Reach Magazine - October 2019

A Sweet Second Chance

Trust Your Creator

God Restores

Live in Blessing

ISSUE 44

CONTENTS

04 A Sweet Second Chance

06 His light Will Guide Devotion

12 There is a Plan Devotion

R E A C H is a free magazine produced and distributed

by CBN Europe to inspire, inform and strengthen your relationship with God.

16 Global Impact

20

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.

Superbook

Would you like to support our ministry? Contact us on the numbers provided or visit cbneurope.com/donate.

24

22 Bring It On Pat Robertson Answers Your Questions

Trust Your Creator Devotion

27 CBN History CBNEUROPE.COM

PO Box 700, Hereford, HR1 9EW, UK. 0300 561 0700 (UK) 01513 3738 (ROI) +44 207 101 7045 (International)

PAGE 02

30 @CBNEUROPE WhatsApp

07833 993 924

Your Ways To Give Join The Mission

WELCOME TO REACH

Allen Carter Partner Relations Manager

Walk in Faith Dear Friends, Welcome to the latest edition of Reach Magazine. This month is packed with great articles, powerful testimonies and news keeping you updated on the exciting things happening at CBN Europe here in the UK and abroad.

Firstly, let me personally thank all of our Partners who selflessly gave during our September Fundraising week. Thanks to your donations and pledges we can now do so much more!

Whether broadcasting the Gospel into more European countries, growing our UK Superbook Schools initiative or supporting Orphans Promise in Bulgaria, your partnership is advancing God’s Kingdom across this continent.

If you are not yet a CBN monthly Partner, it’s not too late! Would you consider journeying with us as we seek to grow God’s Kingdom here in the UK, Europe and Beyond? To give a gift, visit our website or call our team, who would love to hear from you (see page 31 for full details).

Him, whatever the circumstance, we can have life and life to the full. What an incredible God we serve.

As Christians we have confidence that when we walk in faith and are relentless in pursuing Him, the one true God, He will unleash blessing in ways we cannot imagine. Through faithfulness, trust and hope in our salvation, we can thrive in plenty and in lack.

I pray that you are blessed by this month’s magazine. Thank you again for your steadfast support.

Wishing you every blessing, Allen Carter Partner Relations Manager

In this month’s magazine, we are looking at Journeying with God. We discover that as we place our trust in

PAGE 03

TEACHING

A Sweet Second Chance Terry Meeuwsen, The 700 Club co-host God Restores.

CBN’s very own Terry Meeuwsen has certainly had a few curve balls thrown her way during her journey with Jesus. Read on to discover how God restored Terry’s hopes of having a family and extended to her a sweet second chance...

I began working in television in Milwaukee in 1978. While I’d never set out to do a talk show, I felt at home from the beginning, and being in the public eye gave me many opportunities to share my faith. Because it was fairly common knowledge in the community that I was a Christian, the publicity of going through a divorce was difficult. That winter, I went home at the end of each day to a cold, silent house. Emotionally depressed and grieved, I would then climb into bed with my hat, coat, and boots still on and sleep till morning.

I’m not sure when that heavy veil of grief and emptiness began to lift. But sometime that spring, I became aware of the sweet smell of the wet earth beginning to thaw, the songs of promise that were being sung with such abandon from every nest and perch. I began to move on. I had no intention of dating and no interest in pursuing a new relationship. Though I loved children, I had accepted that there would be none in my first marriage. I was in my 30s, and the prospect of marriage and a family seemed remote and unlikely. Yet God had other plans.

I met Andy Friedrich at a retirement celebration for a co-worker. He had gone through a divorce several years before that, and after much floundering and searching, a friend had led him to Christ. But no one had discipled him, so he had little knowledge of the Scriptures and wasn’t in a church or study group of any kind. Initially, we met to talk about the Lord. In time, I grudgingly conceded to a date, but not without apprehension.

Even though Andy was ready for a relationship, I was still gun-shy—so he simply waited. With tenderness and kindness and an incredible amount of patience, PAGE 04

TEACHING

he broke down any barriers I’d put up. He was faithful, trustworthy, and committed to the Lord and to me. We were married a little more than a year after we’d begun dating.

