March 2024 Frontlines

YOUR GLOBAL IMPACT

LOOK AT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AROUND THE WORLD!

MEXICO

• After Hurricane Otis hit, CBN’s Operation Blessing presented Superbook to children in Acapulco. Later, eight events were organized for boys and girls at churches and public venues in some of the most devastated areas. As a result, nearly 150 young people accepted Jesus Christ. During these outreaches, food boxes, milk, and clean water were distributed.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

• Fatima’s* nephew-in-law suffered from a severe illness. With no money to go to the hospital, she contacted the CBN Prayer Center to pray for him and a miraculous healing occurred! Fatima shared that it was a spontaneous, unexplainable healing. She thanks the 700 Club and the God of Israel.

THAILAND

• Last November, a local team amassed a following of more than 63,000 subscribers on the CBN Thailand YouTube channel—with 185.5K total views that month. On Facebook, 39 posts helped lead to more than 55,000 followers. *Name changed for security purposes.

CBN’S OPERATION BLESSNG: LIFE-CHANGING SURGERIES

RESTORING A LITTLE BOY’S JOY

Discover how your support helps to transform lives like these More

Four-year-old Abhijeet lived a challenging life. Although the massive cyst on his forehead was benign, it made it difficult for him to play like other children. The cyst pressed against his left eye, obstructing his vision. This meant he would often lose his balance and fall.

Abhijeet’s parents worried about their only son. However, their remote village in India did not offer many options. Plus, as farmers, they didn’t

have extra money for the surgery he so desperately needed.

That’s when compassionate friends like you stepped in to help, and through Operation Blessing, they provided the surgery to remove the cyst on Abhijeet’s forehead.

After his operation, Abhijeet could see clearly for the first time in his life. His grateful father said, “It brings me and my wife joy to see his face and see him smile.”

ESCAPING THE RAVAGES OF WAR

Partners bring families hope

When the war started in Ukraine, Valentyna was 34 weeks pregnant. The little boy she was carrying had a heart defect and would need surgery as soon as he was born. Doctors advised Valentyna to go to unoccupied territory in order to have the surgery in safer conditions.

After her son’s operation, it was impossible to return home due to the fighting. Because of the faithful support of caring partners like you, Valentyna and her three children found a temporary home at a crisis center supported by CBN’s Orphan’s Promise.

The family is cared for at the center. The children receive psychological help to deal with the trauma they have been through as Valentyna works to rebuild their lives. She said, “I have never seen such kind people in all my 32 years.”

CBN RADIO

Where the Worship Never Stops!

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“This is one of my favorite apps ever! It has helped me to better understand the Bible and God. It is a very good app to have, and I am so thankful.”

–Nicholas

THE PRAYER That Changed the Universe

On Good Friday, we commemorate how Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Then on Easter Sunday, we celebrate the glorious new life we have in Him through His resurrection from the dead. Yet it was the Thursday before those momentous events when Jesus changed the universe with a prayer.

That evening, Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. He knew Judas had gone to betray Him, and He understood full well the torture that awaited Him. After supper, they sang a hymn and went to pray on the Mount of Olives. Specifically, Jesus took them to Gethsemane—which means “olive press.”

Since ancient times, olives have always been pressed three times to obtain their oil. The first is a pressing. The second is a beating. And the third is a grinding, which is the worst and has a bitter taste. Our modern terms are extra-virgin, virgin, and regular olive oil.

God told Moses that only “pure oil of pressed olives” could be used for the Tabernacle’s lampstand, adding, “It shall be a statute forever” (Leviticus 24:2-3). Whenever God says this, it applies for all time—to the church and to us today.

Now remember how Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12)—and how He imparted that to us, saying, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). To be that light, we need His pure oil.

So it’s significant that Jesus went to an olive press, where He prayed three times. Mark 14:33-35 tells us, He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

Then in verse 36, Jesus makes this amazing declaration: “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

He goes back to His dearest friends,

finds them asleep, and asks, “Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (vv. 37-38). Our bodies are naturally reluctant to endure pain. Yet Jesus was steadfast. Verse 39 says, Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words—that incredible prayer of surrender, not what He wants, but what His Father wants.

He returned to His sleeping disciples a second time. Then verse 41 tells us, He came the third time and said to them, … “The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

So we have three different pressings. The first one results in that pure oil: “Not my will, but Yours.” The second asks, “Can this cup pass?” And third is the resolution that the terrible price for our salvation would be paid—and the world was never the same.

This grueling process is also seen in the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. First, the pressing to get that pure oil— His decision in Gethsemane. Next, the beaten oil—the abandonment, denial, mockery, crown of thorns, and 39 stripes. Finally, the crushing—the crucifixion, when His body was crushed with the weight of all sin for all people for all time.

Yet through it all, Jesus saw the

ultimate goal. After the Last Supper, He sang Psalm 118, which includes these incredible statements of faith:

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. God is the Lord, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” (vv. 6, 14, 17, 18, 23, 24, 27).

