The 2003 CPC Contest Winner

CONGRATULATIONS to Brett Belleque 
of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Missoula, Montana!

It was a difficult process of prayerfully determining who we would send to CPC, but the final choice has been made. Much thanks to the many who nominated their children's pastor or applied themselves to go. While we could not send everyone, it was a delight to learn about so many awesome servants of God out there who are working hard and selflessly to Build His Kingdom by Reaching His Kids!  I am looking forward to meeting Brett at CPC in Atlanta later this month

A little about Brett:  (just a few excerpts from those who nominated him)

"Every thing Brett does – he does out of love for Christ and children. If I tried to describe Brett – I would run out of adjectives.I would try using words like committed, creative, dedicated, energetic, inspirational, passionate, patient, magical, musical, loving, wonderful, a follower of Christ. He radiates the love of God for all children – whether they are 2 or 80 years young..... Our children are excited about Christ because of Brett and his ministry. We see children who have grown up under these programs and are now going into the ministry themselves as a direct result of the influence Brett has had on their lives. As a mother of young children I could not want anyone else leading and teaching my children. God has blessed our family and our church with Brett and his family.We would like to see him blessed by being able to go to this special conference!!"
- Donna Sheehy

"Every summer Brett and his family travel to bible camps in the Northwest to teach children about Jesus. He uses puppets, music, and magic to teach the stories and lessons of the bible. This year, Brett has started a Kids Club program in several homes throughout our area. I have observed his patience and his love for the children he comes in contact with. His ability to present the gospel in words that children understand is a joy to watch and they take pleasure in his company as well.  Brett is also concerned for the adults in our area who work with children’s ministry. He has been instrumental in organizing citywide meetings and workshops for Sunday School teachers and others who wish to bring God’s word to children. I think Brett would greatly benefit from being able to attend the Children’s Pastor’s Conference in Atlanta in February. Not only would he be able to apply things he learned in his own ministry, but he is willing to share with others in very beneficial ways. He is always looking for new ideas and a chance to get more energized. Please consider Brett a prizewinner for your contest; he has been a prize for us."
- Cynthia K. Nelson

The Belleques are not your typical family! Three boys and a girl with wonderful parents who are bringing up their children despite all the hardships they endure. I have watched his children and the children of our church grow and develop under his instruction through a varied and dynamic style.  Brett has, with his family and award winning puppet teams, traveled the back roads of the North West, providing gospel messages to church camps, Vacation Bible Schools, and the like without respite throughout the long summer months. During the school months, Brett conducts Kids Clubs while ministering to our church family, fills in for churches without pastors, hosts children's ministries seminars in our community and generally provides support for all of us.  Financially Cindy and Brett couldn't afford to attend the conference without your help. Anything you can do for this deserving couple would be greatly appreciated. This family has sacrificed and gone without while carrying Gods message to children. We are enriched by his thoughtfulness and only hope that by attending this conference Brett and Cindy can return with more enthusiasm, and be filled with the Holy Sprit to continue on in this difficult but necessary ministry.
- George Curtis Davey

Brett, is not a paid pastor.  When his church could no longer afford a children's pastor, Brett became a missionary and raised support so that he could continue on at his church.  That's commitment!  Also, not detailed here, are Cindy's health struggles and a child with special needs. Brett and Cindy are truly a couple who are sacrificially giving of themselves in many many ways and are very deserving of a gift of training and encouragement at the Children's Pastor's Conference.  We can't wait to meet them.  (Cindy is coming too!)

THANK YOU to the many who wrote and told about their ministries - both the praises and the struggles.  Thanks especially to those who took the time to nominate someone else to go.  We sure wish we would have just sent everyone!  But we know that He is able to meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus and also that He who began a good work in your WILL complete it!  So keep on keeping on!  Let me encourage anyone who is disappointed at missing out on the free trip to CPC to begin now to plan and save for next year.  Put it in your budget request - set aside a little each month - my first CPC I went totally at my own expense, and interestingly, I think that may be partly why my expectations and excitement were the highest as well!  I wanted to get my money's worth!  And at a CPC - you will!

Karl Bastian with Cindy and Brett Belleque

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