Home Author
Author

Al Gibson

Al is a creative wordsmith and internationally published author. He leads Countdown Creative Limited which offers copywriting, design and publishing services. Al worked at GOD TV for 18 years and continues to write for GODTV.com. He is also an active online contributor to US & UK Christian and other platforms. Al has a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and over 30 years publishing experience in Africa, UK, Israel and the USA. He has been based in England since 2002. His books include: Life After Belsen, Mother of Malawi and Life On The Line.

Break chains of addiction
Articles

How To Break Chains Of Addiction Off Your Life

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Not everyone who is bound wants to break chains of addiction off their life until they finally come to terms with their situation and call out for help. The good news is that with God it is possible to break chains of addiction and be completely set free.

No matter what addiction we face, God offers us a way out. It could be anything from smartphone dependency to drugs and alcohol;  or lust and issues related to Sex in the Digital Age.

If you’re caught up in a cycle of addiction, you probably think the way out requires a complex rehab strategy to break chains of addiction but that’s not necessarily the case. With God, things are pretty straightforward, in fact so simple that at times we may not always see the solutions He offers – though they are staring us in the face!

No matter what your struggle is, God knows and He cares and He wants you to be free. He wants to help you break chains of addiction.

Whatever addiction you may be affected by, whether it is what you allow your eyes to see or the amount of food that goes in your mouth, the core problem is our age-old battle against ‘SIN’. Sin comes in many different forms and we all struggle with something. No matter what your struggle is, God knows and He cares and He wants you to be free. That’s why He has made a way out for you and me to break chains of addiction.

You can break chains of addiction

The simple solution is REPENTANCE. As Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultery, “Go and sin no more.” Repentance means turning around from the way you’ve been going and to start heading in the opposite direction! It involves coming to terms with the fact that you have a problem and making a decision to turn your back on it.

This means naming the issue. It could be anything from overeating to binge watching TV to all kinds of things that steal your time, health and relationships, robbing you of your family, vocation, and destiny. There is no doubt about it, sin brings devastation. The Bible says the result of sin is death. It also tells us that the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. That is what addiction accomplishes for us. Yet many of us continue to flirt with our addiction and its false promises. It may offer temporary comfort but ultimately it will lead us down a trail of destruction.

This reminds me of the well-known quotation… “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” The writer of this statement is unknown but the truth it shares should be made known to everyone to help them break chains of addiction. Even so, we may know what’s best for us and yet somehow, in this world where anything goes, we can easily be anesthetized to the consequences of our negative actions.

The answer as I have said is repentance, which means choosing to follow Jesus no matter what. Remember that old Sunday school song…   ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ –  “Tho’ none go with me, still I will follow… The world behind me, the Cross before me; No turning back, no turning back.”

Repentance requires naming the problem and refusing to accept its ongoing existence in our lives by putting our faith in Jesus to break chains of addiction. After all, His Name is the Name Above All Names – the name that is higher than sickness and disease, the name above addiction. As we speak His name over the situation, we give Him permission to intervene in our situation and our faith rises to break chains of addiction. And, of course, as we pray and confess our sin to God He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us.

If you are struggling today, trust Jesus to deliver you.

He said He did not come to condemn the world but to save it. He said He came to set the captives free. Yes, the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life. (Romans 6:23). And that doesn’t just mean life in Heaven where there is no sin, it means having a victorious life on earth. It means we can break chains of addiction no matter what they are.

Yes, the enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus came to give us life and life in abundance (John 10:10). Abundant life is not struggling with sin. God has made it possible for us to be reconciled with Him, forgiven of our sin and empowered to break chains of addiction and live a victorious life.

Sin is like a deep ravine that separates us from God. In order to cross that vast divide, we need a bridge. Jesus is that bridge. As we accept Him as our Savior, we are empowered to live a new life in Christ, putting our past behind and embracing the freedom we can have in Jesus.

For those Christians who continue to struggle – do not feel condemned. Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. The Bible also tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Repentance is the first step to break chains of addiction but there is much more we can do to walk in victory. Different Christian writers have different perspectives on how one can overcome, but I would like to share just five things that have worked in my life to break chains of addiction.

5 steps to break chains of addiction

  1. Renew your mind As the saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out!” If we have spent years putting garbage into our minds it may take as long to change our way of thinking. God’s Word is the only thing that cleanses us and we need to read it and replace our addictive thoughts with scriptures that inspire us towards godly living. Romans 12:1-2 instructs us not to conform to the ways of the world, but to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. We are called to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. Sin stems from rebellion against God and our sacrifice to Him is the exact opposite of that.
  2. Fast. Jesus said that some spiritual conditions can only be turned around through fasting in prayer. God delivered me overnight from smoking years ago, but when it comes to overeating I’ve had to learn to live a fasted life. It’s obvious, what we feed grows and what we starve dies. Sometimes we have to cut off certain things, separate ourselves from people who hold us back and avoid particular places that perpetuate a weakness. Fasting is not just about what we eat, it can be about denying ourselves things we know will cause us to stumble. I sometimes do a liquid fast for three days and I feel the supernatural power of God sustaining me. I’m all too aware that I could never do this in my own strength and I encourage you to try fasting and see what God supernaturally accomplishes in your life.
  3. Prayer is simply communicating with God, telling Him your deepest thoughts, including confessing your weaknesses. Run to God every time you mess up, don’t run away from Him. Remember when you have a setback you don’t go all the way back to square one, you can pick yourself up and get back on track. Through prayer, you can learn to come alongside God and walk in His strength to break chains of addiction.
  4. Be on the alert for situations that will take you back into your addiction. We all have triggers and it’s important to know what your triggers are and avoid them. Watching Christian TV is a great way you can learn to live above temptation. This is part of renewing your mind, but it also helps connect you with the testimonies of others who have learned to walk in victory. GOD TV receives e-mails regularly from those who have been delivered from all kinds of addiction, from alcoholism to pornography, drugs and many other life-controlling issues. Many have been able to turn away from an unwanted same sex attraction, others have broken free from fear and anxiety. Trust God to meet you where you are at, break chains of addiction and turn your situation around just as He had for many others.
  5. Have a vision. Discover what God has called you to do. See fulfilling your calling as infinitely greater than wallowing around in your addiction. As the song suggests, trade in your sorrows, trade in your shame. Lay them down for the joy of the Lord. As Jim Elliot says “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Never give up hope.

