About CEF of Southeast North Dakota
Who are we? Get to know us
CEF of Southeast North Dakota is a local chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship that guides kids to Jesus through our Good News Clubs, Christmas Party Clubs, and summer 5-Day Clubs in Jamestown and the surrounding towns of southeast North Dakota. We also have an overnight camp every year called Camp Good News.
Our Purpose
Child Evangelism Fellowship®(CEF) is an evangelical, Bible-centered mission organization whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to disciple them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.
Our Vision
Our vision is for every child in every town to seek and honor God every day.
Our Mission
Our mission is to evangelize and disciple children through our clubs and camp, and to provide teacher training to adults and teens to help them communicate the basic truths of the Bible in a way that children can understand.
Our Doctrine
We hold to the historic, orthodox, evangelical doctrines of the Christian church. A few of the core beliefs that motivate our work include the following:
- Children are in need of and capable of receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.
- By God’s grace, we receive Jesus Christ through faith alone
Meet Our Team
CEF of Southeast North Dakota is led by a local committee, a Local Director, and two Ministry Coordinators.
The local committee helps guide our local chapter by making key decisions and ensuring financial accountability and stability. The Local Director and Ministry Coordinators complete day-to-day work for the ministry.
Our Committee
David Presler-Chairman, from Gackle, ND
Ron Graalum-Vice Chairman & Terri Graalum-Secretary, from Kathryn, ND
Chip Steckler-State Board Representative & Sue Steckler-Member, from Spiritwood, ND
Kristi Bowman-Treasurer, from Jamestown, ND
Barb Monson-Member, from Jamestown, ND
Pictured left to right: Charity Ost, Barb Monson, Dixie Presler, David Presler, Kristi Bowman, Ron Graalum, Terri Graalum, Chip Steckler, Sue Steckler
Meet Our New Director!
We’re excited to welcome Christopher Stephens as our new Chapter Director for the Southeast Chapter! Chris and his family are making the move from Kulm to Jamestown as he begins serving with CEF.
Meet Chris and His Family
Originally from Texas, Chris has lived in the area for six years. He and his wife, Rachel, who is a CNA, have two young daughters. Chris has served in churches for nearly 20 years, especially enjoying ministry with youth and young families.
What Drew You to CEF?
Chris was first introduced to CEF through friends who previously served on staff. After nearly 20 years of church ministry and a season working in insurance, he is excited to serve God again through his daily work. Children’s ministry has always held a special place in his heart, and he looks forward to investing in children and young families through CEF.
Why Is Reaching Children with the Gospel Important?
“The Gospel changed my life and my family’s.” Chris accepted Jesus at VBS as a child, and years later, his oldest daughter accepted Him at a Good News Club. He has seen how much a child’s life can change when they hear the Gospel clearly and are surrounded by caring people. He believes every child—and every family—deserves that opportunity.
His Vision for the Chapter
Chris hopes to build strong relationships with local churches in each community CEF serves. When churches, volunteers, and families work together, more children can be reached and supported beyond a club or event. He is eager to listen, learn, and find ways to help each community reach its children.
Our Ministry Coordinators
SueAnn Berntson lives with her husband Tim on a farm just East of Buffalo, ND. They have five children and three grandchildren. SueAnn began as the Ministry Coordinator in August of 2025. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Music Education from Valley City State University. She has more than twenty years of experience as a homeschool teacher and is an accomplished musician. She loves teaching and inspiring others to teach the Word of God and to share the Gospel with depth, clarity, and winsomeness. She also loves to share the Gospel herself.
We are excited to welcome Stacey Berntson as a Southeast Chapter Ministry Coordinator as of June 2026. Stacey and her husband, Mike, farm and ranch south of Valley City and enjoy spending time with their three grown children and five grandchildren. Stacey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from VCSU and brings 19 years of experience with Valley City Public Schools. Stacey is grateful for the opportunity to be part of Kingdom work and is excited to help bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to children across our region.
Our Administrative Assistant
We are pleased to welcome Paige Powers as the new Southeast Chapter Administrative Assistant. Paige holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and spent the past four years serving as a special education teacher. Paige lives in Valley City with her husband, Shayne, and their daughter, Reagan. Their family is also joyfully anticipating the arrival of another child this October. Paige considers this opportunity to serve with CEF a true blessing. She is grateful for a role that allows her to invest in both her family and ministry. She looks forward to learning more about CEF’s outreach throughout our communities and supporting the staff who faithfully share the Gospel with children.
Join Our Staff!
The Northeast Chapter is hiring! We are seeking a Local Director to help lead the ministry, equip volunteers, and reach children with the Gospel.
Could God be calling you to serve with CEF in the Northeast? Click “Northeast Local Director Information” to learn more about this opportunity and consider joining our team!
Where is the Southeast Chapter?
The Southeast Chapter of CEF of North Dakota includes 12.5 counties. Our chapter is colored green in the map of North Dakota to the right.
