2015 CYIA Handbook

Child Evangelism Fellowship

of North Dakota, Inc.

Northwest Chapter

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Dear student and parents,

Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) is an exciting and challenging program! Through it, you will be stretched as you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children.

CYIA involves a lot of people—students, parents, staff, volunteers. So, it’s important that everyone has the information they need. This handbook is an easy-to-find, one-place-to-go resource for the most important information about CYIA.

We hope this handbook will be helpful to you.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. (Our contact info is on the back cover.)

For Jesus Christ and the children,

The Staff of CEF of ND, Northwest Chapter

All marks and registered marks in this document are the property of Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc.

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Child Evangelism Fellowship of ND, Inc.

Northwest Chapter

www.nwchapter.com

Staff Heather Deckert Ministries Coordinator (701) 721-6047 heather@nwchapter.com Best contact for:

general questions

application process

CYIA Training Camp info

work schedules and work assignment info

Ben Vinje Chapter Director (701) 340-4999 ben@nwchapter.com Best contact for:

feedback about CYIA program

discussing personal matters about your child

Mail CEF of ND, NW Chapter PO Box 3579 Minot ND 58702

Facebook CEF of ND + NW Chapter (click “like” to subscribe)

Camps CYIA Training c/o Mt. Carmel Camp 6301 5th Ave N Towner ND 58788 (701) 728-6951 Camp Good News c/o Camp Bentley Drake ND 58736

(701) 465-3736

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Applications Due ····································································· April 21

Pre-Training (choose one) ··········································· April 25, May 9

CYIA Training Camp ······························································ June 8-16

Prayer and Fund Raising Letter Deadline ································· June 22 ······················································· (Letters must be mailed by this date)

Camp Good News, Week 1 (“Williston week”)

Staff Orientation—July 25, Camp Session—July 26-July 31

Camp Good News, Week 2 (“Minot week”)

Staff Orientation—August 1, Camp Session—August 2-7

Camp Good News, Week 3 (“Greater North Dakota week”)

Staff Orientation—August 8, Camp Session—August 9 -14

For a full schedule, including all summer ministries, please see the work schedule in the CYIA application.

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New in 20150.—For returning students ............................... 4

About CEF and CYIA ............................................................ 5

Application ......................................................................... 7

Pre-Training .................................................................. 8

Training Camp .................................................................. 9

Summer Ministries

5-Day Club ........................................... 11

Fair Ministry ........................................ 13

Camp Good News ................................ 14

Lighting Hope ...................................... 16

Good News Across America .................. 18

Work Schedule ................................................................ 20

Ministry Partners .............................................................. 21

Fund Raising ................................................................ 22

Training Camp Scholarship ................................................ 25

Lodging, Transportation, Meals ......................................... 27

Packing Lists ................................................................ 29

Camp Information ............................................................ 32

Representing Jesus Christ (Code of Conduct) .................... 34

For Parents/Guardians ...................................................... 37

Meet the Staff ................................................................ 41

Important Dates ............................................................... 43

Contact Information ............................................ Back cover

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Most of the information in this handbook is the same as years past. Here’s what’s new:

Online Applications

This year, we will have online applications available for the first. The online application will be up in early spring. Let us know what you think about this new way to apply to CYIA!

Updated information on Good News Across

America and Lighting Hope

Check out pages 16—18!

New for 2015

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Ben Vinje, Chapter Director

Ben began serving with CEF as a CYIA student in 2003. He has served full-time with CEF since 2008. Ben oversees the chapter’s ministry, focusing on administration and training. Ben is a graduate of Northwestern College (MN) and the Children’s Ministries Institute. He enjoys being a brother,

son, and uncle.

Heather Deckert, Ministries Coordinator

Heather, a Tabor College (Kansas) graduate, began her work with CEF as a CYIA student. During her college years, she served on our summer staff. In the fall of 2011, she joined the full-time staff as the ministries coordinator. Her main summer-time roles include scheduling 5-Day Clubs and coordinating CYIAers’ work

schedules.

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Lodging and Meals

Students should pack sack lunches for meal breaks.

When staying away from home:

CEF will arrange students’ lodging and meals.

Students will stay in the homes of trusted, screened, Christian adult volunteers.

Students will be housed in groups of 2 or more CYIAers of the same gender.

Safety and well-being The Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF®) USA Child Protection Policy states, “Even when ministry to children is not taking place, an additional adult or minor must be present when two workers are together and one is a minor, unless the minor’s parent or guardian has signed a waiver.”

In addition to the national policy, it is the policy of CEF of ND, NW Chapter that a CYIA student is never alone in the company of a fellow minor or adult of the opposite gender. Exceptions to this policy may only be granted in an absolutely unavoidable circumstance and only with the permission of the chapter director and the student’s parent/legal guardian.

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What is CEF? CEF, or Child Evangelism Fellowship, is the world’s largest Christian mission to children. CEF exists to evangelize children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to establish them in God’s Word and a local church for continued Christian living.

Learn more about CEF

Locally: www.nwchapter.com Worldwide: www.cefonline.com

What is CYIA? Christian Youth in Action, or CYIA, is a program of CEF. CYIA trains and sends teens to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children.

Learn more about CYIA

www.nwchapter.com (Click “CYIA”)

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What is the purpose of CYIA? CYIA is an opportunity for teens like you to serve as summer missionaries by sharing the Good News of Jesus with kids right here in North Dakota.

Through training and summer ministries, students learn how to effectively evangelize children. They also get to participate in an intentional spiritual formation program, which gives them an opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ and become more like Him.

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Transportation

CYIA students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from all program sites. (For program-specific information, see the box below).

When CEF provides transportation, a staff member, screened adult volunteer, or trusted, older student will drive.

Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the following programs.

CYIA Training Camp Camp Good News Fair Ministry

5-Day Clubs: Students are responsible for their transportation to and from a central meeting place each day. CEF will provide transportation in between the meeting place and clubs.

Home stays: If students’ work requires them to stay away from home, they may be asked to arrange their own transportation to and from the town they will be working in. (For example, a Bottineau student assigned to work in Minot may need to provide his own ride to and from Minot.) CEF will arrange transportation throughout their stay.

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Supervision

CEF supervises CYIA students while they participate in CEF’s programs. (For program specific information, please see the box below.)

CEF can not supervise students during any other time.

Students are supervised by CEF staff and carefully screened adult volunteers. CEF supervises students during the following programs:

CYIA Training Camp

5-Day Clubs: During the Sunday night meeting, and daily shifts, Monday-Friday.

Fair Ministry: During shifts. Please note: CEF can not be responsible for students who are on the fairgrounds during any other time.

Camp Good News: Throughout camp. Please note: CEF can not be responsible for students when they are off of the camp property.

Lighting Hope: Throughout the ministry week.

Home stays: If students’ work requires them to stay away from home, they will be supervised throughout their entire stay.

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How do I apply? All students interested in serving with CYIA complete a two-step application process.

1. Complete and submit an application form

Visit www.nwchapter.com/cyia/apply to

Download and print a paper form

Request a form in the mail

Apply online (online applications will be available in spring)

2. Meet with CEF staff

Whenever possible, CEF staff meet informally with first-time applicants and their parents/guardians. This helps us get to know you and your family better.

When will I know if I will serve in CYIA? After we have reviewed your application form, we will contact you. Whenever possible, this happens within 2-3 weeks of receiving your application form.

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What happens at Pre-Training? You’ll meet other CYIA students and the CEF staff. And you’ll learn more about your summer ahead.

You will also learn how to share the message of salvation through the Wordless Book. The Wordless Book is a simple Gospel-sharing tool that you will use throughout the summer. You’ll want to know how to use it before you arrive at Training Camp.

Multiple sessions are held during the spring. You are required to attend one session.

At a one-day event in the spring, you’ll learn the basics needed for the summer ahead and you’ll meet other students serving in CYIA.

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Parents/guardians: You are an important part of the CYIA team! Please review this section so that you are aware of the policies we have in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your student.

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We are responsible to our local CEF staff in regard to our work assignments. We won’t work in another chapter without the permission of our local director.