We serve the God of all hope, full of mercy and compassion. We as believers will always face temptation, but God promises us He will always make a way out. Let’s give up the things that hold us back, break chains of addiction and embrace all God has for us.

Also read: How To Be Free From Addiction: Four Keys To Finding Freedom

 

4 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Queen Elizabeth II
ArticlesBreaking NewsFeatured

Celebrating The Life And Faith Of Queen Elizabeth 11 (1926–2022)

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

As the global media plays back-to-back tributes to Britains’ beloved monarch, let’s remember the faith of Queen Elizabeth 11 which continues to inspire people across the world. She boldly professed Jesus Christ as Saviour and often used her Christmas messages as an opportunity to share the Gospel.

For example, the Queen addressed the need for salvation and forgiveness in December 2011 and in 2017 spoke about Jesus as her role model. “For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life,” she boldly testified.

Yes, she was the longest reigning monarch in British history and ‘a rock upon which modern Britain was built’ as new British Prime Minister Liz Truss observed. Indeed her passing marks the end of the Second Elizabethan age and was ‘a seismic shock’ on a history day that we will never forget. But let’s remember her as one BBC correspondent described her as “driven by faith and propelled by duty” And let us pray for the UK’s new king, Charles 111 that he would follow her great example.

Let’s continue to be inspired by the faith of Queen Elizabeth 11

She was in every way, Our Faithful Queen which is the title of a special Platinum Jubilee gift book published earlier this year, which includes many of the prayers the Queen prayed during her ’70 years of Faith and Service’. We thank God for her life and faith. Queen Elizabeth 11 was loved by people all across the nations. May you be encouraged by these words from one of the prayers she prayed…

“Lord help us to find in our home and children a constant refreshment of spirit and renewal of grace. Into thy hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves. Be with us in our going out and our coming in. Strengthen us for the work that thou hast given us to do. Defend us with thy heavenly grace, that we may continue thine for ever and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until we come to thy everlasting Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Queen Elizabeth has gone to her eternal rest, and all in God’s timing. Thankfully she lived to celebrate her 70th Year on the throne, and her Platinum Jubilee was the most amazing opportunity to thank her for her selfless devotion to duty. It was a fitting farewell to a global leader who is known worldwide, probably the most famous woman in the world and certainly the most travelled monarch in history.

It is amazing how the Queen worked so dutifully right up to the end of her life, her last official duty in appointing the UK’s new prime minister. This could only have been in God’s timing. We will always remember the last official photograph taken of her, smiling beautifully while shaking hands with Liz Truss.

The United Kingdom is now a nation in mourning until the Queen’s Funeral which is said to be held on Monday 19th September. Let us never forget the faith of Queen Elizabeth 11 which will continue to sustain us as we trust God in the way she did. If you haven’t already, ask Him to be the anchor in your life.

Let’s remember the insights the late Queen delivered to the nation during her 2011 Christmas message.

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’

“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.

“God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

“Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.”

As we reflect on the faith of Queen Elizabeth 11, let us look to Jesus as our Saviour and embrace His forgiveness, putting our trust in Him to forgive us of our wrongdoings so that we too may be strengthened. That we too may daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until we come into God’s everlasting Kingdom.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
What will 2022 bring
Faith

What Will 2022 Bring?

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

What will 2022 bring?  Will it be another difficult year?  Or will it be our best yet?  These are the kind of questions people are asking about the new year ahead. And perhaps this January there are more questions than ever as people around the world feel they face an uncertain future.

There is no country on earth that is unaffected by the pandemic, threat of new variants and more lockdowns or travel restrictions. These are very real challenges that can affect our health personally as well as our mental health. Plus, prices are rising all the time and it seems more and more difficult to provide for one’s family.

Many countries face a loss of trust in their leaders, political instability, or the danger of war. Countries are divided, civil unrest is commonplace and many nations face the threat of war. Furthermore, people of different faiths continue to be persecuted and especially Christians. And, on a personal level many people including believers face a war within in the battle against addiction.

Yet, the Bible has a very encouraging promise to all who will believe it no matter how much the whole world shakes or how much we struggle. “ ‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

What will 2022 bring?

