Celebrate with Clay Elementary!

We celebrate God’s working at Clay Elementary, Ephrata School District, where 70 children were on the roll during the Good News Club® season. Recently I had the opportunity to interview Carolyn Snader, the team leader.                   

Carolyn, tell us why you are involved in Good News Club.

"When my own children were young, I had a Good News Club in my home for the children in my neighborhood.  I really enjoyed it.  Then, when my daughter, Lori, was 15, she became enthusiastic about leading the club and we worked together."

How did you become involved at Clay Elementary?

"Years later when the door opened to hold club in the schools, my co-worker, Ruthie Martin, and I each individually had a desire to become involved at Clay.  But at first we did not tell each other.  One day we found out we both had the same passion, so we moved our club to the school."

Why are you so involved in reaching the children?

"The sooner children come to know Jesus, the better off they are.  I also volunteer at a pregnancy center and often say to myself, "If only some of these teens had known Jesus.  He has so much love to give."

What helps bring so many children to your club?

"It is God.  The harvest is ripe.  A lot of parents from the community are excited to have the kids learn about God.  Also, our Group Helpers give a lot of one on one attention to the children and to the parents.  It is a safe place.  The Helpers talk to the children, they talk to the parents, they send notes, cards, and make phone calls.  Then too, our Bible teacher is excellent and our whole team works together so well.  We had a picnic at the end with over 100 children and parents…there were only 4 hot dogs left!"

How has your church been involved with Clay Elementary?

"Our church is very interested and has adopted the school.  Also, each spring the church now holds a Party in the Park.  This year the church invited the club children and families to attend.  What a great time!"

This is wonderful, Carolyn, what closing comment would you like to give to other Good News Club workers and to our readers?

"Be faithful to God.  He is faithful to us.  Don't try to figure out all the details yourself.  Trust Him."

Thank you Carolyn, and may the Lord strengthen you and all our workers in every club as His Word grows and multiplies. (Acts 12:24).

For information about how you can have a Good News Club in your public elementary school, email ( This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ) or phone (717-569-5412) the office.