‘... give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.’

Rev. Surendra Sahu, India

Exodus 15-16.

We read about the Israelites in the desert, complaining about lack of water (Exodus 15). They forgot that the Lord, who set free his people from Egypt and led them through the ocean, is able to provide water for them to drink. Therefore, they grumbled against Moises and asked: ‘What will we drink?’ The Lord heard their cries and provided them water from 12 springs under the 70 palm trees in Elim. He provided them water out of the rock. Than people started to grumble for food (Exodus 16). Manna was given them by the Lord which was a food their fathers have never known. When the people got food, they complained about lack of spices etc. They were never satisfied and thankful for what they got.

by Harry Wedekind, Netherlands, Trustee, World's Christian Endeavor Board

When I was in primary school ages ago, my teacher started with a Bible story every morning. She was a good storyteller; we were fascinated, especially when she told us about Samson, that knave! He was our hero: strong, big, a tough guy, a border breaker, who sometimes did what was forbidden by law. How many of us recognize ourselves in Samson?

When I was a grown up, a father already, I was in confirmation class and our pastor, a great narrator, showed us a different viewing point: Samson as a symbol for the Messiah.

Maybe you didn’t expect the Advent editorial about this rough fellow as you wait for the advent of the Messiah, but read this chapters of the Judges and try to see the parallels to the verses of Luke 1, 26 vv. The angel of the Lord, His messenger, appears with a similar message in almost the same words as Mary heard from the angel Gabriel. The proclaimed son gets a name: Samson, “He who is like the sun” (shemesh in Hebrew). He gets a task for his people, even before he was born: to deliver his people from the enemy, like our Lord Jesus Christ delivers us from our big Enemy and from our sins. Samson, this rough guy, is a man full of love, love that wasn’t responded by the other side. Jesus waits for us, full of love. We just have to respond to his love, to his act of love at the cross.

Samson was one of a kind, not average. These verses show us that our Lord uses all different kind of people to bring us the message of deliverance. Samson, the ‘sunny boy’, was born in a period of darkness in Israel. These days we may remind that Jesus came into this world as the Light on our path! Let’s follow Him and say “Yes my Lord, I will follow!”

The first meeting (October 18) has been arranged jointly by West Bengal State and Sikkim State CE Union at Kalimpong. Leaders and endeavourers of West Bengal and Sikkim state CE Union were there for a time of fellowship and interaction. Next day a short visit to Bhubaneswar followed. Right after arriving from the airport we were taken to church, where leaders and endeavourers of different distict CE Unions of Orissa State CE Union were present. Both in Kalimpong and Bhubaneswar I delivered a short message of encouragement.

The National Convention of CEiI in Visakhapatnam was a special experience for me. It was an opportunity for me to have a glance both into the spirituality of CE and into the culture, in which it lives. My task was to lead two Bible studies based on Romans 12, from which the main theme of the Conference “Renewing of the Mind” was taken. Meeting representatives and leaders at the convention went in a rather informal way. It was good to learn that the General Meeting of CEiI, meant a big step in the process of the strengthening of the unity within CEiI.

An important moment of the Convention was the installation of the newly elected office bearers. At this moment I could convey greetings on behalf of WCEU, and reiterate the position of WCEU regarding the representation of CE from the various regions of India, having each 2 seats in the WCEU Council. The only matter that needs further clarification is the number of the Regional Unions in India.

The Convention was followed by a series of events with South Tamil State CE Union in Nagercoil, October 27: a visit to Jehovah Nagar village, (former project of the German CE Union rehabilitation of the "dalit" Christians); Diocesan CE Leaders' Meeting; CE Youth Programme.

It was good to celebrate Holy Communion and share the word of God in the Home Church of CSI in Nagercoil, on Sunday morning, and to rejoice together with CE groups in the evening of the same day, in Kattuvilai village church. It was a joy to meet so many endeavorers. I cherished the fellowship with them, I enjoyed their hospitality and love, and I am glad I could hear also about their service, their concerns and joys.

