FRONTLINES Partners Sharing the Love of Christ
OCTOBER 2023 / CBN.com
A DIVINE MANDATE: Preach the Gospel. Bless the poor. Change the world. More
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YOUR GLOBAL IMPACT LOOK AT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AROUND THE WORLD!
COSTA RICA • The Superlibro YouTube channel received over 10 million views in March 2023 after releasing the third season of Superbook. MEXICO • The Superbook team in India is sharing Bible verses with children on Instagram. One girl named Deepthi explained how this led her to better know the Word. She said, “I learned many things through Superbook. The graphics help me to grasp the lesson, which God wants us to understand. Thanks a lot! Praise the Lord!” DOMESTIC UPDATE • CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively working to provide critical supplies to families in Lahaina, Maui, who are grappling with the aftermath of devastating wildfires. Teams have tackled the community’s clean water issue due to the wildfire by implementing water filtration units at a community center—ensuring consistent access to safe drinking water.
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CBN ANIMATION’S SUPERBOOK
YOUR PARTNERSHIP OFFERS HOPE
FOR A BETTER FUTURE How Superbook transformed a family in India Watch
When 10-year-old Kushi began watching Superbook at an afterschool program near her home in India, she had no idea how much it would change her life. As she discovered faith in Christ and the value of prayer, she shared her newfound hope with her family. “I slowly developed faith in God and started meditating on His Word. This gave me peace of mind,” said her mother. “My husband and I finally decided to receive Jesus.”
One day, Kushi’s family, who lived in a slum, learned that their home was going to be demolished. After praying together, they enrolled in a government program that, sadly, assisted very few people. But the Lord answered their need, and they were selected to receive help. “God blessed us with a brandnew house,” said a joyful Kushi. “I am so happy that Superbook has given me and my family a beautiful life filled with joy and peace.” OCTOBER 2023 3
HOW TO HOLD A CHILD’S ATTENTION IN SUNDAY SCHOOL about the Superbook Academy Are you a Sunday school teacher? Sharing Bible stories with kids can be curriculum. Phanthita attended Superbook Academy training and is rewarding—but many teachers are excited to implement the curriculum. frustrated by their children’s short “I believe the children will be more attention spans! concentrated in class with the Phanthita, a Sunday school teacher Superbook curriculum,” she said. in Thailand, struggled to keep her Do you need help keeping students students attentive and engaged. focused during Sunday school? “I used to show Bible pictures, but Learn more about Superbook’s they got bored,” she explained. “I couldn’t keep their attention for over Sunday school curriculum: 10 minutes.” After trying several curriculums that didn’t work, a friend told Phanthita
SuperbookAcademy.com
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In Lasting Memory of Andrew Friedrich A man whose compassion led to a worldwide ministry
On July 29, 2023, Andrew Friedrich passed into glory at the age of 76. As a devoted family member, colleague, and friend, Andy brought joy to those around him. Loved ones will forever cherish his selfless nature, especially Terry Meeuwsen, his wife of 42 years. She will never forget the day when three young sisters from Ukraine came into their lives. Concerned the girls would be separated, Terry asked her husband if they could join their loving home. Although the couple was already raising four children, Andy agreed. It was his simple yet powerful yes that began the work of CBN’s Orphan’s Promise nearly 20 years ago. Thanks to Andy’s caring heart, the organization continues to offer vulnerable boys and girls across the globe a thriving future and the hope of Christ.
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CBN’S ORPHAN’S PROMISE
BRINGING HOPE TO
YOUNG HEARTS Generous CBN partners build a better world for Karen More
In poverty-stricken Guatemala, it can be difficult to believe that dreams come true. A young girl named Karen felt confined by the harsh circumstances in her life. Her father, a day laborer, barely made ends meet for his family of six. Their one-room shack offered little comfort, as the family slept on a dirt floor and ate outside. An education, often the ticket to a better future, seemed unattainable. But compassionate friends like you offered Karen a backpack filled with supplies so she could attend a nearby school. “Donors help us a lot,” Karen said, radiant with joy. Thank you for offering her the chance to thrive through this simple gift. Your love has the power to give even more children in need a brighter tomorrow.
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A DIVINE MANDATE: Preach the Gospel. Bless the poor. Change the world.
Together, Regent University, CBN, and Operation Blessing are transforming lives and fulfilling God’s plan.
