By John Walters

This is an especially exciting time for the ministries of Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH). We thank God for the privilege of sharing in the ministry of spreading the hope of Jesus through broadcasting. As the end of the year approaches, we at CBH join with you in reflecting upon the blessings of God over the past year. We have accomplished much through His strength and generous provisions, and we look forward with great anticipation to the continued growth and impact of the CBH ministry.

Emergency funds have been sent to church leaders in Orissa, India, to help those affected by the recent violence and persecution against Christians. Church of God Ministries (CGM) staff have been in frequent contact with church leader and Christians Broadcasting Hope (CBH) director Asim Das, and sent the money following his recent report on the situation there.

Das reported that recent attacks against Christians forced families to flee into the jungle for protection after their homes were burned and lives threatened. Seven families have been located and are receiving temporary care while the search for others continues. Das also informed CGM staff that three of our church facilities have been destroyed.

ViewPoint continues the rich legacy of CBH English broadcasting—a legacy spanning more than sixty years—with a new expanded on-air team. Each week it is heard on radio stations and the Internet, literally around the globe. We are in touch with listeners everyday via e-mail and phone. A twenty-four-hour line in North America answers calls from our ViewPoint audience.  A phone bank in London receives calls from our listeners in Europe and the Caribbean. Every day, the conversation, the sowing, the giving hope, and the reaping continues.

What could be better than a few days of peaceful renewal in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color change? Add to that picture the company of some of the finest folks you will ever want to meet. Then mix in CBH host Jim Lyon, Sandi Patty Peslis, along with husband Don, Sandi’s parents Ron and Carolyn Patty, and CBH cohosts Kimberly Majeski and Obadiah Smith. Well, what a time it will be!

04-27-08

Today is Sunday, the day of the Costa Rican Church of God Festival that is going to be held at Maranatha de Rodeo a beautiful park in the mountains just outside of San José. Of the nine Church of God congregations in Costa Rica, all but one was present at the festival. This festival is the equivalent of our North American Convention.

We got up this morning and had breakfast before we boarded the bus to go to the park for the festival. Once there we were made to feel right at home. A band was set up on a basketball court, and on the small hill surrounding the court were the names of each of the churches that would be present and also a sign that said “USA.” That’s us. We are so honored to be able to participate in this great event of the church. It began with the band leading us in wonderful time of praise and worship. It was especially exciting to be able to sing along in English on the song “Lord, I Give You My Heart.”

04-25-08

Today is our final day in Las Vueltas. Yesterday, we made good progress on the wall and were able to get the outside of the church painted. The electrician showed up very late and was unable to finished installing the lights, so today he returned to finish the job. Our goal today was to finish the wall with enough time to get cleaned up for church in the evening, and to finish painting the inside of the church building.