Frontlines 2017 | Issue 6

C B N S O U T H E R N A F R I C A P A R TN E R M A G A Z I N E

HIS WORDS ARE TRUE AND POWERFUL CHRISTMAS EDITION 2017

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

02 | The Ultimate Importance of Unity 04 | CBN Somalia Relief Mission 06 | Messages & Testimonies 07 | Online: Connect with us

09 | Partner with us to make a difference: Meagan Taylor 10 | CBN at Douglas Murray Home 11 | Superbook broadcast & DVDs 12 | Gizmo visits Mitchell's Plain

PO Box 37779, Valyland, 7978 (021) 701 1776 www.cbnafrica.org

14 | Superbook Testimonies 15 | On the Ground: Our family in need 17 | On the Ground: Coster's Story 21 | Bring it On: Pat Robertson

Visit Orphan's Promise website: www.orphanspromise.org

OUR MESSAGE |

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

Ian Walton, CBN Southern Africa Director Don't forget, we would also love to pray with you about anyone or anything. Give our prayerline a call on (021) 701 1776, email us at prayer@cbnsa.org or WhatsApp us on 071 763 3810.

Dear CBN Partner Welcome to our Christmas issue of Frontlines!

Like many others, my wife and I really embrace the Christmas season – the colourful tree, the advent calendar, the amazing food and the presents. But amidst all the fun, family and feasting we are also very intentional about keeping the miraculous birth of our Saviour at the center of it all.

It is my personal view that for us as believers, the Christmas season is what we make of it. We can (legitimately) stress and frown upon all the trappings, excesses and distractions of the commercialized Christmas chaos which is almost impossible to avoid. But we can also intentionally choose to honour, proclaim and demonstrate that beautiful and pivotal event around which Christmas is built. Not to mention the incredible opportunity it provides to speak life and grace and hope into people around us! For most people, the festive season offers more time to relax than usual, more thoughtfulness than usual, and often more heartache than usual as they mourn the passing away of dreams - and of loved ones. By illuminating and celebrating the wonder and meaning of the birth of Christ, we shine a bright star of hope to those searching the empty skies. And as our mindsets shift, the flashy trinkets, treats and toys start to fade into the background…

This Christmas, the promise and power of the Incarnation must not be lost on us as Christ followers here in South Africa. God deliberately entered the world in a country and time similarly filled with difficulty, hostility and corruption.

He came to bring new hope and new life to those who would have faith in Him, as He does to us in South Africa today. Back then, many of the good, religious people were so busy looking fearfully at these things that they failed to see or understand the most significant event in History unfolding in their very own land. What are you choosing to look at and listen to here in South Africa this Christmas?

Along with that challenge, I wish you and all those close to you a very special Christmas. May His peace and joy fill your heart and thoughts for every day left in 2017!

Ian Regional Director, CBN Southern Africa “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 01

| TEACHING

THE ULTIMATE IMPORTANCE OF

UNITY

By Gordon Robertson

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TEACHING |

The first prayer of unity is found in Genesis 1:26, when God said, “Let Us make man in Our image.” God the Father, the Word, and the Spirit were all present in creation with unified purpose. Unity is powerful. Jesus promises in Matthew 18:19: “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” There is no bigger blank cheque than that — “concerning anything.” And He assures us in the very next verse: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Gathering together in the name of Jesus means His presence is with us.

If we come into agreement touching anything, it will be done.

In the early days of CBN, we prayed every day for our most basic needs. If it weren’t for God, we wouldn’t get the bulbs for the studio lights. We literally prayed them in. We prayed in every camera, every piece of equipment, and every payroll. There wasn’t anything more important to do. And frankly, there wasn’t anything else we could do, because it was all far beyond our power.

“The 700 Club” started because my father prayed that 700 people would give $10 a month so CBN could stay on the air. And asking for 700 people was an act of faith, because our TV signal didn’t reach past Portsmouth, Virginia.

The Bible says not to despise the day of small beginnings, and that’s how we

began. The ultimate importance of unity is that God comes into our midst. Acts 2:1 says: When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was fulfilling Psalm 133: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! … For there the Lord commanded the blessing — life forevermore.