The Lord used Andy in many ways to help heal old wounds in me. He offered both of us a new beginning, a clean slate, a hope, and a future. And I’m now a mum with not one, not two, but seven children, each a precious, unique gift from the Lord. God has surely given me more than I could hope for or ask.

The story of Joseph in the book of Genesis is one of my favourites. Sold by his brothers into slavery, taken to a foreign land, unfairly accused and imprisoned, and with little hope or expectation of ever seeing his family again, Joseph was in what seemed an impossible situation. Despite all that, the Bible says,

“The Lord was with him.”

God allowed the testing to build character in Joseph. Joseph went through years of waiting and suffering before he saw God’s plan in it all.

God used Joseph to save Egypt, the surrounding nations, and Joseph’s own family. God’s plans and purposes are so much bigger and greater than our own.

At the end of his story, Joseph says, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day” Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) That same truth is reconfirmed in the book of Romans in the New Testament.

“All things work together for good to those who love God” Romans 8:28 (NKJV).

PAGE 05

DEVOTION

Adam Howard Content Marketing Assistant

His Light Will Guide “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.” - Psalm 119: 105 (NIV) At some point in our lives we will encounter moments when it feels like someone has switched off the lights. It can seem as if we are scrambling around, desperately looking for some light source to break the darkness. We can often hold such fear of the things that we cannot see, that we forget the one that stands with us in our darkest hours. Trusting in God for what is ahead is not a leap into the unknown, but a sure and steadfast step. Psalm 139:10-12 puts it so beautifully: “Wherever I go, your hand will guide me, for your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. There is no such thing as darkness with you.

The night, to you, is as bright as the day”. (TPT) We possess, in His word, the most significant source of light ever known. The Living Word of God held in our hands is the breaker-

PAGE 06

switch that we need to shed light upon our circumstances, choices and decisions. Walking in the light, despite the darkness, is built on trust. As we learn to trust in God and His faithfulness in all seasons our steps no longer need to be tentative tiptoes into the future.

Living this out relies not just upon the truth itself, but the knowing of the truth (John 8:32). Simply put; having the word of God resident inside you and having a revelation of that truth brings clarity, direction and hope when the lights go off.

We pray that in whatever season you are in today, His light will guide, comfort and direct you to walk in all God has in store.

“Truth’s shining light guides me in my choices and decisions; the revelation of your word makes my pathway clear.” Psalm 119:105 (TPT)

The Transforming Word Become a CBN Partner and receive this powerful teaching from Pat Robertson. In this latest release from CBN, Pat shares with you wonderful verses from the book of Proverbs regarding wisdom, favour and anointing. The Bible tells us that there’s great power in God’s Word and that when God sends out His Word, it always accomplishes His purpose. Hearing, speaking and obeying the Word of God will transform your life.

Become CBN Partner Today Call us on 0300 561 0700 or visit cbneurope.com/donate

TESTIMONIES

Prayer Changes Everything There is such power in testimony, and it is always an honour to discover what God is doing in peoples’ lives through the work of our prayer centre. With every story of faith, we celebrate God at work and are so encouraged. We hope you will be too.

Healing

Provision

Breakthrough

First time caller, Andrew, contacted us to give testimony of healing via the 700 Club broadcast. A word of knowledge was given regarding diabetes. His blood sugars were very high, and doctors were hugely concerned.

He took a hold of that word of healing and bloods dramatically came down.

Sian called the Prayer Centre in relation to her finances.

Chris had been calling the prayer centre for several weeks, struggling with his desire to change genders. After many calls of bringing the truth in love, Chris rang in to thank our team. He was filled with joy and asked us to pray that he would have a greater realisation of the Spirit of God and the will of God over his life! From a man who was adamant that he should be a woman, to a man who wants more of the truth of Christ!

Andrew now intends to become a partner with us at CBN.

PAGE 08

Our team prayed with her for miraculous provision.

Sian has since called back to explain that a large sum of money was deposited into her account!

MEET THE TEAM

Samuel Hunt Prayer Centre Deputy Manager

My Journey

I am the deputy manager in the prayer centre which means I oversee the day to day running of the department.

I have been with CBN on and off for almost 2 years with some time in between pioneering church in other countries.

us as a ministry in the future. I am excited about our newly developed studio here in the UK and the content that is being created within our UK office. We have already received such a great response from our viewers within the UK and I can’t wait to see where God takes it next. We are so thankful for our partners who made this possible. Please pray that God continues working through the content being produced in the studio.

