Child Evangelism Fellowship® is a Bible-centered, worldwide organization composed of born-again believers whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.

CEF of MI, Capital Area Chapter partners with local churches in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, and Shiawassee counties to accomplish the purpose of CEF®

Fair Ministry with the CEF®Story Tent

  • Hand out “tickets” to hear a Free Bible Story and receive a free facepaint
  • Tell the Wordless Book or a Bible Lesson
  • Do face painting
  • Talk with the Parents while they wait
  • Play games with the children

All volunteers must go through the CEF Child Protection Policy background check and screening process.

Email us for more information:  capareacef@gmail.com

CEF of MI, Capital Area Staff

Doug and Maryann Hammar – Director

Doug and Maryann both started working with CEF® in 1983: Maryann teaching a Good News Club and Doug began a one-year internship with CEF Metro Detroit. They were married June 23, 1984. Since that time they have served with CEF in various capacities in Detroit, Central Michigan, and Lansing.  Since 2015, they have been Co-Directors of CEF of Mi, Capital Area Chapter. They have 3 adult children, and 2 grandchildren.

Elias Aklilu Abdi

Elias began his ministry with CEF in Ethiopia. He received his CEF training in Kenya, East Africa and was instrumental in getting CEF started in Ethiopia. c In 2017, he immigrated to the US, and settled in the Lansing area and began working with Capital Area CEF in October of that year. On February 21, 2021 Elias married Bezawit Taye in Ethiopia.  They are praying she will have her immigration interview and be able to join him in the US very soon.

Vivian Yoder

Vivian began her ministry with CEF in 2020 when she attended Christian Youth In Action™ training and then worked with us over the summer teaching 5-Day Clubs and helping at the fairs. Vivian has attended CYIA™ every year since, teaching in the summer and in Good News Clubs during the school year. Vivian joined the staff part time in January of 2024, and was married to LaVern Yoder on August 2, 2024.