To have the power of unity, we must walk in forgiveness and love. Jesus tells us we must get rid of the log in our own

When we pray in unity and agreement, amazing things happen. eye before trying to remove the speck in someone else’s (Matthew 7:3-5).

When His love flows through us and we have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, it is evidenced in the love that we express to other people. And in that, we can have unity and achieve what the Lord has assigned us to do. God bless you.

All Scripture is quoted from the NKJV. This teaching was given during a CBN staff chapel.

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| ON THE GROUND

CBN SOMALIA RELIEF MISSION UNICEF reports that approximately 22 million people face starvation in the region this year, of which they forecast that between 3 and 4 million people will die from starvation. This is the result of a prolonged drought and war, resulting in the biggest humanitarian crisis since WW2.

Our OP & CBN Humanitarian Manager Leonie Nortje met with Donovan Baney from City of Hope to discuss the possibility of CBN and City of Hope working together to assist with the Crisis in Somalia.

Outflowing from those discussions, CBN funds were granted and CBN 04

in cooperation with City Hope, started a process of bringing hope to the people in Somalia.

City of Hope is an NPO whose mission is to deliver disaster aid to communities and nations directly affected by disaster situations, irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.

We started off by working with previously establish contacts in the Somalian Under-Ground church, to distribute the Relief Aid. The humanitarian crisis has been one of the most prolonged humanitarian crises in the last century.

ON THE GROUND |

Civil War as a result of the terrorist group Al-Shebaab, associated with Al-Quaida, has been the primary cause of the crises in Somalia, while prolonged drought has accentuated the problem. The violence has made it very difficult for any aid organisations to provide relief.

also to create a meaningful and sustainable relationship between the affected community and the local church. This coincides with the arrival of the aid material, in order to oversee the operation.

The mission to Somalia was a blessing to many – to those who In essence, affected communities received, but even more to those are helpless, and many have fled to who gave. neighbouring countries such as Kenya, who remain in refugee camps. CBN funded an eight ton container of Futurelife food as well as a team of volunteers from City Hope Disaster relief.

The "Lorem ipsum dolor sit volunteers flew into Mogadishu to amet, conectetur deliver disaster aid to the community.

They worked adipiscing elit. Donec at exclusively through the local fringilla lectus." church to distribute the aid and 05

| MESSAGES & TESTIMONIES

South Africa We are constantly thankful to our partners for making the various CBN ministries possible through prayer, support and contributions. So much of what we do would not be possible without you.

Zambia A CBN partner mentioned that he was struggling financially and unable to pay his rent. The man and his wife were about to be evicted as they did not pay their rent for a few months. The CBN team prayed with him and through God's provision and grace the landlord asked the man to only pay a small amount and could settle the balance at a later date. The CBN team also put together a small gift for the couple for groceries.

"Thank you CBN team for your prayers and our fridge is full! God bless you." - Pieter, Cape Town

"Each time I watch an episode of your TV program I am always thrilled and become expectant for the next airing. I recently wrote a letter to CBN offices in my country and requested a hard copy of the English Bible of which I was graciously given.

With your airing and a copy of my new Bible, my life is now transformed and I have great hope for the future to share and inspire others with. I am very happy and thank you very much for bringing the Gospel closer to our doorsteps...."

- Edgar, Zambia

We'd love to hear from you!

To share your testimony with us or to pray with us, give our prayerline a call at (021) 701 1776 or email us at prayer@cbnsa.org

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ONLINE |

Online in South Africa

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lampstand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - (Matthew 5:14-16) We are so thankful to be given the opportunity to carry light in the world we live in today. If we believe that we are God's children, who carry His Kingdom in our hearts, then we are privileged to

Connect With Us

Check out our website for more information about CBN Africa and South Africa as well as our social media platforms to receive devotional content daily.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ cbnsouthafrica

also be called "the light of the world." We would love to encourage our readers, partners and followers that you, indeed, are the light of the world, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ.

Our prayer as CBN Southern Africa, is that you would come to a true revelation of who you are in

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ CBN_SouthAfrica Instagram: @cbnsouthafrica

Christ and also that you would be reminded of Who you belong to.

For more Kingdom content, or to become a partner, or to pray with us, give us a call on (021) 701 1776 or email us at info@cbnsa.org 07

PARTNERSHIP |

PARTNER WITH US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE We would love to introduce you to our newest staff member, Meagan Taylor.

