Frontlines 2018 | Issue 6 | Christmas Edition

CBN SOUTHERN AFRICA PARTNER MAGAZINE

Clay in the Potter’s Hands CHRISTMAS EDITION | 2018

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

02 | Feature: Clay in the Potter’s Hands

08 | The History of CBN

04 | Partnership Column: People of Faith

10 | CBN Southern Africa Annual Statistics

06 | Superbook at The Mama Magic Expo in Cape Town

12 | Superbook Holiday Club in Masiphumelele

PO Box 37779, Valyland, 7978 +27 (021) 701 1776 www.cbnafrica.org

14 | The Purpose of Christmas 16 | Testimonies in Africa 18 | POP UP Student: Winnie Kwebu 21 | Bring it On: Pat Robertson

Visit the Orphan’s Promise website: www.orphanspromise.org

OUR MESSAGE |

Dear CBN Partner It is so good to be writing to you in our special Christmas issue of Frontlines!

I wonder what you are feeling about Christmas as you read this? Stop and consider what is on your heart for a moment.

Do you find that there is mostly excitement, thankfulness, and expectation as you think about the ‘festive season’? Or is there some sadness, longing, anxiety or even loneliness? My guess is that most of us have mixed feelings at this time of year.

There are positive feelings, but there are also not-so-positive ones. Who says Christmas needs to be only about jolly smiles and jingle bells?

Perhaps as we choose to embrace this paradox between the raw realities of ordinary life and the transcendent truths of the nativity, we are able to really hear the beautiful, triumphant refrain of this special celebration. Immanuel, God with us.

Ian Walton CBN Southern Africa Regional Director Don’t forget, we also love to pray with you - about anyone or anything. Give our prayerline a call on (021) 701 1776 or you can email prayer@cbnsa.org or WhatsApp +27 71 763 810

We’re Social!

Facebook.com/CBNSouth-

Africa Instagram.com/CBNSouthAfrica Twitter.com/CBN_SouthAfrica

Perhaps part of appreciating the real meaning of Christmas is the acknowledgment that this world is broken, that His Kingdom has not yet fully come, that we only see in part and that this is not Heaven. But at the same time acknowledging that He is here in the middle of all of it. God didn’t choose to come as a baby human despite the messiness of the world – He chose to come because of it and because He loved us so much. Immanuel, God with us.

The paradox of Christmas is that because of His birth and our redemption, the future is sure and the deeper joy is great. But death still snatches more than 100 people away per minute.

Disease still makes us miserable. Regret still haunts. Satan still prowls. Flesh still wars against the Spirit. Sin still indwells. So despite the triumph and the joy of Christmas, the pain and the yearning continues. We are “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”.

Even on that first Christmas night, when Jesus Christ was born into a nation of turmoil, there was messiness and danger amidst the splendour and significance of what was unfolding.

A long and difficult journey to Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph and then only a dirty manger to rest and give birth in!

And yet, Jesus’ birth was surely the most wonderful and significant event of their lives, and surely also the most wonderful and significant event of our lives. Immanuel, God with us.

May the profound wonder of Christmas be very real to you during this time, no matter how you might be feeling. Right where you are and with whatever is going on in and around you – Immanuel is God with us.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God with us”. Matthew 1:23 Ian Regional Director, CBN Southern Africa

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| FEATURE

Clay in the Potter’s Hands We need to remain pliable, for that’s when the breakthrough happens.

By Gordon Robertson, Chief Executive Officer 02 |

FEATURE |

When we are ready to hear God’s Word, He will bring us to a place where He speaks to us. This happened to the prophet Jeremiah when the Lord told him, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words” (Jeremiah 18:2).

The passage continues: “Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.

Th en the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter? …

Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand” (vv.

3-6).

We want to be soft clay in the potter’s hand. I like to say, “We haven’t been fired yet.” Of course, I mean that as a potter’s term—because it’s bad for us to become hardened.

