Reach Magazine - June 2020

I N S P I R E YO U R FA I T H | I M PA C T T H E W O R L D

Our Comforter

Our Helper

Our Hero

He Who is With You Forever

The Artist And His Chisel

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

CBNEUROPE.COM

ISSUE 48

CONTENT

03

From The Director

04

Pray in Faith, Trusting God’s Promises Teaching

06

From The Office Update

09

Our Comforter Featured

PO Box 700 Hereford, HR1 9EW, UK

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0300 561 0700 (UK) 01513 3738 (ROI) +44 207 101 7045 (International)

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07833 993 924

The Wall Impact Stories

WhatsApp

CBNEUROPE.COM

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Not All Heroes Wear Capes Featured

@CBNEUROPE

27

Resource Superbook Bible App

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Your Ways To Give Join The Mission

R E A C H 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.

FROM THE DIRECTOR | 3

“And His Name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21 Dear friends, I hope and pray that you are well and blessed in this challenging time.

As we have been confined to our homes during Covid-19, life as we knew it has drastically changed. Like never before we had to adapt to a new way of living, fighting an enemy we cannot see but is very real at the same time. We thank God for our NHS and all key workers who continue to serve those whose lives are hanging in the balance, while putting themselves at risk. Words fail when trying to describe the loss of life here in the United Kingdom and around the world as we hear of the daily toll of lives lost in this pandemic. Every number represents a life, a family, a circle of loved ones and a unique story. The Lord knows each by name.

In the midst of tragedy, weeping and mourning, something extraordinary is happening. God is moving mightily through His Spirit in the hearts and lives of His people, offering HOPE to a lost world. I believe that besides these being unprecedented times in the sense of this global pandemic, these are unprecedented times in God’s eternal Kingdom. Like never before, the Kingdom of God is advancing as the Church unites in prayer, learns to share the Good News of Jesus effectively as the world is seeking for answers. We know that the only answer is Jesus, as He is the Hope of this world! (Isaiah 42:1-4 and Matthew 12:15-21).

A recent survey by Tearfund shared that nearly half of the adults in the UK say that they pray. A quarter of UK adults say they have watched or listened to a religious service since lockdown. Over half of those who pray (56%) agree that prayer changes the world. The recent song ‘The UK Blessing’ has been watched over 2 million times as the Church is rising up to pray and share HOPE at this very time. Something new is happening as God’s Spirit is moving. Thank you putting your HOPE in action through your partnership with CBN, sharing the Good News of Jesus. He alone is the hope of all the world!

In Jesus, Mark Dijkens

CBN Europe Regional Director

PRAY

IN FAITH Gordon Robertson

Chief Executive Officer

TEACHING | 5 Pray in faith, trusting God’s promises.

journey.

When we look at the world through eyes of faith, we see things differently.

As Romans 1:17 says, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (ESV). We don’t earn our way to heaven; we simply believe God—even when that faith is tested.

He arrived with the camels, the jewellery, and the dowry money—but he didn’t know who it was for. So, he prayed, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham” (Genesis 24:12).

Abraham’s faith was tested at the moment of the promise. God told him, “Count the stars ... . So shall your descendants be” (Genesis 15:5). Despite having no heir, how did Abraham respond? “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (v. 6).

Notice how he specifically asked for success on behalf of his master. When we pray, we ask for success—but for whose sake? If it’s for “me, myself and I,” that’s the wrong trinity. In his prayer, Eliezer had an amazing revelation. He prayed that the girl who offered to water his camels would be the one he was seeking. Indeed, the young woman who watered his camels was Abraham’s relative Rebekah. Eliezer believed God, and the answer was revealed.

Abraham’s faith was rewarded with the birth of his son Isaac. And the same faith Abraham had as he looked at the stars and believed God was also conveyed to his servant Eliezer.

In all likelihood, Eliezer was an idol worshiper purchased by Abraham in Damascus on the way to the Promised Land. Yet there was something special about him. Not only did he become the chief steward over Abraham’s entire household; he was also entrusted with finding a wife for his master’s son—a nearly impossible task.

He was sent to a land he didn’t know, to a people he hadn’t met, with the sacred trust of finding a bride for Isaac, who couldn’t go. Yet Eliezer must have known he could completely trust God because Abraham’s life showed that God would not fail.

The servant obediently made the long

So, when you pray, do you have confidence that God will answer?

