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
Navigating Change
Building a Legacy
The Tension in the Meantime
Know How to Transition Well
Find Out How to Build a Legacy
Frustrated about Where You Are?
CBNEUROPE.COM
ISSUE 50
CONTENT
03. Welcome To Issue 49 From The Director
04. God’s Encouragement for Changing Times Teaching 06. Europe Update From The Office
09. Navigating Change Featured
12. Pray With Us? Prayer Needs 14. God At Work Testimonies
16. Humanitarian Global Impact 18. Pat Answers Your Questions Bring It On 19. CBN Israel How You Help 20. Children & Families Superbook
22. Building a Legacy Featured 24. Legacy Giving Impact a Generation
26. The Tension in the Meantime Devotion
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29. Put Your Hope Into Action Your Ways To Give
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
Welcome to the October edition of REACH magazine! This month’s theme is ‘seasons of change’ – where we explore seasons in our lives and what the Bible tells us about God’s voice in times of change. With inspiring contributions from our CEO Gordon Robertson and our CBN Europe team, it is our prayer that you will be blessed and encouraged as you continue to navigate the seasons of change in your life, and the change in the world around us. Since the start of the global pandemic we have seen a world in turmoil which has caused much change in how we operate in daily life. We had to adapt to a new way of life – which has posed many different challenges that stretch us, test us and bring to the surface what is really driving us. As believers we are not immune to the anxiety and stress that comes with massive change as we are experiencing right now. Yet, we know the One who holds the future – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” (Hebrews 6:19). We serve the King who overcame the world and calms the storms in our lives. He is the one who gives that peace that goes beyond understanding. He is on our side. In the midst of change and challenging seasons we also see many opportunities for the Gospel. Since the start of the pandemic we have seen a greater response to CBN’s media ministry as many are searching for truth. Thanks to CBN partners we are able to continue to share the message of Hope in Jesus to the nations, through Christian TV programming, online content as well as humanitarian outreach programmes. The Gospel continues to impact lives here in the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond! Despite the change we see around us – He does not change! His love for us is constant and He wants to use you and me to be His hands and feet at this time. Be encouraged as you navigate the change in your life – and thank you for standing with us! In Jesus, Mark Dijkens CBN Europe Regional Director
4 | TEACHING
God’s Encouragement for Changing Times Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God. As I sought the Lord recently, I received some words of encouragement that I want to share with you today. Focus on new doors. Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:8, “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” Our world is changing rapidly, so it can be tempting to stay with the familiar. Yet when new doors open, we should ask Him to show us which ones to enter and what steps to take. God can see the end from the beginning, and He knows what He is doing. We will see the hand of God and the
finger of God. We should reach up to God like little children, knowing there is no safer place to be than with Daddy. His hand will support us and protect us. Romans 8:38-39 promises: “Neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” We will also see God’s finger at work. Exodus 31:18 says the Ten Commandments were written by God’s finger, and Luke 11:20 tells us Jesus used the finger of God to cast out demons. We have seen many miracles in the past, and we should look for more demonstrations of God’s power in the future. It will be
TEACHING | 5
undeniable when He moves. Expect God to act. We must not look at our circumstances or rely on what our senses tell us. No matter what we are facing, we should trust God to move. He has promised, and He will uphold His Word. Go forth into new things. Let’s obey when God calls, even if we are stretched. All we have to do is take those first steps. He is our provider, and He will send the resources. If the Dow drops, that is not our God. Our God is greater, more powerful, and able to do exceedingly above all we could ask. Colossians 1:9-12 says, “Ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of
His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;... being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.” We have the great privilege of preaching His glorious Gospel and laying up treasure in heaven. So, as He calls, let’s respond with joy, “Here we are, Lord; send us!” God bless you. Scripture is quoted from the NKJV. This teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel meeting.
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Let’s obey when God calls, even if we are stretched. All we have to do is take those first steps.