So, it’s against this challenging backdrop that we examine what will 2022 bring. In simple terms, things may not change overnight so this new year may be very similar to 2021.  For the optimist, there will always be things to look forward to, just like people of faith will always find reasons for hope.  On the other hand, there will invariably be pessimists and doomsayers who make negative or dire predictions.

The Bible itself has much to say about the times we live in and the signs of the End of the Age. We know there will be wars and rumours of wars, earthquakes, lawlessness etc. This is clearly predicted, however, how do you or I as an individual cope in 2022? What will 2022 bring for you and your family? I think it all comes down to a personal decision as to who we put our trust in.

If we put our trust in Jesus, we can live life without worry, knowing that whatever happens, we are in God’s hands. Jesus is the friend that stays closer than a brother and He has promised to be with us no matter what.  “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” he says in Matthew 28:20.

What an assurance we have that if we make Jesus our Lord we can have peace even in difficult times.  For many Christians, John 16:33 must be one of the most reassuring verses in the Bible. This is where Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”ups

Jesus confirms that anyone who lives in this world will experience challenges however we are not to worry. So whatever, 2022 brings, draw closer to Jesus and know His peace that passes all understanding.

Visit Al Gibson Author  for more encouraging messages including 7 steps to move from backslidden believer to godly achiever.

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Video

Miracle Baby: Doctors ‘Astonished’ As Jesus Intervenes In Critical Situation

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Gabriella Oliveri is a miracle baby. Shortly after birth, her breathing faltered, then her heart stopped. For four minutes she lay lifeless and all seemed lost. But her brave parents refused to give up on God. Where others could only see oxygen tubes and a flatlining heart rate monitor, her mother Hayley had a vision of Jesus and her dad, Nathaniel told the doctor to ‘prepare to be astonished’.

Prepare to be astonished indeed as you watch this heart-rending video that reveals what God can do when believers choose to step out in faith. Parents trusting God to turn an impossible situation around, a fearless pastor refusing to accept the worst outcome and a baby literally raised from the dead… this doesn’t sound like everyday life to me. It’s quite astounding really, but that shouldn’t be the case.

Miracles, signs and wonders can be the norm in the lives of ordinary Christians because we serve an extraordinary God. This is the idea behind Nathaniel and Hayley Oliveri’s ministry known as ‘Normal Christian Life’. Nathan is one passionate believer. He must be to have gone around praying for others to be healed while his own daughter lay dying.

What do we do when crisis comes?

“What do we do as Christians when a crisis comes?” asks Nathaniel in the video. “When we are facing a serious trial and are overwhelmed… What if we weren’t moved by any situation around us because of Jesus within us? The world is waiting to see Christians go through trials and have unconditional peace.” 

It’s not surprising then, that this video has had over 3.6 million views on YouTube and more than 8,000 comments.

  • “This is proof Jesus is real,” says Sienna;
  • “When I thought Gabriela was going to die I felt that my heart was going to break,” wrote Kacey, “But when Jesus walked in and healed her I was very happy because God can do anything”;
  • “I cried, this is beautiful, thank you Jesus, for saving this little girl’s life,” says Lorraine;
  • “See God is real,” says Helena. “I even thought she was not going to make it but she did make it”;
  • “Astonishing indeed…my faith is increased watching this video!” says Nubian.

The world is watching us as believers, looking to us to be an example when things go wrong in our lives and point them to the answer, Jesus, offering them hope in the darkest of times.

Miracle Baby

Gabriella’s story is one that moves people deeply. I was so touched while watching. We can all be inspired by the words of Hayley Oliveri who talks about putting fear aside and embracing ‘a bubble of God’s peace’. “Right then was a very weak moment,” she says, ” but I saw a vision of Jesus. He walked right up to Gabriella and put His hand on her.” After that, she knew everything would be all right. We may not be so fortunate to have such a vision in our situation, but we can rest assured that Jesus is with us because He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

At one point, the logical condition was that Gabriella would not survive. But Nathaniel was prepared to share the Gospel no matter what. His faith was sufficient to boldly tell the doctors and nurses that his daughter would live, despite her deteriorating condition. It seems disrespectful to tell medical professionals what to do, but we have to make a stand for our faith. Nathaniel told the doctor to ‘prepare to be astonished’, but he also asked what was medically necessary for a recovery. He then prayed for that process, step-by-step. Without being glib or haughty, we can be confident in our God and believe Him for His intervention in our lives.

I loved the part where the medical staff called the couple’s pastor because they thought they were in denial. They hoped she would help them come to terms with the reality of the situation, but they underestimated Katherine Ruonala of Glory City Church. She is not your average pastor! Instead of encouraging the Oliveris to accept their daughter’s fate, Pastor Katherine told them to take a photo, “You’re going to need it for the testimony!”‘ And, she instructed the nurses to help express milk for the baby.

“There is nothing God cannot do!” she concludes and that applies equally to this real-life account of a miracle baby and whatever miracle God wants to birth in your life.”

Our Daughter's Heart Stopped, Then Jesus Walked In
0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Faith

What Does It Mean to Be a Modern-day Media Missionary?

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

What Does It Mean to Be a Modern-day Media Missionary?

We Can Learn From the Past

You may have watched a GOD TV broadcast about how God is moving in a particular place and wondered if you as one person can really make a difference in touching lives so far away. Yes, you really can! Especially if you’re inspired by the example of the great missionaries of yesterday who were prepared to give up everything for the Gospel.