It would be too long to enlist the names of all those, tho whom I would like to express my gratitude for the heartily welcome and Christian fellowship, especially to those, who planned and helped carrying out this trip. Therefor I ask all the Brothers and Sisters I met in CEiI to accept my greetings and gratitude, wishing that many would come to the know Jesus as the Samaritans did and confessed: “we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

is now available at Connect Europe 2013

On Saturday CE leaders from Romania, Hungary, Netherlands and Germany met to prepare the European youth leaders meeting "Connect Europe". A lot of good ideas were shared.
More information: Connect Europe 2013

During my visit in Korea both groups had their convention. An estimated 300 'Hap-dong' Endeavorers met in the Kolon Sport Hotel near Gyeongju, an ancient Korean capital in the Southeast for the 87th Summer Assembly. Participants (age-group 20 - 50) enjoyed fellowship almost around the clock. The inaugural meeting started around 2 pm with a ceremonial entry of the speakers and the group of past presidents. This is a peculiar body in the Korean CE and seems to be the backbone of the Korean CE. Most of them being businessmen KCEU is run quite effective, project and goal oriented. The President of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church was the first speaker. The evening program - again mainly sermons - went on until 11 pm. After that many participants spend time with friends, some of them half the night. The wake up call next morning made sure everybody was awake when a convention steward came knocking the door, inviting for the morning devotion at 6 am. Most of this day was reserved for recreational activities so I could go with WCEU Vice president Elder Ko to pay a short visit to the 23rd convention of the 'kosin' CE.

Mr. Hyunsoo Lim, KCEU President, Andreas A. Rudolph and Mr. Ko Tong un

About 150 youth had met in the Kosin University in Busan. I gave the same message which I had preached the day before to the 'Hap-dong' CE and Elder Ko Tong-un invited all to participate in the 2014 World's CE Convention. Back in Gyeongju the evening program had bible studies, the witness of a famous Korean singer and a powerful band accompanying contemporary praise songs - everything in Korean of course. The next morning (Saturday) began again with devotions at 6 am. After that breakfast checkout from the rooms and 9 am the final session. (Everybody was expected to be home for church on Sunday!) But it took some time until all the good byes had been waved and all the photographs 'to remember' had been taken. To get most out of the time everything was done fast and disciplined. Still everybody enjoyed!

New-Zealand delegates

The church with the adjacent buildings, located in the center of the town, close to the harbor was ideal for the convention with about 70 participants (mainly from Hawaii). The local CE did a great job as host and was involved with serving meals, organizing the meetings and singing and dancing. Speakers came from the US, Pennsylvania and Hawaii, Solomon Islands, and Germany. Their messages dealt with the convention theme 'Let Jesus shine' and beautifully complemented each other. CE Hawaii demonstrated in the workshops their Leadership Training Event (LTE), a well organized training program for young endeavorers taught by volunteers who themselves went through the LTE and found to be gifted for teaching.

Daniel Hoffmann, WCEU Trustee speaking at the meeting

The representatives of CE in Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Hawaii met one afternoon to discuss about the WCEU Vice President from their Region from 2014 onwards, about the delegates from their unions to the WCEU council and about the place for the next Regional Meeting in 2016. Highlights of the meeting were a talent show, the Sunrise Service on Sunday and a very moving Closing Assembly with the Holy Communion. We missed Endeavorers from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Samoa and American Samoa.

WCEU President Kalman Adorjan joined us for several days at the beginning of the week and was part of our CE Mid-Atlantic board meeting Tuesday afternoon. During that time, youth groups were given the opportunity to serve others at several different sites across Lancaster County. Four work camp weeks were also provided through C.E. Mid-Atlantic's Life Builders program. Youth groups did repair work on homes damaged from flooding last year in the Pine Grove, PA area.

