Modern Technology & The Gospel Featured Article INSPIRE YOUR FAITH | IMPACT THE WORLD A Tribute to Dr Pat Robertson, Our Founder Changes to your REACH magazine ISSUE 67 CBNEUROPE.COM Campaigns Tribute Special
REACH is a free magazine produced and distributed by CBN Europe to inspire, inform and strengthen your relationship with God.
We partner with individuals, churches and organisations in order to share the message of hope in Jesus Christ, provide humanitarian relief and reduce poverty. It is our vision to share the Gospel in a relevant way to all generations and see people walk in their true potential with God.
Would you like to support our ministry? Contact us on the numbers provided or visit cbneurope.com/donate.
All images by CBN Europe exept Unsplash: kazuend, dev-benjamin, venus-major, guillaume-de-germain, alessio-soggetti, shingi-rice, ben-white, LinkedIn Sales Solutions, evie-s. Images by freepik: tartila, pikisuperstar, rawpixel.com, Harryarts, macrovector, @BiZkettE1 Welcome to Issue 67 Editorial 03. A Tribute to Dr Pat Robertson, Our Founder Tribute Special 04. Vitaly’s Story Orphan’s Promise 06. Modern Technology and the Gospel: Helping or Hurting? Featured Article 10. Making a Difference Global Impact 14. YouVersion CBN Europe DEVO 18. Forgive as You Have Been Forgiven CBN Israel 08. Glen’s Testimony iTestify 27. CONTENT Stay Tuned Ways to Watch 30. Changes to your REACH magazine Campaigns 13. Kidz Pages Superbook 20. PO Box 700 Hereford, HR1 9EW, UK 0300 561 0700 (UK) 01513 3738 (ROI) +44 207 101 7045 (International) WhatsApp 07833 993 924 @CBNEUROPE CBNEUROPE.COM CBNAUSTRALASIA.ORG Pray with Us CBNE Prayer 24.
HELLO, AND WELCOME TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE REACH MAGAZINE.
I’m sure you will already know that after a short illness, our Founder, Dr Pat Robertson, passed away on 8 June 2023, aged 93.
Pat Robertson dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, helping those in need, and educating the next generation. He founded the Christian Broadcasting Network and numerous organisations, including Operation Blessing, Regent University, the American Centre for Law and Justice, and International Family Entertainment Inc. He was also a New York Times best-selling author and host of The 700 Club.
Pat was married to the love of his life and partner in ministry for 67 years, Dede Robertson, until she died in 2022. Together, they had four children, 14 grandchildren, and 24 greatgrandchildren. Pat had a hunger for knowledge of the Lord, and he wanted
to share the love and faithfulness of Jesus with the world. His heart desired that all people come to know Jesus.
Within my role, I have had the honour of seeing many of the tributes we have received and the legacy and impact that “Pat’s” life and ministry have had upon our viewers and partners.
This tribute from Juliette puts in words much of the sentiment that has been expressed.
Unfortunately, I never got to meet CBN’s Founder. Mr Pat Robertson, but seeing him every day until his ‘retirement’ made it seem that God had made him INVINCIBLE. Well done, faithful servant, you ran the race. Thank you so much for your bravery and work for The Kingdom. We will sorely miss you.
Even though Pat is no longer with us, his vision and legacy continue on in the ministry of CBN.
Please pray for Gordon, the whole family, and the CBN Leadership as they seek to continue the great work.
Also, thank you to you, our faithful partners and friends of the ministry, for your continued support as we seek to make the name of Jesus known in the UK, Europe and beyond.
Allen Carter Director of Prayer and Partner Relations
EDITORIAL | 3
A TRIBUTE TO DR PAT ROBERTSON OUR FOUNDER
IT’S NOT EVERY DAY IN A GENERATION THAT AN INDIVIDUAL LIKE DR PAT ROBERSTON COMES ALONG. SOMEONE WHO MAKES A LASTING DIFFERENCE, NOT JUST IN THEIR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE, BUT IN THE WORLD.
On June 8th, 2023, we said a sad farewell to Pat as he walked into eternity with His Saviour.
It’s a bitter-sweet moment when a man or woman of God transitions from earth to heaven. We are saddened for the loved ones left behind. Those who will have to live the rest of their days without a special person in their lives.
