About Child Evangelism Ministries

CEM Team

The CEM Board Members are a dedicated group of individuals who generously give their time and talents to help lead the ministry. They pray for all of the activities, clubs, volunteers, staff, and children involved with CEM. They make thoughtful decisions for the ministry’s needs, both here and in Togo, West Africa. Many of the Board Members are actively involved in the ministry through Happy Day Clubs and Vacation Bible Schools. Each member understands and strongly supports our mission: Reaching Boys and Girls for Jesus!

Kristina Choate

Hello, I’m Kristina, the director at CEM.

I took on the role of director in 2021 after serving as the ministry assistant since 2008. My responsibilities have varied over the years, but my purpose has always remained the same: Reaching Boys and Girls for Jesus.
Despite growing up in a non-christian home, I came to know the Lord as my savior as an adult and mother. I first realized the importance of children’s ministry when I received a message from a woman who had been praying for me since I was a child. Through her, I saw the impact Christians can have in the lives of children. It’s a genuine joy and blessing to be part of Child Evangelism Ministries.

John Parsons

Hello, I am John Parsons.

As the son of missionaries, I grew up in Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. I lived and served in West Africa for nearly 20 years. I began working with CEM in 2009 as a consultant in Togo. In 2019, I became the “ambassador” for CEM to Togo and now oversee the ministry there. My responsibility is to move the ministry forward and handle any arising issues. I have been married to my wife Liz for 30 years, and we have 2 wonderful daughters.

John Randolph

My name is John Randolph.

I’ve been the pastor of People’s Bible Church in Goshen/Benton since 1991. For about 20 years, I’ve been teaching Happy Day Clubs with the help of my wife, our 5 children, about 35 people from our church, and many other volunteers from other churches. I started teaching Happy Day Clubs at the Goshen schools of Waterford and Prairie View. I first served on CEM’s advisory board and later joined the regular board. In 2010, I traveled to Togo, West Africa with John Parsons to visit our CEM/HDC national missionaries. For the past 20 years, I’ve also coached basketball while my wife, Jennifer, has coached homeschool volleyball.

Jill Leiter

My name is Jill.

I have been involved with CEM since around 2012. I started by hosting 5-Day Clubs at my house and later transitioned into teaching a Happy Day Club at Pinewood Elementary. I have a passion for Children’s Ministry and feel called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with children. The Lord continuously prepares and grows us for His work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the CEM board and to continue the work of this vital ministry in our community.

Gretchen McCavitt

My name is Gretchen.

I’ve been a part of CEM since 2006. I began by helping at the Mary Feeser Elementary School and later worked as a Summer Missionary. I currently serve on the CEM Board and have held the positions of Secretary and Interim Treasurer. Matt and I have been happily married for 16 years and have three children: Ashley, Joshua, and Anna. All three kids have attended Happy Day Clubs, and Ashley served as a Summer Missionary in 2016.

Matt McCavitt

Hello, my name is Matt.

I have been a part of CEM since 2007. For many years, I have enjoyed pulling the Happy Day Express in the 4-H Fair Parade. Along with being an active member of the CEM Board, I have helped with mowing, building maintenance, & various computer issues. Gretchen and I have been happily married for 16 years and have three children: Ashley, Joshua, and Anna. All three kids have attended Happy Day Clubs, and Ashley served as a Summer Missionary in 2016.

Donna Persing

Hello, I’m Donna, the Bookkeeper at CEM.

My husband and I have lived in the Nappanee/Goshen area for 47 years. I’ve worked as an office manager for the past 30 years, handling bookkeeping, payroll, and other financial responsibilities. I’m actively involved in many volunteer organizations, such as the Nappanee Apple Festival, American Red Cross, Nappanee Noon Kiwanis, Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, and the Nappanee Quilt Garden committee. I enjoy teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir at Nappanee Missionary Church. I’ve also developed a passion for mission trips through my experiences in Honduras, Puerto Rico, and Russia. I am thankful for the opportunity to work for CEM and look forward to what God has for me in this phase of my life.

Amy Byrd

Hello, I’m Amy, a Ministry Assistant at CEM.

I have over 25 years of experience in customer service, and I am committed to serving the community. I live in Elkhart with my husband, Mark. I am an active member of Northside Baptist Church, where I help out in the nursery, AWANA, and 4 & 5-year-old classes. I am a proud parent of 2 children and 3 grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and staying in touch with my kids and grandkids through FaceTime. I also enjoy going to Little League baseball games to support my best friend’s kids.

Allison Leiter

Hello, I’m Allison, a Ministry Assistant and Graphic Designer at CEM.

I began working at CEM in August of 2024, but I’ve been involved with the ministry for many years before that. Beginning in 5th grade, I helped at a Happy Day Club with my mother and sisters. Currently, my role involves managing and creating content for our social media platforms, as well as designing various materials used here at CEM, such as permission slips, school program ads, and postcards. I recently graduated from Cedarville University with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and I will be getting married in December of 2024.