Gordon Robertson Chief Executive Officer
6 | FROM THE OFFICE
Vanja Bule
Director, CBN South East Europe
Andreas “Pitti” Heerwagen Director, CBN Germany
CROATIA & SOUTH EAST EUROPE
GERMANY
Croatia Despite Covid-19, a new school year has begun and Superbook is in the textbooks for the 7th graders in Croatia! Gizmo, Ela and Luka (aka Gizmo, Joy and Chris) will bring biblical stories and values to the next generation.
We experienced a time of uncertainty for our TV production. Due to Covid-19, the production planned for spring could not take place. It was uncertain if we would be able to produce new episodes of “Erlebt TV” this summer or if we would have to broadcast reruns.
In partnership with more than 15 churches in Croatia, we distributed food and hygiene packages to the neediest families from the church and the local community. Thank you CBN partners for making this possible!
So, we prayed and trusted that God would make the long-awaited new episodes possible in summer. God answered our prayers and made the new production possible! Despite time pressure and uncertainty, God made a way, and we were able to shoot 29 new episodes of “Erlebt TV” within one week. We praise God for this blessing!
Slovenia In Slovenia, dubbing of Superbook season 1 is finished and will soon air on national TV. Superbook is truly finding its way into Slovenia and our Regional Director has been invited to introduce Superbook and record an interview for their programme. We are so excited about this blessing! Serbia After many years filled with obstacles, we are so happy to announce that the dubbing of Superbook season 1 in Serbian is now complete! We are in the process of selecting a suitable TV station for broadcasting. We are so excited to venture out in Serbia and make a greater impact for God’s Kingdom.
We are so grateful for the opportunity for CBN Germany Managing Director Andreas Heerwagen to be able to share his testimony on an InstagramLive interview with CBN “LifeChangers” host Jessica Datsko. There is such power in testimonies, and it is encouraging to see what God is doing in people’s lives. We are praying for all CBN teams, that God will bless our family of ministries and that people will invite Jesus into their hearts and be encouraged in their faith.
FROM THE OFFICE | 7
Will You Pray With Us?
Chris Karelse
CBN Representative, Netherlands
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Pray for CBN teams across the UK, Europe & beyond during these challenging times. Pray for continued protection & new opportunities to shine the light of Jesus into the darkness.
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Pray for our nation! For those who are being affected by Covid-19, for those who are lonely, for those who are searching for hope to find hope, peace & life in Jesus
THE NETHERLANDS At CBN The Netherlands, we have mostly focused on reaching and blessing people through online media. Since the beginning of August, we have set about implementing our digital media strategy. We have seen the articles we post have great impact and have been shared more than ever before. Each post now reaches several thousand people. From the responses we are receiving, we are encouraged that our audience is blessed through the social media content we are developing. We continue to work hard in getting the second season of Superbook ready in order to reach many children in the Netherlands and Dutch speakers with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all your prayers and support in making this happen!
8 | FROM THE OFFICE
Lavender Otieno
Head of Operations, CBN Europe
UNITED KINGDOM Over the last 6 months we have all experienced some sort of change in our lives due to the global pandemic; COVID-19. We have a choice in how we view these changes. However, the important thing about change is how we anticipate it and react to it. No one could adequately have anticipated lockdowns and the unusual circumstance we have all contended with. Relationships have been tested, circumstances, and feelings about things & life in general may have undergone drastic change. Indeed, a lot in our lives has had to change in a very small window of time. During any changing season in our life, it’s important that we stay connected to God. The best way to do that is to pray. Jesus himself modelled this to us in Mark 1:35, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (ESV). Prayer is our direct line to Jesus, to our Father. While on earth, Jesus prayed often and mostly in solitude. Prayer brings focus in our life. Connecting to God lets us see things from a Kingdom perspective.