We’ll strive to do our best

In order to serve as a summer missionary, we must complete all assignments at training. You will not be allowed to work as a summer missionary until all assigned work is satisfactorily completed.

The CEF staff reserves the right to approach you on any of these issues, keeping in mind that the goal for this program is to equip you to effectively minister to children and to grow in your Christian faith. Misconduct and/or violations of these expectations may result in suspension from the CYIA program after proper counseling by the staff.

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What happens at Training Camp? At Training Camp, we will focus on two things: ministry skills development and spiritual development.

Ministry Skills Development

You’ll learn how to evangelize and disciple kids, focusing on 5-Day Clubs and Fair Ministries. A big part of that is learning how to share the message of salvation. You will also learn how to teach Biblical truths through songs, memory verses, stories, games and face painting.

At the beginning of summer, all CYIA students complete a 9-day training camp. We like to call it “Christian boot camp.” It will help prepare your heart and head for a summer of ministry to kids!

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Spiritual Development

You will also be challenged in your own walk with Christ. Daily activities include morning chapels, Spiritual Development Sessions (SDS), and evening devotionals (or “devos”).

A lot of time is spent studying God’s Word, worshiping, and praying. Each year, a large part of one day is set aside for a special focus on prayer. During this time, you will get to spend alone time with God, as well as praying and worshiping with fellow students.

Once you have successfully completed Training Camp, you may serve as a missionary in our summer ministries.

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Our bodies: The use of drugs and alcohol is strictly forbidden. If I struggle with any form of self-injury (such as an eating disorder or cutting), I will seek immediate counsel from CEF staff and other trusted adults.

We’ll respect other people

We will be on time for all classes, meals, duties, and activities.

We will consider others when using electronic devices. We will not use electronic devices (such as iPods and phones) during training or 5-Day Clubs, fair ministries, and Camp Good News.

We will remain above reproach in our relationships with others. In order to maintain high standards of Christian conduct, we will not meet alone with a person of the opposite gender unless we are in clear public view.

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As a CYIAer, you represent Jesus Christ while teaching kids about Him! As His representatives, we commit to the following.

We’ll seek and honor God

We will maintain active prayer and devotional lives. Daily quiet time with God is essential to our effectiveness, passion, and testimony in ministry.

We will honor God with our bodies, both in the way we dress and in the way we treat our bodies.

Clothing: The way we present ourselves to children and others impacts our effectiveness at sharing the Gospel. We will dress modestly and in good taste. The following types of apparel are not acceptable:

“short shorts”

pants that reveal underwear or appear too tight

shirts that reveal midriff

spaghetti strap tops

anything bearing inappropriate advertisements or logos.

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Backyards. Parks. Daycares. You can teach 5-Day Clubs in any of these locations, inviting the neighborhood kids to hear about Jesus. A Club is a one-and-a-half hour class that meets for five consecutive days. It includes exciting activities like games, songs and lessons. Kids have fun learning with you as their teacher!

5-Day Clubs

Your role: Teacher

You will help lead the club meeting. You might teach a Bible lesson, a song, a review game, or another exciting part of the club!

Time commitment: 1 shift, usually 6 hours per day. During 5-Day Clubs, you will prepare for, teach, and travel in-between clubs. Usually, you will teach 2-3 clubs per day.

Please Note: If you sign up for a 5-Day Club week, you must be available to work the entire week. Whenever possible, please do not schedule anything that would conflict with teaching 5-Day Clubs (such as a doctor’s appointment, baseball game, etc.).

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5-Day Clubs (continued) Typical 5-Day Club Schedule

* Times vary. All activities are required unless otherwise announced.

SUNDAY

Evening Orientation meeting

Inviting kids to clubs

MONDAY—FRIDAY

* Students work one shift each day for the whole week.

SHIFT 1 Activity

Morning Gather at central meeting place Club #1

Noon Meal break

Afternoon Clubs #2 and #3 Return to meeting place

SHIFT 2 Activity

Afternoon Gather at central meeting place

Clubs #1 and #2

Early evening Meal break

Evening Club #3 Return to central meeting place

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Directions

Camp Good News is held at Camp Bentley, about 50 miles southeast of Minot along US Hwy 52.

