Chapter Leaders
We are blessed to have a dedicated group of people leading our day-to-day ministry activities. Our staff has a wealth of experience and training and a genuine love for children. God is also blessing us with new staff members and a genuine cohesion that binds our chapter together.
Randy Nicholas – Executive Director
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Randy Nicholas started with the Greater Jackson Chapter in August 2016. He is our Executive Director and shepherds Child Evangelism Fellowship® work in central West Tennessee. His focus is on the spiritual side of our ministry but works closely with our local ministry committee to oversee all of the things that are necessary to grow a healthy CEF® chapter. He is married to Dawn Horne Nicholas of Trenton, TN and has two adult children.
A native of West Tennessee, Randy grew up in a small-town environment and worked in sales and technology services for around 20 years. He is a certified computer technician and developed over 50 websites for local and national interests before he surrendered to a call to go into full-time ministry as a missionary in 2009. He often tells people that he is a “late bloomer” as far as ministry goes, but God can use all of His children when and how He chooses – if we yield to His leading.
Randy and Dawn served for a few years in Central / Eastern Europe with the International Mission Board (IMB) as church planters and members of the Strategic Training Team for the European Affinity. They served primarily in Romania, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Randy has also served on short-term missions’ teams in Africa and South America. The Nicholas’ are members of Englewood Baptist Church in Medina, TN. Both are graduates of Union University.
Patti Hale – Chapter Club Coordinator
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Patti Hale serves Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Jackson as the Club Coordinator. She assists the director by coordinating and training volunteers while providing oversight for all existing and new Good News Clubs in area schools, summer 5-Day Clubs and special event and party clubs throughout the year.
Working with children has been a main focus of her personal and community life. She has had multiple avenues of teaching children including 28 years of homeschooling her seven children, 10 years running a private piano studio and through children’s ministries within local churches, such as, children’s church, AWANA Clubs, and CEF Clubs across the country. Patti also served for five years with AWANA Clubs International at the headquarters in Streamwood, Illinois assisting US churches with their international outreach, and in donor and customer relations.
“I believe young children can truly believe and follow Jesus Christ; and when given the opportunity, can become faithful, active Christians,” Hale said. “I have devoted most of my adult life to this purpose and am grateful for this opportunity to serve with our local CEF partner churches and volunteers in reaching children.”
Patti is a native of middle Tennessee and pursued a music degree at Belmont College in Nashville and Union University in Jackson and years later a business degree at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL. She moved to Jackson her senior year of high school where she met her husband, Steve, of 46 years. They have 14 precious grandchildren and are active members of Calvary Baptist Church in Jackson.
Dr. Jerry Drace – Fund Development & Church Relations
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. Peter 3:15
Jerry is a retired pastor, international evangelist, and (along with his wife, Becky) founder of the Hope for the Home ministry. Jerry has served full-time as an evangelist since 1975, during that time he has fostered many relationships in and out of SCB circles. His experience and connections are invaluable as he works to help us expand community clubs and build relationships with local churches.
In 1951 Jerry’s father, the late Rev. J.T. Drace began his tenure at Friendship Baptist Church in Friendship, TN. It was there that Jerry would decide that he “wanted Jesus in his heart” and at the tender age of 5 years old, Dr. Drace was baptized. Because of his experience, Jerry has a strong testimony about the importance of sharing the good news of the Gospel with everyone including young children.
Throughout his time in ministry, Dr. Drace has conducted over 1,000 revivals and crusades, 16 international crusades and missions, including Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong, Scottland, and Wales. He has coordinated and preached at countless conferences and events. Jerry also spent time as an adjunct professor at Union University, Jackson, TN, and Anderson University, Anderson, SC, and has many other accomplishments.
Jerry was born in Fulton, Kentucky, and since then has lived in several different states moving for his father’s ministry and then his own once he was an adult. He and his wife Becky currently reside in Humboldt, TN, and have two adult children.
Denise Jackson – Office Administrator
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10
Denise is a blessing to us as she serves in our local office. She is a pastor’s wife and is actively involved in the ministries of her church, Oakfield Baptist Church. Denise also sings in a Southern Gospel group called “Master’s Call.”
Denise helps in other areas of the ministry too, including serving in area Good News Clubs as needed.
Catrina Frederick – Communications Coordinator
For I, Yahweh your God, hold your right hand and say to you: Do not fear, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 (HCSB)
Catrina earned her Bachelors Of Web Development and Design in June 2020. She also excels in graphic design and associated social media skills. She manages our communications strategy, marketing media, web development, and other office assignments as needed.
Catrina, her husband George, and their four sons relocated to Jackson, TN in the spring of 2023. One of their primary goals after getting moved in was to find a home church. They visited several but found their perfect match at Malesus Baptist, Jackson, TN. Catrina, George, and their two oldest boys were saved and baptized in the fall of 2023. She knows that the Lord brought them here to Jackson and can not wait to see what he has in store as she works with our ministry.
When Catrina is not logging hours for CEF she is busy homeschooling her children, cooking and baking, gardening, and getting outside with her family to enjoy God’s creation as much as possible.