This past season may have been isolating for some of our friends and partners, but we want to thank God for enabling us to keep our essential service - the CBN Prayer Line, on track. We have seen an increase on social media through our DEVO & WOW series launched during COVID with Season 2 being written. Through our Hope in Action initiative, alongside local partners across England and Wales we brought hope and encouragement. We have reached over 200 needy families with food and hygiene packages and the word of God through CBN’s Hope Boxes. We thank God for vision, purpose and provision in this season. Thank you CBN partners and friends for your continued support during these challenging times. Keep praying and trusting Him in all circumstances and seasons of life – He is a Mighty God.
FEATURED | 9
NAVIGATING CHANGE
Change comes in all shapes and sizes. From moving cities, countries and continents, Phil and I have navigated some significant changes since we were married 11 years ago. We’ve moved house 17 times and just hit the longest amount of time in one city, if not one house, at all of 3 years. We’ve juggled changing jobs, multiple jobs, or no jobs at all. We’ve held weight in church, right at the front, behind the scenes, and had seasons of rest. In all that time, I’ve noticed that transitions are key. A rough transition
can knock you for six, taking you right off course and struggling to adjust; yet a good transition can set you up for a flying start in your new chapter. But the word ‘change’ has so many implications, knowing how to transition well can change with each situation or season in life, and while there’s no one set of rules, I’ve noticed some themes, themes that I would like to think have set me up to transition better. Vision Know where you’re going and why – Proverbs 29:18 says ‘without
10 | FEATURED vision people perish’ (KJV), or as the NIVUK translation says ‘where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint’ (NIVUK). I’ve seen the truth of this play out in my life. Phil and I, like many people, have led small groups within church, and in some seasons it’s almost become a duty, rather than a privilege, to be entrusted with pastoral care of others. And when that happens, it feels unrestrained, chaotic even, like it’s going nowhere fast. In those seasons, re-defining what we value in our groups has allowed us to adjust where we’re headed, to know what to change or keep, because we know what we’re aiming for. ‘Perishing’ may seem an extreme result of not having defined vision, but it’s in these unrestrained seasons that we become disillusioned more easily, where people’s engagement drops off, and you could say that both we and the group perish a little. But it doesn’t have to be big or grand, moving jobs or cities, or changing a leadership direction – we recently decided to change our toilet paper brand, as ridiculous as it sounds. At the beginning of 2020 we decided to each month make a practical, positive change that would add up to a life better lived by the end of the year. The cost of the loo roll doubled, required significant outlay but the environmental benefits and product quality made the pricier loo roll worth switching to! Vision can help you decide whether the cost is worth it. Even a glimmer of why you’re changing something will push you to complete it.
Flexibility Vision is consistent; the method can change - I’ve seen this modelled by excellent leaders around me for years. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Whether it’s instantly a rip-roaring success, or a lesson in what not to do, step out in something new, take the risk and try it. For me, this is one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in parenting so far. I’m no expert, but I have a wonderful community of women around me who will suggest what’s worked for them, and are also gracious if I choose not to use their methods. Learning that one size does not fit all, that it’s okay to try one thing and then another, helps reduce stress when you realise change is needed. Holding onto the vision will keep you level headed while you navigate these shifts, but accepting, even embracing the need for change will help keep you sane. Action God directs your STEPS – I’ve heard it preached more than once, we can pray so long and hard for God to give us every single step of the journey ahead that we don’t ever actually go anywhere. Proverbs 16:9 says: ‘A man’s mind plans his way (as he journeys through life), but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.’ (AMP) When we’re spending time with Jesus, loving him and loving others, we can trust that our decisions won’t be awful, but this verse further encourages us that God will bring us into line with him as we move. Don’t wait until everything is perfect before setting a change in motion. Step out in faith, and trust that the Holy Spirit
FEATURED | 11 within you will help you start well, and that God is big enough to change your course along the way. Keep going Mountain-top moments are where we get excited and motivated about where we’re going, but to get to the next mountain top, you must go back down into the valley. Valleys are rich with life and nourished by rain, but they’re not our end goal. There’s no panoramic views of the mountain top and we can get distracted from what we set out to do. Valleys can be hard seasons too, places we can’t see God or hear his voice as clearly, so during transitions, keep going, don’t get stuck in the valley. Don’t let one part of the journey become the finishing line and miss out on the greatness of the next mountaintop God has planned for you.
change.’ We know change will always come, but to quote Isaiah 43, ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Saviour; ...do not be afraid, for I am with you’ Whatever changes you face, remember that the Lord your God is with you.