From the west (Minot): Follow Hwy 52 toward Velva. Continue on this road through Voltaire and Balfour. Camp is 4 miles before Drake, on the right (south) side of the road.

Phone (701) 465-3736

Mailing Address

Camp Good News, c/o Camp Bentley, Drake ND 58736

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Directions

Training Camp is held at Mt Carmel Camp, about 35 miles east of Minot, just north of US Hwy 2.

From the west (Minot): Take US Highway 2 east. Five miles east of Granville, as you come to mile marker 177, you will see a red and white sign for Mt Carmel Camp on the north side of the highway. Turn north and drive approximately 2.5 miles. The camp entrance will be on your left.

Phone (701) 728-6951

Mailing Address

CYIA Training, c/o Mt. Carmel Camp, 6301 5th Ave N, Towner ND 58788

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Fair Ministry

Your role: Face painter or game leader

Time commitment: 1-2 shifts, usually 4-8 hours per day CYIAers work up to two shifts each day. Each shift is about 4 hours. You do not have to be available every day of the fair. Simply choose the shifts you’d like to work.

Whether it’s at Williston’s Upper Missouri Valley Fair or the State Fair in Minot, our fair ministry tent brims with children. Here, you have the chance to tell the story of Jesus, using face painting and carnival games.

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Camp Good News

Your role: Camp staff member

CYIA students serve in a variety of roles at camp.

Some of the possible roles include the following:

Counselor-in-Training (CIT): Younger students are invited to participate in the CIT program. CIT sessions meet each week of camp. Students may attend one session.

Counselor: Counselors watch over a cabin of campers. Counselors are selected based on their level of commitment through the summer, years of CYIA experience, and level of maturity.

(See the next page.)

Camp Good News meets during the warm days of August. It’s a place where kids can have fun in the outdoors as they are taught from the Bible! Camp highlights include boating, swimming, chapel, and camp food...but the best part is getting to know the kids and demonstrating God’s love to them.

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Camp Good News □ Bible

□ Notebook □ Pens/pencils □ Pillow/bedding (sleeping bag or sheets/blankets) □ Extra blanket □ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.) □ Towels/washcloths □ Clothing for warm to hot temperatures (Camp is held in early August, which usually has warm, dry weather in the 80s and 90s)

□ A few pieces of clothing for cooler, rainy weather (like a jacket and jeans)

□ Modest swimsuit (men: trunk style; women: one piece) □ Flip flops (for the water front) □ Spending money for canteen □ Mosquito/tick repellant □ Sunscreen

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5-Day Clubs □ Bible □ Mosquito/tick repellant □ Pens/pencils □ Sunscreen □ Curriculum bag (make sure it has all of the pieces, like Bible lesson and missionary story visuals, verse visuals, etc.)

□ Water bottle □ Name tag

Fair Ministry □ Bible □ Wordless Wristband

□ Spending money for personal expenses (like fair food!) □ Mosquito/tick repellant □ Sunscreen □ Water bottle □ Name tag If staying away from home for clubs or fairs: □ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.) □ Clothing for a range of weather warm to hot temperatures (Some days can be hot and dry; others may be cool and rainy.) □ CYIA t-shirt □ Spending money for personal expenses

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Camp Good News (continued)

Time commitment: 1 week per camp session

Each camp session lasts 6 days, beginning with a staff orientation meeting on Saturday evening. Camp ends the following Friday afternoon. Depending on your availability, role at camp, and staffing needs, you may work one or more weeks of camp.

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Lighting Hope

Your role: Servant and Teacher

A typical Lighting Hope ministry starts at a powwow and ends with a 5-Day Club. This allows you to start to build relationships and trust with the children and their families before the club starts!

Since the Lighting Hope Ministry consists of two parts, you serve in two roles.

Servant: During the powwow, your job will be to serve coffee and water to those attending. You will also help pick up trash from around the grounds as a service to the community.

Teacher: The week after the powwow, you will teach 5-Day Clubs in the same town or close to where the powwow was held.

Ideally, we would like to see you serve in both roles during a Lighting Hope Ministry, but if necessary, it may be possible to serve in only one role.

