Week 1
CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP OF READING AND BERKS COUNTY, INC.
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Affiliated with CEF OF EASTERN PA, INC.
Mrs. Sara Bowers, Administrative Assistant
August 18, 2013 to present
“I am so excited to return to my home county and serve alongside you! I was born in Reading and grew up in Oley. I began going to church when I was 10 years old when a cassette tape was dropped off in my neighborhood. On January 23, 2000, when I was 13, I realized my need for a Saviour after watching a video about Rachel Scott who was killed during the Columbine shooting for her faith. I wanted the assurance she had. I was by myself when I believed in my heart that Jesus died for my sin. Such joy filled me, and I couldn't wait to tell everyone! That July I attended Rosedale Camp Groves' camp meetings. One evening the man talked about the "Sinner's Prayer." I asked my sister what he meant. She said, "That's what you pray when you get saved." That's when the doubts began to creep in, because I never prayed. That New Year's Eve right when we entered 2001 I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom at church and said, "God I know I'm already saved, but I'm going to say these words so Satan can't make me doubt and more. I know I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sin and rose again. And I know He is my Saviour!" I never doubted after that.
Shirley Waid, my Sunday School teacher, introduced me to CEF. She had helped out at camp for many years and invited me to see what it was like. I loved it! I began as a Junior Counselor at day camp and then became a Summer Missionary (2005-2008). During my third summer God used Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" to call me into ministry. The following school year I began working part-time in the Philadelphia CEF office while attending Eastern University for elementary education. I served a fourth summer in Berks County and knew God wanted me to join the CEF staff after graduation. I worked one more semester at Philadelphia’s CEF office before I had to do my student teaching. I loved it but knew I was a Bible teacher and not an academic teacher.
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"And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). I believed this to be true, so during my senior year of college I began praying in faith, "God let me be able to stay in Berks County. However, I will go wherever You want me to go." I even asked my church to join me. I was sad when Miss Ruth wrote me a letter informing me that they would not be able to have a second Field Worker, but I trusted God knew best. God then led me to Philadelphia County. Little did I know that four years later He would answer that prayer and bring me home to Berks County!
When Harry Hoffman (Chairman) had first told me Miss Ruth was retiring as the Director, and they wanted me to consider the position, I thought, "I am settled in Philly. I know the people. There is still much to do. How can I leave?" Through prayer God reminded me how I prayed in faith believing that I would work in Berks County 4 years earlier. God also reminded me that I had prayed a few years earlier telling Him that if He would ever call me from Philadelphia, He would replace me first so ministry could continue. Hannah Beatty became a part of Philadelphia’s staff that summer (2013) before I left for Berks County. It overwhelms me to see how God answers specific prayers!
Speaking of specific prayers, I began praying for my future husband Spring of 2008. I met Andy when I gave a ministry update at his church on May 20, 2018. Over the next year, unbeknownst to me, he prayed for me and about me. When I presented there again June 30, 2019, he took a business card and gave me a call. I am so glad he did. We were married on November 24, 2019, my 33rd birthday. Andy is a great support to me as I serve as Director. We also have a son, Paul, born September 19, 2020, and a daughter, Rachel, born December 27, 2022."
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After a little over 10 years as the Director, Sara stepped down at the end of 2023 so she can be home with her children. She now works one day a week as the Administrative Assistant.