God is asking, “Do you want to do it the old way? Or do you want to do it My way?” If He wants to shape us and mold us in a different way, we should answer, “Yes, Lord—because whatever You have in mind is far better than what I have in mind.

You always want to do good. Here I am; use me. Let me be part of Your plan.”

We need to remain pliable, for that’s when the breakthrough happens. We should pray, “I want to do it Your way. Just show me what to do.”

Sometimes He may answer with His Word as a lamp unto our feet.

We may not see a long way off ; we may only see enough so we don’t stumble—yet there is enough light on the path to take the next step.

His Word endures forever, and He will watch over it to accomplish it.

All we have to do is say, “Yes, Lord.

I want to be wet clay in Your hands.

Shape me to be what You want me to be.” He will inspire us with His Word and His Spirit, giving us the creativity, strength and wisdom that we need. God bless you.

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

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| PARTNERSHIP

People of FAITH Meagan Taylor | Partnership & Sustainability Manager I have been reading the book of Hebrews and what I have found is that the book of Hebrews may briefly be summarized in this way: Believers in Jesus Christ, as God’s perfect sacrifice for sin, have the perfect High-Priest through whose ministry everything is new and better than under the covenant of law.

This statement is so relevant to us right now because it leads one from superficial thinking into profound depths concerning the person and work of Christ. The key is to know and to understand our identity in Christ, what Christ did for us and how we are to strive to live in a Godly way and follow the example Jesus set for us.

We are a people of faith that believe Jesus Christ has redeemed us and that we are a new creation called to live holy lives. Hebrews 10 says “For God is not unjust, He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring

for other believers, as you still do.”

I believe that serving others means that we understand our own capabilities and limitations and then to pace ourselves, allocating and prioritizing our time, our attention, and our resources to wisely help others.

I would like to say THANK YOU CBN partners for your prayers and financial support that has been used to build up God’s kingdom here on earth. Thank you for making serving others a priority! Through your generosity, our brothers and sisters in need have been provided clean water, food, shelter, protection, medical help, education and many other basic needs that have changed their lives forever.

The message that was given to the Hebrew church is still valid today.

We belong to Christ Jesus and he will not forget the love that you have shown to his people.

Give us a call on (021) 701 1776 or email info@cbnsa.org or visit our website at www.cbnsa.org 04 |

CBN CONTENT IS ON THE INTERCAPE COACHES

RESOURCES |

Look out for the following content:

SUPERBOOK EPISODE: A Giant Adventure (David and Goliath) GREG KRIEK's Testimony TURNING POINT: Interview with Gordon Robertson

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| SUPERBOOK

SUPERBOOK AT THE MAMA MAGIC EXPO The Mama Magic Expo is an annual event in Cape Town. It is South Africa’s biggest and best baby and parenting expo. Including major baby and child brands such as Pampers, Dove and many more as well as characters like Barney the dinosaur!

As Superbook, we decided it was right to be positioned at Mama Magic as a tool for parents to use in helping their kids engage in the Bible. Among the hundreds of brands and products being promoted, Superbook was the only one that focused on spiritual development.

During the course of the event and over the 3 days that we were there, we had some incredible conversations with people about Superbook. The general response was extremely positive and a sense of surprise was quite common.

Many people agreed that there is not a lot of good, Christian content available 06 |

when it comes to video and media for children to watch.

Just behind our stand, a young Muslim boy found himself curious about the animation and began to engage with the iPad to watch ‘A Giant Adventure’ which is the story of David on the Superbook App. An unexpected and really encouraging thing to happen at the expo. God is really using Superbook to reach people, and we find people are drawn to Superbook because of how unique it is!

All in all, the event was a great success with lots of “wins” and goals met but with many things we would like to improve on for next year. A big thank you must go out to our amazing CBN Africa team and the time they gave to volunteer at Mama Magic.

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| FEATURE

THE HISTORY OF CBN 1 October this year marked his broadcasting organisation, the 57th anniversary of The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Not only was CBN’s global ministry.