(See the next page.)

Lighting Hope is a new CEF ministry that reaches children on North Dakota’s Reservations. The first Lighting Hope event was held in Dunseith in August 2013.

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Training Camp □ Bible

□ Notebook □ Pens/pencils □ Balance of your registration fee □ Ministry team rosters (already completed)

□ Pillow/bedding (sleeping bag or sheets/blankets) □ Extra blanket □ Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.) □ Towels/washcloths □ Clothing for all temperatures (CYIA Training weather tends to range from cool and rainy to warm and dry) □ At least 2 pairs of shoes (in case of wet ground) □ Casual dress clothes (for picture day, practice club, and Commissioning Service) □ Spending money for canteen □ Water bottle □ Mosquito/tick repellant □ Sunscreen □ Phone card (if needed)

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If I work away from home, where will I stay?

If you work away from your hometown, CEF will arrange your housing and meals. You’ll stay with trusted, Christian adults. We always assign at least two students of the same gender to each host.

Many hosts are families of current and former CYIAers; others are trusted, long-time friends of CEF staff. All hosts have been thoroughly screened and have cleared a criminal background check.

Will I need any spending money?

Personal purchases (like snacks) are your responsibility. It’s a good idea to have money on hand for 2-3 meals.

When will I eat? What will I eat?

If you work during a meal time, you’ll have a meal break.

When you stay at home, we ask that you pack a sack lunch.

When you stay away from home, most meals will be provided by volunteers and home-stay hosts.

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Lighting Hope (continued)

Time commitment: 1 weekend (4 days) for the powwow, plus 1 week of 5-Day Clubs

This year, the Little Shell Powwow starts on Friday and ends on Sunday. Inviting for the 5-Day Clubs will begin right away Sunday night and the club will run through Friday. You will probably teach two clubs during that week. We would prefer to have a team that will cover both parts of the ministry. However, if you cannot do both, but still want to be involved, you may be able to do one part.

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Good News Across America

What is Good News Across America (GNAA)?

Good News Across America is a special outreach tool of CEF designed to impact major US cities for Christ by reaching children and families with the Gospel. Each summer CEF targets a major city and sends workers from around the country to partner with local churches to help them reach unchurched children and families. This year’s target city is Indianapolis, Indiana.

What will I do?

Your main job will be teaching 5-Day Clubs. During the first several days of GNAA, you will participate in training and team building.

You’ll learn how to minister in an urban setting. And you’ll get to know the team you will serve with. During the second week, you will teach 5-Day Clubs. Every evening, the whole group will gather for worship, testimonies, and teaching from God’s Word. You’ll also have some time for hanging out and building friendships with CYIAers from across the nation!

(See the next page.)

For older, returning students. Help reach the children in one of America’s major cities through a challenging, two-week, urban missions experience!

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How will I get around?

You’ll need to arrange your own ride to these places:

CYIA Training Camp

Camp Good News

Fair ministry sites

5-Day Club central meeting places (more below)

the towns where you will be working in 5-Day Clubs or Fair Ministries

For 5-Day Clubs, we will designate a central meeting place. You’ll need to provide your own ride to and from this place. CEF will arrange transportation from the meeting place to the clubs.

When it’s necessary for CEF to transport you, a staff member, an adult volunteer, or a trusted, older student will drive.

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FAQ

Does time at Training Camp count toward the scholarship? No.

How do you determine eligibility? CEF staff determine eligibility based on the work schedules submitted with applications.

Policy

Students who receive this scholarship agree to serve at least four weeks. Students who do not meet this requirement by the end of the summer will be asked to pay the balance of their registration fees.

Exceptions to this policy will be granted if the student does not meet this requirement due to situations beyond his or her control, such as a

serious illness

family emergency

cancellation/rescheduling of a program

Other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Updated May 1, 2013

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Good News Across America (continued)

Are there any special qualifications?

Students representing North Dakota need to be 16 or older and complete CYIA Training Camp.

How do I sign up?

First, notify the chapter staff that you plan to attend. Then, complete an application at GoodNewsAcrossAmerica.com

Does it cost anything? Will I need to pay for the trip?

