Since 1937
CEF® founder
Jesse Irvin Overholtzer
Our History
Growing up in a religious family, Jesse at the age of 12 was convicted of his own sin and sought counsel from his mother. He was told, “Son, you are too young.” It wasn’t until Overholtzer was in college that he heard the Gospel and trusted Christ as his Savior.
Later as a pastor, Mr. Overholtzer read one of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons which stated, “A child of five, if properly instructed, can as truly believe and be regenerated as an adult.” The Lord used this statement in Mr. O’s life to lead him to begin the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship® when he was 60 years old. The ministry has grown into the largest evangelistic outreach to children in the world. CEF® is currently ministering in countries around the world and in every state in the U.S.
OUR MISSION
Enlist, Equip, and Encourage a team of qualified leaders to fulfill CEF’s purpose to evangelize boys & girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, to disciple them in the Word of God, and help establish them in a local church for Christian growth.
Our Vision
Every child, every nation, every day.
Our Strategy
Providing trained men and women with the tools they need to effectively evangelize and disciple the next generation. This means not only teaching materials but discipleship materials.