How would you describe your journey with CBN so far?

How has God worked in your life through your time at CBN?

Its been amazing to be part of a global ministry and to see lives changed and impacted for Jesus on a daily basis in the prayer centre. I love CBN’s heart for people and the impact we are making in Europe and globally, together with our partners. Working with CBN has been challenging and I have grown a lot spiritually. I am looking forward to seeing where God takes me and CBN Europe in the future!

God has really grown in me an ability to meet people where they are at, and minister His word and kindness to people who need to hear it most. Also, God has given me a new appreciation for every person who is impacted by CBN and the privilege it is to minister to them.

Hi Samuel, it’s great to meet you!

Tell us about your role within CBN and how long you have been with us.

What excites you most about working with CBN? It’s great to see how God has grown and expanded CBN Europe even in the short amount of time that I have been here. I am excited for that to continue and see where God is taking

“I love CBN’s heart for people and the impact we are making in Europe” PAGE 09

GLOBAL IMPACT

How Jesus gave hope to a Muslim Girl Jona’s Story CBN’s Superbook

Jona lives in northern Albania with her brother and sister and Jona had a secret.

She said, “I have lied often. Once I was playing with my older sister’s phone and I broke it and I told my mum that my little brother broke it. I put the blame on him.”

Jona grew up in a Muslim community and knew in her heart that what she was doing was wrong. Then one day she came across Superbook which was airing on national television.

“I liked it very much as it tells about the life of Jesus and the teachings He gave.” she told us.

Then Jona heard that she could watch more Superbook episodes at a church near her home. That’s when she saw how Jesus gave His life on the cross for her sins. Jona said, “I was very touched because He died on the cross, He was nailed on the cross and it all happened because of our sins.”

Jona realised that her lies were a sin. “I knew He suffered for me, for the sins, for the bad things I did,” said Jona, “It almost felt like Jesus touched my heart and I felt very bad. I asked God to forgive me and I did it with all my heart.”

That day she went home and talked to her mum and her sister and asked them PAGE 10

GLOBAL IMPACT to forgive her for lying.

Now that she was a Christian her friends started to ask questions about what she had done.

“They said, how can you believe this?.” Jona explained. “I told them that there is only one God. I said that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and to save me.

I don’t think anyone else would do what Jesus did. I invited my Muslim friend Alexia to church because I wanted to share the same love to her.”

Jona then invited her best friend Alexia to watch Superbook with her at church.

“Now Alexia has become a Christian too. I like Superbook very much because it tells about the life of Jesus and his teachings,” said Jona. “I can never imagine my life without Jesus because I am His daughter and I cannot live without Him.” Life Changing Surgeries

Beauty from Ashes CBN Partners transformed her life!

One day, a rubbish collector in China encountered a sight that broke his heart.

Here, in the squalor of a public dump was a baby girl, barely alive. The man rushed to pick up the helpless new-born and as he brushed the filth from her tiny body, he immediately noticed that her lip was pitifully cleft. But that didn’t matter.

The kind rubbish collector took her home and raised her as his own daughter, naming her Meilan Lu. The poor man seldom had enough food for both of them, so he would give her his portions. He became Meilan Lu’s foster father. As years passed, Meilan Lu became reclusive and self-conscious because of her cleft lip and palate. Her adoptive father tried to save enough for reconstructive surgery, but to no avail.

God had a marvellous plan for Meilan Lu, and you were part of it! CBN partners made it possible for Meilan Lu to have her surgery free of charge at a hospital in China. Now she is thriving like never before! Meilan Lu’s adoptive aunt expressed her thanks: “We are so happy for her. She is very beautiful. I thank CBN and all the people who helped us!”

PAGE 11

FEATURED

Charmaine Hibberd P.A. to the Director

There Is A Plan It’s not often that you embark on a journey without knowing where you are going.

When I travel somewhere, I usually like to know the route I am going to take to get there, how long it is going to take to get there and most of all, where I am going!

That may all sound obvious, but life with Christ is often much more of a game of trust.

Journeying through life as a Christian does not guarantee you a

PAGE 12

FEATURED comfortable ride. In fact you may come up against some serious resistance from the enemy. Our enemy, Satan, does not like that our lives are hidden in Christ and that our destiny is eternity.