Christianity has many extraordinary examples of men and women who left their homes and families to obey the call of God to the mission field. Some only had limited success in their lifetime yet prepared the ground for a vast harvest. Today, missionaries are needed just as much as ever before, but the mission field has changed somewhat.

Through the progression of media from the printing press to radio broadcasts, new and effective ways have opened up to reach the world to enable us to become a media missionary. Now in the age of television we must play our part to redeem the airwaves and the rise of social media gives us an opportunity to connect with unbelievers on an unprecedented scale. Never before have we as believers had so many opportunities to reach the lost as there are today.

Yes God still calls His people to go in person, and we cannot underestimate the importance of that, but in today’s world, we need to approach the Great Commission in every possible way so that, by all possible means we might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

We can be modern-day media missionaries by supporting Christian networks like GOD TV – by praying for and financially supporting its mission outreaches in Africa, Asia and around the world. Just think of the great missionaries to Africa, David Livingstone and Mary Slessor and what they accomplished and how we as media missionaries can build on their legacy.

Back in the 1800s, they were just David and Mary and yet today they are historic figures. As you read these short profiles of a man and a woman who helped transform the continent of Africa, be inspired by their zeal for God, their passion for serving and their boldness to go where others feared to tread.

David Livingstone (1813-1873)

David Livingstone’s life’s purpose was to open Africa up to the Gospel. He faced many hardships and valued no earthly possession. He was attacked by a lion, his home was destroyed, his body was often racked by fever, and his wife died on the mission field, but he never gave up, pouring out his life as a living sacrifice in ‘the dark continent’ of Africa.

He was one of the world’s greatest explorers, yet his explorations were fueled by a burning desire to save the lost. “On a clear morning the smoke of a thousand villages can be seen where the name of Christ has never been heard,” was a picture that inspired him all his life.

He journeyed from the Cape to the Equator, from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, disarming the hostilities of the indigenous people, treating their diseases and giving them an opportunity to embrace Christ. He was sickened by reports of Christians back home arguing over doctrine while millions were dying without the Gospel, and he ended each of his letters with the question, “Who will penetrate the heart of Africa?”

Vigilant to the last, Livingstone died in a primitive African village, while on his knees in prayer. His outstanding example would inspire an army of explorers and missionaries to finish his work. The last words he wrote were, “May Heaven’s rich blessing come down on everyone, American, English or Turk, who will help to heal this open sore of the world.”

Mary Slessor (1848-1915)

Mary Slessor endured hunger and thirst under Africa’s flaming sun and escaped death countless times to bring redemption to its perishing peoples. She faced frenzied cannibals lusting for blood, and though often stricken with fever, she toiled on for 40 years. Who was this woman who could conquer cannibals?

Mary lived a life of devotion to the people of Calabar in West Africa. Once she had learned their language she ventured out alone and the more she explored, the greater the needs she found. Life had no value and twins were considered evil and murdered. Mary brought the Good News of the Gospel, urging the native people to stop worshiping the skulls of dead men and she rescued hundreds of twins from death.

To a people who did not know what love was, she brought Christ’s love. She knew she could not change their lives immediately, but wouldn’t stand back and watch them suffer. To souls in deepest sorrow, she brought comfort, to people enduring cruelty, she spoke of kindness. To beings more degraded than animals, she spoke of kinship with God.

How could one frail woman accomplish this? “Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for Thee,” she said, “Why should I fear? I am on a Royal Mission.” Mary Slessor offered God her best, and with gladness broke the alabaster box of her consecrated life and gave the precious ointment to Him for the redemption of Africa.

You Can Be a David or Mary Today!

How encouraging it is to think that God still uses Davids and Marys today to extend his Kingdom. He may not ask you to risk tropical diseases like the malaria that killed Livingstone or go up against cannibals, like Slessor, but you can rest assured He will ask you to do something, even if it is to give $10 towards Christian mission! 

 Click to become a Modern-day Media Missionary

 

4 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Articles

Lisa Was Trying To Kill Herself, Then She Found GOD TV

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Where is God in depression and suicide? This is a question believers are often asked. For those who are suffering, the pain may be so severe or the bereavement so great that taking one’s life seems to be the only way out. Sadly, in recent years we have seen rising suicide levels even amongst pastors. However, this doesn’t change the fact that God is close to the broken hearted. He can turn the most desperate situation around even at the last minute.

We know this from the testimonies of GOD TV viewers over the past 26 years. We have often heard how God supernaturally intervenes in people’s lives to prevent them from making a fatal mistake. Many viewers have testified how they’ve stumbled across GOD TV in their darkest hour and had an immediate turnaround, but it’s not often we hear how they are doing years later. So, the ongoing testimony of Lisa Labon is truly inspirational. 16 years on she is still walking in freedom from suicidal thoughts and has turned her despair into encouragement for others. 

You can watch part of Lisa’s testimony below, as televised on GOD TV in March 2012 but here is the back story… and what has transpired since.

You can find God in depression and suicide

Lisa had taken an overdose some years before but thankfully had survived. She remembered waking up the next day and feeling sorry she was still alive. In the back of her thoughts she considered the whereabouts of God in depression and suicide… Now she was feeling suicidal again, but this time flicking through the channels she came to GOD TV.