And yet, we also rejoice, as the one passing meets their Saviour, the One they have loved – we pray – for their whole lives.
Pat Robertson was a visionary leader in his generation. Not content with reaching a few with the Gospel, Pat started up the Christian Broadcasting Network which has, after over 60 years of ministry, gone on to see thousands upon thousands of lives impacted and saved by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As articulated by his son, Gordon Robertson, Pat was an ‘evangelist, a humanitarian, an entrepreneur, an educator, an author, a statesman, a television personality, a man of global influence and tremendous vision.’
But more than that, Pat was a family man. He leaves behind a huge legacy in his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, who will – I’m sure – go on to replicate the enormous levels of faith that their father, grandfather and great-grandfather had.
4 | TRIBUTE SPECIAL
CBN will continue as an organisation. Since its founding, the mission of CBN has been to prepare America and the world’s nations for the coming of Jesus Christ.
The organisation’s leadership transferred from Pat to his son, Gordon Robertson, in 2007, when Gordon was named CBN’s Chief Executive Officer. Since then, Gordon has overseen the day-to-day activities of CBN and the organisation’s long-term planning and vision casting.
We pray for him and extend our heartfelt condolences to him as he carries the baton forward.
Please join me in sharing a short prayer for the Robertson family and the ministry of CBN:
Father,
We can only imagine your delight as you welcomed your son, Pat, into glory. We pray that you will comfort and keep the Robertson family as they adjust to life without their beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
For the ministry of CBN, we ask that you continue to keep the vision strong. That you will continue to use the ministry as a vehicle for your purposes and that you will, ultimately, prepare the nations of the world for your Son’s return.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
TRIBUTE SPECIAL | 5
VITALY’S STORY
The war in Ukraine has caused much damage to the region and its people. Many lives have been needlessly lost, and many cities have been turned into rubble. Yet our Orphan’s Promise staff, teams and volunteers have continued to bring the Light of the World into the darkest places. Many projects and initiatives have stayed open, serving the communities despite the danger that surrounds them.
Here is a story of one child whose life has been forever affected by the ongoing work of Orphan’s Promise in Ukraine.
Vitaly was born into a low-income Roma family in Ukraine. He is one of six children and, as part of the Roma culture, the elder children are often raised by their grandmothers.
So, from an early age, Vitaly was separatedfrom his mother and father.
Although his grandmother did her best, the separation from his parents meant that Vitaly struggled emotionally and was often upset. He was a smart kid, but he was not engaged in school.
Then, Vitaly was introduced to an Orphan’s Promise School of Life program in his local area. These projects and training centres seek to provide access to education for the Roma communities. The children are taught basic skills, and through mentorship and discipleship children are given the opportunity for a different future. While instilling godly principles and values in the children, our Orphan’s Promise teams also provide hot meals every day.
6 | ORPHAN’S PROMISE
Vitaly wanted to attend the school, but it was not easy at first. Due to his emotional struggles, Vitaly would often become upset or offended by interactions at school. Because he did not yet have the tools to cope with the new environment, he would come home saying that he would not go to the centre anymore, because everyone is against him.
Despite these initial difficulties, he persevered. And with the patient love and support of the team, God began to change Vitaly.
Unfortunately, the war has halted some of Vitaly’s learning and has forced his family to flee the region as refugees, again leaving him with his grandmother in Ukraine.
Although this has been an incredibly difficult time, Vitaly has remained positive. Distance learning has not been possible, as he does not have access to his own computer, but Vitaly has not let go of his biggest dream of finishing school.
As this truth settled into his heart, Vitaly became more open and friendly. He was also more focused in school. Conflicts between other children lessened, and he began to help those around him.
Soon, his schoolwork improved, and an interest in technology was seen by the team at the centre. His thirst for knowledge in the area of computers and computer science increased, with Vitaly even asking for extra lessons!
Before war broke out, Vitaly was in the sixth grade. He was a very responsible student and never missed a lesson.
He said, “I would like to be a programmer and create computer programs for games. I know that this requires a lot of learning and a good computer … I believe that God will help me.”
Through the faithful support of Orphan’s Promise partners, training centres and School of Life programs continue to support children across Ukraine, even in the face of war. Because of your giving, this is not the end to their story.