The most exciting news is that two churches have decided to start using Christian Endeavor as their youth discipleship process this fall. This is the first fruit experienced from the CE Mid- Atlantic's CE Rebirth campaign.

Durch die Urlaubszeit hat es sich verzögert, aber jetzt steht der aktuelle Rundbrief auch auf Deutsch zur Verfügung. Als pdf-Datei (460 kB) zum Downlaod unter "Service ". Vielen Dank an Christina und Desire Böttner für die Übersetzung und Anna Visky für das Layout.

The North Tamil State CE Convention was held end of July at a retreat centre in Yercaud, a hill station near Salem. Over 140 participants from different places and different age groups took active part. The Conference Theme “Live like Lord Jesus Christ” was addressed by Mr. Jeyaraj, Ex-BYM missionary, Rev. Theobald Vasikaran and Dr. P. Sethu, Director of Indienhilfe. The meeting, singing and devotions were meaningful. The participants experienced a good time of fellowship and sharing. Keeping to the tradition, the CE flag was raised at the inaugural function on 20th evening. (by P.Sethu)

The lunch for the youth was cooked by several reformed Communities. In the afternoon a few seminars took place (Replanning Marriage, Be a man! - just for boys, Repentance, Creation or Evolution) and there were some tents for presentations.

The program ended with a concert (Eucharist Ensemble). We are all thankful for this day!

In June the German CE Sports Championship was conducted in Baunatal near Kassel. 27 teams competed in football and volleyball and also participated in an evangelistic programme on Saturday night and a worship service on Sunday morning. You can find nore photos at http://www.facebook.com/ecjugend

Theme: Replanning Life

Location: Piliscsaba (near Budapest)

Information: Richárd Berényi, (berenyi.richard@ce-union.hu)

Bishop John Pessima, Advisor CE Sierra Leone

President Rev. Emmanuel S. Farma; VP Albert Trye; Secretary General Rev. Sorie B. Kamanda; Ass. Secr. General Pastor Samuel K. Karama (from right to left), leaders of the new CE union in Sierra Leone.

Faith UB Church, Lumley, Freetown, where the seminar was held

Delegation from Liberia with A. Rudolph

all who attended

You can read the WCEU Newsletter 2012/2 here.

Reported by Beáta Lőrincz, Philothea Klub

You can read the WCEU Newsletter 2012/2 [here](http://www.worldsceunion.org/files/newsletter_2012-2_reduced.pdf.

Maybe we all need to LET GO of our wants, desires, fears, hang-ups, whatever, and LET GOD.

God bless.

You can read the WCEU Newsletter 2012/2 here.

According to WCEU Vice-President Eliseo Vílchez-Blancas there is another group of CE societies in Mexico beside the UNSEC (Unión Nacional de Sociedades de Esfuerzo Cristiano). In the conservative Presbyterian Church (Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Conservadora de México) are CE societies who had a convention in April in the town of Tabasco. The far bigger union UNSEC grew at their 31st convention last year by two new area unions. They have now 20 area unions.

Leadership election in Peru

At their general assembly in Huancavelica, 19-22 April, the Peruvian Endeavorers changed the directiva (board) and the name of the National Union. The former UNDEC (Union Nacional de Esfuerzo Cristiano) is now active under the name DENEC (Departamento Nacional de Esfuerzos Cristianos). Presidenta for the next three years is Mercedez Pizarro Chamorro from Chosica, Lima. VP is Rómulo Huamani, Secretaria Liliana Raza, and treasurer Ezequiel Meneses.

Information by E. Vilchez-Blancas, VP Americas

You can read the whole WCEU newsletter 2012/2 here.

WCEU-VP Eliseo Vílchez-Blancas with the president of USECPN (Unión de Sociedades de Esfuerzo Cristiano del Presbiterio Nacional), two students who write their thesis about CE in Mexico, and Ibzán Campirán, Foreign Relations Committee.

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.