Lisa recalls that Wendy Alec was talking and she said: “There is lady watching that doesn’t want to be here on earth anymore’, but God says He has a plan and a purpose for your life and thousands will know your story”

“I knew Wendy was speaking directly to me,” Lisa says. “It was after my son Danny had died in a quad bike accident. I was still heartbroken, but all of a sudden the suicidal thoughts disappeared. I had a way to go to recover, but that prophetic word was a seed. Previously I had started to write a novel about a holiday romance I had in Greece, but put it on the shelf. Then, when Wendy spoke, something stirred in me and I knew I had to tell my story. It has now become three books!”

Writing became therapeutic for Lisa as she poured out her life in what has come to be a trilogy entitled ‘Legacy of Love’.  It is published by Open Scroll Publications.  In her first book ‘In the blink of an eye’ Lisa draws readers into an intriguing story set on the Greek Island of Skiathos where she found love after much heartache. One may think the title is apocalyptic, but it isn’t in this case. It simply describes how fleeting love can be and how transient life is without God.

Lisa has masterfully crafted a story that will appeal to everyone, both believers and non-believers, while introducing spiritual nuggets that urge readers to consider their eternal destiny. The first book carries seeds of salvation which are explored in the sequel, ‘Paving The Way’. This is where Lisa’s spiritual journey starts to become clearer, gradually drawing the reader into acknowledging the supernatural forces at work in our lives.  Lisa is currently writing the third book, ‘Freedom in Chains’. This will touch on her testimony of transformation and how one can find God in depression and suicide.

“My story is an amazing testimony of what God can do in people’s lives,” she says. “If someone had told me that I would become a Born-Again Christian, I would have said, ‘there is no way on this earth’. However, God got me in the nick of time. I would never have survived Danny’s death without Him. Now I want everyone to know my story. That if He can do it for me, He can do it for anyone.”

Watch Lisa’s entire testimony below:

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Children of the Holocaust
IsraelNews

The Children Of The Holocaust Live On Through Their Poems Set To Music

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Each Holocaust Memorial Day, one remembers the 6 million Jewish people who were killed during World War 11. However, we must not forget that out of this number 1.5 million were the children of the Holocaust. It’s hard to fathom that genocide on such a vast scale was ever possible in a civilized society and especially not perpetrated on innocent children. However, the brutal facts are evident for all to see. So this January 27th we especially remember all the Jewish boys and girls the Nazis exterminated due to their faith.

There are many memorials to the children of the holocaust. Perhaps the most touching is at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Israel. At its entrance, the ‘Monument to the Children’ has several pillars. Each of these is broken off at different heights symbolizing the children’s lives tragically broken off long before their time.  Inside the monument, one walks along a passage of mirrored walls reflecting the light of just five candles. As you walk, you hear the names of the 1.5 million children, their ages, and where they perished.  It takes three months to run through all the children’s names. This shows the magnitude of a lost generation, but we will never forget these children.

The Jewish people shun statues so you see very few Holocaust memorials that feature the human form. However, the Children´s War Victims Monument in Lidice in the Czech Republic (pictured) does depict boys and girls of all ages. Specifically, this commemorates 82 children executed by the Nazis on 10 June 1942 and more generally the millions of children of the holocaust.

Children of the Holocaust memorial

A musical tribute to the children of the Holocaust

While these memorials remind us of the children of the Holocaust, there are other moving tributes through poetry and music. For instance Oratorio Terezin tells the story of 15,000 Jewish kids who perished in a transit concentration camp. This was situated in the small town of Terezin northwest of Prague, in the Czech Republic. Many of the prisoners held in transit to the death camps were musicians, writers, poets, and artists. They encouraged the children to write and paint about their feelings. Their poems are published in the book I Never Saw Another Butterfly and violinist, composer, and worship leader, Ruth Fazal has set them to music.

Oratorio Terezin is a largescale musical composition for an orchestra, choir, and soloists. Featuring the children’s poems coupled with Hebrew scriptures, it is “a love song of hope in the darkness of the Holocaust.” It a musical masterpiece that portrays God’s heart in the midst of suffering. It was first performed in Toronto, Canada in 2003. Ruth also led tours to Europe and Israel. Many Holocaust survivors attended the concerts and gave them standing ovations.  Marion Rice-Oxley has traced the journey of Oratorio Terezin in her award-winning documentary, ‘I will not die’.

You can watch the full Oratorio Terezin below which still receives excellent reviews. Sharon says: “The images are too horrible to comprehend or look at ever again, but the thread of this Memorial, the exquisite music, and the endless search for God through scriptures makes this grievous memory what we must remember forever. Love Israel and the Jewish people with all your might.”

A musical masterpiece portraying God’s heart in suffering

ORATORIO TEREZIN (complete) by Ruth Fazal

Born in England, Ruth Fazal began her musical studies on the piano and violin and graduated from the Guildhall School of Music in London. She studied further in Paris before emigrating to Canada where she lives in Toronto. Ruth has performed with the major orchestras in the city and composed several compositions for orchestras and choirs. She also uses her skills on the violin to create a place for people to enter into the presence of God. She is a worship leader and songwriter with over 20 CDs and travels extensively. Her deepest desire is to see the Body of Christ enter into an intimate relationship with Jesus.