ORPHAN’S PROMISE | 7
“THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD AND THE EXPLANATION OF THE GOSPEL, VITALY BEGAN TO REALISE THAT PEOPLE WERE NOT AGAINST HIM AND THAT GOD WAS FOR HIM.”
FORGIVE AS YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN
(Matthew
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV). Because, in Christ, we have been forgiven everything, God asks us to extend that same measure of forgiveness to others.
Elsewhere Jesus taught, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7 NASB). The degree to which I receive mercy is correlated to the mercy I show others. He communicated a similar message about judging: “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1-2 NASB). In other words,
I will be judged in the same way I judge others.
Jesus understood that forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a choice. And it is a choice we are capable of making now, wherever we are. If we desire to receive mercy and forgiveness, then, according to Jesus, we must choose to show mercy and forgiveness to others. We are to forgive those who have wronged us; others who don’t agree with us or act like us; or others who have hurt us.
This is where Jesus’ message challenges us in very practical ways, just as it did His original audience.
8 | CBN ISRAEL
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions”
6:14-15 NASB).
He understood that people have the propensity to treat others horribly, without mercy or forgiveness. Yet, it is because we have peace with God, that we should work to have peace with others. The Bible tells us that the love of Christ has been poured out into our hearts. We have an ample supply of love and forgiveness to share with those around us.
This is a profound thought with incredible implications. Think how different our world would look if we all lived by the principle that since we have received unending mercy and forgiveness, we must also show mercy and forgiveness to others. It would
transform our world, our communities, our neighbourhoods, and our families.
PRAYER
Father, let us share the forgiveness you have given us with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Find out more about CBN Israel
If you would like to know more about the work of CBN Israel visit cbnisrael.org
CBN ISRAEL | 9
MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND THE GOSPEL. HELPING
OR HURTING?
You often hear it said, ‘I don’t trust technology’ or ‘You can’t beat face-to-face meetings as opposed to zoom’. However, you can’t deny that technology has done remarkable things to make the world that bit more accessible.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather meet in person than over Facetime or Zoom any day. That being said, the progression of apps such as YouVersion now means it’s never been faster and easier to access your Bible wherever you are and in whatever version you want - all from the convenience of your pocket.
We can all agree that we want as many people as possible to come to know Jesus, right? To be in a
living and thriving relationship. This requires us getting out of our four walls to reach people. Using technology, we are now able to broadcast with cameras, phones, podcasts and radio stations to access those who may feel it’s impossible to walk through the doors of a church building. This may be because of mental health struggles such as depression, or physical/ locational issues that make it nearly impossible to leave the house.
Technology has helped remove so many barriers we have faced until now making it possible to send the Gospel into places we can’t always travel to - or frankly don’t have the people or finances to reach quickly.
So that leaves us with the question: ‘Could technology be hurting our mission to spread the Gospel?’
Besides the physical pieces of technology such as the camera-filming or the laptop-watching, there are a number of things an online church service can’t fulfil that meeting in person can achieve.
The local church will always be God’s plan to build relationally and won’t be replaced, but that doesn’t discount what part technology will play in the whole journey.
Technology doesn’t replace faceto-face contact and gathering in person, but just as the aeroplane or rail transport has dramatically made it faster and easier to travel and to connect with loved ones and business trips, I believe technology can be used safely to connect people on a journey to knowing Jesus. Look at how fast news can spread now using the device in your pocket!
How much greater that tool can be in the hands of a believer and spreading the good news of Jesus?
We should be public about our faith and not afraid to make Jesus known. The audience each one of us can reach now would have seemed impossible before technology was involved. We must stay agile...wise, certainly, but still agile in looking at how we can continue to leverage the things around us to make Jesus known.
Now, the damage social media is having to this generation is very real and the isolation that technology is causing is a current world issue.
We are designed for relationship. You just have to look at the heart of God to realise this. Something goes wrong when we divert from God’s design.
FEATURED | 11
JAKE RUSSELL CBN EUROPE TECHNICAL PRODUCER
Technology has helped remove so many barriers we have faced until now making it possible to send the Gospel into places we can’t always travel to...
DEAR READER,
HERE AT CBN EUROPE, IN EVERYTHING WE DO WE CONTINUOUSLY STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE AND EFFICIENCY. AS A MINISTRY, WE ARE COMMITTED TO FULFILLING GOD’S CALLING AND ADHERING TO HIS STANDARDS.
