The 700 Club: September 4, 2009

The 700 Club Daily Broadcast Friday, September 4, 2009 GORDON ROBERTSON: Welcome to The 700 Club. Rifqa Bary can stay in Florida for now. Bary is the 17-year-old girl who ran away from her home in Ohio after she converted to Christianity. TERRY MEEUWSEN: She ran away because she was afraid her Muslim parents might kill her. But an attorney for her mother says a Florida investigation shows those fears are unfounded. Wendy Griffith has the story from Orlando. BARY WENDY GRIFFITH: Rifqa Bary looked relaxed and confident as she entered the Orlando courtroom with her attorneys. Her parents also joined the hearing by telephone. And many things went her way. A motion to dismiss her lawyer was denied, and she does not have to return to Ohio for now. But her father's attorney hopes that will change. Shayan Elahi (Father’s Attorney): The main issue today is where should this happen? Here or in Ohio? She's from Ohio. The allegations are from Ohio. Okay. The evidence is in Ohio. That’s where this should take place. WENDY GRIFFITH: Halfway through the hearing, Bary became emotional when Elahi told the court she should not be allowed to see Pastor Blake Lorenz and his wife, Beverly. The Orlando couple took in Bary after she fled Ohio in mid July. Her parents claim the Lorenz's brainwashed their child. But friends of Bary said that’s impossible, because she had already been a Christian for four years, but she hid it for fear for her life. Robert Spencer (Expert on Islamic Terrorism): As Mohammad the prophet of Islam said, “If any one changes his religion, kill him.” WENDY GRIFFITH: The debate about Islam became heated outside the courtroom. But the father’s attorney says this case is not about religion. Shayan Elahi: Mr. John Stemberger wants it to be about religion. That is his position. We don't agree with that. This is about parental control. WENDY GRIFFITH: But Bary was not without supporters. A group of young people traveled 15 hours from Kentucky to attend the hearing, even though they don’t know her personally. Jessica Wolff (Rifqa Supporter): Well, we saw her YouTube video online, and it was just a burden placed on our heart to come out and support her and pray for her. Greg Mielke (Rifqa Supporter): She had to leave her family for her faith, and I had to do the same thing. I had to leave my family because I stood up for what God’s Word says. WENDY GRIFFITH: Circuit Judge Dan Dawson sealed a police report for ten days that looked into Bary's family and home life in Ohio. He also issued a gag order prohibiting attorneys from talking to the media. The case appears to be headed for a trial, in which the judge will hear testimony and decide whether Bary should be returned to Ohio. The judge set a pretrial hearing for the end of the month. So the good news for Rifqa Bary is she gets to stay in Florida and she gets to keep her attorney. But if this case goes to trial, and it looks like it will, the world will be hearing a lot more from this 17-year-old runaway and her faith in Jesus Christ. Wendy Griffith, CBN News, Orlando, Florida. GORDON ROBERTSON: I was surprised Florida courts retained jurisdiction over it. I thought they’d pass it on to Ohio, but they’re going to hear the case. One thing that amazes me is why haven’t they—she’s 17 years old. Why hasn’t she just applied for emancipation? TERRY MEEUWSEN: I wondered the same thing. I wondered the same thing. GORDON ROBERTSON: If she does that, then jurisdiction in Ohio really doesn’t matter. It’s where she is that matters, and is she competent to see for her own needs. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, it’s a very odd situation. It’s one that I think all eyes are on from a United States standpoint, because we’re all looking at it saying, “Okay, the book of faith of her family does say that.” And so what happens here? And we need to look at that, because we have large communities of people who share that faith, moving into various parts of the United States. GORDON ROBERTSON: Islam is going to be on trial. The mosque in Ohio is going to be on trial. Her parents are going to be on trial. A lot of issues here. Well, Lee Webb has the rest of our top stories from the CBN Newsroom. Lee. FIRES LEE WEBB: Gordon, investigators now believe that massive fire burning north of Los Angeles is the result of arson. Two firefighters have died battling the blaze, so those responsible will likely face murder charges. Jennifer Wishon has the story. JENNIFER WISHON: For the families of two firefighters killed this week and residents who have lost everything, it is a reality that's unfathomable. Steve Whitmore (Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department): We believe that this is arson. And because of that fact, the LA County Sheriff's Homicide now is looking at the tragic deaths of those two firefighters as a criminal homicide. JENNIFER WISHON: The two men died when their truck plunged 800 feet down a mountain road. They were searching for an escape route for their crew made up of prison inmates after flames overran their camp. Investigators believe the fire was set here. They’re now working backwards, searching for answers. And even along the fire’s charred path, detectives can find clues that lead to convictions. The fire has burned nearly 150,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest. Mike Dietrich (Commander, US Forest Service): Approximately 53 miles of fire line have been built. There are over 4,800 firefighters currently assigned. JENNIFER WISHON: Sixty-five miles of fire line have yet to be built. Thursday, California Governor Schwarzenegger visited residents of charred out neighborhoods. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ([R] California): It's horrible to lose your home, to lose your personal belongings, to lose everything you had and collected, so we are here basically to help the people to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. JENNIFER WISHON: Meanwhile, grateful residents, relieved their homes were spared, are sending messages of thanks. Tracy Holmes (Homeowner): We can't thank them enough. It's amazing. JENNIFER WISHON: The fire has retreated high onto a hill in the forest. And that's where firefighters want to keep it, away from the community. It is now 38 percent contained. It will likely be a week and a half before it's completely under control. Jennifer Wishon, CBN News. UNEMPLOYMENT LEE WEBB: The nation’s unemployment rate shot up in August. The jobless rate hit 9.7 percent last month, up from 9.4 percent in July and the highest since 1983. Although economists believe the recession could be over, they say unemployment is likely to keep rising into next year and may hit ten percent. That’s because the economy needs to start growing more strongly before businesses begin to hire workers again. SEXTING SENTENCE LEE WEBB: A Vermont teenager has been sentenced to prison in the state's first sexting case. Sexting is sending or receiving sexually suggestive photos by text message or e-mail. Back in December, 18-year-old Isaac Owusu encouraged two girls to engage in sexual activity and send him the pictures. Vermont