Are you fully persuaded? Do you believe Him? That belief will be credited to you as righteousness.

The Lord has tasked all of us with evangelizing the world. When we believe God, we take Him at His word and say, “He is able.” We pray for success—not for our own sake, but for the sake of those who have never heard the Gospel. And when we impart faith to others, they are empowered to step out in faith and trust Him for the journey ahead. God bless you!

Scripture is quoted from the NKJV except as noted. This teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel.

6 | FROM THE OFFICE Vanja Bule

Director, CBN South East Europe

CROATIA & SOUTH EAST EUROPE The pandemic meant as had to stop supporting a school feeding project in Bosnia. Instead, we started preparing food packages for the affected families to sustain them. We used our network and delivered food through a local pastor.

We are thankful for all the resources and materials we have to be able to step up and serve our community in a tangible way.

Zagreb, March 22nd, in the midst of COVID-19, we woke up to the strongest earthquake in 140 years. Significant damage was caused in the centre of the city.

Many were displaced and it was a very difficult couple of weeks locked down in the city with daily tremors. This brought fear to the hearts of the people “we are fighting two enemies; one is invisible and the other one is unpredictable.”

Suddenly I found myself quarantined in the trembling city. God had a different plan as all I could do is pray and feel the pain in my community. Nonetheless, could offer hope where all hope seemed lost.

The earthquake has long passed, and we are back to fighting COVID 19 but, in my spirit, I sense a different kind of rattling. One about obeying the WORD OF THE LORD, about gathering a vast ARMY of believers. Friends, you have been part of this! I cannot thank you enough for all your faithful and continued support.

Andreas “Pitti” Heerwagen Director, CBN Germany

GERMANY During these unprecedented times, most of our work in one way or another is affected by Covid-19.

Our Humanitarian Outreach, has focused mainly on food deliveries. Children are at the heart of what we do. In caring for families during this time, we partnered with additional Churches and offered Superbook to their online streaming service for free. Our Prayer Centre, has focused on giving hope to all our callers.

With our CBN Partners in Germany, we have reached out to as many as possible to offer prayer, encouragement, and HOPE. We believe hope is more contagious than a virus.

FROM THE OFFICE | 7 As a leader, it is important to maintain a positive environment in spite of the current situation and focus on our relationships. I have focused on my core values: being thankful, not living in fear, and knowing the best is yet to come! We lean on God in the midst of uncertainty, because “we don’t know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.”

Chris Karelse

CBN Representative, Netherlands

THE NETHERLANDS During the lockdown in the Netherlands, the biggest and sudden change for the people, just like all over the world, was the fact that many had to stay inside.

This meant that the usage of the internet and social media suddenly increased enormously. The Netherlands, as the youngest member of CBN Europe family, we see this as a wonderful opportunity to launch our YouTube channel so we can reach people in their own homes.

We published the 700 Club and subtitled highlights of Jerusalem Dateline. We are sharing these online on social media to be a blessing to many at this time.

We pray many more will be touched through this. Please come along on this journey with CBN Netherlands.

Doina Bejenaru

Director, CBN Moldova

MOLDOVA During the quarantine, children in Romania and the Republic of Moldova spent it on virtual adventures with Superbook heroes, all translated into Romanian! The Mega Premiere of season 4 was held between 13-19 April which is Holy Week here. Alfa Omega TV team offered the most beautiful experience for families. We had Superbook LIVE ‘Marathon adventure weekends’ where, families, enjoyed all the first three seasons, travelling through time exploring relevant landmark stories over the centuries.

5 year old Solomon discovered Superbook during the quarantine. He is so passionate about Superbook that, he was the first to memorise the first five

8 | FROM THE OFFICE verses of John 17 in our Prayer of the Lord challenge.

I received messages expressing a deep disappointment that the LIVE marathons were over! Some amazing testimonies came from deeply grateful parents for the Superbook live broadcast film and opportunity to give their children quality time with wholesome viewing. This is the power of the word of God!

Lavender Otieno

Head of Operations, CBN Europe

UK We have had to quickly adapt and adjust how we deliver the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In these unprecedented times Staying safe, well and without fear became a focus for us as a ministry. God-given opportunities have presented themselves to demonstrate the heart of God. In line with physical distancing we had several firsts; we have kept our prayer centre open ‘virtually’ taking higher call volumes. Alongside other charities we took part in the 2.6 Challenge as part of our fundraising efforts. We supported a ministry partner - World Without Orphans in holding a virtual conference. While re-launching the Hope Line, we had our very first online volunteer training.