“
A good transition can set you up for a flying start in your new chapter.
Choose trust If God brought you into it, he can take you out of it. Sometimes as Christians we think that if we’ve felt God’s lead into a new thing, then that’s where we’re to stay. But how reassuring is it, as children of God, to know that our ever-loving Father can both bring us into places and seasons, and also take us out of them. When we partner with God, and commit to look at each situation with the perspective of seeing what we can learn from it, we will make the most of every season. It takes a choice to trust, and it certainly takes a choice to find good in difficult transitions. To quote the philosopher Heraclitus, ‘The only thing that is constant is
Beth Parkinson 700 Club UK Host
12 | PRAYER NEEDS
Your prayers can impact the world, will you pray with us? 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.
1
Ministry
2
Team
3
Provision
4
Legacy
As a ministry we are often presented with opportunities to support relief efforts and also more long-term humanitarian projects. Please pray that we have the wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as to which efforts to support. We cannot do everything but we can do some things, thank you for praying that we discern wisely the things that we can do, well. As a team we have been in a very interesting season with the Covid-19 lockdown and the new set up of working from home. Thankfully, productivity and fellowship have not suffered. Please pray that this continues and that we as a team will remain positive and focussed on the mission at hand - making Jesus known across the UK, Europe and beyond. We are only able to do what we do because of the incredible generosity and support of our faithful partners and cheerleaders who donate and pray for us regularly. Please pray that our partner base will increase and that God would inspire more people with the vision to run with the mission. The more people who partner with us, the more we are able to do and the further we are able to reach into our world. Legacy giving is a unique and wonderful way to bless the CBN Europe ministry, even after passing away. Please pray that more people would consider leaving a gift in their will to the CBN Europe ministry. We understand that at a very vulnerable time of loss, finances are a concern for many. Pray that this can be taken care of during the lifetime of those who support us so that they can rest knowing that their influence will continue to do so much good.
DO YOU NEED PRAYER? We have an incredible team waiting to pray with you and encourage you in your walk with Jesus at the other end of the phone!
CALL US! 0300 561 0700 (UK) 01513 3738 (ROI) +44 207 101 7045 (Int) 07833 993 924 (WhatsApp)
14 | TESTIMONIES
God is on the move! He is not limited by social distancing or self-isolation. Here are just a few recent stories of how God has broken through in desperate circumstances. Financial Valerie rang last week to pray due to a debt of £2,700 with the tax office. She was anxious about how she was going to pay it back. We prayed. She called the tax office. they ran through the admin of it and it transpired that they were the ones who owed her money! Leaving her with a debt of £14!!!!! God is so, so faithful!!
Relationship Laura has a terrible relationship with her mum, we have been praying with Laura over their relationship for some time. Her mum came to visit with a toy for Laura’s son (Laura said this is the way she shows love) and gave Laura a hug and said, “I love you”. We are still praying for her salvation but this is a massive miracle in Laura and her family’s life.
Healing Sophie rang in for prayer. She suffers with arthritis and had been in a lot of pain. As we prayed, she said she felt the Lord touch her and the pain left.
Provision Patricia called last night to thank God for answered prayers regarding the Lord’s provision. She had asked for the water supply to her allotment to be sorted out and for a washing machine due to it breaking down. She was concerned about both because of the lock down and the lack of services. The water supply was sorted out and she was given an unexpected gift to help with the purchase of a washing machine. She was very thankful to the Lord because she has felt that prayers have been unanswered over the years and felt this was a breakthrough.
