I had the privilege of spending time with one of the great heroes of CEF®, Miss Theida Kreiger. More then then 60 years ago she was appointed by Mr. Overholtzer to begin CEF ministry in the country of Argentina.

I was able to quickly see that at 98 years of age Theida was still a crusader for the Gospel, filled with passion for God and vision for ministry to children.

Now that CEF is into our eight decade of ministry, spending time with one of the "first generation" leaders of CEF is a rare opportunity. Working alongside people with this same passion and vision, however, is not at all rare in CEF. It is that passion for God and vision for bringing children face to face with the Gospel of Christ that Continues to drive CEF forward.

God put a desire into the heart of our president, Reese Kauffman, to see the ministry of CEF push forward to become established in every country on the globe. Our International ministries regional directors and their department leaders began working on a plan to accomplish this goal. They determine that we should pursue the goal of becoming established in every one of the 207 countries within 10 years. I think it was Jim Neigh, vice president of International Ministries, who first came up with the phrase "Around the World in 80 Years," noting that this would mean we would reach the goal of being in very country by the 80pth birthday of CEF.

God continues to lead CEF with clarity and to bless or work among children. I am so grateful for that!

-Marshall J. Pennell, Executive Vice President