He will likely put up a fight to try to derail you from your path and purpose, trying to prevent you from living life in all its fullness (John 10:10).

The good news is that Satan has already been defeated! We must not consider the spiritual war that we are in as a cosmic arm-wrestle between two equal opponents, but rather a battle between Creator and created.

The battle is already won!

I have lost sight on many occasions of the victory that is rightfully mine in Christ. I have allowed my perceived

lack of control over my life to render me powerless, but here is some more good news – no matter how out of control and helpless you may feel in your Christian walk, there is a plan!

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) tells us this: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God is good and loving by His very nature, it’s who He is! He has mapped out your journey through life down to the finest detail, and your primary responsibility now is to trust Him. The word ‘prosper’ is to be successful or fortunate, to thrive or flourish.

PAGE 13

FEATURED So, we can safely deduce that the plans God has for our lives are good.

His intention is not to create a life for us that causes us harm but one that causes us to thrive, flourish and have hope for the future.

good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV). And in response, I am longing to hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ (See Matthew 25:21 NIV).

This does not mean that you will never experience hardship. God often uses the ‘valley’ times in our lives to refine and sharpen us in ways that He could not if we sailed through a trouble-free life.

So, whether you are just beginning your walk with Jesus or are in the middle of it, take courage because God has a plan for your entire journey with Him. He has gone before you and seen it all.

God tells us straight in John 16:33 (NIV) that we will have troubles in life, but we are to take heart because He has overcome the world!

When you experience incredible mountain-top highs and also stretching valley lows, trust that there is hope and a future. Trust that you will come through all seasons of life well if you remain close to Him – our Shepherd, our Guide, our God.

We also learn in 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) that our earthly troubles are ‘light’ and ‘momentary’ in comparison with the ‘eternal glory that will far outweigh them all’.

Having said all this, we are encouraged in scripture to ‘count the cost’ before setting out on our journey with Jesus.

Luke 14:28-30 (NIV) says this: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

I don’t know about you, but when I reach the end of my life on earth, I want to be able to look my Saviour in the face and say ‘I have fought the PAGE 14

“Take courage because God has a plan for your entire journey with Him. He has gone before you and seen it all.”

THANK YOU! You’re a Miracle Maker!

We want to thank you, our faithful partners and supporters. You gave over and above during our September fundraising week.

Because of your generosity, the kingdom of God can advance across Europe.

Together, we can grow the number of countries and languages that broadcast the Gospel. Together, we can help Orphans and broken families with no way out. Together, we can dig water wells and respond wherever disaster strikes.

So, let’s stand firm together and be the miracles makers that God calls us to be!

Join the mission. Become a CBN partner.

www.cbneurope.com/partners CBN Europe partners are supporting projects predominantly in the UK and Europe and West Africa. Together with CBN partners and offices around the world we are making a global difference!

GLOBAL IMPACT

You Brought Clean Water to this Family!

Their little girls no longer get sick from parasites.

CBN’s Operation Blessing

Missleny and her family are excited to have clean water

Little Mayerli was violently ill again, with cramps and diarrhoea.

Her mother, Missleny, tried home remedies, but Mayerli and her two sisters kept getting sick. Missleny and her husband raised pigs and grew crops in their Peruvian village to pay for their small hut, with little left over.

They went to the medical post for treatment, but their children’s illnesses always returned. This mother never considered that the well water she collected daily was making PAGE 16

her children ill. Although it looked clean, it contained deadly parasites.

Thanks to you, CBN’s Operation Blessing came to this village’s aid. You provided them with water filters, water backpacks, and antiparasitic medicine and taught them how to prevent waterborne illnesses.

Missleny cried gratefully, “They came to bless my people…

Thank you!”

GLOBAL IMPACT CBN’s Operation Blessing

You gave him a new way to support his family Father’s livelihood was in jeopardy.

Ashraf crafted beautiful olive wood souvenirs in Israel for 25 years. But eventually, the woodworking chemicals caused painful blisters on his hands and body. Doctors couldn’t treat his worsening condition and he couldn’t find another job. When one doctor suggested rubbing his hands with olive oil, his symptoms improved.