CBN the first Christian televiCBN first went on the air on sion station in Virginia, but it October 1, 1961, on WYAH-TV was also the first in the nation. (from Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God), a UHF televi- Fifty-seven years later, CBN has sion station with barely enough expanded beyond Pat Robertpower to reach across the Ports- son’s wildest dreams to make a mouth city limits. Today, The global impact. With 26 produc700 Club program is one of the tion centres around the world, longest-running programs in CBN produces and broadcasts indigenous programmes in 154 broadcast history. countries and in 76 languages.

Fifty-seven years ago, one could have reasonably suggested that Besides broadcasting the GosPat Robertson was stretching pel to the nations of the world, his imagination when he named CBN reaches out in a practical 08 |

FEATURE |

way through many incredible humanitarian projects and with Superbook, CBN’s animated Bible series, reaching children and adults around the world with the powerful truths of the Bible.

support. Would you consider joining in this mission in a greater measure in whatever way you feel God calling you to. We would love you to join us in partnership as we continue the work of Jesus Christ in Southern Africa.

We hope that you will join us as we celebrate the way God has used the CBN ministry to reap a Would YOU consider honourharvest for the Kingdom of God. ing and blessing the CBN global family by making a special, one Our Southern & East African of- time donation to celebrate the fice is one of the 26 internation- 57 years of The 700 Club? You al production centres around can donate online through our the world. Based in beautiful website or you can EFT. Cape Town, South Africa, we have the privilege of sharing the We pray you will be blessed and Gospel to the nations within and we really do look so forward to beyond the borders of Southern celebrating the next season of Africa and East Africa. It is be- ministry with you. cause of the faithful support of our partners that we are able to Thank you for enabling us to broadcast the Gospel on many share the message of hope in local channels. Please see our Jesus to the nations! broadcast schedule on page 20. “...Apart from me, you can do If you would like to know more nothing.” - John 15:15 about the many powerful facets of the CBN ministry in Southern & East Africa we would love to invite you to visit our website at

www.cbnsa.org.

Would you consider the CBN ministry with your prayers and | 09

| HUMANITARIAN

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HUMANITARIAN |

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| SUPERBOOK

SUPERBOOK HOLIDAY CLUB: MASIPHUMELELE Purpose: Partnering with Masi EduCare after care facility to run Holiday club Superbook lesson.

On the 3rd and 4th of October, Superbook co-hosted a holiday club lesson with videos, games and activities following the Superbook Sunday school curriculum outline. The event took place in a home used for aftercare in ‘Masi’. I (Mark Riva), was introduced to the children and Mama Yandi, a caregiver of Masi Edu-Care, through Jessica Gould. Jessica partners with volunteers from around the world through her company called Gap Year South Africa who engage and give of their time and skills to programs such as Masi Edu-Care.

Day 1 was upon us and we arrived in Masi to lots of expectant and beautiful young faces filled with anticipation and 12 |

excitement for what was to be. We offloaded our gear and carried projectors, screens, boxes and activities down a narrow alley on the side of the house.

We were guided through the dozens of little bodies, being very careful to not stand on anyone’s toes, both literally and figuratively. We were in a space we had never seen before and yet there was an incredible spirit of hospitality and a sense that we were more than welcome in their home. We get ushered to our tiny room that can fit the 20 small bodies at a squeeze and start to get setup.

Post setup and we move outside to formally greet the kids and do our planned ice-breaker to avoid awkwardness and potential moments of silence only to discover the kids having broken out in song and dance. What a foreign / different yet astoundingly beautiful cul-

SUPERBOOK |

ture they have. No need for ice-breaker it seems but let’s do as planned anyway. Well received, even better than expected. We move inside to our tiny room. Crammed. The anticipation and excitement shining brightly from their beautiful and innocent eyes. We introduce Superbook and CBN. Who we are, why we have come and what we would like to teach them.

Planned for each of the 2 hour slots for the 2 days we’ve been given is the story of David and Goliath - “A Giant Adventure”. We introduce the lesson by asking ‘leading questions’ to get their minds engaged on what to look out for in the video they are about to watch.