Meagan's role is Partnership & Sustainability. We asked her a bit about her heart for partnership and thought we would share her thoughts with you!

How did you first find out about CBN and what

and unity. It is my vision that we can build a

about it made your heart beat just that little bit

community that has a heart to work on special

faster?

projects, like the ones CBN is involved with,

"I heard about CBN through the 700 club on

together that will help those in need. Ecclesiastes

DSTV a while ago. When I applied for this position

4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because

I was overjoyed because I knew of the great work

they have a good return for their labor: If either of

that CBN had been involved in. I really wanted to

them falls down, one can help the other up. But

be part of this work of extending the Kingdom of

pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them

Christ. I believe that God is on display through

up."

daily life and the kingdom of God exists wherever we find ourselves positioned. For this reason I

If just one other person can be a source of

want to be able to connect with people and

strength, how much more can a larger community

encourage them to see Christ in every situation

coming together be? It magnifies God's kingdom

and in turn choose to bless others. It's important

when a community considers what would be

that we encourage one another, embrace each

possible if we put all of our strength together.

other both in joy and in sorrow. Also, to pray for

With our individual strength and capability we are

each other and acknowledge our need for one

weak and cannot push the kingdom of God to full

another. "

realization. I am thankful for the community of

What are your thoughts when it comes to

believers that CBN is part of. We rely on our

partnership and how it magnifies the Kingdom?

partners for support, encouragement and prayer

"It is through relationship and community

and I hope that together we can help each other

building that we draw strength from one another.

stand firm in Christ and share the Gospel with

So that as the storms of life may come, we are

others."

able to stand firm and continue to grow in faith 09

| ON THE GROUND

CBN SA TEAM VISIT DOUGLAS MURRAY HOME On Friday, 3rd November, 2017 we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Douglas Murray Home for the Elderly in Retreat, Cape Town. What an honour it was to spend the morning singing with, praying for and listening to the stories of such beautiful elderly friends and family.

Our team was blessed by the folk at this particular home and we all left knowing that we would carry each individual in our hearts and prayers daily. We hope to visit again soon and continue to bless and do the work of Jesus.

"On behalf of the residents and staff at the Douglas Murray Home for the Aged we want to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to CBN Africa for interacting, entertaining and treating our Elderly with lovely muffins on Friday. In these tough economic times that we are operating in, we really value and appreciate every single act of kindness and show of support. Your generosity and kindness is much appreciated. God Bless and do have a beautiful day." - Douglas Murray Home Representative

"Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you." - Isaiah 46:4 10

SUPERBOOK |

Superbook Broadcasting in SA

About the episode: The First Christmas

Commercial Christmas mayhem is reigning supreme in the Quantum household. After Chris offhandedly remarks that the family nativity scene is just another decoration like a reindeer or Santa's elves, Superbook whisks off our heroes on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas! Check out Luke 1:26-38 to read the Christmas story in scripture as you watch the awesome episode, SABC 1 : Sunday's 7:30am - 8:00am which you can also stream online at with a repeat on Thursday's at 6:30am www.superbook.cbn.com - 7:30am Superbook is also on sale at CUM TBN in Africa : Saturday's 7:30am - books stores nationwide, in Southern Africa. What a great idea for a 8:00am Christmas gift! We decided to tell you a little bit about our Christmas GodTV : Saturday's 7:30am - 8:30am episode, which is so precious and also part of season 1!

Our beloved Superbook animation series is currently being broadcast on various channels in Southern Africa.

Including SABC 1, TBN in Africa and GodTV. We invite you to experience the Bible like never before along with Chris, Joy and their robot friend Gizmo! See broadcast schedule below for the rest of 2017:

For more information on broadcast, please don't hesitate to contact us at (021) 701 1776 or email yolanda.magida@cbnsa.org 11

| SUPERBOOK

GIZMO VISITS MITCHELL'S PLAIN On the 28th of October, we cohosted a Superbook event with Sandy Oostendorp, an influential community member in Mitchell’s Plain. Sandy contacted us in July with an idea to screen a few Superbook series because she saw a need to minister to children in her community as well expose parents and children’s church ministers to a resource that would help them disciple their children.