By God’s infinite grace and provision through our friends and partners and an amazing team, we have remained open and continue to pull together to meet the needs of our local and wider community.

Mark Dijkens

Regional Director, CBN Europe

COVID-19 had impacted us in many ways. We have a responsibility to get involved, act upon our words and be relevant, sharing His hope in every situation and serving the community. To all our partners & friends who have continued to support us through prayer, volunteering and donating, I want to say a BIG THANK YOU!

FEATURED | 9

OUR

COMFORTER Allen Carter

Head of Development and Partner Relations

Can you imagine the scene? Jesus had recently died; risen and now He appears to His disciples. They had witnessed so much over the last three years. They had become a closeknit community. They had seen Him heal the sick, raise the dead, feed thousands and so much more. And today, He was about to drop another bombshell; He would soon leave them.

For these band of brothers, this left them with more questions than answers, uncertainty and heartache.

Amid these emotions, Jesus spoke these really important words;

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counsellor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” - John 16:7 (AMP) Even though they didn’t understand or comprehend what He was saying these words were about to change the course of not just their lives but have a big impact. that we still walk in today. Jesus was saying to them ‘it is to beneficial that I go away, for when I go the Holy Spirit will come and He

10 | FEATURED will be your Helper, your Comforter, Advocate someone who speaks on your behalf. Your Intercessor the one who prays with you and for you. He will be your Counsellor, the one who strengthens you and your standby who will bring you together.’

It must have seemed strange to the disciples as they listened to Jesus talk about the Holy Spirit. They had become familiar; accustomed with Him always being around. Now they were being asked to follow the Holy Spirit; a person who they couldn’t see, couldn’t touch or audibly hear. What was it going to be like to have another comforter or helper?

“At any time, we can draw upon His wisdom and counsel.” n John 14:15-17 it says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (ESV) The word “another” in these verses is significant. It means that the Holy Spirit would be identical to Jesus in every way. Would He speak, think, see, operate and behave the same

way as Jesus.? He would not be limited or restricted to one place at a time. Jesus then goes on say the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Comforter would be with you forever. He would be the Spirit of truth living within. That you would “know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”

What a promise this is for us! As a believer, a child of God, the person of the Holy Spirit lives and dwells within each of us and we can get to know Him personally. It may not be possible to see Him, but He abides within each of us. At any time, We can draw upon His wisdom and counsel at any time.

We can seek His direction, know His comfort and learn to listen to His voice.

I know that in my own life I have learned to listen to the promptings of His voice. In recent days, I have been asking to hear His voice more clearly.

At the beginning of the day, I would pray a simple yet profound prayer; “Lord, who would you want me to connect with today?”

Every day whilst I am going about my daily routine, I’m asking but also listening. I’m learning that as I listen the Holy Spirit will drop a name or a person to connect with. Maybe to share a message of encouragement or pick up the phone and speak with them. Almost every time, without fail, the person has responded by saying how did you know to reach out to me today it was just what I needed?

With one particular friend, Stephen, I asked, “Lord, you have given me the name now what would you want me to say?” Immediately I was reminded

FEATURED | 11 of scripture and I messaged the Bible verse to him. Stephen replied a few hours later and said, “thanks for the Bible verse it has come as a confirmation as God gave the same verse to my wife earlier in the week.”

Can I encourage you to pray that simple prayer as well? “Lord, who would you want me to connect with today.” Simply learn to listen to the prompting and the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Several years ago, the phrase which was used to teach children the Green Cross Code was “Stop, Look and Listen.” Why not do that now and make it apart of your daily routine.

Stop what you are doing.

Look and see what He is saying Listen and obey Remember, He lives and abides in you and will be with you forever. He is speaking.

STOP LOOK LISTEN

3 Ways To Stop, Look & Listen Make Time

Make time with Him a priority.

Schedule in a coffee break daily!

Be Still

Be still in His presence. Go for a walk, enjoy nature, spend time just sitting and being still with your eyes fixed on Him!

Action it!

When God speaks, action it! Be bold and courageous and step out in faith!

12 | DEVOTION

Adam Howard

Content Coordinator

LISTENING FOR THE

VOICE OF GOD

God is alive. He is living and active right now. And He wants to speak.

