April 15, 2026
Child Evangelism Fellowship® provides hope to children facing religious persecution in Mali
Fred Pry, CEF® Vice President of Administration: ‘CEF is focused on providing a way for every child to hear the hope of the Gospel’
ST. LOUIS — Christians in Mali are facing increasing persecution marked by violence, displacement and attacks by extremist groups. Ranked as one of the top nations facing the most Christian persecution, the West African country has seen a steady decline in security for Christian communities since the 2012 northern insurgency, as armed groups continue moving southward, attacking civilians and forcing many believers to flee their homes.
Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) is committed to bringing the light of Christ into some of the world’s darkest places. In Mali, where violence and religious oppression continue to intensify, CEF remains steadfast in sharing the Gospel and supporting vulnerable children through on-the-ground outreach programs.
“CEF is focused on providing a way for every child to hear the hope of the Gospel,” said Fred Pry, Vice President of Administration of CEF. “Even in the face of escalating persecution and hardship, CEF will continue answering God’s call to bring the life‑changing message of Christ to children in Mali and around the world.”
The Good News Club® remains a cornerstone of outreach efforts at CEF, offering weekly Bible lessons, songs and interactive activities in a child’s local community. In one district in Mali, nearly 500 children participated in these clubs, and more than 100 made the decision to accept Christ. Another district hosts 46 clubs that serve 1,380 children, with 689 attendees professing faith in Jesus.
Christmas Party Club® ministry further expands its outreach efforts, combining a festive holiday celebration with Gospel teaching. One district saw 28,725 children attend CEF activities, with 392 responding to Christ.
CEF also reaches children across Mali through a variety of programs designed to engage, educate and share the Gospel. These efforts include training sessions to equip local leaders and volunteers; special camps where children can learn about Christ; Easter rallies; and teacher picnics that provide encouragement and support for educators involved in CEF programs.
In addition, radio broadcasts extend CEF teaching to children and families who cannot attend in-person programs.
One ministry worker remarked, “I thank God for the children’s radio program. Our listeners continue to tune in with great enthusiasm. Through this broadcast, we are able to share life-changing teaching with a great many people — especially children. We even see converts, and others reach out to ask for counseling.”
An educator noted, “The teachers picnic serves as a special gathering space where our teachers can come together to receive the Word of God, participate in games and other activities, share a fellowship meal and exchange their joys and experiences with one another.”
One volunteer shared, “We held regular prayer meetings and preparatory meetings for the Easter rally activities to ensure their success. We also conducted seminars and additional training classes, accompanied by specialized workshops, along with organized times of prayer involving both the children and the teachers.”
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), founded in 1937, has been establishing the Good News Club® in countries around the world for decades.
In 2024, more than 31 million children worldwide heard or read the Good News through CEF ministries.
For more CEF news, see the ministry’s latest edition of the online magazine Impact.
CEF is an international, nonprofit, Christian ministry that has been dedicated to seeing every child reached with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, discipled and established in a local church since 1937. CEF is located in all 50 American states and in most countries around the world, with over 3,500 paid staff and tens of thousands of volunteers around the world.
###
To interview a representative from Child Evangelism Fellowship, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
