Good News Club introduces Bible to kids

Started two years ago and sponsored by Bethany Baptist Church, the Good News Club brings children from kindergarten through fourth grade together to learn about the Bible and its teachings.

It is a ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship International, headquartered in Warrenton, Missouri. Laura Norman runs the club in Cape Girardeau, which usually meets at Alma Schrader Elementary School.

The club started two years ago in Norman's home.

"I felt God telling us we needed to have a Bible club in our home," she said. Just two youngsters came in the first time, but one of the youngsters went to Alma Schrader and told friends about it.

Next time, 18 children turned up. Norman said the average number of youngsters is 25, and Oct. 9, it was 30, including her five children.

The club meets twice a month after school and includes a snack, Bible verses and memory verses and teaches character education. Hospitality women are Mary Hitt and Tracey Fish. Madge Burchyett is the teacher.

The eldest Norman children -- 16-year-old Caleb and 14-year-old Lillian -- lead the memory verses and songs, respectively.

"I love spending time with the children and just getting to talk to them, reach out to them and talk about Christ," Lillian Norman said.

"Music is the highlight for me because I really like to teach them new songs," Caleb Norman said.

Lillian said she's been surprised at how smart the students are and how the group has grown since it began.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Gwenyth Speight takes a break from reading her Bible to laugh with a friend during the Good News Club at Alma Schrader Elementary School Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014.

"What surprises me the most is how people have reacted to it in this school. A lot of people are enthusiastic and that's really helped us ...," Caleb said.

Burchyett, Hitt and Fish all enjoy teaching the youngsters Bible essentials.

"I've always enjoyed working with children," Burchyett said. "Even though I'm retired, I still use those abilities to teach children, so it's an enjoyment for me and I love seeing them learn."

Fish said the club gives youngsters a chance to know God, see that he's on their side and that they can talk to God.

The idea of accepting Jesus Christ as their personal savior is presented to children at the club in different ways at every session.

"We want them to thoroughly understand that that's a serious decision," Burchyett said. "Then if they do decide, we provide in-depth counseling to make sure they understand what they're doing."

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