Photo: Shutterstock

Al Gibson is a Christian journalist who has been to Israel several times. He has visited Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, and Auschwitz-Birkenau.  Read Tears at Auschwitz… Out of unbearable sadness comes joy which shares about his visit to the former death camp in Poland.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Articles

GOD TV’s 25th Anniversary: The Global Media Mission Extends To Even the Most Remote Island

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

October 1st, 2020 marks GOD TV’s 25th Anniversary. This was the historic date in 1995 when the UK and Europe’s first daily Christian Channel was born. Then known as the Christian Channel Europe, it would soon become GOD TV. And, it would grow over the years into the vast media missionary outreach we know today, headed by Ward Simpson, and with a global vision for Souls, Israel and Revival.

Looking back two and a half decades, there was no Christian television in Europe. Only hundreds of believers faithfully trusting God to start taking back the airwaves. It seemed impossible, but this was a sovereign work of God. It was going to be miraculous. Of course, the national media saw things differently. They didn’t think the channel would last a month let alone celebrate its 25th Anniversary!

However, God had heard the intercession of His people, the cries of visionary leaders like Jean Darnall who led intercessory groups to pray for Christian media. She prophesied pockets of fire across the UK and Europe. The result of God bringing talented communicators together from different nations. Two of these communicators were Rory Alec Stephen and Wendy Alec.

A dream to reach the lost and equip the Church

Rory was a musician and advertising executive from South Africa with a call to media. He had reached number one in the music charts with a hit single and had run a TV production company in Johannesburg. With an apostolic anointing to break new ground for the Kingdom, he would secure a much-sought-after broadcast license and negotiate with the SKY satellite platform to get the new channel on-air.

Wendy (nee Kauffman) was born in London to British parents but grew up in South Africa where she gave her life to God in a nightclub where she was singing. Following this powerful encounter, Wendy developed a passion for creative evangelism. These two gifted communicators, along with many others, would inspire thousands of people across the globe to become media missionaries and take the Good News of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

GOD TV started small in the sense that it was only on-air two hours a day. However, it got off to a big start in other ways with a press conference in London and a dedication service at Central Hall Westminster. A major branding campaign followed. It invited people to “Switch on to GOD!” This was emblazoned on London’s iconic red buses and the message soon spread across the capital and overflowed to the nation.

The GOD TV founders had a massive dream to reach the lost and equip the Church. This was a vision that grew into a quest to win ONE BILLION SOULS. Yes, it started around a kitchen table with very limited resources as the “Against All Odds” story goes. However, God would make GOD TV grow exponentially into a global outreach. 2002 was a pivotal year for the ministry as this is when it began to broadcast from Israel. The move facilitated a new satellite network that allowed for international expansion. “From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth” stirred the hearts of believers worldwide as they began to see media as a way of fulfilling the Great Commission.

GOD TV was already reaching the UK & Europe and Scandinavia. Now GOD TV Africa and GOD TV Asia took to the air with offices on the ground in South Africa and India. GOD TV Australasia soon followed with a presence in Melbourne, Australia Then in 2006, GOD TV USA went LIVE with studios in Washington, DC just around the corner from the White House. God soon added many other communicators like Simon Jacobsen, Fergus Scarfe, Chris Cole, Marcél Oliver, Thomas Robinson, David Nicolle, and Wayne Knapman who became GOD TV Regional Directors. This was something that set GOD TV apart from other international networks – local representation to serve its viewers in each region.

GOD TV 25th Anniversary, looking back

The connection with the Land of the Bible enthralled believers and GOD TV also started to take tours to Israel. Looking back as GOD TV celebrates its 25th Anniversary one remembers those amazing pilgrimages, the boat rides on the Sea of Galilee and communion at the Garden Tomb and the many LIVE broadcasts from David’s Citadel. One cannot forget the late Kim Clement’s concerts at Mount Carmel and the Sea of Galilee and Sunday Night Live from Jerusalem.

Starting a new network was always going to be a huge spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. What came to be known as “B4B” echoed this – the Battle for Britain. This was one of England’s largest evangelistic campaigns. GOD TV was “the airforce”; viewers and churches were the “ground force” and Suzette Hattingh led a group of intercessors as “the Prayerforce”! GOD TV viewers received bundles of leaflets to distribute to homes in their vicinity that had a satellite dish. These contained a teaser inviting recipients to watch special broadcasts on the meaning of life. Converts were then referred to the 2000 participating churches. Many of these churches put up large screens and invited their congregations to bring the unsaved which was a new and innovative way of reaching people.

B4B shared many outstanding testimonies of people who had come to know Jesus as Lord. Evangelists like Steve Hill passionately challenged viewers to get their lives right with God. It was bold campaigns like these that made GOD TV a forerunner for others to follow. GOD TV also had a mass appeal to young people with series like Dream on TV hosted by Chris Cole and Emma Owen. Other original programming included Friday Night Live, Behind The Screens and The Rory & Wendy Show, but it was for its missionary outreach that GOD TV would become most well known.

Right from the outset, GOD TV had a huge heart for mission. Missionaries of yesteryear were celebrated like David Livingstone for his journeys through Africa. Others included Hudson Taylor, who took the Gospel to China; Amy Carmichael to India, and Mary Slessor to West Africa. The message to viewers was clear, “You may not be able to ‘go into all the world’ physically, but you can send GOD TV!” As a result, many LIVE Missions Week broadcasts followed which inspired viewers across the nations to become media missionaries.