More than that, He wants to speak directly to you. We have been given the written Word of God, through which God speaks to us by the Holy Spirit. By the same person, He wants to whisper words to our hearts too.

Like any other person, we have to spend time with the Holy Spirit in

order to learn what He sounds like to us. I don’t know about you, but there’s something about how your mum used to call your name that meant that even across a crowded room, you heard her. The intonation of the voice often giving a clue to the reason for her calling your name. So how did you know it was your mother calling?

Simple. It’s because you knew her.

You were used to how she sounded to

DEVOTION | 13 your ear; you’ve heard it comfort you as a child when you wept, discipline you when you made some wrong decisions and you’ve heard it call you home for dinner a thousand times.

It’s not that different with hearing the voice of God. The simple way to be able to recognise His voice is to spend time with Him. Learn the rhythm of His words, the ups and downs of each sentence; the timbre of His voice.

Maybe you have never heard Him speak in an audible voice, like some Charleton Heston, booming that you may have imagined. Don’t worry... neither have I! We are all wired differently, and as such He speaks in different ways to each of us. Perhaps you hear Him like a thought in your mind, somehow different to the normal internal monologue of self.

Or maybe it’s through a feeling deep inside or a peace that comes when making decisions. However, you ‘hear’ Him, determine to recognise it when that happens. It will amaze you how often you notice His voice when we begin to acknowledge it!

That’s good theory, but what about some practical help?

I’m glad you asked! Here are 4 helpful tools that I have found as I have explored this area of faith.

I normally start with praying one simple statement from 1 Samuel 3:10: “Samuel answered, ‘Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” (MSG) Then employ these steps:

QUIET YOURSELF

Put down the clutter from the day, my own thoughts and agendas, find that secret place either within or physically change your space FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

I want to hear Him. It’s funny that when we fix our attention on Him, He speaks.

OPEN UP TO SPONTANEITY

Don’t over-think the things that come to you. Often when we have walked through the first steps, we are more able to tune in to His voice. However simple or crazy it may seem, go with it. You can weigh and discern later on.

WRITE IT DOWN

We forget stuff as quickly as it comes. Write it down so you can pray through what you have heard.

Habbakuk 2:2 says, “And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run.”

Let me encourage you to step out into this. Don’t give up if you don’t feel like you hear anything straight away, it takes time to tune in sometimes. Persevere and I promise you that He won’t disappoint you.

He wants to speak.

14 | TESTIMONIES

God is on the move.

He is not limited by social distancing or self-isolation.

Through the tireless efforts of our Prayer centre, we are continuing to see healing and salvation. Here are just a few recent stories of how God has broken through in desperate circumstances.

THE POWER OF PRAYER A caller rung in following news of her friend’s nephew who attempted suicide for the 3rd time and was in a coma. His mother didn’t know what to do. She contacted us to stand with them in prayer. Our team prayed and he subsequently came out of the coma.

What an amazing answer to prayer.

FREE FROM PAIN Carrie called to say that as she was watching the 700 Club, Gordon prayed and she knew the Lord was speaking directly to her. She had been having severe pain from a cyst down her right side. After the prayer, Carrie was healed, the cyst had gone! She was free of pain Praise God!

A TOUCH OF GOD A viewer rang for prayer regarding her rheumatoid arthritis. She was experiencing stiffness and was having difficulty walking.

During the prayer, she said she felt a touch from God and “strongness grew in me... I rose up and started to walk around in my room...”

He is able.

PRAYER NEEDS | 15

Pray for the UK Your prayers can impact the world. As the apostle James wrote, “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Let’s engage our faith and stand together in prayer as we fight for our nation and the nations of the world in this unprecedented time.

We continue to pray for our leaders in government. We pray for peace, wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people.

We also pray for those who feel isolated in this season. We pray that the true comforter, the Holy Spirit, might draw closer and be with those who feel alone. We pray for creative and innovative ways that we, as the church and believers in Christ, can really connect with those around us.

Let’s continue to pray for our key workers as they work on the frontline. We pray for those who work selflessly for the good of us all, by putting themselves in harm’s way. Pray that God would strengthen them and give peace and protection.

Finally, would you stand with us as we pray for a great harvest of people that are coming to faith? Statistics show an increase in sales of bibles and engagement in online church. We pray for the seeds sown and the readiness of churches and faith organisations to receive those who are searching for hope. May we be carriers and beacons of that hope.

Amen

16 | THE WALL

Richard Gamble

CEO, The Wall of Answered Prayer

We all need instructions to help us get from where we are, to where we haven’t been before. GPS, Google Maps, road signs, manuals - life is full of them. We can’t navigate very far without answers and facts pointing us on our way.

God however, has the biggest and most powerful signposts for us: answered prayers. However big or small they come, these treasured testimonies paint a picture of what God is capable of repeating. Answered prayer springboards us into hope.

Our testimonies carry prophetic power to change the present. They are eternal invitations to trust in God. When I find myself in a situation when I need His help, I simply choose to remember what He has done for me before, and my personal answered prayers become a pathway that leads me to peace and reassurance.

For He is the God who never changes. What he has done once, he can do for me again.

Sharing what God has done But it can’t stop with just us remembering for ourselves. Testimonies instantly increase our faith levels and grow expectation, but when we release them to others - watch people’s hearts catch fire again. Dreams are alighted. People see what is possible.

That’s why looking back to what God has done is so key to fueling faith.

In Genesis 28, Jacob memorialises the time that God speaks to him in a dream.

The experience is so powerful that he sets up a commemorative stone, and this pillar becomes an important centre for worship for many who come after him.

Being intentional to remember was also something the Israelite shepherds would

THE WALL | 17 do as well. Every time they saw God’s hand in their daily life, they would mark their staff. These engravings built up over time into an ever-increasing, intricate portrait of God’s goodness. When they doubted, they could simply look at their stick, remember what He had done and gain confidence in His character and intention toward them.

In the New Testament, Jesus gave us the most powerful example of remembering when he told his disciples to break bread and drink wine in remembrance of him.

A powerful act we still do today to remind ourselves of his incredible love and miracle of resurrection.

Hebrews 9:4 tells of Aaron’s budding staff and a portion of manna provided in the desert, kept in the Ark of the Covenant as evidence to future generations of what God could do.

Rounding up in Revelation 12:11, we see that remembering is a powerful weapon and believers can triumph over the devil: “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The key is in 19:10: “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” When we talk about what God has done, it becomes a prophecy of what He can do again.

What will we do?

So what are we going to do to remember what God has done? And how are we going to share that? Our answered prayers are a gift that must be stewarded and treasured for eternity. Let’s get them out! Let’s invite others into the possibility of what God can do again.

That’s why I’m working to build The Wall of Answered Prayer. It’ll be a national landmark of hope, a huge testimony hub, a place where people can access at least one million answers to prayer. Each brick will recount a personal, specific way in which God has answered prayer both now and in the past. Right now, we are seeking to gather at least 10,000 more testimonies for this incredible project.

So, will you join us in remembering?

Spend five minutes of your day to inspire not only yourself, but people you may never meet. Let’s show the UK, and future generations the incredible power of testimony. Share your answered prayer with us today: www.thewall. org.uk/testimony.

Richard is an amazing storyteller, and the visionary behind The Wall of Answered Prayer, a huge Christian national landmark to be built in 2022. A colossal structure all about the power of testimony. Prior to launching this audacious project, Richard was chaplain of Leicester City Football Club (before they were famous)!

18 | FEATURED

HOLY SPIRIT

OUR HELPER Beth Parkinson

700 Club UK Host

‘And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever.’

down, or the one who’s really good at long division. But He is so much more than that.

As I mull over the names given to the Holy Spirit, I wonder if I have lessened His power in my life by how I address Him? In John 14:16 (AMP), Jesus explains that the Father will send one to help us after he returns to heaven.

In John 16:7 it says:

Acts 1:8 (NIV) says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

‘But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.’

The Holy Spirit is described in the bible as our helper; certainly – Jesus himself describes Him as that. A ‘helper’ may bring images of someone fetching cups of tea or doing errands; the person that can reach the top shelf without a step and get things

Now that guy is a little different.

Someone who gives power to be God’s witness to those around me (Jerusalem), my nation (Judea and Samaria) and the ends of the earth.

John 16:8 and beyond goes on to say how the Holy Spirit will help, and that’s where things change ‘And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgement;’ (NASB)

FEATURED | 19 For me, I know I can shy away from the idea of judgement and conviction of sin, but the Holy Spirit has been teaching me that I can’t ignore half of who He is. The Holy Spirit’ brings both comfort, advocacy and wisdom, as well as convicting and correcting us. He is both.

The same principle works for us in our leadership too. If we only bring comfort, we don’t necessarily lead the people in our care, our co-workers, or even our children, to become more like Jesus. Similarly, if we only bring conviction – well, to say we won’t be invited to many birthday parties is a bit of an understatement!

“When the truth is spoken in love with Holy Spirit revelation, we grow.”

The most memorable conversations I’ve had with pastors have not been the most comfortable. I remember in detail being challenged by a leader about an area of pride in my life, even though it was over 8 years ago! But I don’t remember just because it stung.

I remember it because she spoke truth and correction into an area that the Holy Spirit highlighted to her.

She didn’t point it out for the sake of proving herself better than me, or how far I had to go. She spoke out of love for me, seeing my potential and letting me see what held me back, so

that I could grow beyond it.

At the time it felt like a huge chunk of my personality had been hacked away. God has time and again brought people into my life that have taken a chisel to my character and knocked off something that wasn’t of Him. The artist doesn’t hammer the marble because He hates it, not at all. Rather, he chisels it strategically because he sees the potential inside it. It is an act of love.

When the truth is spoken in love with Holy Spirit revelation, we grow.

When He highlights an area of sin, it is not to condemn, but to clean and to bring opportunity for us to step into freedom. The Holy Spirit works tirelessly in us and through us for the sake of a more spotless Bride.

As I grow in my faith, I want to have a wild-dog tenacity. A strength that will not shy away from confrontation or back off for the sake of an easy life, but that will push forward for the sake of the person in front of me and the generations beyond them.

I want to know the Holy Spirit in all of His facets. I want to know His voice of correction in my own life and let it overflow to those around me. I want to bring a voice of justice and righteousness to my corner of the world. Not to be right, not to win an argument, but in love, so that Christ receives more honour and more glory.

Ask the Helper what He wants to do in your life.

CONNECT WITH US!

@CBNEUROPE

GLOBAL IMPACT | 21 OPERATION BLESSING

Medical Outreach Paramjeet’s Story

Paramjeet worked as a maid but struggled with the simplest tasks when she developed cataracts.

Paramjeet explained, “I could not see details and would leave portions of the house unclean. While cooking too I was not able to clean the rice or chop properly. My employer eventually asked me to leave.”

Her husband works as a cobbler, and earns a small income, but not enough to afford eye surgery. Without a job, Paramjeet was home all day, but she couldn’t do much there, either.

Paramjeet’s daughter said, “Because of my mother’s poor eyesight, my sister and I have to do the housework before and after school. We don’t have time for our homework and miss school a lot.”

Paramjeet said, “I feel so guilty that my children have to suffer and are not able to study because of me.”

One day, Paramjeet heard about a mission hospital supported by CBN. “My husband told me about a hospital where they operate on needy people for free,” said Paramjeet.

Her daughter said, “When my mother went for her tests, they told her they will operate on her eyes for free. I was so excited.”

She’s now recovered from the surgery and is working again.

Her daughter explained, “My sisters and I are really happy. We get good food, and our mother is able to take care of us like before. We still help her around the house, but now we are able to concentrate better on our studies.”

Paramjeet said, “I am now able to contribute to the family income again. I feel so blessed that I can see properly and look after the family. We are all so happy.

Thank you for making this possible.”

22 | GLOBAL IMPACT OPERATION BLESSING

Disaster Relief Uziel’s Story

Uziel and his parents survived the earthquakes in Mexico but lost their home.

It wasn’t even their house.

Francisco, Uziel’s father, says, “That house was property of a relative and we were already told to move.”

Uziel was the one who gave the family hope. He says, “I told my mom to have faith in God, He would send angels to help us.”

Uziel is a fighter. He battled cancer, and won, but his medical expenses used up everything the family had saved. They owned a piece of land, and had planned to build a house on it, but couldn’t afford it.

Felicita, his mother, says, “Chemotherapy was expensive, and hard on my little boy. But I saw his strength, his will to live, and finally he was healed.”

After the earthquake, they built a makeshift tent. Walking home one night, Uziel said he was hungry. They took their last few pesos and bought two tacos.

“I told myself, tonight Felicita and I will not eat. We can stand the hunger. We only have to buy some food for Uziel,” says Francisco.

That night, a team from Operation Blessing was eating at the same taco restaurant. They went to the old piece of land the family owned, to build them a new home.

Francisco says, “I saw on TV that Operation Blessing was helping people in the disaster areas, and I prayed for some help like this. Now to see them here I feel like if God sent them to bless us.”

The new house wouldn’t just be bigger than their old one. Thanks to modern technology, it would be stronger, more stable, and even better insulated. In no time at all, their new home was finished, and the family was settling in nicely.

Uziel says, “I always pray for the people from Operation Blessing, because they helped us so much. Thank you for our new home!”

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NOT

ALLWEAR HEROES CAPES Sarah Fletcher

Prayer Centre Coordinator

FEATURED | 25 During this Global crisis we’ve all become well acquainted with the concept that not all heroes wear capes as we weekly applaud those who equip each and all of us in society with medical care, food provisions, child support and welfare care. The list of our unsung heroes is endless.

These heroes without capes are often those behind the scenes working silently and tirelessly to equip the most vulnerable, marginalised, needy and lonely in our community. We have been inspired by those working in the background to meet needs and make provisions at the forefront of society’s pressures and needs.

“He isn’t disarmed by vulnerabilities of Kryptonite or bats like Superman or Batman.”

As I think on these unseen, selfless, courageous men and women – I’m reminded of the One who works endlessly and seamlessly on our behalf in the seen and the unseen to equip God’s people on the spiritual frontlines of day to day battle.

The Holy Spirit is indeed our Refuge and Strength and our very present invisible help. In John 14 we see the ways in which He comes into His own

as the One who empowers, guides, advocates, teaches and loves us all through anything and everything that we face.

He is the greatest unsung Hero of all time – wearing no cape but clothed in the tangible presence of God in the midst of any crisis or situation. The Holy Spirit is the very life of Christ within each of us, the One who leads us and guides us, equipping us with the directions that lead us to Jesus and the Father.

Jesus promised that He would not leave us without help; that He would send the Spirit to advocate on our behalf through all circumstances – even circumstances in unprecedented times such as lockdown!

Jesus said, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth” (John 14:17).

This Hero is ever present and is not restricted by any known or unknown limitation or weakness!

Unlike many of the fictional ‘cape wearing heroes’ we know, He isn’t disarmed by vulnerabilities of Kryptonite or bats like Superman or Batman, neither does He just show up in times of crisis, ‘do his thing’ in a debut appearance and then skedaddle until the next time He’s needed. No! The Holy Spirit will never leave us or forsake us and He is never not at work in the lives of God’s people, making all things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).

26 | FEATURED He is the One who equips us with Truth!

In a world increasingly influenced by media, propaganda and countless conspiracy theories, when it’s hard to know some days what Truth is or isn’t anymore, it’s little surprise that Jesus knew it would be both a good idea and God idea to send the One who is Truth Himself to be our comforter, advocate, teacher and equipper in such uncertain times!

The Holy Spirit is also the Hero that trains us to do even greater works than Jesus – the One who teaches us and reminds us how to overcome through His power at work in us; the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Daily, we are all living and learning and as it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. The Advocate reminds us time and again of how He has previously brought us through every trial and temptation, empowering us and guiding us every step of the way to overcome over and over again through the Blood of Jesus and the words of our own testimony.

Our Holy Spirit Hero is not only our advocate, truth, and teacher, He is also the equipper of our peace. In times such as these, the world has become all too well acquainted with panic, anxiety and fear. When Jesus promised to leave us the Helper, He promised to leave us the Prince of Peace. “But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27).

In these uncertain times, we need not fear, for God has equipped us in every way, for every day to live Truthfully and Peaceably by the power of His Spirit within us; greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

The next time you are feeling lost, alone, panicked or in need of comfort, I urge you to call on the name of Jesus.

The Spirit of God dwells within Him and within you and the opportunity is opened up for His Spirit and ours to bear witness with each other of God’s power and presence at work in our lives and situations.

Our Unseen Hero Our unseen hero is like no other. He hears our every word and thought and seeks to find a home in every heart. The Holy Spirit desires nothing more or less than to reveal Jesus and the Father to each and every one of us for Christ promised in John 14 that He would not leave us orphans, but that He would come to us by the everpresent presence of His Spirit.

Though we may be in a physical lockdown currently, we don’t have to live in lockdown spiritually – for where our unseen hero is, there is Freedom, Peace, Direction and Truth.

RESOURCE | 27

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YOUR WAYS TO GIVE | 29

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