Over the past 65+ editions, the REACH magazine has served as an invaluable tool to inform, inspire, and engage our partners and supporters. While we aim to continue this tradition, we believe it is essential to make some changes.
With this in mind, we have evaluated the impact of printing and distributing the REACH magazine and have identified some concerns.
Firstly, the printing process significantly contributes to our carbon footprint. Each time we print the magazine, we consume valuable resources and generate emissions that harm our environment. As a ministry that seeks to promote stewardship of God’s creation, it is essential for us to minimise our ecological impact.
Secondly, the cost of printing and mailing the magazine has been steadily increasing. As businesses respond to rising costs of living, we find ourselves facing higher printing expenses. This financial burden not only affects our ability to allocate resources effectively but also hinders our capacity to invest in other impactful ministry initiatives.
12 | CAMPAIGNS
Therefore, we are excited to announce that, starting from October 2023, the REACH magazine will transition to a digital format. We are committed to updating and re-envisioning the REACH magazine online, ensuring that it becomes the most excellent and engaging platform for our readers.
Through this digital transformation, we can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also allocate our resources more efficiently towards furthering our ministry’s mission and impact.
We will be updating and re-envisioning our REACH magazine online to make it the most excellent experience for our readers possible.
We cannot promise a printed version of REACH any longer, but we will be sending out a personal letter from our Regional Director with the latest updates of how your support is impacting lives. If you would like to receive this letter, please call our Hope Line to make this request.
However, if we do not hear from you, we will assume that you are excited to embrace the newly re-vamped REACH magazine in its digital form. We believe this change will not only benefit the environment and our financial stewardship but also enhance your reading experience.
CAMPAIGNS | 13
GLOBAL IMPACT STORIES
ESCAPE FROM THE RUBBLE
Ayesha slept in Turkey with her grandchild, unaware of the impending disaster. Suddenly, her house began to shake violently. She and her family had little time to escape the collapsing structure as their surroundings crumbled. “Everything fell to the ground. We were scared and waited for the earthquake to stop,” Ayesha said.
Once the shaking subsided, Ayesha and her family rushed outside. Their homes were destroyed. The following hours were filled with terror.
“Many people were trapped under rubble,” she recalled, mourning her brother-in-law who perished. Ayesha, her husband, children, and father-inlaw became homeless, finding shelter in a government-provided tent.
Thanks to CBN’s Operation Blessing and compassionate individuals like you, immediate aid was sent their way! When our team reached Ayesha’s tent village, they witnessed the residents’ struggle. Ayesha and her neighbours
relied on an old pump for water, but fear of contamination made them hesitant to drink it.
Confirming the water’s unsafety, our water engineer, with your help, provided each family, including Ayesha’s, with a water filter. Ayesha and her family were grateful. “I even provide clean water to people who don’t have it.”
Ayesha added, “I didn’t see anyone else from foreign countries come to help us apart from Operation Blessing. They provided food and water, brought toys for our children, and helped us tremendously. We love them dearly.”
14 | GLOBAL IMPACT STORIES
she could rely on God’s strength and that He is mightier than any adversary. Moreover, she gained a profound understanding of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, which filled her with awe.
DESISLAVA’S JOURNEY OF FAITH: THE POWER OF SUPERBOOK
Six-year-old Desislava resided in the picturesque city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Despite her parents’ lack of faith, her grandparents, devout believers, nurtured her spiritual curiosity. Permission granted, she eagerly attended church and Sunday school, savouring every word and lesson.
A visit to her friend Karina’s house introduced Desislava to Superbook, an enthralling animated series. The episode left an indelible mark on her young heart, igniting an insatiable curiosity. Desislava yearned to explore more episodes and rejoiced when she discovered the complete three seasons of Superbook on a USB stick at her grandmother’s place during Christmas. Grateful, she carefully collected the USB sticks and brought them home.
Through Superbook, Desislava delved into a wealth of knowledge about God. Initial fear of the devil waned as she learned that God is a protector. She discovered that through prayer,
Undeterred by a knee cyst, invisible to the eye, Desislava refused to lose heart. Superbook had revealed the power of prayer to her. She fervently prayed for healing, peace within her family, and friends to share in the wonder of Superbook. She yearned for regular attendance at Sunday school. Miraculously, her parents began to yield, allowing her more frequent visits to the church. Wasting no time, she shared her newfound love with friends, hoping they would also experience the blessing of Superbook. Her prayers grew, encompassing the salvation of her little sister, cousins, friends, and even her parents.
GLOBAL IMPACT STORIES | 15
DARING TO SHARE THE GOSPEL
ACONVERSATION THAT I HAVE BECOME PRIVY TO IN MY LINE OF WORK AND MINISTRY IS THE DISCUSSION AROUND HARNESSING MODERN TECHNOLOGY (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, CHAT GBT AND THE INTERNET IN GENERAL) TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL MISSION OF SHARING JESUS WITH THE NATIONS.
However, opening up the conversation with my colleagues and peers has proven quite delicate. The change that these new areas of technological development present to our variety of cultures have challenged the norms that we have grown comfortable working with.
Throughout the Gospel chapters we find in our Bibles, we see numerous examples of how Jesus went against the
cultural norms of his time to spread the message of God’s love and salvation.
For example, in Mark 2:13-17, Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, which was considered a scandalous act at the time. By associating with those who were considered outcasts and sinners, Jesus demonstrated a radical inclusivity that went against the cultural norms of his time.
In John 4:1-42, Jesus engages in conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well, something that was considered a shocking act at the time. Through their conversation, Jesus reveals himself to be the Messiah, and the woman becomes a powerful evangelist, spreading the Gospel message to her community. This demonstrates how
Jesus used creative and innovative means to reach out to those who were considered outsiders, rather than relying on traditional methods of evangelism.
Another example of Jesus’ approach to spreading the Gospel can be found in his Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in Matthew 5-7. Rather than focusing on legalistic rules and regulations, Jesus speaks to the hearts and minds of his audience, teaching them about love, forgiveness, and the nature of God’s kingdom. His teachings were revolutionary at the time and continue to challenge and inspire people to this day.
Similarly, in Acts 2:1-41, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost is notable for its directness and power, as he proclaims the message of Christ in a way that is accessible and relevant to his audience. This demonstrates how the early
Church used creative means to spread the Gospel, reaching out to people in ways that resonated with them and spoke to their needs and concerns.
Christian’s, churches and ministries alike can provide access to Christian content that is relevant and meaningful to people’s lives by using these tools... for good.
Of course, as with any technology, there are potential risks and drawbacks associated with the use of AI in evangelism. Some individuals may be sceptical of receiving faithbased content from a machine, and there is always the potential for misuse and abuse of modern technology.
Perhaps, if we approach AI with a spirit of curiosity and exploration, we can harness its power for good and use it to help build, rather than tear down.
I certainly do not proclaim to have all the answers when it comes to modern technology and its ability to advance the Kingdom of God, but my personal standpoint is that – if we remain open-handed with all advancements in culture – we will be following a trend that our Saviour embraced –challenging the cultural norms of the day to reach the last, the lost and the least.tool for evangelism, allowing us to share the love of Christ with more people in innovative and relevant ways.
In many ways, modern technology in the form of AI, and the like, are a continuation of this tradition of innovation and creativity in evangelism.
BY ALISA LATTYALLEYNE DIRECTOR OF MEDIA, MARKETING & FUNDRAISING
FEATURED | 17
AI, and the like, are a continuation of this tradition of innovation and creativity in evangelism
JOURNEYING LIFE
Exploring the Journey of Life
In this 4-part devotional we will talk about life and its unique rhythms. Each of us has been dealt a completely original hand and we must learn to live content with the hand we have been given, whilst also striving to be all that we can be for Christ.
18 | YOUVERSION 4-DAY PLAN
FIND US ON THE BIBLE APP
PAT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS
CBN’s Founder, Dr Pat Robertson, went to be with the Lord on 8 June 2023. Pat wrote a book titled ‘Bring it On’, providing answers to life’s tough questions.
Is ‘once saved always saved’ true? Is it possible to lose salvation after falling into sin?
The Bible never says, ‘once saved always saved.’ It’s like riding a bicycle. We can’t say, “Well, I know how to ride a bicycle, so I don’t have to pump the pedals.” We have to stay the course. If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, the blood of Christ continuously cleanses us from all sin. We also can’t say, “I can live any way I want to because I know I’m going to go to heaven.”
