Finding Strength by Giving Thanks

6 | FROM THE OFFICE

We have an incredible volunteer base here at CBN Europe. Everyone selflessly gives up their time to ensure that the people who call our Hope Line are served with excellence. The team comprises of 11 individuals, taking prayer calls throughout the day and ministering to those who need an encouraging word.

We thought it would be great to introduce some of our Hope Line volunteers and ask them what it is that makes them so passionate about serving in the ministry.

The Hope Line

What drives you to volunteer for CBNE Hope Line?

Michelle: Prayer allows us to speak to God directly and has the power to turn impossible situations around; For me, King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20 vs 1–6 is a fitting example. Sometimes we can fall into the trap of just talking about our situation rather than taking it to God in prayer, but the CBN Hope Line allows us to do both! I get to join my faith with others and pray the Word of God concerning any matter, which is a real privilege. Daniel: I applied to join the CBN Hope Line term as a volunteer last year after I got my monthly email from CBN, part of the email talked about the volunteer team, and I had the conviction in my spirit to apply and in my waiting period and quiet times to invest in the kingdom of God. I applied and funny enough prayer or praying for others is something I tend to shy from so I had to come out of my comfort zone. I followed the link on the email and filled the form and the rest is history as they say.

Rosaline: First and foremost, during my early year, I have seen so much negativity in the world, but with God’s grace and love, you can overcome all. So that is the main reason I joined the CBNE Hope Line to share God’s Love trusting in him patiently for the impossible it will be made possible at God’s right time.

Bernadette: There is nothing more rewarding and exciting than a person discovers what the Lord’s call is for them and they carry that out. I went into nursing because from childhood I discovered that I was born to love, and care for others; my mother and many other people confirmed that to me. The drive, motivation to Volunteer for CBN is because of who I am, and who God created me to be; to lay my life down for others.

What challenges you most about serving on the Hope Line?

Bernadette: So far, so good. I am standing on the promises of God and working according to his will in Jesus’ name. Through standing with our callers in prayer I have been able to receive testimonies from many callers of what God is doing in their lives, in terms of healing and restoration with gratitude. I also receive positive feedback from my colleagues regarding callers’ satisfaction. It is an immense pleasure to note that, not only do I pray for them, many also in turn pray for me! “Let your light shine before others so that they see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven” Mattew 5:16.

Daniel: My greatest challenge was to let go and let God lead and to trust in Him even though I still get butterflies when I am about to log on, which I am always looking forward to doing. I have learnt to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to have His way and when I pray, I follow His leading. It also helps me to keep my word knowledge up to invest more time in the word. My greatest joy comes from people that call back to give glory to God and testify of God’s goodness and mercy in their prayers being answered and times I pray with someone, and I begin to see God’s hand manifesting in their lives over the telephone. So, if you are reading his and you have even an hour a week to pray and agree with others in prayer please do not hesitate to apply, it is all part of us seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

What have you learned about yourself, God and people in all your encounters so far?

Michelle: I remember as part of my training, Sarah, our Prayer Centre Manager, encouraged us to give out scriptures to our callers as ‘gifts’. For some reason that impacted me and brought to mind the following scripture from Proverbs: 25:11 ‘A word swiftly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver’. I try to keep this in mind on every call and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me on the best scripture to share. Listening to how this impacts our callers is a true blessing.

The Hope Line is a key pillar of CBN’s ministry and a vital outreach through CBN’s prayer team

Hundreds of callers pick up the phone for someone to stand with them in faith. By this special invitation, you can reach into homes, and put your faith into action.

In the Prayer team, you can connect with people from all walks of life, sharing the Good News of Jesus and release Hope through conversation and prayer. Our incredible team is dedicated to reaching the lost, the last and the least. We are committed to seeing lives changed through the power of prayer. We need you to add to the numbers of this great team of prayer warriors. Together, we can see many more lives transformed by the Grace of God. Apply now to volunteer and join our team.

Visit www.cbneurope.com/volunteer and fill in our simple form!

Victim of Terrorism: Nina’s Story

At age 52, Nina felt that life had just begun to settle down. She and her husband live in the Israeli city of Ashdod, have stable jobs, and their children have been doing well. But with their beloved home and precious possessions in ruins, Nina was left dazed and shaken. Added to that, their apartment building was beyond repair and was scheduled to be demolished. All they had left were memories.

Initially, Nina was grateful that the contents of her home were covered by the Israeli government’s war compensation insurance. However, although her possessions were old but in good condition, state appraisers only reimbursed her for the actual value— which was half the amount needed to replace everything. After losing it all, how could they afford to start over?

Thankfully, friends of CBN were there for Nina and other victims of the bombing. Through CBN Israel, caring partners provided emergency relief so Nina’s family could purchase immediate essentials to get through this devastating time. They also offered them trauma counselling, which is helping them find hope as they recover. Nina exclaimed, “I want to thank every single donor for your generosity. We are overwhelmed by your kindness and compassion!”

Gifts to CBN Israel can be a godsend to other terror victims—as well as lonely Holocaust survivors, single mothers, refugees, and more. The needs in Israel are great, especially during this pandemic. You can bring food, housing, and financial aid to those with nowhere to turn.

If you would like to know more about the work of CBN Israel visit cbnisrael.org