recently decriminalized sexting. Teens are no longer prosecuted as adults or registered as sex offenders. In Owusu's case, though, he pled guilty to three lesser counts of committing lewd and prohibited acts. He will serve 90 days in prison. PRAY LEE WEBB: Next Friday marks the eighth anniversary of the three terror attacks that devastated the United States. It will be a time to remember the lost, but as reporter Efrem Graham tells us, it’s also an important time for Americans to pray for the nation. EFREM GRAHAM: America was brought to its knees after the devastating terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Across the country Americans joined together in prayer. It was a spiritual wake-up call that jolted a nation. Now eight years later, many Christian leaders say the country has fallen back into its spiritual complacency. Pastor Billy Wilson (“Cry out America” Campaign): America is in a spiritual crisis. Statistics bear that out. They tell us that there is not a lot of difference in the way church people live, Christian people live and the world lives. EFREM GRAHAM: With the removal of God from schools, government buildings and even the public square, Pastor Billy Wilson, with the “Cry Out America” campaign, says it’s time for Christians to stand up and cry out to God. Pastor Billy Wilson: We have a generation that is hungry, a generation that is inquiring, a generation that needs Jesus. And we're sleeping through our moment. EFREM GRAHAM: But Wilson said it is not too late. The “Cry out America” campaign is urging Christians of all denominations to converge at their local courthouses on September 11th. From noon to one o’clock, Christians will unite in extraordinary prayer to reclaim the day and ask God for a new national awakening. Pastor Billy Wilson: We're not after just electing a new political candidate or overthrowing the political system that exists. We're after something much deeper and much more. We're after the heart condition of the nation. EFREM GRAHAM: Wilson says America's past great awakenings have taken place in times like these. He says when the national environment is seemingly hopeless, God acts on behalf of His people. Efrem Graham, CBN News. LEE WEBB: And you can find out how to get involved in these prayer events by going to our web site at CBN.com. Gordon. GRAPHIC: FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO CBN.COM GORDON ROBERTSON: I want to encourage you to do that. All you have to do is log on to CBN.com. We’ll show you how you can get involved. They are looking for coordinators. They’re looking for people to help organize these prayer events. It’s just a week away. On 9/11, we want to gather at various courthouses across the nation, and wouldn’t it be wonderful if at every single one there would be a heart cry, “Lord God, heal our land.” Now, more than ever, we need prayer for America. Now, later in the program, we’re going to be showing you a story of the Layman’s Prayer Revival. And it’s interesting how it’s almost identical to some of the situations we’re in today: divided nation, deeply divided nation, a banking crisis, a market crisis, an unemployment crisis. And ordinary men and women gathered together in, of all places, Wall Street to pray and pray for deliverance and pray for revival. And God answered and gave them just that. So stay tuned. There will be more. Terry. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, up next, diplomacy has failed to stop Iran from developing its nuclear program. GRAPHIC: ISRAEL’S NEXT STEP So what is Israel’s next step? Find out when we return. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 1: CURVES Announcer: So you finally decided that it’s the right time for you to lose weight. That’s great. And maybe you’re considering going to Weight Watchers. Woman: Weight Watchers? Woman: Oh, no, girl. Woman: You’re going to try something new. Woman: I am? Woman: We’re clear. Go, go, go, go, go! Announcer: Introducing the new Curves 30-day diet plan. It’s clinically proven and a brand new way to lose weight and keep it off, without counting points forever. There are diet classes every month which are free to everyone. No membership required. Curves’ exclusive 30-day diet is designed to help you retrain and sustain your metabolism. That way you can reach your goal weight and stay there. Want to get started? Woman: Let’s try something else. Announcer: Learn a whole new way to take off the weight. Call your local Curves club about the 30-day diet plan and find out when you can try a class near you, free. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NEXT DAY PROMO GRAPHIC: DRIVE-BY DELIVERANCE GORDON ROBERTSON: Monday. Man: I really felt that Susie would die. GORDON ROBERTSON: How this cancer patient went from terminal to totally healed in her car. Woman: I knew that I had been touched. * * * GRAPHIC: STUNTWOMAN GORDON ROBERTSON: And Tuesday, straight from the set of 24. Woman: We crash cars and help Jack Morrow save the world. GORDON ROBERTSON: A Hollywood stuntwoman’s real life drama. Woman: He pulled me from the car and then threw me into the street gutter. GORDON ROBERTSON: Next week, on The 700 Club. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GORDON ROBERTSON: Well, in just five months, Israel’s new Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has seen his fair share of challenges. And stopping Iran’s nuclear weapons program is just the top of the list. As John Waage reports, there are many more challenges. SET-UP JOHN WAAGE: While Iran's leaders rush to enrich uranium and export missiles to Lebanon and Gaza, Israel's supposed allies in the West tell the Jewish state to stop building apartments in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The White House decision to link Israeli concessions to the Palestinians with international action against Iran makes it tougher for Israel to deal with its existential threat. Israel must also keep its eye on Iran's proxy, Hezbollah, which, according to Israeli President Shimon Peres, now has 80,000 rockets in south Lebanon. An Arab newspaper reports this week that Iran now may send anti-aircraft weapons to the Lebanese Army as well. Meanwhile, Russia denies a story in Russian newspapers that this year's mysterious voyage of the ship Arctic Sea involved smuggling of sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. On the diplomatic front, Israeli and Palestinian government ministers met this week for the first time since Netanyahu became prime minister. The meeting was bolstered by news that the Palestinian economy in the West Bank, aided by Israel, has grown by as much as seven percent this year. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has said he won't meet Netanyahu until Israel completely freezes building in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. But there is talk that the two will see each other at the United Nations later this month. John Waage, CBN News. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * DANNY AYALON GORDON ROBERTSON: Well, joining us now is Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister and former ambassador to the United States Danny Ayalon. Danny, it’s always a pleasure to have you with us. Danny Ayalon: Thank you. Good to be here, Gordon. GORDON ROBERTSON: Is there a point of time with Iran that you say we can’t allow any further diplomatic efforts, initiatives, that we’ve got to take some kind of action to stop them from getting a nuclear weapon? Danny Ayalon (Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister): Yes, absolutely. They have been relentless in working on their nuclear programs, violating all their obligations and international law. Their intransigence I think is defying logic, certainly since the United States is trying to reach out and to reason with them on a peaceful accord and with honor and dignity. And they refuse all this. Probably a years time from now is where they will cross a point of no return, whereby they will have all the capabilities where they cannot be stopped. And after that, they can weaponize. They can have enough uranium, highly enriched uranium, to have at least one bomb, and then they weaponize it. If they are unstopped, probably in three to four years, they will have a massive nuclear capability. GORDON ROBERTSON: If you were advising the Obama Administration now, what would you tell them in terms of how to deal effectively with the Iranians? Danny Ayalon: Well, the United States is our best friend and ally, and we share the same interests, the same values. And we’re working for the same goal. I really applaud the administration’s attempt to reach out to the Iranians, but there should be a time limit to that. And if there is no avail to this outreached hand by America and the international community, there should be repercussions. And the problem right now, Gordon, is that the Iranians pose the dilemma. They throw the dilemma at our doorstep, which means they continue with their program, and it’s up to us to think how to stop it. And it’s time to turn the table over on the Iranians and tell them, “You stop it or else.” So far they have not paid any price. GORDON ROBERTSON: I’ve seen one view that if you look over say the last six years of negotiations with them to stop their nuclear program that it’s been one effort after another just to let talk go off over here, but at the same time completely ignoring the UN, any kind of international regulation, any kind of international compliance. On top of that, there is an effort to split their program into multiple locations to make it much harder as a military target to take them out. Would you agree with that? And are we just seeing more of the same? Danny Ayalon: Yes. But, you see, with the Iranians, it is very important to remember that they are a very vulnerable country, very weak, many weaknesses that they have. We have just seen their political and social weakness during these riots. But also economically they are very vulnerable and weak. And if there was a real effective sanction regime, they wouldn’t be able to sustain it for more than a few weeks, and then the entire economy, with the government, will collapse. GORDON ROBERTSON: But Ahmadinejad doesn’t seem to—he really doesn’t seem to be aware of that as a real possibility. And I actually think on some levels he may actually look forward to that, because then that gives him a convenient enemy, “It’s not me causing your problems. It’s the Americans causing your problems. Or it’s the UN causing your problems. Or it’s the Zionists causing your problems.” Isn’t that exactly what he’s looking for? Danny Ayalon: Maybe. But here he’s miscalculating, because certainly, yes, he would like to put it as the people with him. But we have seen now, the people are really not with him. And in fact, Iran is a police state with no justice, with no rights, with really dire poverty. And the people there are not happy. GORDON ROBERTSON: Hasn’t he really consolidated power? It’s unusual to see history repeat itself so almost exactly where there was this phony election, a less than majority vote continues a regime, and then in the aftermath there just seems to be a complete removal of the opposition within Iran. And even the ayatollah now seems to be on the outs. And his signature wasn’t even required before Ahmadinejad took power. Aren’t we seeing that again? And isn’t this now a broad consolidation of power? Danny Ayalon: Absolutely. And Ahmadinejad is a very, very astute negotiator and a poker player. He doesn’t have too many cards to play with, but he plays with them very well. And part of it is because he sees a less-than-reasonable response by the international community, where they acquiesce, where they do not resist and object all his wrongdoings. He becomes more and more bold. GORDON ROBERTSON: You’re talking to an audience of maybe a million evangelical Christians in America, more around the world. How can they help you? How can they help Israel right now? Danny Ayalon: Well, Gordon, I want to tell you that the evangelical Christians in the United States and around the world were a rock of support for us, and they really keep up our faith. And they make us stronger in an area where if you are not strong, you are being consumed. So their support, their advocacy, their visits, their tourism, their political support is second to none to us. And I would say the resurgence of this modern time alliance between Jews and Christians is something which I think is very timely and is very important for the safety of the world. GORDON ROBERTSON: Thank you for being with us. And you at home, I just really feel impressed, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It’s one of the commandments in the Bible. And pray for peace right now. I just really am stirred in my spirit at what’s going on now politically in Iran and the potential danger here, not just for Israel, for all the Middle East, for Europe, for all of us. And we need to pray for a diplomatic solution and pray also for a political solution within Iran itself. We’ll be back with more of The 700 Club, right after this. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 2: AMMED DIRECT Nicole Johnson: Hi, I’m Nicole Johnson, Miss America 1999. I’ve had diabetes since 1993, and I hate boring food. Don’t you? Well, I got these three free cookbooks with fantastic tasting recipes for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and have Medicare or qualified insurance, you can get these cookbooks free. Announcer: Call now to qualify for not one, not two, but three free cookbooks. Call 1-800-746-6449. Nicole Johnson: You’ll love this rich, chocolate cake. It makes my mouth water. Plus, oven fried chicken and nachos. Yum! You’ll also get this free meal planning guide and this free diabetes magazine. So call now for your free Better Care kit with three free cookbooks. Announcer: To qualify, call 1-800-746-6449. That’s 1-800-746-6449. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, when Bill Avary was laid off from a failing oil company, he decided to change careers. That was a risky move, but Bill had a secret that helped him start a new business and then triple it in just a few months. BILL AND WANDA AVARY Bill Avary: I literally, I thought we were going to lose our house, our car, even possibly our marriage. Wanda Avary: I would just cry when I would pay the bills, because I couldn’t see how the money was going to be there. TERRY MEEUWSEN: After his layoff, Bill Avary went from job to job working to provide for his family. Eventually Bill and Wanda scraped together enough money to open an auto glass shop, but the business was struggling, and they didn’t have enough workers. Yet even when Bill and Wanda were at their lowest point, they tithed on the money they did have. Bill Avary: There’s times we would look in our checkbook, and we didn’t but very much, but we knew that we had made this much, and we needed to give part of it. Part of a Christian life is giving, giving back part of what He’s given to us, no matter if we have a little or we have a lot. Wanda Avary: And that’s what encouraged me to keep on, because I knew His Word was true. I knew that it could be depended on. And His Word says if you give, He’ll give unto you. TERRY MEEUWSEN: So the Avary’s continued to give and prayed for finances and additional staff. To their surprise, a competitor suddenly left town, and that same day Bill hired the staff he needed to keep his business open. Bill Avary: The day I went from Thursday to Friday hiring these people that we’d prayed for, my business doubled overnight. TERRY MEEUWSEN: A couple of months later, their business even moved into the competitor’s building. Bill Avary: It’s a brand new facility on the third busiest intersection in this town we live in. So my business within a few months tripled from what it was back when I was at this old location that was hard to find. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Today Bill owns four auto glass shops and says their profits have quadrupled. Wanda Avary: It’s just been a whirlwind. And when we look back and we tell other people about it, it almost doesn’t even seem real. It’s been so amazing how God has provided and what God’s done in our life. Bill Avary: I have learned that everything I have belongs to God. I’ve learned that as I give, He willingly gives back. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * TERRY MEEUWSEN: It’s a great story, isn’t it? I love what Bill says. Part of being a Christian is giving. GRAPHIC: 1-800-759-0700 CBN.COM And it’s true for all of us. God invites us into an adventure of giving with Him. He uses us to touch the world if we say yes to His invitation. We want to invite you to do that today by joining The 700 Club. People like Bill and Wanda and others are touching the world through their gifts to this ministry. And you’re changing lives by providing food, medical needs, education, microenterprise opportunities and always, always with every outreach bringing the message of the love of Jesus Christ to others. Would you like to be a part of that? It’s an awesome adventure. It’s a wonderful privilege. You can do that by calling our toll free number right now. It’s 1-800-759-0700. Just call and say, “I want to join The 700 Club.” That’s 65 cents a day, 20 dollars a month. That doesn’t seem like much, but when we all link arms together, it really does make a difference. It’s the power of one group of people all linked together with a common vision. So call now, and when you do, say, “I want to give through Pledge Express.” It’s electronic monthly giving. That means your bank does all the work. GRAPHIC: FREE WITH PLEDGE EXPRESS 1-800-759-0700 CBN.COM I love that. No hassle. No paperwork. But it saves us so much in administrative costs that we want to send you as a thank you these “Power for Life” teachings every month. We think that they will build your faith and be a blessing to you even as you touch and are a blessing to others all around the world. So call now. You can also join by logging on to CBN.com. Gordon. GORDON ROBERTSON: Well, still ahead, a woman’s severe headaches turn out to be deadly. Woman: There was a 95 percent blockage in my main artery. And it was real deep in my brain. It’s the first time I ever really thought about dying. GORDON ROBERTSON: Find out how she got healed with a little help from her pager, later on today’s show. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 3A: WEEK OF PRAYER SPOT TERRY MEEUWSEN: During the autumn each year, the entire staff of CBN sets aside a special week of prayer. Each day we pray for you and your family. We care about you and the things you need in your life right now. Whether it’s large or small, we want to pray with you. We believe in a miracle-working God who answers prayer, and we want to see the Lord accomplish miracles in your life. Please mail your prayer request today. It’s our privilege to pray for you. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 3B: ALERT USA Dr. Joyce Brothers: Hi, I’m Dr. Joyce Brothers. Those of us who are independent and live alone shouldn’t do so without having emergency protection. And for reliability and peace of mind, I recommend Alert USA. Announcer: With Alert USA, if you ever need assistance, just press your pendant to be connected to an operator who can summon help to your home 24 hours a day. Dr. Joyce Brothers: I’ve been giving advice for many years, and I believe Alert USA provides the best emergency support and value for your dollar. Call now for a free brochure. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PASSAGEWAY FOUND LEE WEBB: Welcome back to The 700 Club. Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a massive wall in Jerusalem from biblical times in an area known as the City of David. The Israel Antiquities Authority says the passage was probably built by Canaanites about 3,700 years ago during the time of Abraham. Israel National News reports the double wall is over 26 feet high and more than 16 feet thick. One expert says it's the type of wall the 12 spies might have seen when Moses sent them to explore the Promised Land. That story is detailed in the Old Testament Book of Numbers. The discovery marks the first time archeologists have found such massive construction that old. THIS WEEK IN OB LEE WEBB: Rescuers in Indonesia are looking for more survivors of a powerful 7.0 earthquake Wednesday. Rockslides in the area have buried entire villages. More than 63 people are dead, and that number is expected to rise as dozens are still missing. At least 87,000 houses have been destroyed and thousands are in need of basic provisions and shelter. CBN's Operation Blessing is on the ground, though. The aid organization deployed a disaster relief medical team to the region. Two doctors and a paramedic are using an ambulance to help treat injured quake victims. Operation Blessing will be assessing what other needs it can meet in the coming days. You can find out more by going to Operation Blessing's Web site. It’s OB.org. GRAPHIC: FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO OB.ORG Gordon and Terry will be back with more of The 700 Club, after this. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 4A: GOLDLINE Jay Johnson (Former Director US Mint): All you have to do is read a newspaper or watch TV to know our investments and our savings have lose value in this tough economy. And no one knows how long this will last. Hi, I’m Jay Johnson, former director of the US Mint. I supervised our nation’s gold supply, and I’m often asked why I buy gold. I buy gold because it helps protect against inflation and huge government spending. Gold offers diversity in a bad economy, and it’s a safe haven asset that has never dropped to zero. In fact, did you know gold prices have tripled since 2001 and may reach new record highs because of inflation and the falling dollar? Make gold part of your portfolio. Call Goldline now, a company with nearly half a billion dollars in annual sales. Goldline has been helping investors acquire gold for nearly 50 years. Call Goldline now. Ask for your free investor’s kit and learn why gold should be a part of your portfolio. Call now. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 4B: BOSLEY Announcer: When it comes to going bald, you now have a choice. Advances in medical science have resulted in the world’s first and only permanent solution to hair loss. Man #1: It is your real hair. It’s your natural hair. You wash it; you cut it; you swim with it. Announcer: Bosley is the world’s most experienced hair restoration expert, having pioneered virtually every major advancement in the art and science of hair restoration. Man #2: I’m very satisfied, very happy with what I’ve done. This has got to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life, I’ll tell you that. Announcer: Bosley Hair Restoration is a relatively simple outpatient procedure. The results look completely natural, and it’s affordable on nearly any budget. Call the toll-free number now to receive your free no-obligation information kit that will help you decide if hair restoration at Bosley is right for you. You don’t have to accept going bald. Do something about it right now. Announcer #2: Call 1-800-982-2983. That’s 1-800-982-2983. Call now. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GORDON ROBERTSON: Well, last year, the bottom fell out of the economy. Banks failed. People lost their jobs. Fortunes were erased seemingly overnight. But this wasn’t a unique event. One hundred and fifty years ago, panic swept the streets of New York as the financial markets collapsed. And here is how Wall Street responded. LAYMAN’S PRAYER REVIVAL PAT ROBERTSON: America was booming in the first half of the nineteenth century. New technology brought new jobs and prosperity. But by mid century, the country was in a recession. Churches were empty, and morals were sliding. The country was moving towards civil war. In August 1857, a bank crisis rocked the financial world. Businesses and factories closed. Soon there were 30,000 unemployed in New York City alone. The next month, Jeremiah Lanphier, a businessman, asked, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” The Lord told him, “Pray.” So Lanphier passed out 20,000 flyers inviting businessmen in lower Manhattan to a noon prayer meeting. On the day of the meeting, Lanphier waited alone in the room for 30 minutes. Eventually, five men joined him. Two days later, the Bank of Philadelphia failed. Forty men showed up for the next weekly prayer meeting. By the beginning of October, men and women were meeting daily for prayer. Then on October 10th, the stock market crashed. Panic gripped the country, and in desperation, people turned to God. Within six months, 10,000 people gathered every day to pray in New York City alone. Prayer meetings spread like wildfires across the country. But 1859, more than one million Americans became Christians through what is now known as the Layman’s Prayer Revival. There were no well known evangelists or church denominations connected with the revival, just laypeople praying for God to change them and their nation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GORDON TEACHES GORDON ROBERTSON: That same thing can happen today, that we can change the nation. We can change the spiritual atmosphere. We can have God turn and cause our hearts to turn. He always responds to prayer. He’s always looking for people to pray. He’s looking for intercessors. Here it is from Isaiah 59, . . . . GRAPHIC: Isaiah 59:15-17 (NKJV) Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; . . . . “Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor.” Is God looking over America today? Is He wondering, “Why aren’t they praying? Why is there no intercessor? Where is the one who is going to stand in the gap and plead on behalf of the land?” I was really stirred in my spirit. I heard a message in church a few weeks ago. And the pastor said, “If we don’t pray, who will?” And it just stunned me. Yes, if we don’t pray, who will? Who is going to pray for our schools? Who is going to pray for this generation? Who is going to pray for the children? Who is going to pray for our courts? Who is going to pray for our city governments, our state governments, our national governments? Who is going to pray that we would turn, that God would shine His face upon America again? And if we’re waiting for some special person to do it, and if we’re waiting for a new Moses to come lead us, well, I think we’re missing it. And we’re missing the fellowship of believers, what we as individual Christians can do. That’s the purpose of that Layman’s Prayer Revival, is to show that laymen did it. Average people did it. A businessman led that revival. And that’s one of the keys to intercession, that you not only have standing with God, but you have standing with the people you’re praying for. You are the one that bridges the gap. You have standing with both. And you take the petitions of the ones you’re praying for to God Almighty and say, “I stand for them. I stand in the gap for them.” Here it is from Colossians 4, . . . . GRAPHIC: Colossians 4:12-13 (NKJV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a bond- servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. . . . . “Epaphras, who is one of you”—that’s one of the keys to intercession. You are one of them. He was from Colossians. “Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ.” That’s the other key. He is standing with Christ. He is a bondservant of Christ. “He greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers,” and here is his prayer, “that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” What a wonderful prayer. Wouldn’t that be a great prayer for the church in America, that we would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Wouldn’t that be a great prayer for our government? Wouldn’t that be a great prayer for our economy? Wouldn’t that be a great prayer for our schools, that these would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God? And as I said that, I’m reminded, no, we don’t stand perfect and compete. There is far more to be done to make us perfect and complete. You can’t even say it about the church in America. There’s an interesting Greek word in that passage where he’s praying fervently. It’s “agonizomai.” And it really means “fight.” It’s where we get the English word “agony,” that you fight, you labor fervently, you strive. Your prayers aren’t just these mild things, but you’re fighting. You’re contending for