About
CEF was founded by Jesse Irvin Overholtzer in 1937. Growing up in a religious family, Jesse was convicted of his own sin at the age of 12 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.
Overview
CEF of Greater Birmingham includes one active chapter that serves Birmingham Metro and Tuscaloosa. Our goal is to partner with churches, individuals and businesses throughout Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in reaching children with the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ. Please browse the website and access the resources here. We hope you will not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about the ministry of CEF, as we are here to partner and serve with you! The CEF team of Greater Birmingham highly values ministry partners, whether churches or individuals, that come along side us in prayer, support and outreach as we put feet to our burden of evangelizing and disciplining children.
Our Purpose
Child Evangelism Fellowship is a Bible-centered organization composed of born-again believers whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.