The ongoing coronavirus epidemic is hard enough for adults to comprehend, much less children. Child Evangelism Fellowship is providing online help with conversing with children about such troubling situations as the coronavirus outbreak.
In 2001, after the 9/11 tragedy, CEF prepared a booklet entitled “Do You Wonder Why?” to address tragedy. It speaks directly to children about the emotions they experience because of natural disasters, disability, illness or death of loved ones, crime toward someone they know, and so on. It answers hard questions such as, “Does God know and care about me?”, “Why do so many bad things happen in the world?” and “How could God allow this to happen?” It guides the child in how to get through terrible circumstances, how to become part of God’s family and how to receive God’s comfort.
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This time-tested downloadable resource is available in PDF and video form at www.cefonline.com/covid19. Copies also may be purchased in bulk at www.CEFPress.com. Millions of the “Do You Wonder Why?” booklets have been distributed around the United States and the world and translated into many languages.
“It is natural to feel afraid, even as an adult, when the world faces a crisis like COVID-19,” said Moises Esteves, Child Evangelism Fellowship vice president, international ministries “Adults can call shows, hotlines and church leaders with their many concerns, but often children carry around their questions like heavy burdens, often not able to express their feelings. Here’s help.”
COVID-19 video
CEF operates more than 99,000 after-school Good News Clubs around the world, but many have been shut down with school closures. In answer, Child Evangelism Fellowship launched Good News Across the Web, where GNC students can meet with their regular teachers and classmates on Zoom and ezTalks.
As churches move to live online services, CEF is posting a weekly video on its YouTube channel, U-Nite, with a program for children that churches can use for children’s church. People can learn more at www.cefonline.com/COVID19, families are welcome to use it as well. A new program will be posted every Friday, and there are song videos, missionary stories and encouragements to read the Bible and memorize verses.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice