Reach Magazine - October 2022

From the Director

Dear Friends,

As we approach a new season within the calendar year, I’m mindful that our lives have different seasons. Change is inevitable, and each of us handles it in different ways. Some thrive and cannot wait to seize a new opportunity. For others there is a little more resistance, and they are pleased with the comfort of how things are or used to be. Change can also bring unexpected challenges and sometimes can seek to throw us off course and hinder and distract us.

Even though seasons change, there is one that does not change. Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” It’s good to know that no matter what happens, the Eternal, consistent, trustworthy Lord cannot and will not change. He is reliable and faithful to His word and promise.

As you spend time reading this edition, I trust that you will be encouraged to see the impact CBN and its family of ministries are making throughout Europe and globally. These things are only possible thanks to the generosity of our partners, who stand with us faithfully in prayer and financially. Thank you.

On page 26, please take the time to read some of the powerful testimonies we frequently receive and celebrate God’s goodness and provision in the lives of our viewers and partners. We also love hearing testimonies of God’s use of CBN to be a blessing. If you have a story or an answered prayer, we would love to hear from you and

let your testimony encourage others. Please email testimony@cbneurope. com

Lastly, can I draw your attention to the YouVersion Bible App devotional “Living in God’s Blessings on page 18. In this devotion, you will find out what God’s plan for humanity was and still is; how it got messed up, how He restored it to us, and how we can live in His blessing in four key areas of money, time, relationships, and gifts.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your continual support and pray that God will use you as His voice of hope that speaks and shines within this dark world.

Every Blessing

Mark Dijkens Regional Director CBN Europe

SHINING THE LIGHT OF THE LORD

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 14:34, ‘Righteousness exalts a nation.’

Today, we are at a place where the righteous who are called by God need to shine. This is not a time for us to retreat. This is not a time for us to hide our light under a bushel. This is definitely a time to shout it from the housetops, because the world needs us.

Now more than ever, we must shine brightly! As Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world.”

This is part of the Sermon on the Mount - which, as Christians, we take as our constitution of what it means to live in the kingdom of God. For the Jewish people, their spiritual constitution is found in Leviticus chapters 19-21.

It begins, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

This call to holiness is also in the New Testament: As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

These are the words of the Apostle Peter - who was with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, denied Him three times and was restored. And he tells us to be holy.

The Hebrew word for holy means “set apart.”

We want to be holy every moment of every day - in the world but not of the world, set apart for service to God, motivated by righteousness, and taking every thought captive to Christ.

We know that any nation that follows the precepts of God’s Word will be blessed.

So, let’s pray that we would be a light, showing from our hearts and through our deeds that we want to be known as a holy people and a righteous nation.

God bless you.

*Excerpted from a teaching at CBN Staff Chapel. Scripture is quoted from the NKJV

BY GORDON ROBERTSON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

RUSSIAN PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER VOLUNTEERS WITH CBN TO HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES IN POLAND

Many Russians don’t agree with their government’s invasion of Ukraine. Some are doing what they can to help those suffering from the war.

One Russian professional tennis player named Artem even volunteered with CBN to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

“When I was passing a hamburger to one young girl from Ukraine, she asked me, ‘Where are you from?’ I said, ‘I am from Russia, and I am here because I love you guys.’ And she said, ‘That’s good but I don’t love you,’” he says.

“And at that point, I said, ‘I understand you; I think you have the right to say that because of what’s happening in

your country, and I am so sorry for that, but God loves you and I would never want to see that happening to your country.’ And in a few seconds, she looked at me and said, ‘Maybe you’re the only person out of all Russians that I can love,’” he recounts.

Artem is a professional tennis player from Saint Petersburg, Russia. When the war broke out in Ukraine, he went to Warsaw to help the Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Poland.

“God loves every single person, especially the poor. So, my heart is after those people who are experiencing grief, experiencing pain, and to help them in any way possible, but also to introduce to them the good news, the things that can really

change your life,” he says.

Artem volunteers with Orphan’s Promise and Operation Blessing. In addition to providing physical help to people, volunteers share the gospel with people in these refugee homes.

CBN Ministries are helping people all around the world every day, from relief supplies to clean water and medical aid.

In one home, six people were recently baptised after they gave their lives to Jesus. For that, Artem is very thankful.

“Because it is the best thing that can happen to someone. God changed my life six years ago, and I would

not want to trade it for anything. This is the best decision I have made, and I see the fruits that God brings out of that,” he explains.

Artem says he understands the risk involved being a Russian helping the people of Ukraine, but he says he believes God has called him to be there for such a time as this.

“God puts us in extreme seasons

THE OFFICE

sometimes and this is the season where I believe He is calling people in and He is asking us to be actively involved in His work, and I wouldn’t want to trade this place for anything else right now. Tomorrow if I see a Ukrainian in heaven and he or she says that they are there because of me then I would be so honoured. No better or higher privilege than that.”

CBN’s Operation Blessing continues to help Ukrainian refugees in Ukraine and in Poland. Thanks to the generous support of our partners, we are able to send truckloads of food and hygiene supplies to our warehouses in Poland and Ukraine.

On the 26th of July 2022 we registered the Operation Blessing Polska Foundation and established an office and

warehouse in Warsaw. CBN’s Orphan’s Promise started a training centre in Warsaw where we come alongside Ukrainian mothers and children, helping them through language classes, cooking workshops and integration into the community. All we are doing is to share the Good News of Jesus! Thank you for your generous support. Please continue to help us with this valuable outreach as the need is great. To make a dedicated gift to our outreach to Ukraine, call our Hope Line team on 0300 561 0700 (UK) or give securely online at CBNEurope.com.

Lifesaving Surgery: Yostena’s Story

Sometimes, the littlest people need the most help. In Ethiopia, tiny Yostena was born premature. The frail infant spent 10 days in a hospital’s newborn intensive care unit—where she was diagnosed with a hole in her heart. Her parents feared for her future.

This cardiac defect meant that her heart had to pump harder to keep her alive, and that she needed a costly major operation soon. Her father, Habtamu, is a salesman, her mother is a government worker—and they live in a 2-room home. They desperately longed to get Yostena the critical treatment she needed for a long, healthy life. But how could they afford it?

Thankfully, friends like you were there, through CBN Israel’s partnering with Save A Child’s Heart. Caring donors brought Yostena to Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, Israel, and provided her with a lifesaving cardiac procedure and open-heart surgery. Today, Yostena is an active, adorable one-year-old, who loves playing with her friends— and her smile lights up any room.

As a grateful father, Habtamu says, “God bless you! You saved my child’s life. I will always appreciate your kindness.” And this is just one of the many ways you help others.

Your gift to CBN Israel can reach out with groceries, housing, and financial assistance to those who struggle to survive in Israel. You can bring hope and help to elderly Holocaust survivors, lonely immigrants, and single mothers in need.

Terrorist attacks, the pandemic, and economic challenges have taken their toll on many households across Israel. Your support is crucial in offering relief to the hurting, while also bringing news and stories from the Holy Land.

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

OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS GLORIOUS

Several years ago, whilst on holiday with my family in Tenerife, we decided to take an early morning trip to visit the world-famous volcanic mountain, Teide. It was a dark and overcast day and the long and windy journey through the mountains should have been picturesque, but the views were overshadowed by clouds and mist that had formed over the valley below. However, as we continued to climb higher the clouds and the darkness started to lift and soon, we drove into the beautiful sunshine. We pulled the car over and got out to see the rolling mist that was beneath and stretched for miles with the sunlight seeking to penetrate the mist below.

As I thought about this, I was reminded that how often we can go through life living under a cloud which can represent the circumstances or situations we face. Knowing that the weight and the

effects of the challenges that are before us can seem too much to bear. And yet we may not be aware that out of the sphere of our circumstances there is a whole perspective that is waiting for us to discover. There is something about making a choice to come up higher, for when we begin to see things from God’s perspective and do things His way new doors of opportunities open, and breakthrough comes.

1. Praise. Throughout my life, there have been several occasions when circumstances beyond my control have seemed to crowd in and a heavy cloud has sought to overwhelm me. On each

SO, WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN WE TAKE TO STEP OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT?

of those occasions, I decided to bring a sacrifice of praise even though it didn’t make sense and I really didn’t want to, but I praised and gave thanks to God until the cloud lifted. See Hebrews 13:15 –16. Isaiah 61:3.

2. Dig deep into God’s word. When things seem tough there are thousands of promises in God’s word that will sustain and bring clarity to your situation. Can I encourage you to take the time to understand and capture God’s heart. Psalm 119:130 (NKJV) says “The entrance of your word brings light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

3. Guard your heart and mind and choose to focus on the truth. There is an enemy who will play dirty tactics and try his best to rob your peace. Determine that, no matter what, you will declare ‘I am an overcomer through Jesus, He is

the one who fights my battles, and I will not be defeated’.

4. Journal. For me personally, this is so important. I love journaling my thoughts and taking hold of the scriptures and applying them personally to my situation. This is where I ask lots of questions and receive revelation, insight and strategy for the way forward.

5. Pray. To have the opportunity to pray and listen is fundamentally important, for there is always a word proceeding from the mouth of God when we take the time to stop, look and listen. See Matthew 4:4.

6. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and have your best interest at heart. God never intended for us to live alone, seek like-minded people who will champion and stand in faith with you.

I TRUST THAT BY APPLYING THESE SIMPLE STEPS YOU WILL STEP OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT IN YOUR LIFE!

ALLEN CARTER HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

GIVE UKRAINE HOPE.

Matthew 25:40 NIV

Due to the war, more than 7 million Ukrainians had to find shelter across Europe. This winter, many displaced Ukrainian women and children will experience the bitterness of winter, the loss of their livelihoods and homes.

Although media attention and financial support to relief efforts have dropped, we are committed to feed, clothe, support the displaced children and families. We are determined to give Ukraine hope.

With your help, warehouses at the Polish border and in Ukraine are set up to effectively bring food and relief items into Ukraine each week. Operation Blessing Polska Foundation has been established to continue the efforts in Ukraine and Poland.

Your support will bring shelter, food, hope and the Gospel message to thousands more of children and families who depend on CBN’s Operation Blessing to survive. Together, let’s give Ukraine hope.

Please visit cbneurope.com/ukraine to donate and find the latest updates about how your funds are used. Text CBNHOPE to 70085 to donate £10. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you will be opting into hearing more from us. If you would like to donate but do not wish to hear more from us, please text CBNHOPENOINFO instead.

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

WILL YOU GIVE UKRAINE HOPE AND MAKE A SPECIAL END OF YEAR GIFT TO THE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES?

Children’s Outreach Refugee Centre.

Mark and Ellen at the Border - Food Outreach.

Olga’s Artwork - ‘Angels’.

Pet Cat, Train Station Outreach

Orphan’s Promise Dental Clinic, Ukraine

Operation Blessing Warehouse Team Ukraine Border

Salvation Stories at the Refugee House in Warsaw

In a refugee house in Warsaw, Poland, salvation stories are being shared. It’s often in times of great distress that people will call out to God in prayer. For some, it’s something they’ve never done before and never thought they would. Yet, when precious life is in danger of being lost, there’s a desperate cry to a higher being. There is something deep within every human soul that knows there’s a God and when all other options are exhausted their spirit ultimately cries out to its Creator for help.

CBN’s Orphan’s Promise and Operation Blessing have the great honour of meeting these women and children with shelter, food, warmth, rest, fellowship, and something eternally significant.

“We are able to share the Gospel. These people coming over, they want to know God. They have been crying out to Him while they’re in Ukraine. And now they’re able to get here. And through our partnerships with the local Church there are so many of them accepting Jesus. There’s so many of them being baptised in bathtubs,” says Natasha Boom, CBN’s Orphan’s Promise Regional Manager, Europe.

When people are met with the practical love and care of Jesus, they want to give their lives to Him. They know He has seen them through into safety and that His people are there with open arms and hearts.

“It is an honour and blessing to be here and hear what is going on, but it is thanks to you. It’s thanks to our donors. We could not be standing here right now helping these refugees if it wasn’t for you. Thank you.

Want To Read More Stories?

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

Superbook for Ukrainian Child

Refugees

One of our initiatives is to share Superbook with refugee children in their Ukrainian language. It’s our privilege to team up with the Jesus Film Project, who are taking NewLifeBoxes into Polish schools. These boxes contain Ukrainian content that helps share the Good News of Jesus. In this way, we have seen 190 Life Boxes containing Superbook be given to 6 pre-schools throughout Poland.

“Thank you for your heart. Thank you for your effort. For all of what you are doing,” says the Director of the six pre-schools. “Please pray that those children will receive Jesus and be disciples of Christ.”

A Vision of Abundance

At Victory Church in Cwmbran, a new initiative has been launched. The Grocery Store. CBN’s Operation Blessing have partnered with Victory Church to supply the store with what’s needed. Families can buy produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, tinned foods, cereal, tea, milk, pasta, beans and much more all for the price of four pounds. The beauty behind this initiative is that this price gives families the knowledge that they’re investing into what they buy. It’s affordable for any family, but it’s not a handout. Clyde, the Senior Pastor, shares, “it’s such a discount, that it enables nobody in Cwmbran or the surrounding regions to be left behind.”

REAL LIFE STORIES

CHARMAIN’S TESTIMONY

Iwill never forget the moment I felt the touch of God on my life.

I had been heavily depressed and studying for a degree in acting at a prestigious drama school in the UK, and with every day that went by I was struggling to keep my head above water.

The depression had set in to such a point that getting up and dressed in the morning was proving to be a herculean task.

My friend, Cath, who was also studying in the same year as me on the same course, saw me struggling. She invited me to her church time and time again, but I wasn’t ready. I would politely decline. Little did I know that she was praying for me...

One weekend, Cath and my best friend, Siani, went on a Christian retreat. I was distraught! What was I supposed to do alone in the city with only my depression to keep me company?

Cath, very strategically, left me with 2 booklets to read whilst she and Siani were away. They were called ‘Reality

Bites’ and ‘Lord I said I wouldn’t fail you, but I did’. I sat in my room the whole weekend weeping. The first booklet – Reality Bites – talked about student life and the scrapes you can get yourself into whilst studying –debt, promiscuity, drinking, drugs etc. I recognised myself in all of it.

But then there was the second booklet. This booklet talked about salvation and promised a person who could scoop you up, clean you up and set your feet on solid ground again. He could forgive you, change your life for the better and never leave your side.

As I say, I wept.

The thought that, in the depths of my depression, someone could help me, love me, rescue me, sounded too good to be true.

Cath and Siani returned from their Church weekend away and, once again, Cath invited me to Church.

This time, with a softened heart, I agreed.

All Cath said to me before I walked

into the church building that day was “just be open.”

So, I walked into the church building and was greeted by a kindness I had not known for a long time. People were smiling at me and welcoming me and generally giving off a positive and inviting, almost, aroma!

As I walked into the main hall, I sensed a peace and a warmth that blew me away. What I now know as the Holy Spirit, was tangibly present in that room.

The worship music started, and I finally let go. I cried and cried.

Then, I unmistakably felt a huge weight being lifted off of my back. My

eyes fill with tears even as I write this because I remember the feeling of falling backwards as if someone had taken a backpack of guilt, shame and depression off of my shoulders.

Friends, I gave my life to Jesus that night.

He is all I have ever wanted and all I will ever need.

I extend the same invitation to you today.

This is my real-life story.

If you would like to speak to someone after reading this article, call our Hope Team today: 0300 561 0700 (UK) or call +44 207 101 7045 (International).

LIVING IN GOD’S BLESSING

CREATED. BLESSED. INVITED TO FLOURISH.

In this 6-day devotional, find out what God’s plan for humanity was and still is; how it got messed up; how He restored it to us; and how we can live in His blessing in four key areas of money, time, relationships, and gifts.

FIND US ON THE BIBLE APP

PAT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Join Pat Robertson, CBN founder, as he answers the tough questions in life with Biblical truth’s.

BRING IT ON | 19 Q. A.

How do you walk into the blessing of the Lord in all matters of life?

In Mark 4:19 (NKJV), the Lord was talking about how “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches ... choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

We have to earn a living. You’ve got to do your craft. But in all of it, give God praise. Brother Lawrence called it practicing the presence of God. He was a scullery cook and did his job as a service to God.

Every time he cleaned a pan, he was doing it for the Lord. So, whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR PAT?

Log on to CBN.com/BringItOnline and follow the instructions.

THIS MONTH’S DEVOTIONAL WILL BE LOOKING AT THE STORY OF JOSEPH, FOUND IN THE FIRST BOOK OF THE BIBLE, CALLED GENESIS.

Joseph was a young man who lived in a land called Canaan. His Father loved him so much but that made his other brothers very jealous! They found it so difficult to accept how much their father loved Joseph that one day they decided to sell Joseph as a slave to Egyptian men.

Joseph ended up in prison in Egypt, alone and very scared. However, God had a plan for Joseph and gave him the gift of being able to understands people’s dreams! Joseph became so well known for being able to figure out dreams that the king of Egypt, known as the Pharaoh, released Joseph from prison so he could do just that for him! Wow, what an amazing story. Joseph went on to be a particularly important person to the Pharaoh and through Joseph’s achievements, he was even able to be reunited with his family.

This of course is a VERY brief version of the story and if you want to read the full version to better understand all the other amazing things that happened, you can read it in Genesis 37-46.

But let us have a think about one of the amazing things God did in this story. He rescued Joseph out of a place of darkness. Joseph had a great life before his brothers were cruel and sold him to Egypt, so he was extremely sad and confused when he ended up in prison and his life was completely changed. Has there ever been a time in your life when you have been sad, confused, or scared?

In Genesis 39:21-23 we read that, even though Joseph was in a tricky situation, God was still with him, and God was still providing for him...

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in charge of all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever was done there, he was the one who did it. The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything

that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.”

When in your life did you know that God was still with you, even though what you were going through was tough?

God helped Joseph out of this tricky situation in his life and eventually Joseph had a life full of joy and happiness again. God also helps all his children. Whether we are in a difficult place or in a wonderful place. God helps us out of the darkness.

If you would like to watch the Superbook’s Episode of “Joseph and Pharaoh’s Dream” please head to the CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) Family App to view it for FREE!

PRAYER NEEDS

Creative Media

Please pray for our TV broadcasting, Digital Media and Print Media. We’re asking God for creativity and fresh vision to share the love, hope, and peace of the Gospel in a new way. Pray for salvation to come through the work of this ministry.

Hope Line

Please pray for our many Hope Line callers from all across the UK, Europe, and Australasia. We are praying for salvation, recommitment, and testimonies of answered prayer. We have been so blessed by the salvations and answers to pray we have heard about so far. Please pray that we would see a further increase for His glory.

Humanitarian

Please continue to pray for the work that Operation Blessing & Orphan’s Promise are doing around the UK and Europe. Please pray for the many projects we hold across the region, that we would see people recognise the love of God through the practical aid given through these projects.

Please specifically pray for our work in Poland-Ukraine. Please pray that each individual that receives our ministry would know the love of God. Please continue to pray for the projects in and around Ukraine that were established before the war as they have all had to completely change how they function.

Superbook

Superbook, CBN’s animated Bible series, continues to increase its reach in so many countries. Please continue to pray for more families to be introduced to the hope of Jesus through this work. Please pray that these children would be bold and courageous to impact those around them for His Kingdom as they grow in their faith.

Church Partnerships

CBN Europe have started a new initiative church partnerships so we can engage, equip and support the body of Christ in a new way. Please pray to see great engagement from churches throughout the UK. Please pray for all involved as an exciting partnership benefit package is created.

Please stand with us in prayer for our many initiatives across the region.

TESTIMONIES

We are always so grateful to you, our partners and supporters, when you come back to us with praise reports of what God has done in your life, how He has moved and how He has brought about breakthrough for you.

The Bible tells us that ‘the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple’, (Psalm 19:7 KJV) which speaks of God’s steady and faithful character. We learn about who God is when we hear about how He has answered prayers in others’ lives, as well as in our own.

PROVISION

Alex rang in with an amazing testimony to share. He is disabled from the shoulders downwards. He needed two operations which were delayed due to Covid-19. He prayed for favour and got dates for operations. He prayed that the Lord would provide believers as part of his journey with operations and a nurse revealed she was a believer. Also, two separate ambulance drivers on two different occasions revealed they were believers. While he was in hospital another patient in the bed next to him allowed him to watch The 700 Club on his iPad. When he went in for a second operation, the same thing happened, and a person allowed him to watch The 700 Club on his iPad. Alex was praising the Lord for His favour and provision!

RECONCILIATION

Izzy has been estranged from her daughter and grandchildren for many years. After many years of prayer and petition, God has answered her prayers. She is now back in touch with her daughter and grandchildren, and they are even moving closer to her so that they can rebuild the relationship. Praise God!

SALVATION

Roger was unsure of his faith in Jesus. He said that he watches The 700 Club and prays when the hosts do, but there was something missing. Roger just gave his life to Jesus and has decided to trust Jesus with EVERY area of his life. When we finished praying, he said that he could feel peace inside and that that must be God. Wonderful!

PROVISION

Lucy called in simply to give thanks for her new job!

HEALING

Rebecca is so grateful, she is now, after much prayer, free from allergies! Hallelujah!

Did

Put Your Hope Into Action

Online

Head on over to cbneurope.com/donate and you can use our safe and secure online form to give a one-off donation or to become a monthly partner.

Please call 0300 561 0700 (UK) or +44 207 101 7045 (INT) to speak to one of our staff who will help you make your donation.

Cheque

To send us a cheque, please complete the form adjacent and return in the pre-paid envelope enclosed in your REACH mailing. Please make your cheques payable to CBN Europe.

Phone Us Legacy Giving

By leaving a gift to CBN in your will, you are helping to impact many lives in the generations to come.

To find out more about Legacy Giving, please visit cbneurope.com/legacy.

Standing Order

Giving to CBN Europe via standing order is so easy! Simply use the information below to let your bank know that you would like to give to CBN Europe. Then email us at partners@cbneurope.com letting us know your name, address and that you have set up a standing order. We’ll then be able to find your gift and can also send you CBN Europe resources!

Christian Broadcasting Network – UK, Account number: 10083874, Sort Code: 16-21-20

Christian Broadcasting Network – Europe, Account Number: 10039241, Sort Code: 16-10-85

BIC: RBOS GB 2L, IBAN: GB36 RBOS 1610 8510 0392 41

Bank Address: Hereford Branch, 21 Broad Street, Hereford, HR4 9AP.

IMPORTANT. Please use your name as a reference for your donation. This helps us to find your gift.

Our Programmes

Join Pat, Gordon, Terry and many others on your phone, computer or TV every day of the week!

The 700 Club

The show includes a lively mix of news, life-changing stories, health tips, and updates about our humanitarian outreach projects.

The 700 Club Interactive

A TV show dedicated to prayer, uplifting stories, positive Christian news, encouragement and community.

Turning Point International

An energetic programme that spotlights the voices of Africans and people of African descent around the world.

Superbook Teaching timeless truths through the Bible-based adventures of two time-travelling children and their robot friend.

For a full TV guide, visit: cbneurope.com/tv-guide/