We begin the video’s. Every one of the 20 children are immediately captured into what is being played on the screen in front of them. Some seem to recognise the characters and intro song. We follow each shortened video with engaging questions relevant to their circumstances. Who and what are the ‘Giants’ in their lives? Answers vary from struggles at school, to bullies, to difficulties with learning. God is present.

Minds and hearts are engaging. Children are grappling with real questions.

A sense of vulnerability and depth in some of the answers is evident. What beautiful moments. Even while the videos are playing, something feels different. Powerful. It feels as God’s spirit is at work. Do I notice that even the American volunteer helping out for the day is being ministered to while watching the Superbook video? Hallelujah.

We ended the lesson with games and activities outside followed by prizes and prayer.

Superbook Poem and following the moves as we broke up into 2 groups and watched on a small laptop screen.

Watching the other Superbook videos lead to further interaction and engagement with the kids. They enjoyed the archeological studies and questions that followed. We prayed and asked Jesus to be The Good Shepherd in our own lives to guide and protect us just as it was with David. More games and activities lead us to the end of our wonderful time spent with the children. The children pleaded for us to come back the next day which was such a lovely sense of affirmation that our time spent with them was well received. Later that evening we received a message from Jess that she got from Mama Yandi, the main caregiver that read, “Jess, will you please send our thanks to Mark and the team. I hope we can have more time. The kids are loving it. I heard about it all from them. I really appreciate it a lot and the kids feel contained and so much love from you guys.

Thank you.”

We will be speaking with Mama Yandi and her helpers about training and supporting them to run their own Superbook Club with the children. Pray for us as we begin our journey on partnering with others to create more Superbook clubs that bring children and adults alike to know and accept Jesus and grow in that knowledge of Him The creator and perfecter of our faith.

Day 2 was no different apart from having no electrical power. This didn’t stop the kids from dancing away to the | 13

| FEATURE

The Purpose of Christmas Written By Pat Robertson

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FEATURE |

It’s interesting that Jesus made a significant statement about His birth just before His death.

During Jesus’ trial, Pilate asked about His identity. Jesus replied, “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37b, NASB).

Jesus came into the world bearing a message of paramount importance: God is our creator, sustainer, and redeemer; to see the Father, we must look at His Son.

The reason Jesus was born is that we might know God! This is why we celebrate Christmas Jesus didn’t say He was born to with such joy year after year. preach or heal, but that His fun- Through Jesus called “Emmandamental purpose was to bear uel,” which means God with us, witness to the truth.

God is indeed with us in youth and old age, in good times and Pilate then asked, “What is bad, in tragedy and triumph. truth?” But he was in too much of a hurry to wait for the answer. But in bringing us this wonderful How many of us are like that to- message, Jesus goes a step furday? Sometimes it takes a trage- ther -- and entrusts us with the dy, such as a death in the family tremendous responsibility of or the recent terrorist attacks, sharing God’s Word with others. before people take time to mea- “You will be my witnesses to the sure their lives against what is ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). genuinely meaningful and true.

Millions of lost souls desperately need the life-giving message When a carpenter says, “I’m go- of the Gospel! ing to true up a piece of wood,” he lines up a board to conform with the standard of a plumb Can God change your life? line. Opinions don’t count -- only the truth.

God has made it possible for you to know Him and experiDown through the ages, Jesus ence an amazing change in your declares, “I am the way and the own life. Discover how you can truth and the life. Then you will find peace with God at this link know the truth, and the truth www.cbn.com/SA. You can also will set you free” (John 14:6a; send us your prayer requests at John 8:32). prayer@cbnsa.org. | 15

| TESTIMONIES

Testimonies in Africa “This video helped with a very difficult choice I didn’t want to make and im so glad I came across this video,so thank you very for posting it” - Simone, who wrote to us in response to one of our digital evangelism videos on Facebook A lady by the name of Namupa whatsapp’d us a prayer request on Saturday asking for us to please pray for her friend in Angola - Her friend’s 6 year old daughter was brutally attacked by a vicious dog and is fighting for her life in hospital. We prayed for her as per her request. She Whatsapp’d us again recently to say thank you so much for our prayers, the young girl is out of danger and went off life support the other morning. Her left eye was miraculously saved in an operation.