Ashraf began making pure olive oil soap. Yet, to earn a profit, he needed an industrial mixing machine—which he couldn’t afford. Desperate, he and his wife prayed. Because of your generosity, CBN’s Operation Blessing supplied Ashraf with a mixing machine and as his business expanded, he was able to provide for his family and improve their quality of life. Ashraf said, “We needed a miracle…

Thank you!”

CBN’s Operation Blessing

How you transformed a Mothers life Short of food with nowhere to turn.

Brandy has served in the Navy for over seven years and is raising her baby daughter, Mila. Sadly, her unsupportive husband took out loans in her name leaving her barely enough to get by. Brandy often went without food after feeding Mila, and her health suffered. Then, she was evicted from her apartment.

Thankfully, you were there! A local ministry, supported by CBN partners, embraced Brandy and Mila, providing food and nappies. “I’ve been eating a lot more, been a lot healthier, and a lot less stressed out,” she expressed. “I’m extremely thankful for what they do for us. It helps a lot!”

PAGE 17

PRAYER

Pray With Us!

Making Jesus known in every household across Europe is at the heart of what we do at CBN Europe. Let’s continue this amazing journey together as you partner with us in prayer.

Update In our last edition of Reach, we asked you to pray for the production of our first UK Superbook TV programme. Since then, we have shot the pilot episode! We have enjoyed incredible favour with the quality of the people and content we able to use. Please continue to pray for the right doors to open as we discuss funding, logistics and transmission of the show.

Prayer Centre Needs The Prayer Team continue to do a great job serving the needs of the people who call in daily. Please pray for strength and their own wellbeing as they selflessly minister to others.

Europe-Wide Superbook continues to engage with young people throughout Europe. We pray for continued favour across mainstream broadcasters, as they bring the Bible to a wider, national audience. We pray for greater expansion and engagement as more episodes are translated into other languages.

“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” - Habbakkuk 1:5 (ESV) Thank you for standing with us in unity as we build. For more ways to partner with us head to page 30-31.

PAGE 18

INTRODUCING..

We’re on WhatsApp! That’s right, you can now reach our prayer team on WhatsApp from 8am-7:30pm Monday to Friday.

Already, many prayers have been sent to CBN worldwide on WhatsApp. Follow the instructions below to send us your prayers today.

1. Download WhatsApp onto your smart device via the App store/ Google Play Store, and follow the app’s activation tutorial.

2. Add our mobile number 07833 993 924 - into your phone’s contact list.

3. Add us on WhatsApp and send us your prayer request! Simple!

SUPERBOOK

6 Year Old Missionary!

Six year old, Joshua already has a heart to share Jesus with other kids. His message is simple: “I want all of you to know that God loves you!”

Joshua learned about God from his parents and from watching episodes of CBN’s Superbook, his favourite TV show. He loves inviting neighbours and classmates to his house watch with him. One day Joshua had an idea, he asked his mum if he could invite Superbook to a Christian festival held in his community in the southern Philippines.

“I looked at him and I was like, great idea! And I told him, you have to pray,” said his mum, Michelle.

Joshua demonstrated how he prayed: “I was like this: ‘Lord Jesus please make Gizmo come. I want the other kids to know about Jesus.’”

Joshua was surprised when Superbook and Gismo arrived to be part of the festival.

“Superbook came over to Sarangani and children from every tribe in our area, even some Muslim kids were there were able to hear the Gospel and able to really engage with Superbook,” reported Michelle.

Joshua loves Superbook so much that he’s even used it to share Jesus with kids in schools in the region. “I want them to learn about Jesus because I want them to be blessed,” said Joshua.

“I know this is not us, it is God who is working through my child’s life,” added Michelle. “Superbook is really a good tool in building our child’s faith. This is it, this is the material for this next generation.”

PAGE 20

You can spread the Gospel to children all over the world by joining the Superbook Club. As a Superbook Club member, you can get the latest Superbook DVDs every month, with FREE delivery and online streaming.

Together, we can start thousands of children on life-changing journeys with Jesus.

To join the Club today visit: SUPERBOOK.ORG.UK/CLUB

BRING IT ON

Pat Robertson Answers Your Questions How do we know when to leave things to God’s plan and when to do what the Holy Spirit compels us to do?