What God accomplished through GOD TV could never have been done through any one person. It was going to take the partnership of hundreds of thousands of believers. It would require sacrifice and there would be spiritual battles. What started in London would go to the North East of England and then the South West; it would overflow to Europe, Scandinavia, and beyond and have a massive global impact.

Unfortunately, the pressure of 20 years of ministry and being responsible for an ever-increasing budget took its toll on Rory Alec and he resigned in 2014. He is now living in Austria where he has remarried.  He hasn’t given up on God though and has a new media outreach. “I am now more in love with Jesus than ever,” he says.

Wendy continued to lead GOD TV until 2016 when she appointed Ward Simpson as CEO. She is now pursuing her passion for creative evangelism through her Chronicles of Brothers novels which introduce readers to God in a non-religious way. She continues to be on GOD TV with series like Visions From Heaven.

GOD TV 25 Years On – Looking ahead

The GOD TV story over the past 25 years has clearly shown God at work. There have been many testimonies, many miracles, despite human failure. The wonderful thing is that the Lord did not let the ministry flounder or fade away. His grace has kept GOD TV afloat through thick and thin. Plus, He has sent many new communicators to reignite the vision. Ward Simpson was God’s gift to GOD TV and the Simpson family are to be commended for all they have done to extend the Kingdom through media.

Though Ward lives in America with his wife Lydia, he is actually from the island of Barbados in the Caribbean. Only God could handpick a new leader for a global ministry from an island in the middle of the ocean.  This is because He is concerned with the salvation of every person, even on the most far-flung island. He wants every nation, tribe, and tongue to be part of the multitude of believers worshipping in Heaven. GOD TV has already seen the Gospel go out via GOD TV on terrestrial transmitters on remote islands. These include Vanuatu and Papa New Guinea. Following GOD TV’s 25th Anniversary who knows where the network will launch next.

Ward’s link to Barbados represents God’s heart to take the Gospel through media to every corner of the globe. His heart is for “Souls, Israel, and Revival”. This 25th Anniversary, GOD TV continues with a new song as it continues to reach the world for Jesus.  In conclusion, the last 25 years have seen the building of a firm foundation. Now let us look ahead to see what God does through the ministry in the next 25 years. We wait expectantly for revival across the earth.

“Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.” (Isaiah 42:10)

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Media Missionary
Faith

What Does It Mean to Be a Modern-day Media Missionary?

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

You may have watched a GOD TV broadcast about how God is moving in a particular place and wondered if you as one person can really make a difference in touching lives so far away. Yes, you really can! Especially if you’re inspired by the example of the great missionaries of yesterday who were prepared to give up everything for the Gospel.

Christianity has many extraordinary examples of men and women who left their homes and families to obey the call of God to the mission field. Some only had limited success in their lifetime yet prepared the ground for a vast harvest. Today, missionaries are needed just as much as ever before, but the mission field has changed somewhat.

Through the progression of media from the printing press to radio broadcasts, new and effective ways have opened up to reach the world to enable us to become a media missionary. Now in the age of television we must play our part to redeem the airwaves and the rise of social media gives us an opportunity to connect with unbelievers on an unprecedented scale. Never before have we as believers had so many opportunities to reach the lost as there are today.

Yes God still calls His people to go in person, and we cannot underestimate the importance of that, but in today’s world, we need to approach the Great Commission in every possible way so that, by all possible means we might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

We can be modern-day media missionaries by supporting Christian networks like GOD TV – by praying for and financially supporting its mission outreaches in Africa, Asia and around the world. Just think of the great missionaries to Africa, David Livingstone and Mary Slessor and what they accomplished and how we as media missionaries can build on their legacy.

Back in the 1800s, they were just David and Mary and yet today they are historic figures. As you read these short profiles of a man and a woman who helped transform the continent of Africa, be inspired by their zeal for God, their passion for serving and their boldness to go where others feared to tread.

David Livingstone (1813-1873)

David Livingstone’s life’s purpose was to open Africa up to the Gospel. He faced many hardships and valued no earthly possession. He was attacked by a lion, his home was destroyed, his body was often racked by fever, and his wife died on the mission field, but he never gave up, pouring out his life as a living sacrifice in ‘the dark continent’ of Africa.

He was one of the world’s greatest explorers, yet his explorations were fueled by a burning desire to save the lost. “On a clear morning the smoke of a thousand villages can be seen where the name of Christ has never been heard,” was a picture that inspired him all his life.

He journeyed from the Cape to the Equator, from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, disarming the hostilities of the indigenous people, treating their diseases and giving them an opportunity to embrace Christ. He was sickened by reports of Christians back home arguing over doctrine while millions were dying without the Gospel, and he ended each of his letters with the question, “Who will penetrate the heart of Africa?”

Vigilant to the last, Livingstone died in a primitive African village, while on his knees in prayer. His outstanding example would inspire an army of explorers and missionaries to finish his work. The last words he wrote were, “May Heaven’s rich blessing come down on everyone, American, English or Turk, who will help to heal this open sore of the world.”

Mary Slessor (1848-1915)

Mary Slessor endured hunger and thirst under Africa’s flaming sun and escaped death countless times to bring redemption to its perishing peoples. She faced frenzied cannibals lusting for blood, and though often stricken with fever, she toiled on for 40 years. Who was this woman who could conquer cannibals?