Inspire Your Faith Discover Global Impact
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! @CBNEUROPE
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16 | GLOBAL IMPACT SUPERBOOK
Who Could Replace Dad? Cambodia
9-year-old Channa moved to an orphanage after her father died and her mother abandoned her. “When he died and mom gave me away, I was afraid to love anyone. I thought ‘If I love them, they will die or leave me,’” said Channa with her eyes cast downward. The longer Channa lived at the orphanage, the more isolated she felt. For a long time, she cried between classes in the school bathroom. “I cried because I missed my dad.” She said. “I did not have any friends.” One day, a teacher at the children’s home heard about Superbook through our CBN website in Cambodia. She showed her class the animated Bible stories, including the episode about Daniel in the Lion’s Den. “I saw how God protected Daniel!” declared Channa. “It helped me to learn that God would never give up on me. That God will never leave me.” One day Channa’s asked her teacher to help her to pray to become Christian. “I asked her to pray with me so Jesus will forgive my sins and come into my heart,” said Channa, her eyes now filled with light! Since that day, Channa has continued to watch Superbook and read her Bible. And that’s helped her to learn a vital truth: That God really loves her. “I know now that God is my father!” she said. “He helps me with everything!” Channa has also learned to trust others at the children’s home. She said that change began with Superbook. “Superbook has made me into a new person! Thank you to everyone who brought Superbook to me!” she said with a smile.
Want To Read More Stories? Visit cbneurope.com/impact to read more inspiring stories about how God has used CBN across the globe.
GLOBAL IMPACT | 17 ORPHAN’S PROMISE
Feeding Felix’s Family Philippines
Felix stood over the open fire. A small pot of bananas boiled, and he knew that the single portion of food wouldn’t be enough to feed his three children - but it was all they had. Before COVID-19 came to the Philippines, Felix’s 10-year-old son, Joshua, and his younger siblings were able to attend a neighbourhood feeding program. However, after the virus began, those feeding programs ended. Then, Felix lost his job. “It’s been even harder now for us,” Felix explained. “I can’t work so we can’t even buy food...I was losing hope.” But just as the little family began to wonder where their next meal would come from, Orphan’s Promise arrived, offering nourishing food to families. “Thank you to the people who help Orphan’s Promise,” Felix said, joyfully. “And thank you for remembering and for reaching us - even though we are so far away.” ORPHAN’S PROMISE
Breaking tradition to follow God Ukraine
Rachel and Doni grew up attending Orphan’s Promise projects in their village and learned about God’s plan for their lives. Over 10 years ago, we began working in Roma communities in Ukraine. The Roma people have historically been treated poorly, and many think they are not worthy of education, jobs, or even real marriages. They don’t believe that they can live honestly, be independent and support themselves. It became tradition to be dependent on hand-outs as literally everyone lives on government welfare, which is provided to children of single mothers. This young couple is breaking from the tradition of dependence, and starting a family God’s way. They know He has a plan for their lives, and that they are worthy of love and respect. Through our programs, this couple has gained skills that will help support their family so they don’t have to rely on government assistance. They are a shining example for their community!
18 | BRING IT ON
PAT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS Join Pat Robertson, CBN founder, as he answers the tough questions in life with Biblical truth’s.
Q
Please help me understand Isaiah 26:3, which says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
A.
Where are your thoughts most of the time? Are they usually on your marriage, your relationship with others, or your image? Are your thoughts primarily on what people think about you, or do you try your best to always think about God? He’ll keep you in perfect peace when you keep your mind centred on Him. There’s a saying, “All the world’s a stage and everyone’s a player.” When you walk across the stage of your mind, who is the audience you’re trying to make an impression on? Your thought should be that you have an audience of one, and that audience is God. Your focus should be to please Him in what you do, what you think, and what you say. In turn, He will bless you with peace of mind and heart.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR PAT? Log on to CBN.com/BringItOnline and follow the instructions.