The Bible says in Romans 8:14 “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” The Word of God states again and again that you will hear a voice in your ear - whether you turn to the right or turn to the left - that will say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

That only comes with a life of praying, reading the Bible, and listening to the Lord. So, you need to listen to Him and then follow His leading, but at the same time, you must trust Him for everything in your life.

Nineteenth-century evangelist D.L. Moody said it best when he said, “I work like it all depends on me, and I pray like it all depends on God.” So, you pray, and you believe God, but at the same time, you do what you feel is right - and the Holy Spirit will lead you step by step as you continuously pray and listen to Him. PAGE 22

“you need to listen to Him and then follow His leading, but at the same time, you must trust Him for everything in your life.”

CBN PROGRAMMING

Watch Our Programmes The 700 Club

The 700 Club Interactive

Turning Point International

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

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

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

Revelation TV (Sky 581 or Freesat 692) Monday – Friday at 6pm and 11pm (with next day repeat at 8am)

TBN UK (Freeview 65 or Sky 582) Monday – Friday at 2pm

TBN UK (Freeview 65 or Sky 582) Thursday at 2:30pm

Gospel Channel (Sky 586) Monday – Friday at 6:30pm TBN UK (Freeview 65 or Sky 582) Monday – Friday at 1:30pm

Superbook

adventures of two timetravelling children and their robot friend.

TBN UK (Freeview 65 or Sky 582) Friday at 4.30pm Saturday at 8.30am

For further listings, please visit cbneurope. com/tvguide Missed it? Catch up online anytime at www.700club.tv

ABN TV (Sky 235) Sunday 1:30pm

Superbook teaches timeless moral truths through the Bible-based

Gospel Channel (Sky 586) Monday - Sunday at 6:30am PAGE 23

FEATURED

Allen Carter Partner Relations Manager

Trust Your Creator Challenging times are part of the journey of life and usually occur when we least expect them. However, how we embrace and learn from these experiences will ultimately determine the outcome.

Jesus himself spoke of these times in John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world, you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]!

For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power

PAGE 24

FEATURED

to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (AMPC) Whenever we face trials and challenges, we need to remind ourselves that they are, but for a season; temporary and subject to change. They do not last forever. During these times is where we discover who we really are and in whom we are putting our trust.

Jeremiah 17 gives a visual picture that brings a clear distinction between someone who either trusts in man or trust in the Lord.

Thus, says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain

PAGE 25

FEATURED green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:5-8 (ESV)

Why not take a moment and pray this prayer and choose to trust your Creator?

Let’s look at the distinctions:

Heavenly Father, I thank you that you are absolutely dependable, reliable and trustworthy. I know that I can be totally confident and lean on you.

Forgive me for the times that I lean to my own way of thinking, believing I can work things out on my own. The reality is that without your help and wisdom I am relying on myself rather than you, which is pride. When I trust you, I know that it’s the safest place that I can be and I can enjoy safe pasture.

I thank you that I can feed on your faithfulness. It nourishes and sustains me, energises and revives me. Help me to take the time to really listen to what you would say.

Trusts in Man • Cursed whose heart turns away from the Lord.

• Like a shrub in the wasteland.

• Shall not see any good come.

• Dwell in parched places in the wilderness.

Trusts in the Lord • Blessed.

• Like a tree planted by water.

• Sends out its roots by the stream.

• Does not fear when heat comes, it’s leaves remain green.

• Is not anxious in the year of drought, does not cease to bear fruit.

Whether we choose to live in blessing or a curse, ultimately is determined by the choices that we make. It’s interesting to note that the man who trusts in the Lord is not exempt from the heat or the year of drought but his heart and perspective are to continue to trust in the Lord no matter what challenges may come his way.

In Jesus Christ, we can have perfect peace. We can trust Him in every season, however difficult or challenging that may be. When we do this, we are placing our complete confidence in His word, His nature and character, knowing that He is watching over His word to fulfil it. His promises are true, steadfast and unshakable.

PAGE 26

Today, I choose to take delight in you.

I want my heart to be soft, mouldable and pliable as clay in your hands.

Please continue to work into my life that which is well-pleasing in your eyes. Thank you that I know my life is safe in your hands and I can trust you in every area. As I delight myself in you, you have promised to give me the desires of my heart. You know my deepest longings; my secret petitions and desires. Fill me with confidence to know that everything is going to be alright. Forgive me for ever doubting you. I only want to trust and delight in you.