I think that is very dangerous. And the Bible never said anything like it. David said, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV). Although he committed adultery and had a man murdered, God forgave him.
We can be forgiven too. And that’s the main thing: that we are cleansed and returned to the fullness of God’s Spirit.
BRING IT ON | 19
A.
Q.
TEACH US TO PRAY
Chris, Joy and Gizmo head to Chris’ Grandma’s to help her pack up her house.
Chris’ Grandpa has recently passed away and so his grandma is moving house to be closer to her family. Whilst Chris is helping her pack boxes, she begins to chat to him about how they loved to pray together. However, all the talk about his grandpa makes his grandma upset and Chris doesn’t know how to comfort her.
Superbook then transports Chris, Joy and Gizmo to a time in the Bible when Jesus was teaching and preaching. Gizmo and the children witness several instances where Jesus’ prayers bring comfort and healing to those He is praying for.
Chris decides that one way he can help his grandma is by sitting and praying with her.
episode
adult as some scenes may be too intense for younger children.
EPISODE
SUPERBOOK.CBN.COM Bonus Extras: Superbook Classic “Neighbors” • Special International Feature ® SUPERBOOK.CBN.COM 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23463 CBN.com Superbook.CBN.com For product inquiries, please call 855.332.0032 English: Closed-Captioned, Stereo, Surround 5.1 Español: Con subtítulos, Estereo, Surround 5.1 Spanish Audio and Closed Captions Included THE CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK PRESENTS SEAN ROCHE JOHN J. SCHAFER DAVID BALDWIN SEAN ROCHE CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BEN EDWARDS SUPERBOOK THEME PRODUCED BY MARK HAMMOND After his grandpa dies, Chris and his grandma find an old family Bible. When she begins to cry, Chris feels desperate. What can he do to help? Get ready for a heart-pounding adventure as Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo back to New Testament times. Witness the wonder as Jesus is gloriously transfigured on the mountaintop. See how He teaches the disciples to pray in faith—and to cast out demons! Discover why the Lord’s Prayer is still the perfect guideline for praying today. PREVIEW THIS VIDEO, AS CERTAIN SCENES MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR SOME CHILDREN. PLEASE USE THE ENCLOSED FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) ABOUT EPISODES, VISIT CBN.COM/SUPERBOOK. LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! PARENTS ®
IN FOCUS
20 | EPISODE IN FOCUS
CAN FIND TEACH US TO PRAY ON THE SUPERBOOK APP
YOU
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WHAT IS PRAYER AND HOW DO WE PRAY?
What Is Prayer?
Prayer is a way for us to talk to our Heavenly Father. Jesus spent lots of time praying to God and asking Him to help give Him the power to heal the sick and bring comfort to those who were sad. In the Bible, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray using ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ (found in Matthew 6:9-13).
This is a great prayer to start with...read this passage and see which parts jump out at you!
How Do We Pray?
There are lots of ways we can pray to God – we can talk to Him, draw Him pictures, write in a journal. There is no ’right’ way to pray. Take some time to try a few different ways of praying to God and see which one you like the most.
Have a think about what you can be praying for; is it a sick neighbour, a friend who doesn’t know Jesus or a situation that is making you sad or worried? This week, bring these prayer points to God in whichever way you like best.
Speak to a trusted adult about how you found this task and perhaps ask them what their prayers are like too.
COLOUR ME IN!
CREATIVE MEDIA
Please pray for our TV broadcasting, Digital Media and Print Media. It is such a gift that we are able to share the Good News of Jesus as well as share testimonies of His goodness through so many different media platforms. Pray that the content our team create is relevant, powerful and encouraging to all who encounter it.
HOPE LINE
Pray for our many Hope Line callers from across the UK, Europe, and Australasia. Pray for favour, renewed strength and a double portion of grace for our wonderful team as they continue to share wisdom and encouragement with all our callers. We want to see even more salvations through our Hope Line. Pray for our current fundraising campaign that God will prompt individuals to steward what they give by opting for Gift Aid, if they’re eligible.
HUMANITARIAN
Please continue to pray for the work that CBN’s Operation Blessing & Orphan’s Promise are doing around the UK and Europe. We thank God
for our incredible teams who had the opportunity to meet together in person for a time of refreshment, vision casting and prayer. Continue to pray for the many projects we hold, and that people will recognise the love of God through the practical aid given.