Jesus was bound to the cross by His love for us, then was raised from the dead by His Father. Through Him, we have His life, His resurrection, and His illumination. He gives us that pressed oil—the anointing of the Holy Spirit— equipping us to be witnesses and light to the world.

So when you feel hard-pressed or weak, fight the good fight of faith and hold onto hope. And ask God to let the love of Jesus Christ and the pure oil of the Holy Spirit pour forth from you. For as Romans 8:37 promises, Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. God bless you!

Excerpted from a teaching given at Regent University. Scripture is quoted from the NKJV.

Visit Easter with CBN Family for more Easter devotionals and resources.

GOD’S RESTORATION PLAN

A career as an inventor was difficult for Tom, as it gave him little stability when providing for his family. See how God’s plan led to financial security.

A NEW LIFE

Jenee tried to escape the pain of a traumatic childhood with drugs and alcohol. Her addiction eventually put her behind bars. Learn how she discovered Jesus.

BUTTERFLIES IN HEAVEN

A fun day at the pool turned into a nightmare for Dave and Cathy when their 9-year-old daughter, Annie, almost drowned. What Annie remembers from that day will astound you.

OPERATION BLESSING: DISASTER RELIEF

CHANGING THE WORLD WITH COMPASSION

Generous donors bring aid to earthquake victims in Morocco Watch

Last September, a catastrophic earthquake rattled the quiet town of Amizmiz, Morocco. An unsettling morning revealed crumbled homes, debris-covered streets, and the heart-wrenching cries of traumatized survivors. Amid the wreckage, danger still loomed.

Following this tragic event, many everyday essentials were no longer accessible—including the area’s water supply and the once safe, convenient sanitation facilities.

A mother named Ghizlane talked about the dreadful state of her surroundings—her new reality. “The public bathrooms are closed. There is nowhere for women, especially children, to use toilets or bathe,” she explained. “It’s such a crisis, and many are suffering.”

Fueled by the unwavering kindness of partners, CBN’s Operation Blessing was among the first to reach this grief-stricken community. Our disaster relief team installed toilets, sinks, and showers—thanks to dedicated supporters like you. Because desperately needed relief was extended to these devastated victims,

the deadly threat of waterborne disease was held at bay.

“I’m thankful for your volunteers who worked so hard,” Ghizlane shared.

“Your support means so much to us.”

Heartfelt donations from caring friends have painted hope across the bleak canvas of this town. It is because of this incredible generosity that lives are restored, homes are rebuilt, and futures are safeguarded.

Thank you for the vital role you play in transforming lives through the ministry of CBN. You remain a beacon of light to those you’ve helped and the many people around the world who are still desperate for hope. May the Lord bless you for continuing to bless others with your faithful giving.

THAT WILL LAST LONG INTO THE FUTURE!

Have you ever thought about creating a legacy that will continue to spread the message of salvation and hope to future generations? It’s easier than you might think. One simple way to make a lasting impact is to name CBN as the beneficiary of an asset you own. Several types of assets allow you to designate beneficiaries just by completing a Beneficiary Designation form.

These assets include:

■ Stocks

■ Retirement accounts such as IRAs and CGAs

■ Life insurance policies

■ Donor Advised Funds

■ Bank accounts

To learn more, please call us at 800-333-2373 or email PlannedGiving@CBN.org

CBNLegacy.org

Journey beyond myth and legend to explore the true account of the patron saint of Ireland.

In CBN Films’ I Am Patrick, you’ll discover the remarkable story of a Christian who was called to proclaim the Gospel in a country that once held him captive in his youth. This four-time Emmy-nominated docudrama celebrates the life and legacy of St. Patrick and his determination to obey the Lord’s will.

Thanks to our amazingly compassionate partners, this unique film offers viewers:

• An up-close look into the fascinating history of an extraordinary man of God

• Stunning reenactments that invite you to join St. Patrick on his own walk of faith

• Breathtaking views of distant lands that reveal the beauty and splendor of creation

Thank you again for helping us capture authentic stories that inspire audiences worldwide.

You can access this exciting feature and other CBN productions today by visiting CBNFilms.com or calling 800-700-7000.

with Gordon Robertson

Watch

I have done some bad things. I’m nervous and scared. Do I need to be perfect to go to heaven?

The Bible says in Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. All have missed the mark, and that mark is hard to achieve.

But I’ve got some good news: Jesus achieved it for you. He is willing for you to become the righteousness of God in Him so that your perfection comes from Him. It does not come from anything you do.

That’s why the Bible says in Romans 4:3 that Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. You get that righteousness from Jesus by believing the Gospel.

When you say you’re scared—wondering is this sin going to prohibit you from heaven—you’re saying Christ’s shed blood on the cross wasn’t enough. But His sacrifice was enough.

Let it guide you through the rest of your life. We constantly need to remind ourselves that His blood is still effective, the covenant He made still covers, and it still speaks today.

Scripture is quoted from the NKJV. Excerpted from a teaching given by Gordon Robertson at Regent University.

Do you have a question for Gordon?

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

NEED PRAYER?

Call 800-700-7000 or go to CBN.com/Prayer anytime day or night.