Meet Jedd Medefind
The Power of Scripture
Jedd Medefind
President – Christian Alliance for Orphans
“The Scripture memorized as part of Awana has shaped my heart, so I can’t but assume that it was a key factor in all of my major life choices, including my decision to step away from politics and government and focus on helping God’s people to more fully live out His call to care for orphans.”
As a young second-grader, Jedd Medefind walked into his first Awana Club experience and quickly fell in love with the program. The competition of the game square and getting to buy ‘real things’ with Awana bucks, there was something about the fun and appeal that drew Jedd in. But it was the leaders and experience that made the biggest impact on his life. “I especially recall one man, Carl, who poured lots of extra energy and love into me in 3rd and 4th grade — encouraging me, taking me out for dinner a couple times, and just challenging me to grow into a man after God’s heart. I’m so grateful for him and the many others who gave of themselves Wednesday nights week after week.” Across several churches, Awana was a consistent presence and source of spiritual growth throughout his childhood. And though his high school ministry didn’t have a formal Awana program, he continued studying his books independently, working to earn his Citation award.
As an adult, Jedd has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh. He’s also served in the political realm — working with the California Legislature and in the White House under President George W. Bush. He oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. He also helped establish the California Community Renewal Project, which strengthens nonprofits in some of the state’s most challenged communities. In each of these political posts, Jedd knows that Awana made a clear difference in his life.
Today, Jedd spends his days working to expand God’s kingdom and influence in the lives of children and families around the world by serving as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). CAFO unites 190 ministries serving vulnerable children, from foster youth in the U.S. to orphans around the globe. It’s a rare glimpse of Christians united in vision and purpose, laboring together to both inspire and equip Christians to be God’s answer for these precious kids. Jedd is certain that Awana impacted his life and, in turn, is impacting the lives of others around the world. “Awana laid a foundation for a bedrock conviction that all Christian work of justice and mercy must never rise from guilt, duty or even idealism, but as a response to God’s immense love for us. We love because He first loved us.”
Despite significant work in politics and global ministry, Jedd remains convincedthat his greatest role is that of husband to Rachel and father to his five children. And in this role especially, he keeps God’s word at the forefront of life. “I think it’d be hard to overstate the significance of having God’s Word saturate your mind and heart like it does through Awana — not only during those years as a child, but all throughout life. That gift nourishes, encourages, challenges and guides me every day — perhaps every minute of every day.”