She recovered her memory but she will need an operation to restructure her badly destroyed face. Once more thanks again.

The mother said she could feel the presence of God mostly after she requested prayers from believers.

“I was struggling with bad migraines and tension headaches for a long while and I asked the prayer room at CBN to pray for me last week Friday. I felt liquid love pour over my neck as she prayed for healing and from then on I have been more joyful and not in any pain at all! I give Glory to our God because He is faithful to restore ALL things!” - Kate

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord..” - 2 Timothy 1:8

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TESTIMONIES |

THABO’S TESTIMONY AT BEAUTIFUL DREAM SOCIETY To the right you will see pictured Thabo playing Jenga with his brother.

We are so grateful that lives are changed through our partnerships and support!

Thabo was the 2nd born son of his mother. Nothing is known about his father. Thabo and his older brother were orphaned at an early age when their mother died. They were taken to live with their mother’s sisters who had 6 children between the two of them.

Sadly, Thabo’s aunts did not care for the children properly and would leave them for long periods of time, and so there were 8 children between the ages of 3 years old to 11years old left to fend for themselves. When there was food, the children lived together, but when there was no food, the older children, including Thabo and his brother, were forced to go out into the streets of town to beg for food, pickpocket or

try to do random jobs in exchange for food or a small payment. All of the children had to drop out of school just to survive from one meal to the next and take care of one another.

One by one, the children were removed from the this horrendous environment by the Lesotho Ministry of Social Development from the youngest to the oldest. Thabo and his younger cousin were eventually brought to BDS, but Thabo’s older brother was sadly left to live in these harsh conditions.

That is why Thabo was so happy to get to visit his brother after a year of being apart.

Thanks Leonie and Orphan’s Promise for all you do to help these children.

This wouldn’t be possible without you.

To help more young people like Thabo please consider donating to CBN’s Orphan’s Promise Ministry. You can do so by making an EFT or an online payment through our website www.cbnsa.org Your financial support is greatly appreciated! | 17

| HUMANITARIAN

MEET POP UP STUDENT: WINNIE KWEBU WINNIE’S BACKGROUND Winnie Kwebu was born in Limpopo in a rural area called Ga-Matlala. She was blessed with both parents, two brothers and two sisters. However, one of her sisters was physically abusing her and refusing to let her in the house. She sometimes even withheld food from her. The abuse didn’t stop there, as her uncle often emotionally broke her down and even beat her. After matric, she moved to Pretoria to further her studies in Financial Management and Office Skills at Pretoria Technikon for a year. She worked at FNB, Standard bank and UNISA for contract positions.

At this time, she met a man, who later on showed his true colours by abusing her emotionally and physically. He was an alcoholic that couldn’t control his temper. She never felt safe or secure with him. He never encouraged her to further her studies because he tried to make her believe that she will never succeed with anything. And this went on for about 5 years. Out of this relationship, she was however blessed with a girl, who is now 7 years old.

However, the good life started the day a friend of her introduced her to POPUP. Winnie Kwebu registered at POPUP Salvokop’s centre and successfully completed her ELSA (English Literacy Skills Assessment) to determine her current level of literacy and numeracy functionality.

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Thereafter, she joined the compulsory Foundation for Life programme in November 2017, and it was during this programme that Winnie shared her personal story with the facilitators.

Thank you CBN Partners for your faithful and loyal hearts to contribute to lives being changed. Without your contributions we would not be part of God’s beautiful work in the lives of people just like Winnie.

PRAYER REQUESTS oTo get a job oTo get finances to further her studies after completing POPUP’s courses o To get my own place to stay o For POPUP to get more sponsors o For her daughter who is struggling at school o She is currently in a season where she is struggling to connect to God. Her heart’s desire is to reconnect with Him and grow closer to Him.