The event was an overall success and a hit with the children who attended. The screening was accompanied by fun filled games and activities that reinforced the message communicated in the 12

episodes screened. We managed to reach +/- 150 children. About 6 parents stayed for the entirety of the event. We had 15 churches represented. The overall goal of the event had been achieved which was to introduce Superbook to the Mitchell’s Plain Community. We are sure to reach more communities such as Philippi, Wellington and Strandfontein in the future with the help of our Superbook champions just like Sandy. Her passion, resourceful heart and her connection with her community is what made us want to work with her on this.

SUPERBOOK |

BECOME A SUPERBOOK CHAMPION

we encourage people to contact us and be part of the adventure and mission of experiencing the bible like never before.

it is because of people like Sandy that the Superbook Champion Project has been established. This involves identifying and working alongside individuals who are passionate about Superbook and want to assist in furthering the mission of Superbook in their own sphere of influence. Whether one is a “community activist� like Sandy or a generous giver who wants to see the Superbook mission go further,

We would love to invite you to partner with Superbook through prayer, volunteering or any other support you see fit. If you would like to see Superbook unfold in your community or if you know of someone who would make a phenomenal Superbook Champion, please contact us on the details below.

For more information about becoming a 'Superbook Champion' please contact us at (021) 701 1776 or you can email yolanda.magida@cbnsa.org 13

| SUPERBOOK

Superbook in SA We love to share stories of hope and faith being built in the lives of many people from across the country, through Superbook!

We encourage you to pray for these people who have been saved below.

"I would like to have chats with and understand him and his God and I would like to hear words." - Jenta - Age 23 God’s voice." - Vanessa - Age 9 "I've known the Lord all of my "I accept Jesus as my Lord and life and I just want him to forgive saviour." - Kathryn - Age 58 for all of my sins. I know I have done wrong and I just want him "I want God to forgive my sins to know that I am listening to and I want to be with Jesus and him and I love everyone. Lord follow him for the rest of my life please forgive me for all that I amen." - Deborah - Age 13 have done, give me another "I want to know more about God chance." - Kaylee - Age 12

"for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Romans 10:13

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PRAYER |

PRAY with us for CBN South Africa We need your partnership with us in prayer in order to continue the work set out before us.

We believe that God is faithful to answer His people and we believe that your prayer are powerful. Matthew 18:20 tells us that

"Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."

Join us in praying for the following: > Wisdom in the projects that we take part in so that God’s will is done > Please pray for us a team that we do not lose focus of our mission > Pray for increased impact in this nation through our outreaches, events and Superbook.

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ON THE GROUND |

COSTER'S STORY One of the organizations Orphans Promise have been supporting for a number of years, is Zambia Tomorrow’s “Macha International Christian School (MICS)”. The result of this partnership is evident in the success story of a changed life. That life is Coster Nchobezyi. Coster was given the opportunity to study at MICS a number of years ago, in 2009, and is graduating this year.

Coster is 16 years old and has been completing his studies in grade 7. He is from a local Macha family and stays in a village with his mother, grandmother and grandfather. His mother finds work as a maid and nanny to local families but has been off work to care of her mother. He has an uncle that has completed secondary school but no one in his family that has gone on to college. Coster is the older of two siblings; he has a younger brother who studies at MICS and a sister who attends a local government school.

He is one of the most soft-hearted young men that I have met and cares very much for

the needs of others. He had originally been learning at a government school where he was a grade 4 student; when he began at MICS, he was placed in grade 2. For some students, this is a hard adjustment to be put back a grade, and some struggle with feeling embarrassed about this change. Coster did not mind and came excited to learn and be a part of his new class. He was most excited about coming and learning English at MICS. He remembers the new school making him feel a bit nervous but his nervousness didn’t last for long. At his previous school, class sizes were anywhere from 40-100 students; learning was challenging and concentrating in class was hard to do. If a student didn’t understand what was being taught, there was little opportunity to ask the teacher; but rather you would ask a classmate and hope they understood.

For many of these government schools, funding is not readily available and they try as best they can to provide a good education with the little resources available to them; but as you can imagine, it is very challenging for them.

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| ON THE GROUND

Coster also pointed out that at other schools there is no chapel time, one of the things that he says over and over is that at MICS he has learned so much about God through our chapel and devotion time.

