CEF of Florida

07/30/2026

Remembering Mr. O—and Continuing the Mission

This month, we celebrate what would have been the 149th birthday of Jesse Irvin Overholtzer, the founder of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Known affectionately as the indomitable “Mr. O,” he carried a deep burden for children around the world who had never heard the Gospel.

Decades ago, Mr. O would sit with a globe, place his finger on a country, and pray for the children living there. He asked God to raise up an army of evangelists who would encircle the globe, telling boys and girls about Jesus.

Today, we can see God answering that prayer.

Through CEF ministries, more than 34 million children worldwide were impacted with the Good News in 2025. Yet the mission continues as we trust God for the vision of reaching 100 million children annually by 2032.

Here in Florida, missionaries, churches, and thousands of trained volunteers are working together to reach children through Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, and other Gospel ministries.

Would you prayerfully consider giving in honor of Mr. O’s birthday? Your gift will help CEF of Florida train and equip more believers, partner with more churches, and give more boys and girls the opportunity to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Give today:
https://ceffloridastate.churchcenter.com/giving

Let’s continue the mission—reaching every child, in every community, with the Gospel.



July 20 marked Mr. Overholtzer’s 149th birthday; he founded CEF in 1937

06/19/2026

For seven days last week, 74 teens came from across the state to train in Trinity, Florida with CYIA™ (Christian Youth In Action®) to go out and reach thousands of boys and girls with the Gospel this summer.

To everyone who prayed for our training, scholarshipped a student, purchased items off our Amazon wishlist, or in any way supported this year's summer training week, we say "thank you"!

05/21/2026

If you’re visiting the FPEA Florida Homeschool Conference this weekend, come see us at Booth 506. We’ll be here promoting Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) and summer ministry opportunities for middle and high school students.

05/06/2026

Pastors, student pastors, and CEF ministry partners: We're saving you a spot.

Every summer, teens across Florida gather for one intense week to train as summer missionaries to the children in your communities beyond your church walls. This time, we want to invite you to come check us out.

On June 9th, come preview Chrsitian Youth In Action® (CYIA™) training in Trinity, Florida. Enjoy a free lunch with some of our education team, observe one of our training classes, and hear from our state leadership on the impact of CYIA ministry and why your church needs to get on board with us.

Share this with someone you know who needs to partner with us to help prepare the next generation of Christian leaders and to reach lost children with the Gospel.

Registration link in the comments below.

05/04/2026

Our statewide CYIA™ Summer Training is just a few weeks away, and we need your help! Please consider purchasing an item or two on our Amazon wishlist to help us train and equip this year's team of CYIA summer missionaries and to send them out to evangelize boys and girls across Florida.

You can ship items to the CEF of Florida state office, and the address is already linked to any items that you purchase directly from our list.

CEF of Florida
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Ste 12
Lakeland, FL 33805

Thank you for your support in making this mission possible!

04/15/2026

CEF Manasota serves the children of Manatee and Sarasota counties.

04/15/2026

CEF of Southwest Florida serves the children of Charlotte, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, & Lee counties.

📣Giving Challenge 2026 is officially live! 📣

We have a goal of raising $15,000 to reach more students here in Southwest Florida. Our goal as CEF is to reach every child, in every nation, every day. We want to continue to grow not only our summer ministries but also our Good News Club school ministries. When you give today YOU will be giving towards more children hearing the gospel.

Scan the QR code below to give, and any donation up to $100 per unique donor will be MATCHED! Will you to reach one?

04/03/2026

Have you heard the Good News? Jesus is alive!

Help CEF® take the message of salvation to children across Florida. Go to cefflorida.com, and let's partner together to reach the children in your community.