CBN Israel exists to tell the true story of Israel and sustain a movement of Christians who will bless and stand with the Jewish people. Our vision is to change the global conversation about Israel and build bridges of hope and healing between Jews and Christians worldwide. You are making this vision a reality when you support the work of CBN Israel: 1. BLESSING ISRAEL AND HELPING THOSE IN NEED Your support provides food, assistance, education, economic development, and hope to Israelis in need. You are blessing Holocaust survivors, victims of terrorism, single mothers, immigrant families, lone soldiers, and others who desperately need our help. 2. REPORTING THE NEWS FROM ISRAEL Your gift allows us to produce unbiased, independent journalism through broadcasts, podcasts, and online media dedicated to informing the world about what is happening in Israel and the Middle East through our news bureau in Jerusalem. 3. DOCUMENTING ISRAEL’S TRUE STORY Your support allows us to produce educational documentary films that tell the true history of Israel, its right to exist in the face of growing anti-Semitism worldwide, its innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and its commitment to helping others—even its enemies. As a CBN partner you are directly helping the work and ministry of CBN Israel. By supporting CBN you become part of this historical legacy, while helping to shape the future of Israel advocacy for generations to come. “I will bless those who bless you” (Genesis 12:3). If you would like to know more about the work of CBN Israel visit cbnisrael.org
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By signing up to try out Superbook Academy, you can access a free lesson! Visit: UK.SUPERBOOKACADEMY.COM
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO GET YOURS!
22 | FEATURED
BUILDING A LEGACY
We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to live a life that has impact and effect beyond our immediacy and into the wider world. Whether building a team, church or family I think there are a few things we can do to build well and in a Godly way. Ultimately, as it says in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain.” I want to be someone who builds with the long term, big picture in mind; someone who is thinking about what comes
after, not just what can we get now. To build a legacy we need to look at three keys: ‘I’ We need to give time to cultivate our relationship with God on a personal level. You cannot build what you do not have. You need the right materials to build and to build well. If you do not have the right tools or materials to build, you cannot build a lasting structure. The same is true of us. Without a deep-rooted relationship with the Father we will struggle to
FEATURED | 23 build anything that has longevity. Intentionality You must build with intention. It will not happen by accident, but by being well thought out in your processes. Be intentional in your relationships. Choose good council and choose to be disciplined in your discipleship. Be strategic in your thinking and approach to how you build. Think about how this might look in five years’ time and be intentional about the structures you put in place now that will support what you want to do in the future. Invest Building takes investment. It takes investment in yourself, the structure and most importantly it takes investment in people. Building a legacy relies on someone else taking the baton. It is about someone else buying into your heart and culture. Building with legacy in mind means that we must build away from ourselves. We cannot build with a singular point of failure. We cannot build like a one-man band, but we must build as a body if we want to see a legacy that outlasts us.
that only the great grandmother knows. If she never invests time in showing the next generations how to make the famous sauce, then the secret sauce dies with her. Without investment we not only fail to build something bigger than ourselves, but we rob the future generations of the gold that God has put inside you. Think about old Celtic kings and queens, whom when they died had all of that gold precious stones and heirlooms buried with them making their usefulness and value diminish. Let’s not be a people who carry our gold into the grave, but who intentionally invest in the future generations, building legacy that far outweighs and outlasts our days.
Adam Howard Content Coordinator
People are so important when we want to build a legacy. Without people carrying the torch and taking up the baton, the idea or ministry dies with us. It’s like having a secret family recipe
Want To Read More Articles Like This? Visit cbneurope.com/read to read more articles to encourage, inspire and challenge your faith.