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ixty-two years ago, on October 1, 1961, the Christian Broadcasting Network went on the air for the first time. But this momentous event almost didn’t happen. Nearly two years earlier, Pat Robertson had moved with his wife, Dede, and their children to Portsmouth, Virginia. He was guided by a mandate from God to claim the airwaves from the prince of the power of the air and give them to the Prince of Peace. Through fervent prayer, heartbreaking setbacks, tenacious toil, and a series of miracles, Pat was Top: Gordon Robertson alongside his parents, Pat and Dede Robertson, at the dedication of the new Shaw Chapel. able to purchase and renovate a Bottom: Since its founding in 1977, over 35,000 alumni are defunct UHF television station with making a positive difference across America and around the world. just a few dollars in the bank and a lot of faith in his heart. And thus the world’s first Christian TV station finally locations. In 1975, Pat found 142 acres of farmland for sale in the nearby began broadcasting! city of Virginia Beach. He thought At first, the station’s shaky blackfive acres were sufficient for CBN’s and-white signal could barely reach new headquarters, but the owners around the block. Yet God promises were reluctant to divide the property. in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise Unsure about what to do, Pat flew to these small beginnings, for the Lord Los Angeles for a meeting. rejoices to see the work begin.” God Alone at lunch one day, he began opening doors for CBN to prayed over his simple meal. “I broadcast the Gospel in other cities, was suddenly overwhelmed by then across America, and eventually a sense of God’s presence,” he around the world. recalled in his book Shout It From ACRES FOR SALE the Housetops. “For a long time I remained with my head bowed in As the ministry expanded, a new an attitude of prayer. And in those studio was built in Portsmouth—yet even that was quickly outgrown, and moments God opened my eyes to a possibility I hadn’t even considered: the staff was scattered in various ‘Don’t buy just five acres,’ the Lord OCTOBER 2023 7
seemed to say, ‘Buy the entire tract of land and build a headquarters and a school for my glory!’” CBN’s board of directors agreed to buy all of the acreage, trusting God to supply the finances, and the purchase was finalized on New Year’s Eve of 1975. The very next morning, Pat and the staff held a New Year’s Day prayer meeting on the new property, dedicating it to God. Soon, Pat was amazed to learn that in 1607, when the first permanent English settlers landed at Cape Henry just 12 miles away, they had prayed, “That from these shores the Gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but the entire world.” The colonists obtained a charter to found a school that would train people to spread the Gospel, but that dream had then yet to be realized. TRAINING UP CHRISTIAN LEADERS Then in 1977, CBN University was incorporated as a nonprofit graduate education institution. Pat was deeply burdened by America’s gradual rejection of biblical values and subsequent moral decline, so his goal was to train Christian leaders who would make an impact for Christ in their spheres of influence.
in the School of Communication & the Arts. Many more schools followed, including the schools of education, business, divinity, government, law, psychology and counseling, and leadership. In 1990, the board of trustees voted to change CBN University’s name to Regent University. The choice was inspired by the definition of regent— one who rules in the absence of a monarch—because Christians have authority as Christ’s ambassadors in the world today. PASSING THE TORCH Under Pat’s guidance as the university’s chancellor, graceful Georgian-style buildings were erected on the beautiful campus adjacent to CBN’s headquarters. Each was tastefully decorated and furnished under the artful eye of Dede Robertson.
In the fall of 1978, the university welcomed its first class of 77 students to pursue graduate degrees The 135,000-square-foot 8 frontlines
After Pat went to be with the Lord in June 2023, Regent’s board of trustees appointed Gordon to succeed him as chancellor. Because Gordon is also the president and CEO of CBN, as well as president of Operation Blessing, his vision is that Regent, CBN, and Operation Blessing will work even closer together to bring the Gospel to all nations.
Communication & Performing Arts Center opened in 2002. Fittingly, its gorgeous 700-seat theater was named for Dede Robertson. During the dedication, Gordon Robertson gave a heartfelt tribute to his mother, who was the guest of honor at the celebration. Gordon has also been present for many other university events. He stood next to his parents in 2019 as they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the lovely Shaw Chapel, with its gleaming cross atop the spire that towers high over the campus. Regent students, faculty, and staff gather for weekly chapel services, with Gordon as a regular speaker. CBN staff also attend New Year’s Day, Labor Day, and other chapel prayer services. As a longtime member of the advisory board to Regent’s School of Divinity, Gordon is passionate about ensuring that Regent remains committed to its biblical foundation.