Amen.

CBN HISTORY

The CBN Journey The Birth of The 700 Club

Pat and Dede Fifty-seven years ago, one could have suggested that Pat Robertson was stretching his imagination when he named his broadcasting organisation The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Not only was CBN the first Christian television station in Virginia, but it was also the first in the USA. Fifty-seven years later, there is no dispute that CBN is one of the largest television ministries in the world. With its many subsidiaries and affiliate organisations, CBN goes beyond the bounds of broadcasting in its mission to reach the world with a message of hope from the Bible.

The story of CBN’s birth and early years is documented in Pat Robertson’s autobiography, Shout It From The Housetops. CBN first went on the air on October 1, 1961, on WYAH-TV (from Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). This UHF television station barely had enough power to reach across the Portsmouth city limits!

With a modest income from a few local supporters, CBN began broadcasting live half-hour programs from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every night. Gradually, the broadcast day was expanded to 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Because Pat Robertson refused to accept commercial advertisements, paying for programming was out of PAGE 27

CBN HISTORY the question. A few free travelogue films were used to fill in the blank spots.

In the autumn of 1963, CBN conducted its first telethon, intending to raise the $7,000 per month needed for the following year’s budget. Pat Robertson told viewers that a “club” of 700 contributors, each giving $10 a month, would enable CBN to meet its expenses.

As guests appeared to sing and share their faith experiences, Pat invited the audience to pray for the 700 supporters who would help keep CBN going. Though its financial struggles continued, CBN had taken an important step in building community support for the ministry.

CBN Headquarters, US A year later, the “700 Club” telethon was an important turning point for CBN. This telethon generated more contributions than the previous year’s, but not enough to meet CBN’s growing budget. Then, in the final minutes of the broadcast, a remarkable outpouring of spiritual revival began to sweep through the viewing audience. Throughout the next several days, callers flooded CBN with prayer requests and pledges of financial support.

A year later, Pat added a program to the end of his station’s broadcast day that followed the telethon format of prayer and ministry, coupled with telephone response. He named it The 700 Club, hoping to build on the audience that had become familiar with CBN’s telethons. The program’s audience grew as other stations began carrying the show.

PAGE 28

CBN HISTORY

The 700 Club Hosts Today, CBN is a multifaceted non–profit organisation. It provides programming by cable, broadcast and satellite to approximately 200 countries, with a 24-hour telephone prayer line. Chief among CBN’s broadcasting components is The 700 Club. This daily television program featured Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, Gordon Robertson, Wendy Griffith and news anchor John Jessup.

On the air continuously since 1966, The 700 Club is one of the longest-running programs in broadcast history. Seen in 97 percent of the television markets across the United States, the show’s news/magazine format presents a lively mix of information, interviews, and inspiration.

As a CBN Partner, you help proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel to 159 countries & territories, in 75 languages, with 57 years of integrity!

PAGE 29

YOUR WAYS TO GIVE

Join The Mission 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.

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 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.

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/donate-will.

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.

PAGE 30

YOUR GIFT CAN ACHIEVE MORE!

Yes, I want to help share the Gospel!

YES, I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MONTHLY CBN PARTNER.

Tick here if you would like CBN to reclaim the tax you have paid on all your donations made in the last 4 years and any future donations you make.*

With a monthly donation of: £/€ 15

£/€ 25

£/€ 100

£/€ Other:

£/€ 50

OR, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A ONEOFF GIFT OF £/€:

*I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Signature

Date

I enclose a cheque/postal order payable to CBN.

I wish to give by credit/debit card (please fill in your details below).

Visa

Mastercard

Amex

Call us on 0300 561 0700 (UK), 01513 3738 (ROI) or +44 207 101 7045 (International).

Card Number

Name on Card

Cardholder Signature

You can also give online at cbneurope.com/donate.

Expiry Date

PERSONAL DETAILS FULL NAME:

TELEPHONE

ADDRESS: COUNTRY:

POSTCODE:

EMAIL:

Your data will be held in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found at cbneurope.com/privacy.

PAGE 31

Together we can.

Together we can fulfill the Great Comission.

Together, we can combat poverty.

Together, we can change the world.

To make a difference, partner with us at:

www.cbneurope.com Or call us on 0300 561 0700