The costs for GNAA include your registration fee and travel costs. Your registration fee covers all your meals and transportation once you are at GNAA.

You will have two options for paying for the trip. You can either pay the cost out-of-pocket, or you can raise money. Students who decide to raise money will receive directions from CEF staff on how to do so.

To learn more details about this year’s GNAA trip, please contact the chapter staff and visit

GoodNewsAcrossAmerica.com

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When will I work?

Your schedule is based on the work schedule you submit with your application. We will give you an updated work schedule at Training Camp. About one week prior to each ministry that you’ve signed up to work, we will contact you to confirm details.

Do I need to serve in every ministry?

No. We understand that your summer will include many other important things, like time with family and friends, vacation, other camps, etc.

We do ask that you serve as often as you are able. Students usually commit to serving in about four different ministries.

Can I change my work schedule?

Much of our planning is based on your work schedule. So, it’s essential that we can count on you to serve in the ministries that you have signed up for.

We understand that unexpected, urgent situations happen—like an illness or a family emergency. If you need to change your work schedule, please contact our Ministries Coordinator right away. (Contact information on the back cover.)

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CYIA Training Camp Scholarship

Scholarship amount

This scholarship covers the balance of the CYIA Training Camp registration fee after receipt of your deposit and any other funds (such as outside scholarships).

Purpose Established by the chapter board, the scholarship exists to 1) help students defray Training Camp costs and 2) to encourage students to serve the Lord throughout the CEF summer ministries.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Successfully complete the CYIA Training Camp.

3. Serve in CEF summer programs for at least four weeks.

One week equals any of the following:

One week of 5-Day Clubs One week of Camp Good News Ten shifts of Fair Ministry One week of Good News Across America Lighting Hope = 1.5 weeks

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FAQs

Do I have to raise funds?

No, you do not. However, please be aware that you are not guaranteed a salary if you do not raise funds.

Should I raise funds?

This is a question for you and your family to prayerfully consider. Some students decide they do not need a salary. Others decide they need a salary due to their financial needs: like college savings, fuel for their car, or supplies for school.

If I want to be paid, why do I need to raise funds?

Please see our fund raising policy (page 22).

How do I raise funds? If you participate in the fund raising program, you will raise funds primarily by writing a fund raising letter and mailing it to friends and family. You will receive instructions on how to do this.

When will I be paid?

Contributions designated for you will be distributed in the fall.

How much will I be paid?

We cannot guarantee an exact amount. However, the amount you receive will be determined by a formula that weighs the following:

1) the funds you raise 2) your years of service 3) how much you work

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Introduction Effective ministry happens when a team of people work together. For CYIAers, your team includes prayer partners. Your team may also include financial partners. Learn more about these partners below.

Prayer Partners In CEF, we believe that prayer is essential to effective ministry. So, we require that every student recruits at least 10 prayer partners. These are people who commit to praying regularly for you. If you are admitted into the CYIA program, you will receive a packet that explains how to recruit your prayer partners.

Financial Partners Students who wish to receive a stipend for their work recruit financial partners. Financial partners are people who believe in the value of your work. They want to make sure that you are compensated for serving in summer ministries. If you are admitted into the CYIA program, you will receive a packet that explains how to recruit financial partners. (To learn more about the CYIA fund raising program, see the section on fund raising.)

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CEF Fund Raising Policy

“Ask God. Tell His people.”

CEF is a non-profit, Christian missionary agency. We depend on God through prayer for all of the funds we need for all of our expenses—including staff and CYIA salaries.

We believe that God primarily provides for missionaries’ needs through fellow Christians. So, we make our needs known to other believers and ask them to prayerfully consider giving financial gifts.

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CYIA Fund Raising Program CYIA students who decide to raise funds for their work do so mainly by sending letters. In order to qualify for a salary, you must send at least 40 letters. We will guide you through this process. It includes two major steps:

1. Make a list of people to send letters to

Before Training Camp, you will receive a “Welcome Packet” with directions on how to prepare this list.

2. Write and send letters

By a set date, you must write and prepare your letters for mailing. We will provide directions and supplies to help you do this.