Mary lived a life of devotion to the people of Calabar in West Africa. Once she had learned their language she ventured out alone and the more she explored, the greater the needs she found. Life had no value and twins were considered evil and murdered. Mary brought the Good News of the Gospel, urging the native people to stop worshiping the skulls of dead men and she rescued hundreds of twins from death.

To a people who did not know what love was, she brought Christ’s love. She knew she could not change their lives immediately, but wouldn’t stand back and watch them suffer. To souls in deepest sorrow, she brought comfort, to people enduring cruelty, she spoke of kindness. To beings more degraded than animals, she spoke of kinship with God.

How could one frail woman accomplish this? “Lord, the task is impossible for me but not for Thee,” she said, “Why should I fear? I am on a Royal Mission.” Mary Slessor offered God her best, and with gladness broke the alabaster box of her consecrated life and gave the precious ointment to Him for the redemption of Africa.

You Can Be a David or Mary Today!

How encouraging it is to think that God still uses Davids and Marys today to extend his Kingdom. He may not ask you to risk tropical diseases like the malaria that killed Livingstone or go up against cannibals, like Slessor, but you can rest assured He will ask you to do something, even if it is to give $10 towards Christian mission! 

 Click to become a Modern-day Media Missionary

 

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Fathers
Faith

Thank You, Fathers

by Al Gibson
written by Al Gibson

Fatherhood is not something to be celebrated once a year on Father’s Day. Fathers play a crucial role in God’s plan for the family and it’s good to remember our dads and the difference they make in our lives. We can also celebrate our father figures in the Church who encourage us through their godly example and inspirational teaching.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

GOD TV is privileged to air programming from many ‘Fathers in the Faith’. For example Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar and Andrew Wommack. Creflo challenges us to stretch our faith to the fullest and Kenneth Copeland invites us to put our trust in God’s supernatural power, while Andrew Wommack has taught us key truths about God’s grace. These men of God probably come to mind first, as they are featured daily, but there are many other spiritual fathers on the network who we can learn from. These include Bill Johnson, Nicky Gumbel, Lou Engle, Mike Bickle and Brian Houston who have fathered churches or movements that have impacted the globe.

Bill Johnson and Bethel Church have taught us how to bring Heaven to earth; Nicky Gumbel has answered many of life’s toughest questions through the Alpha Course; Lou Engle has shown us how to fast and pray. Mike Bickle has drawn us into a new passion for Jesus and Brian Houston is an example of how to be a good leader as we have seen the growth of Hillsong with campuses worldwide.

The legacy of a father

GOD TV also enables us to still be impacted by our spiritual fathers who are no longer with us. For example, Ravi Zacharias, David Pawson and Reinhard Bonnke who passed away in the past year. However, we can still hear their voices speaking into our lives. We also remember Kenneth Hagin, Derek Prince, Steve Hill, Billy Graham, Chuck Missler and others. Fortunately, through the power of the media, we can still benefit from their rich spiritual legacy.

Billy Graham is one of the greatest figures of modern society, not just in Christian circles but the world over. He was a man of immense integrity who everybody looked up to. The ministry of Reinhard Bonnke lives on through Christ for all Nations and still inspires us to go all out to win souls. Chuck Missler is a prolific Bible teacher who is known for the series Learn The Bible in 24 Hours; The Book of Genesis; and The Book of Revelation.

Derek Prince was an internationally acclaimed speaker and author whose ministry continues to “reach the unreached and teach the untaught”. His 50 years of Bible teaching have left a vast broadcast archive including teaching on fatherhood. Derek believed that the number one problem of today’s world is renegade fathers. “There is no more important theme for the Church today than that of husbands and fathers,” he said.

Steve Hill was one of the most passionate evangelists the world has seen. Once a drug addict, he knew the desperation addiction can bring, but he also knew the solution to any form of bondage – Jesus. Night after night he led the altar call at the Brownsville Revival, calling sinners to come and repent at the Mercy Seat. Later on in his ministry, he battled cancer but God supernaturally gave him an extra two years to win more souls. He died far too young and yet he accomplished so much bringing a vast multitude of people into the kingdom. Truly, he was a spiritual father to so many.

Other spiritual fathers on GOD TV

Other great fathers of the faith featured on GOD TV include Dr John Ankerberg of the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute, John is a leading Christian apologetics expert. He and his guests examine current issues providing balanced, Biblical answers. Watch the John Ankerberg Show each Sunday morning.

Pastor John Kilpatrick is another great father of the faith featured on GOD TV. You can watch him weekly on Church with GOD TV. Pastor John has spearheaded two revivals and continues to inspire others to go further with God. One of the main characteristics of a good father is one who raises great sons and we have seen the way Pastor John has raised up many spiritual sons and daughters.

Finally, GOD TV’s leader, Ward Simpson is the father of three children, but since becoming our President and CEO has become a father figure not only to the GOD TV team worldwide but also to many more sons and daughters in the GOD TV family. Like any good dad, he has brought wisdom, stability, strength and renewed vision. Ward can be watched on Today With Ward. Watch and be empowered to live a more passionate and productive Christian life.

Let’s be thankful for our dads daily, as well as our amazing spiritual fathers! We can learn so much from these men of integrity.

Father's Day

Also Read: Evangelist Alveda King: Remembering Our Fathers on Father’s Day

 

1 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestTelegramEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

GET YOUR DAILY
DEVOTIONAL