SUPERBOOK |

LETTER FROM THE SUPERBOOK DESK The year is coming to a close already!

2018 has been a good year for Superbook. We have launched into new grounds with our Superbook Mzansi social media pages, getting churches to try out our curriculum and most importantly the Mama Magic Expo targeting parents. The Mama magic expo to me has been the highlight of the year purely because of the space we get to have to influence parents. We are hoping to expand our territory even more next year by continuing to engage and framing discourses around the importance of fostering spiritual formation in children and resources available to assist in this. Spiritual formation is a process in which one becomes more Christlike nature and we would love to assist parents in discipling their children in preparation for the coming King!

Next year we will be launching Su-

perbook Clubs in various communities where we take kids through a set Superbook programme based on our Sunday School Curriculum. We are hoping to raise Superbook Champions who will become change agents in their communities.

We appreciate continued support in prayer as God opens more opportunity for the Gospel to reach children.

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and Festive Season!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVATIONS o Superbook Christmas Activation in Westlake on 30th November o Superbook First Christmas Module implemented by Common Ground Churches on the 25 November, 2 December and 9th of December. | 19

| BROADCAST SCHEDULE

BROADCAST SCHEDULE THE 700 CLUB/ 700 Club NIGERIA

TBN IN AFRICA (Channel 343) Mon, Tues. & Fri at 12:00pm Tues. & Thurs at 12:30pm FAITH AFRICA & FTV (Channel 341 ) Mon - Fri at 12:00pm - 1:00pm Mon - Fri at 12:00am - 1:30pm FLOW AFRICA (Kwese Channel 825) (Repeat) Tues - Fri 12:00am - 1:30am (Repeat) Tues - Fri at 4:00am - 4:30am Tues - Fri at 1:00pm - 1:30pm STAR TIMES GOSPEL Mon - Fri at 8:00pm - 8:30pm Mon - Fri at 5:00pm - 5:30pm SPIRITWORLD CHANNEL Tues at 12:00pm - 12:30pm (Repeat) Sat at 8:30am - 9:30am

TURNING POINT INTERNATIONAL

TBN IN AFRICA (Channel 343) Mon. at 12:30pm FAITH AFRICA & FTV (Channel 341 ) Tues at 4:00pm - 4:30pm FLOW AFRICA (Kwese Channel 825) Tues at 4:00pm - 4:30pm STAR TIMES GOSPEL Mon - Thu at 6:00pm - 6:30pm SPIRITWORLD CHANNEL Mon at 12:00pm - 12:30pm (Repeat) Fri at 8:30 - 9:30

SUPERBOOK TBN IN AFRICA (Channel 343) Saturdays at 7:30am SABC 1 Saturdays at 6:30am FAITH AFRICA & FTV (Channel 341 ) Tues at 3:30pm - 4:00pm (Repeat) Saturdays at 7:00am - 7:30am FLOW AFRICA (Kwese Channel 825) Tues at 3:30pm - 4:00pm (Repeat) Saturdays at 7:00am - 7:30am STAR TIMES GOSPEL Mon - Fri at 4:00pm - 4:30pm

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BRING IT ON |

BRING IT ON

Q&A

Your questions, with honest answers

by Pat Robertson

Q: Why do you think God has allowed Satan to exist, and why did He not destroy him years ago?

Pat Robertson Founder of The Christian Broadcasting Network

Do you have a question for Pat? Log on to CBN. com/BringItOnline and follow the instructions to submit your question.

A: I strongly believe that God wanted to show that love is the most powerful force in the universe—His love. If our heavenly Father destroyed Satan, then it would have sent a message to the angels, the principalities and powers, and every living being, that power is what rules the universe.

But our great God in heaven did not do that. Instead, He sent His only beloved Son—His precious Son Jesus—to give up His own life and die. And that particular death showed that love had conquered all.

When Jesus painfully hung on that cross and said, “It is finished,” He didn’t say, “I am finished.” No. He meant that the mission was finished. And Satan had lost.

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