Simple things like picking up trash, and keeping the grounds nice is also not emphasized at most other schools and as Coster says “MICS looks nice”, and he made special note to mention the nice fence we now have.

Coster began boarding at MICS in 2015. I remember him coming numerous times to ask if he could be in boarding. When we had an Orphan’s Promise boarding scholarship available, we offered it to him…and he walked away a very happy young guy. He has been such an incredible blessing and joy to have in the boarding residence. I have been involved personally with our boarding program over the past number of years and I can’t imagine not having him a part of it.

He is an encouragement to the younger boarders and takes the time to interact and play with them. He takes the time to greet the chaperones and volunteers and ask how their day is going. When his homework is finished you can almost always find him in one of two places…he is either sitting on a pile of pillows reading a book or out in the yard playing soccer. Before he was in boarding, after school he was often busy doing a lot of farm work and helping his mother with things like fetching water. One of the things he has appreciated very much about his boarding scholarship is that it has provided him with the opportunity to study and learn English even better. Rather than working in the fields after school he has been given the chance to put his mind and energy into school, into building friendships 18

and into learning more about God. Every evening in boarding we have devotions, and Coster is always willing to lead out, to start songs and to offer answers. One of my favourite things I will always remember about him is that he ends every one of his group prayers with “…And all of Gods children say…” and all the other students fill in with “AMEN”. It brings a smile to my face every time.

At school his favourite subject is math. For many, this subject is usually the hardest and least liked, but he enjoys working with numbers. He has a few things he would like to do when he completes school and one of those is an accountant. He has also talked about becoming a doctor because he enjoys science and studying how the body works and also because he would want to be able to cure people and to prevent diseases. He has always been an ambitious young man who is excited about all the possibilities in his future. I am excited to see where he ends up. Not surprisingly, he also has thought about becoming a pastor. He is the type of person that others are drawn too, mostly because of his outgoing, happy and energetic personality; and I have no doubt he would make an amazing pastor.

ON THE GROUND |

“Don’t forget about God, and don’t forget to study”. - Coster After graduation he is hoping to be accepted into a boarding secondary school.

In Zambia, the boarding schools offer a much better education than a local government school. Coster, along with his classmates will be writing their grade 7 exams later on this year. He is excited to move on to higher grades and to meet new friends, but also realizes that there are a number of things that he will miss about MICS. He will miss the devotions and chapel we have at MICS, the numerous after school activities boarding offers and his friends and volunteers. At other boarding schools, students are on their own with little to no adult supervision. One of the things that I have really appreciated about Coster, is that he looks for the good in every situation, even though he knows secondary school will be different and challenging he is excited to move on and continue furthering his education. I am sure he will make new friends very quickly.

I talked to Coster and asked him if his life

would have looked different if he hadn’t been at MICS; he quickly replied that yes it would have been very different. The first things he mentioned was that he would have been involved in drugs and girls; two things that you sadly see happening in government schools. In many ways, MICS has sheltered him from much of that and has given him a chance to figure out who he is and to learn to stand against what might seem “normal” but unhealthy. Being in boarding has given him a safe environment to grow up and learn who he is in Jesus. He has learned what it means to forgive and the importance of sharing God's word and spending time in prayer. He is a special young man and it has been a blessing to see God at work in his life.

Thank you Orphan's Promise and CBN Partners for your generous contributions!

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"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Luke 2:14

PAT'S MESSAGE |

SEEN ON THE 700 CLUB

Your Questions, Honest Answers

Q Is it true that the only way to really know God is by reading the Jerusalem Bible?

A There are so many out there that are feeding their fellow believers misinformation. To answer your question, that simply is not true.

The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scripture is God-breathed. Notice the verse said “all.” These Scriptures are useful for instruction, righteousness, correction, discipline, and so forth.

With Pat Robertson

Do you have a question for Pat? Log on to CBN.com/BringItO nline and follow the instructions.

Where does the Bible come from? Well, the best manuscripts are written in Greek, and they’re written in Hebrew. Then, an English version of these manuscripts is formed, and out of that comes an English-language Bible—and there are many of them. These variations have different translations.

To declare that someone will never really know God because they don’t read a certain version of the Bible is foolish. The important thing to do is to pray to Him while reading your Bible, regardless of what version it is. The truth of the Lord speaks through all Scripture.

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