CPC 2000 Annual Report:
Student Ministries
Ed Olson

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"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
- Luke 2:52

Chris Ritchie led our middle and high school students in the way and example of Christ during his three years of dedicated service here at Central. In June, Chris and Kathy answered God's call to pursue another direction in their journey of faith. Up to his departure the end of August, Chris built a ministry that always reflected the Mission of Central -- "moving [young] people toward Christ by being a community of faith which loves, encourages, and equips them in Christ, sending them out to serve." Under Chris' discipleship the ministry to our Covenant children grew both in depth and numbers. Chris and Kathy, we'll miss you!

In January, our students participated in Souper Bowl Sunday, collecting donations for the Christian Community Center. In March our high school students attended Impact 2K where they strengthened their commitment to Christ and being his disciples. Later in the month, they took part in World Vision's 30-Hour Famine in the fight against world hunger. In April, our middle school students were challenged to grow in Christ during the annual Krislund retreat. Central sent a team of missionaries with Youth for Christ to the Dominican Republic to serve--evangelizing, distributing Bibles & gospel tracts, performing drama & mime, and worshipping at the local church. Our students returned bubbling over with enthusiasm, their lives forever changed. In November, our students participated in a unity worship service at Seventh Baptist Church with other congregations associated with Project Justice. And finally, our middle school students headed for Ocean City to take part in Youth For Christ's Alive 2K Conference with 2000 other students. They returned with a renewed commitment to follow Jesus and reach out to other students in their schools.

Paul knew the value and impact that young people can have as disciples of Christ and godly examples. That is why he wrote young Timothy and said, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Tim. 4:12). The same exhortation holds true today for our students here at Central.

Jesus continues to be the model of Central's student ministry as volunteers, parents, and advisors continue to provide opportunities for our children to grow and serve the Lord. A strong foundation was laid under the direction of Chris and Kathy Ritchie. Now we all look forward to Bill and Patty Pitts to take us to another level of discipleship, service, and volunteer training. A special thanks to Bob Shank, Ken Zeigler, Tim Bilezikian, Wendy Eason and other faithful volunteers who have stepped up to the plate during this crucial time of transition.

New service and leadership opportunities are planned for the coming year including Souper Bowl Sunday, the 30-hour Famine, retreats, and church service events. Preparation is already underway for another summer mission's project to the Dominican Republic to serve and work with the nationals there. All in all, 2001 looks to be a year full of promise as we labor together in the Lord and seek to rise to a new level of what God seeks to do with us in His ministry.

Sola Deo Gloria!