24 | LEGACY GIVING
Leave a Legacy Impact a Generation Make a lasting difference Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most meaningful ways that your wishes are expressed, and your legacy continues to future generations. A gift in a Will to CBN Europe can ensure that the good news of the Gospel continues to be proclaimed with individual lives and communities transformed.
Free Will Writing Service To make it simple we offer a free, high-quality Will writing service. This is available to everyone with absolutely no obligation. Sign up to get your free information pack at cbneurope.com/legacy-giving/
LEGACY GIVING | 25
What your Legacy can Achieve By choosing to remember the Christian Broadcasting Network (UK) in your will you help us proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel to 159 countries and territories in 70 languages to a viewing audience of hundreds of millions of people. Do something that will have an eternal impact!
“I have partnered with CBN for several years and have decided to remember them in my will. I respect the work of CBN as a ministry, and I know that many lives are transformed globally by the love of God. There are so many Charities, but the most important thing for me was to leave a legacy to a Christian ministry where I know the Gospel will continue. CBN’s Operation Blessing and Orphan’s Promise also hold a special place for me, and I desire that individual lives and communities will continue to be practically & spiritually impacted because I have decided to include CBN in my will.” - Benita
Get your free Will or complementary information pack Find out more about leaving your legacy with CBN by visiting our website. cbneurope.com/legacy-giving/
26 | DEVOTION
THE TENSION IN THE MEANTIME
Raise your hand if you have ever felt frustrated about where you are at right now? You are thankful that you are no longer where you were, but you seem far from where you need to be? My hand is definitely up in the air. Our travel through life is more one like Pilgrim’s Progress, rather than Star Trek. There is often no teleportation from one space to another, but a walk from one step to the next. We live in the tension between where we are
and what we know is to come. How we navigate these times can often have a big impact on the speed and the enjoyment of the journey. A Day to Come The Bible speaks of these times often. In 1Thessaloninas 4 it speaks of the day to come when we will finally “meet him in the air”. Revelation talks about the victory won for us and our eternity ahead. But here’s the issue.
DEVOTION | 27 We aren’t there yet. I remember hearing a message from Judah Smith, who spoke about living in the midst of the sometime later*. He spoke about a crossing the disciples made from one side of the lake to the other; from one appointment with Him to the next part of their encounter. However, there were no timescales attached to their crossing. When we take the flight to our chosen destination, we are accustomed to having departure and arrival times mapped out for us. Our ETA is planned, and our levels of frustration grow when the carrier runs late. As believers in Christ, we must reconcile the fact that God doesn’t work with our timescales. I would love it if God worked like British Airways and issued the ‘flight plan’ for my life via a cool app. Then at regular intervals updated me with the estimated arrival at my destiny. He doesn’t work like that. Although through the words of others (prophetically), the whispers of His Spirit within me and the written word of God, He does communicate. We live in the tension between where we are and what we know is to come. So, how do we live in this tension? Firstly, stay in the boat! If the disciples jumped ship during their crossing because they were bored and frustrated, not only would they have missed their next God-ordained appointment, they would have become pretty wet. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to do but stick with it. Commit to standing firm and staying the course. Stay in the boat.
Secondly, decide today to draw a line in the sand. Let your will overrule your eyes and your emotions. How strong is your “I must”? In the face of disappointments, frustrations, our jobs not being too great or our marriage being in a tough space, begin to declare hope and truth over your situations. We know that we live with the victory, but there is still a fight going on. Maybe today we need to make a shift in our approach and nail our colours to the mast. What are your ‘meantime’ statements? Take a moment to put in your response to these statements to stand on in the tension between now and what is ahead in eternity; What is your “but for now…..” statement? What is your “as for me…..” statement? What is your “in spite of…..” statement? I pray that as you make the decision to keep walking through this journey of faith, the power of your declaration is stronger than your desire to quit midflight. I promise you; He is worth [your decision to trust Him?] it. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to do but stick with it. Commit to standing firm and staying the course.
Adam Howard Content Coordinator
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