SUPERBOOK
Superbook, CBN’s animated Bible series, continues to increase its reach in so many countries and languages. We know that this branch of our ministry is having a profound impact on adults as well as children! Please continue to pray that God uses this series to minister to families and individuals all over the world as it brings the truths of Jesus to life.
CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS
Please pray for CBNE’s Church Partnership initiative. Pray that churches will see the value in our content and resources that are designed to unite, equip and support the body of Christ in the mission to share the Gospel. Pray that we continue to gain more partners alongside building strong, impactful relationships with those we currently partner with.
24 | PRAYER NEEDS
HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR
PASTORING PEOPLE ON THE HOPE LINE REMAINS ONE OF MY GREATEST PRIVILEGES AND SOMETHING I STILL DON’T TAKE FOR GRANTED. I ENDEAVOUR TO STEWARD WELL ALL THAT GOD HAS ENTRUSTED TO ME WITHIN THE TEAM AND ON THE LINES.
As much as it remains a privilege, it isn’t always easy serving and leading broken people just like you and me. But God’s Grace has always proved more than enough, sustaining me and the people I get to serve on the good days, bad days and everything else in between.
Hope Line pastoring is a good way to describe what God has called me to
here on the Hope line. In many ways it reflects much of my previous training and experiences within Church leadership as a Senior Pastor and Assistant Pastor, demanding a natural and supernatural amount of shepherding responsibility in many similar forms.
It is a role that keeps me dependent on the Good Shepherd, the One who leads me to lead the people He has entrusted to me, for without Him I can do nothing.
SARAH FLETCHER HOPE LINE MANAGER
HOPE LINE | 25
Call the CBN Hope Line 0300 561 0700 (UK) | 01513 3738 (ROI) | +44 207 101 7045 (Int) Or message us on WhatsApp! 07833 993 924
HOPE LINE
YOU?
CONNECT WITH US
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
IN A WORLD WHERE MASSES OF INFORMATION ARE AT OUR FINGERTIPS, IT CAN BE HARD TO FILTER OUT WHAT IS USEFUL AND WHAT IS HARMFUL.
Technology has become something we rely on and use to connect with companies, organisations, businesses and each other – all around the world!
So how do we use technology - and social media specifically - for our good?
Here at CBN we are passionate about connecting people with positive and wholesome Christian content, and our social media accounts are no exception from this vision.
HEAD OVER TO FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM OR YOUTUBE AND SEARCH FOR
We aim to use this powerful network of platforms to share the Gospel and help individuals meet their Saviour, as well as helping to disciple existing believers.
We hope that you will find engaging, inspiring and informative content across our social media platforms and that, ultimately, it will all develop your faith in Jesus.
26 | CONNECT WITH US
@CBNEUROPE
GLEN’S STORY
HITMEN, MOTORBIKE ACCIDENTS, ABUSE AND ABANDONMENT – IT SOUNDS LIKE THE PLOT TO A MOVIE, BUT IT IS IN FACT THE DRAMATIC STORY OF ONE MAN.
After Glen’s mum left when he was just 5 years old, he developed much anger and resentment towards her. Hounded by bullies, who taunted him with rumours about his Mum, the anger grew.
Abusive incidents further caused deep isolation as he had no one he could turn to or trust. Anger enveloped his character. Sadly, the pain continued when a young relative got molested by the boyfriend of another family member and his relations decided to let him off.
One day Glen grabbed a knife, attempting to stab the man, but his father managed to pull the knife away. He vowed that when his dad was buried, he would kill the perpetrator. After his dad’s funeral he arranged for two hitmen to kill him. Weirdly they got killed in a motorbike accident and consequently the man who Glen hated was not harmed. Glen was convinced the man deserved to die. Anger and hatred consumed him,
turning him to violence with the attitude, ‘Kill or be killed.’
At this time, a work colleague invited him to church. He went simply to impress her. However, when he was there, he encountered Jesus. God told Glen how much he loved him. Convicted in His presence, knowing he was not worthy, all the pain disappeared, and he was filled with love and joy.
Glen contacted his family and the man he had arranged to kill, telling them he forgave them!
Jesus had truly set him free.
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erefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV