Europe Updates

The Truth About Easter

It is finished,” echoed across “

Golgotha’s hill. The skies became dark as Jesus uttered the three most powerful words ever spoken from His lips as He drew his last breath upon the cross. Besides him were two criminals, both guilty for crimes they had committed and in the middle was Jesus the Saviour of the world, innocent but treated as a criminal. He carried the weight of sin upon his shoulders, his body was beaten and scourged beyond all recognition, but miraculously not one of His bones was broken. Blood and water poured out from His pierced side. A crown of thorns pushed forcibly into His brow, penetrating the depths of his skull, the torment, the agony, the pain, the shame.

Those who witnessed this horrific death, and theologians, believe it to be John who said, “His testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.” John 19:35 (ESV) The words “It is finished” were a declaration of truth and a reminder that you and I may also believe. Death no longer had dominion; the curse of sin, sickness and disease conquered. These truths would live as a testimony that would echo throughout the ages for generations to come. No longer would it be necessary for a lamb to be sacrificed for the atonement of sin because the perfect lamb of God had paid the highest price. One sacrifice was sufficient to redeem and restore you and me into a rightful relationship with God. The man of sorrows, who was acquainted with grief took upon himself our guilt and shame so that we might know peace with God. The peace that transcends all understanding would continually guard hearts and minds for those who put their trust in him.

Jesus performed this kind of love by laying down His life for us, so that we may live in relationship with the Father. He served us in the most sacrificial way, not just during His life on earth, but in the way that He died. “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.” John 3:16-18 (MSG) God did not only say that He loved the world, but He also demonstrated His love through action. The truth is that anyone who believes in Him would not perish or be condemned but would have everlasting life. For those who know Jesus as their Saviour, the cross still speaks of hope in an uncertain world. For the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.

As we celebrate Easter, may we never lose the wonder of experiencing the joy and freedom that Jesus brings because “it is finished” is still relevant for us today. Each of us can know that our sins are forgiven and forgotten, and His peace is freely available for those who ask.

By Allen Carter Head of Development

Our team has grown to a strong six as we now have the addition of Vanja Bule CBN Director Balkans. This will be her first time running a half marathon! Please continue to remember all CBN runners in your prayers. Key prayer points are for continued good health, for good weather during the race (and over their training runs) and protection from injury.

As we run through London, we are declaring Psalm 23:6 over the city of London. Wherever we go, His goodness and mercy will follow and be infused.

We would love for you to sponsor our Strong and Spectacular Six at our debut participation in the

London Landmarks Half

Marathon! Gizmo won a place and will also be participating, doing the 100m sprint against other mascots!

Vanja

Mark

Andreas Eniko

Kim

Dina

To support our debut participation in the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2022 ‘Run For Ukraine’ JustGiving fund Please visit: cbneurope.com/run

SUPERBOOK 5K

The Superbook 5K is back!

Fundraise for Superbook!

Which of your friends will you invite to join you on this virtual 5K? Encourage the children in your life to get to know Jesus. Help other children to have a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Mark your calendars! 23rd to 30th June 2022

Registration fee:

£7/child £12/adult £35/family (2 adults and 2 children) All participants will receive an event pack – including a little surprise...!

Registration opens on Saturday 30th April 2022

Building Hope in Romania

In a small village near Cluj, Romania, a promise was broken. The kind that has extreme consequences. For Livu, his wife, and their five young children, it meant their lives were at risk.

Having worked for a cattle rancher, Livu was promised a house for his family. One they never received. The only place they could find? A run-down, single room shack with no amenities for cooking or sanitation. Suffering from poor health and cold conditions, Livu desperately searched for jobs to help his family survive.

That’s when our partners stepped in. They stood in the gap. They enabled CBN’s Orphan’s Promise to build a new home. Somewhere safe, dry, and warm. Brick by brick and piece by piece, hope was restored to this precious family.

Yet, that’s not where this story ends. CBN partners enabled so much more.

As part of CBN’s Orphan’s Promise SEED projects, a storehouse for seed and a shelter for animals was constructed. SEED projects seek to provide sustainable sources of food and livestock for those who need it most. Not only does this give food for the family, but it allows avenues of income to be established for future seasons.

Together with local tradespeople, Livu and his family were able to build something that will not just bring income and security for the next few years but instead build something that brings hope to future generations. A brighter future for his family and community, a warm place to call home, and a safe, secure environment to raise his family.

Livu shared with us, “Thank you so much for the support you provided. For the house and the stable and for my family.”

Want To Read More Stories?

Visit cbneurope.com/impact to read more inspiring stories about how God has used CBN across the globe.

A Warmer Winter for the Orphans of Rzeszow

Rzeszow is the largest city in south-eastern Poland. During winter, temperatures can drop as low as -3 to -5 degrees Celsius. Many of the children in the orphanages across the city are without warm clothes.

In partnership with YWAM Poland, CBN’s Orphan’s Promise has been able to step in to provide warm winter clothing for two orphanages in Rzeszow. Hats, gloves, scarves and thick coats were packed into individual gift bags and delivered to the children.

We are so thankful to all our partners across the world. They faithfully give so that we can help those who are unable to help themselves.

From Confusion To Salvation

Abel was confused because her parents had different religions. “When I was about 6 years old,” she explained, “I knew that my mum and dad were different in their faith.”

One day, she went to church with her mother. During Sunday school, she watched a cartoon that made her want to know more.

“I couldn’t wait to learn about the next Bible story from Superbook,” she said. “That’s what kept me coming back!”

After watching the story of Jesus and Lazarus, Abel asked Christ into her heart. She happily shared what she learned with her father. Today, the whole family believes in God and attends church together!