Students from all 50 states and 135 nations have attended Regent, which has numerous accreditations and prestigious awards. More than 13,000 students are attending classes on campus or online, earning associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. They can choose from over 150 areas of study, including nursing, analytics, accounting, computer science, engineering, and cybersecurity. A UNION OF GLOBAL OUTREACHES Today, over 35,000 alumni are making a positive difference across America and around the world as business leaders, pastors, teachers, missionaries, counselors, government officials, film producers, and much more. Combining their powerful global outreaches, Regent University, CBN, and Operation Blessing are fulfilling the divine mandate to preach the Gospel, bless the poor, and change the world. OCTOBER 2023 9
CBN NEWS: HEALTHY LIVING
EXERCISE EVERY DAY Set your mind for success Watch
Do you really want to exercise but avoid it instead? Well, now’s the time to change your mind. According to sports and exercise psychologist, Dr. Haley Perlus, we can overcome mental blocks that sabotage our efforts. The mind, she says, “sometimes prevents us from following through on our good intentions.” Talking with Healthy Living’s Lorie Johnson, Dr. Perlus asks, “What do you love to do? Do you love to be social? Do you love to be outside? Do you love to learn new things? Are you competitive? Do you love competition? Find out what you already love to do in life. And then find an exercise program that satisfies that existing love.” For example, do you like to be around people when you work out or do you like to be alone outdoors? Dr. Perlus says connecting exercise with what 10 frontlines
you already love will assist in breaking mental blocks—and will help you “get into the habit of exercise, which is the most important part.” She stresses that “something is better than nothing” and perfection is not the goal. “I honestly can say that I do something every single day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Keep the habit alive.” Interestingly, Dr. Perlus says she wants to be the best at recovering. “If I get my mind focused on how I can get back up … that allows me to get back on the path of success very quickly. And then … I’m just a healthier, more optimistic, more motivated individual as opposed to just focusing on all the failures.” Discover more at DrHaleyPerlus.com. Before starting any new health regimen, please consult with your doctor.
Enjoy 12 stations of uplifting Christian music on CBNRadio.com and the free CBN Radio app!
Where faith and music come together! OCTOBER 2023 11
YOUR PREMIER SOURCE FOR 24/7 NEWS FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE Across the United States and around the world, award-winning CBN News journalists give you breaking news, top stories, and political, health, and entertainment reports that you won’t often find anywhere else—all through the lens of faith. Read, watch, and listen to CBN News programs and podcasts online, on the app, and on cable. Download the CBN News app on your mobile device (iOS and Android) or visit CBNNewsApp.com. The app is also available for streaming on your television via Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire.
Join CBNNews.com. Because Truth Matters.™ 12 frontlines
UNITED FOR THE GLORY OF GOD By Gordon Robertson President and CEO
Now teach these truths to other trust worthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. –2 Timothy 2:2
I felt deeply honored and yet also quite humbled when the Regent University board of trustees named me to succeed my father, Pat Robertson, as Regent’s new chancellor. I consider it a special privilege to serve at the school that my dad founded for God’s glory. He was able to continue his visionary guidance as chancellor until he went to be with the Lord this past June. My role will not change as CBN’s president and CEO, and I remain focused on the Christian Broadcasting Network’s mission to preach the Gospel worldwide. For me, this new role is an opportunity to foster even greater unity between Regent University and the other members of our CBN family of ministries—including Operation Blessing, CBN Israel, CBN Films, Orphan’s Promise, CBN News, Helping the Home Front, and CBN Animation’s Superbook.
Each organization has a unique focus while also working together to glorify God and share His love internationally. Developing the bonds among all of them will make each one even more effective as we unite in taking the Good News of Jesus Christ to the nations. Under the extraordinary leadership of my father, Regent has become one of the great Christian universities in the world, and—by God’s grace—we will continue to build upon its strong foundation with an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity. We will remain faithful to Regent’s founding principles and continuously advance the university’s mission of equipping Christian leaders to change the world. Your dedicated partnership means a great deal to all of us at CBN and to me personally. Thank you so much for your prayers and support, and may God bless you. OCTOBER 2023 13
A D E BT - F R E E M I R AC L E : G O D T R A N S F O R M S A CO U P L E ’S F I N A N C E S
Frontlines is published monthly by The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc., 977 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach, VA 23463, 757-226-7000. Copyright © 2023 by The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. Frontlines may also be viewed online at www.CBN.com. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Due to Revenue Canada regulations, not all premiums are available in Canada. Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.