CWA ready for prayer, advocacy, action in 2026

The local prayer/action of Concerned Women for America – Missouri gathered recently at Branson’s Covenant Life Church for their monthly meeting on January 20. State Director and chapter leader Haven Howard opened the meeting with prayer, followed by greeting several new attendees and reviewing the CWA core issues. 

Sharon Harris introduced the featured speaker, Kelly Rehm. Rehm serves as the Southwest Missouri Director for Child Evangelism Fellowship, which helps establish Good News Clubs for elementary school-aged children. 

“Children are born ready to start absorbing input,” he said. Unfortunately, much of the input they receive is negative; in Missouri alone, over 40,000 school children are impacted by substance abuse, with many thousands more affected by sexual abuse and pornography. Rehm shared that the goal of Good News Clubs is summarized in Psalm 78:5-6, which stresses the importance of teaching children biblical truth. 

Good News Clubs are generally hosted after school until 5 p.m., with most meeting in the school building, although some also meet in churches or other community facilities. The program currently has over 80,000 groups worldwide.

Last year in SW Missouri, there were 37 active groups, leading to over 1,100 children hearing the gospel and 90-plus accepting Jesus Christ. 

To start a group, four volunteers are needed, each willing to commit approximately one to one and a half hours per week leading children in fun, uplifting activities that lead to presenting the gospel. Training is provided; the next training and orientation opportunity in SW Missouri will be Saturday, January 31, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sanctuary of Hope Church in Branson. To enroll in this training, or to learn more about Good News Club ministry program in Missouri, contact Rehm at 417-298-9330, or visit https://www.cefonline.com or the Child Evangelism Fellowship, Springfield Chapter page on Facebook. 

Following Rehm’s presentation, Haven Howard gave a recap of the recent “Stand in the Gap” gathering in Jefferson City. Sponsored by TPUSA, the rally addressed multiple issues affecting children and families, including offensive sexually-oriented materials available in public and school libraries, abortion and transgender education in schools, parental rights, biological boys participating in girls’ sports, and more. Speakers for the event included history expert Bill Federer as well as an Alabama woman, Rachel, who successfully led a fight in her home state to have state obscenity laws applied to libraries. 

Over the next few months, there will be several opportunities to get involved and make your voice known on important issues: 

●      March 11, Pro-Life Day in Jefferson City; 

●      April 30, joint meeting at the College of the Ozarks of the local Concerned Women for America and Young Women for America chapters, with national director Penny Nance as featured speaker. 

Attendees were also reminded to do research and vote in upcoming local elections in April and primary elections in August. CWA particularly urges voting to pass the 2026 version of Missouri Amendment 3, which will reinstate valuable safety and health precautions negated by the previous amendment. Visit https://missourilifepac.org for details about the amendment and ballot language. 

The meeting adjourned following a time of prayer for our nation, state and communities. To get involved in CWA Missouri or receive updates on local chapter meetings, email havenhoward01@gmail.com or visit the Concerned Women for America Missouri page on Facebook.