the favor of God. You’re contending for God to answer. It’s the same word used when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His sweat became like great drops of blood. He was in agony in prayer. And are we doing that? Are we doing that for America? Are you doing that for your church, for your pastor, that your pastor would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God? Are you doing it for your neighborhood? Are you doing it for your neighbors? Are you doing this for your own family? Well, we’ve got something special for you. It’s on CBN.com. We’re asking you to join with us in prayer. GRAPHIC: Pray for CBN FOR MORE INFORMATION LOG ON TO CBN.COM And initially we’re asking for prayer for CBN. We’re leading up into a week of prayer at the end of this month where we’re going to be praying for you. We’re asking for your prayer requests as well. There are places there on CBN.com where you can put your own prayer requests up. But we’re asking you specifically to pray for CBN. So go to My.CBN.com. You can have information there. You can register. You can have your own prayers posted for others to pray with you and agree with you. We’re also asking specifically that you would pray for CBN. We’ve been through a time with my father’s surgery. We’re asking for prayer for him, for recovery of his health. We’re asking for prayer for CBN WorldReach, all the opportunities available to us around the world. We need prayer covering for that. We need prayer as we preach the Gospel around the world. We’re asking prayer for Operation Blessing, as Operation Blessing reaches out to Americans, feeding three million Americans every month. That needs prayer covering. So we’re asking you to pray, so join with us. Just log on to CBN.com. We also encourage you to be part of that 9/11 prayer a week from today to pray for America. We need to pray fervently and pray continuously until we see the answer. Well, prayer can change a nation, one life at a time. For the friends of Vickie Birch, prayer didn’t just change one life. Prayer saved it. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VICKIE’S HEALING Vickie Birch: It’s the first time I ever really thought about dying. Of course, I know that I’m going to die one day, but I just never expected it. TIM BRANSON: Vickie Birch was 46 when she started having severe headaches. She tried one pill after another. None of them worked. Vickie Birch: It was just a constant pain and just sometimes so bad that I just had to get in the dark and lay down. I wanted to sleep most of the time, just so that I didn’t have to think about it. TIM BRANSON: Vickie went to her family doctor thinking she just had a sinus infection. Her doctor couldn’t find anything wrong, so she sent Vickie for an MRI. The next day, her doctor gave her the test results. Vickie was shocked. Vickie Birch: There was a 95 percent blockage in my main artery, and it was real deep in my brain. TIM BRANSON: Vickie was referred to a neurologist, who agreed with her doctor’s initial diagnosis. The blockage could cause a stroke or, worse, death. She needed surgery, but that would be risky. Vickie Birch: I could have a stroke while they were doing it or my personality could change or I could lose my body. I could get paralyzed. Just all kinds of things that could happen if they had to do surgery. TIM BRANSON: The neurologist ordered an angiogram, but Vickie would have to wait for the results. Meanwhile, she did the only thing she knew how. She prayed. Vickie Birch: I would pray that if the Lord wanted to use the medical profession to heal my body to please be with me, because I was terrified, and to keep me calm and be with the doctors. And then lastly, my prayer was, “If you’re ready to take me in your arms, then I’m ready.” TIM BRANSON: Vickie asked her friends and church family to pray. They said they would and gave her a pager. They told her that each time someone prayed for her, they would call. Then they prayed and prayed. Soon a friend called. Vickie Birch: When they were praying, one of the girls that was praying had a vision that my artery cleared. TIM BRANSON: Then came another call. Vickie Birch: She said she was praying, and one morning before she went to work the Lord just told her I was going to be okay. TIM BRANSON: Vickie went for the results of her angiogram. This time, the doctor had a different response. Vickie Birch: “Your artery is totally normal.” He said, “The only thing I can say is somewhere between the MRI and the angiogram, it cleared itself up.” So right then, I knew what had happened, that our prayers had been answered and that the Lord had healed me. Now I just want to spend the rest of my life serving Him any way I can. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * HOSTS PRAY FOR NEEDS GORDON ROBERTSON: “Serving Him any way I can.” God answers prayer. What a great story using technology to encourage, to pray. And then you saw examples of intercession where they interceded on behalf of their friend. And God responded and gave one of them a vision, showing the artery was clearing. And that’s exactly what happened. Now, it’s my favorite time of the program where we get to pray for you. We get to come into agreement for you, for whatever your needs are. Before we pray, we want to encourage you with some other stories of people that have been healed as a result of prayer. Here is Zoraida of New York City. She had hyperthyroidism. She was prescribed medication to help. Then in the summer of 2008, it caused patches of her hair to fall out. The doctor changed the treatment, but the hair loss continued and reached the point where she had to pull her remaining hair back into a ponytail just to hide the bald spots. One day, she was watching The 700 Club. Terry, you had a word of knowledge, someone with chronic hair loss. She claimed the promise. Within two weeks, she could tell the hair on her scalp had begun growing again. Her hair has now fully grown in. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Wow. That’s wonderful. GORDON ROBERTSON: What have you got? TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, this is Kristeen, who lives in New Market, Virginia. She was in a car accident and suffered injuries to her rotator cuff and the nerve endings in her right shoulder. She was told there was only a 50/50 chance that surgery would help, so she did have the surgery. She took prescription muscle relaxers and ibuprofen for the pain, but the pain never went away completely. Well, one day, she was watching this program. Gordon, the Lord gave you a word of knowledge, and you said, “There is someone, you’re having trouble laying hands on your back. God is saying, ‘I’m going to reach that for you right now.’ And what you couldn’t do before, lift that right arm and realize that God has done a tremendous miracle of healing for you.” Kristeen felt a warm feeling go through her arm. She moved her arm around without any pain. She has not had any pain since. She returned to the doctor, and he has acknowledged that she has been totally healed. Boy, if you know somebody who has had a rotator cuff injury, that’s a miracle. GORDON ROBERTSON: Rotator cuff and nerve damage. Yes, that’s a miracle. Why don’t you lay your hand on yourself if you need prayer, just as an act of faith. Just say, “God, I need you. I need you right now. I need healing. And if you can’t lay hands on yourself, all right. We can believe God. We can believe God. He is able to do anything. Anything. With God, all things are possible. If there are people around you, could you say, “Could you please come pray for me? Could you agree with me in prayer? Could you intercede for me?” And the Bible says, “If two or more agree touching anything, it shall be done.” So let’s agree and let God do everything else. Let’s pray. “Lord God, we just reach out and we just claim that in your Spirit there is no time or distance. And so when we come into agreement, we can become one and in doing that answer your prayer, where, Father, I pray that they may be one, just as you and I are one. And so we come into prayers of agreement now, and we become one. And we ask that you would heal, that you would restore, that you would deliver, that you would set captives free, that you would heal marriages, that you would provide finances, Lord God. And now we ask that you would heal. And as people are laying hands on their bodies, we just come into agreement with them and we say, “Be healed, in Jesus’ name.” There are many people, you’re laying hands on your abdomen. There is someone with a gall bladder condition. That pain is leaving you right now. There is someone else, you’ve had twisted intestines, blockages. And God is just untwisting, and He is releasing that infection and bacteria right now. In Jesus’ name, be gone. There are others, you’ve got irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, that kind of immune system disorder that is causing you great pain and discomfort. You are being healed now in Jesus’ name. All that is being set free. There is a woman, you’re crying out asking for a baby. You’re asking God to heal your womb. In Jesus’ name, be healed. TERRY MEEUWSEN: There is someone else, you have your hand on your jaw. You’ve got some kind of a bone condition, and you’re actually losing your teeth. And the worst part is, you have no dental insurance, and you can’t afford to do anything about it. God is your dentist. He is healing your jaw, healing that bone condition. The whole thing is going to resolve itself for you. GORDON ROBERTSON: There are many people laying hands over your eyes. You’re asking for release for migraine headaches. One is asking for release from glaucoma. There is another one, you’ve got cataracts and blurriness in vision, and it’s just beginning. And you’re afraid of surgery. There is another one with a rare disease in the retina and another one a rare disease in the cornea. God is healing you right now. You don’t have to be worried about losing your sight, because He is your healer. He’s healing you right now, in Jesus’ name. Be made whole. TERRY MEEUWSEN: And there is a woman named Annabeth who is crying out to God for something very specific. He has heard your prayer, and He is in the process of answering it. Just receive it. GORDON ROBERTSON: And Ray, He’s opening up that right ear for you. That pain is leaving you right now. In Jesus’ name, be healed and be made whole. Lord, we thank you, for when we receive you, we receive our healing. So just come to us now. Let your presence be in us, all around us. Give us joy, Lord God, for we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. If you’ve been touched by God, we want to share in your good report, so give us a call: 1-800-759-0700. GRAPHIC: 1-800-759-0700 CBN.COM We always delight in praying for you. It’s our honor to pray for you. So if you want prayer, if you want someone to agree with you in prayer, just call us: 1-800-759-0700. Terry. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, you just heard about prayer, but the fuel for prayer is faith to see those prayers answered. And we’re going to show you how to discover your faith, after this. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 5A: PCC SPOT Son: Daddy? Father: Yeah, buddy? Son: How many nickels are in a dollar? Father: There are 20 nickels in a dollar. Son: How do birds fly? Does milk really make my bones stronger? Father: Yeah. Yep. Son: Daddy, when we die, will we go to Heaven? Announcer: Do you have the answer to life’s biggest question? Call The 700 Club. We’ll help you find answers to the important questions life brings your way. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SPOT 5B: CURVES Announcer: So you finally decided that it’s the right time for you to lose weight. That’s great. And maybe you’re considering going to Weight Watchers. Woman: Weight Watchers? Woman: Oh, no, girl. Woman: You’re going to try something new. Woman: I am? Woman: We’re clear. Go, go, go, go, go! Announcer: Introducing the new Curves 30-day diet plan. It’s clinically proven and a brand new way to lose weight and keep it off, without counting points forever. There are diet classes every month, which are free to everyone. No membership required. Curves’ exclusive 30-day diet is designed to help you retrain and sustain your metabolism. That way you can reach your goal weight and stay there. Want to get started? Woman: Let’s try something else. Announcer: Learn a whole new way to take off the weight. Call your local Curves club about the 30-day diet plan and find out when you can try a class near you, free. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GUEST: MYLES MUNROE TERRY MEEUWSEN: The author of Hebrews writes that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. But how can we have that faith, especially when things seem to be going wrong? Well, joining us now to answer that question is Dr. Myles Munroe. He’s the author of a new book called Re-Discovering Faith. And we welcome you back to The 700 Club. Dr. Myles Munroe: It’s good to be back. It’s been a while. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Way too long. Dr. Myles Munroe: That’s right. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Way too long. Dr. Myles Munroe: Well, the Bahamas is a great place. You don’t want to leave the Bahamas. TERRY MEEUWSEN: You don’t want to leave there. Well, we’ll all come to you, Myles. Dr. Myles Munroe: You’re welcome. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Tell us what your definition of faith is. How do you define faith? Dr. Myles Munroe: This book was written out of tragedy. I’m a pastor of one of the most significant churches in the Bahamas. And this year began with tragedy for us. A young man who was a very dear member of our church literally took his wife’s life—they were both members of the church—and then took his life. And as a senior pastor, you know you never had this experience before. You’ve got to comfort the church. You’ve got to make sure that you protect the security of the people’s faith in God. And when things happen that you can’t explain, when your life falls apart, when nothing is working, even when prayer doesn’t seem to be working, what do you do? That’s the question. And I think God took me back to a simple question, “Why do you follow Jesus? Why do you follow God?” And most of our faith in the twentieth century church seems to have been focused on following God to get good things. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Yes, the blessing. Dr. Myles Munroe: What happens when bad things happen? Many people actually stop following God, because they think it isn’t working. God failed. And the big issue that came out of this tragedy was the most powerful reconnection to biblical faith. Faith is believing. That’s it. The word “faith” is the word “pistos” in Greek. And it simply means “conviction” or “belief.” I think we’ve made faith into something that has become a problem, because people actually use faith as if it’s some kind of manipulating tool to make God get something good for them. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Also it’s easy to talk faith when everything is going well. Dr. Myles Munroe: Absolutely. Yes. TERRY MEEUWSEN: It’s the moments of crisis that you’re talking about where you either find out your faith stands the test or you need to examine it. Dr. Myles Munroe: In this book, you’ll find an important quote that I got out of that tragedy. And the quote is, “Your faith is only as strong as the test it survives.” No matter how much you brag on how much faith you’ve got, the test will reveal what quality of faith you have. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Everybody has faith in something, don’t they? Dr. Myles Munroe: Yes. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Whether we call it that or not, sometimes we have faith in ourselves. It might be our money, our position in life. But not everybody has faith in God, obviously. Dr. Myles Munroe: This is so important, because this book deals with God stripping us and reducing us back to Him. Even the presence of crisis in the world, people think it’s a negative. I think it’s a wonderful experience, because God will remove things from your life to reduce you back to Him, and not just to Him, but faith only in Him. TERRY MEEUWSEN: And Myles, more often in the Word you go back and you read God saying to His people over and over again, “I gave you the blessing, and you had such enjoyment of the blessing you forgot Me.” Don’t you think that kind of applies to America? Dr. Myles Munroe: In this book, I take you back to the biblical faith, because this modern faith that we’ve been living with cannot handle crisis. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Yes, that’s true. Dr. Myles Munroe: I think about, for example, did Daniel have faith when God allowed him to go into a lion’s den? Was there something wrong with Daniel? Was Daniel in sin? Is that why? No. The lion’s den was the greatest act of God’s power to prove Daniel’s faith. The three Hebrew boys, I think they prayed a prayer that we need to pray again. They told the king, “Our God is able to deliver us from your fiery furnace.” But then the part of the prayer that we need to learn again is, “What if He doesn’t?” TERRY MEEUWSEN: We don’t like that end part. Dr. Myles Munroe: We know God is able. God is able to do anything. But here is the beauty. He is also able to do nothing. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Yes. Dr. Myles Munroe: What happens when God does nothing? What do you do when God is silent? Do you still believe? You see, the three Hebrew boys had a faith that was on the other side of the coin, “He is able, but what if He doesn’t? We still won’t bow.” And I want to say to people today watching this program, if you lost your job, your business fell apart, you had a foreclosure on your house, whatever it is, don’t allow that to touch your belief in God, because there is always life after the test. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Yes. Yes. Dr. Myles Munroe: Faith is believing in life after the test, knowing that the test is always temporary. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Faith and trust are sort of inextricably linked together, aren’t they? Dr. Myles Munroe: They are basically the same, because when you trust in God, it doesn’t matter what happens after that. And the most powerful defense against crisis is faith, because faith tells the crisis, “You are only temporary.” Faith is telling every crisis, “You cannot outlast my belief.” And this is why we have to rediscover the faith that we lost. Jesus told Peter—very important statement—He says, “Peter, Satan is going to sift you.” That means, “You are going to go through a crisis.” But notice He didn’t say, “I’m going to pray for you to get blessed.” And then He also told Peter, “I won’t deliver you from this test.” He said, “But I’m going to pray that your faith fail not.” Paul says, “We must fight the good fight of faith.” The fight is keeping your belief when you have lost everything, when nothing works. Or when there is a tragedy, do you still believe? No matter what you’re going through today, your faith must outlast it, because your faith is the key to victory. TERRY MEEUWSEN: We are all going to be sifted at some point in life, and probably more than once. Dr. Myles Munroe: A few times. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Yes, exactly. So are there things in the times of blessing that we can do to prepare to strengthen our faith for the time of testing? Dr. Myles Munroe: Yes. In this book, I talk about a story of an encounter I had with Corrie ten Boom. And I’ll just take ten seconds. Corrie ten Boom, as we all know, was one of the greatest saints in our time. And I was at lunch with her one day, and I asked her, “What would you tell a young man who wants to know better?” She says, “Believe in the dark what He told you in the light.” TERRY MEEUWSEN: That’s good. Dr. Myles Munroe: Sometimes we only believe God for the light. Do you still believe Him when it’s all dark? Because remember, after every night, day is on the way. TERRY MEEUWSEN: And He never changes. Boy, the truth we’ve been talking about just touches the tip of the iceberg. It’s called Re-Discovering Faith by Myles Munroe. You need to get a hold of it. Go to CBN.com to find out where you can do that. God bless you, my friend. Dr. Myles Munroe: It’s a pleasure to be here today. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Thank you for such a good word. Dr. Myles Munroe: Thank God. TERRY MEEUWSEN: Well, we want to leave you with another good word. This is from Philippians 4. It says, . . . . . GRAPHIC: Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (NKJV) . . . . “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” God bless you. We’ll see you again next week. GRAPHIC: COPYRIGHT 2009 CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING NETWORK * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NEXT DAY PROMO GRAPHIC: DRIVE-BY DELIVERANCE GORDON ROBERTSON: Monday. Man: I really felt that Susie would die. GORDON ROBERTSON: How this cancer patient went from terminal to totally healed in her car. Woman: I knew that I had been touched. * * * GRAPHIC: STUNTWOMAN GORDON ROBERTSON: And Tuesday, straight from the set of 24. Woman: We crash cars and help Jack Morrow save the world. GORDON ROBERTSON: A Hollywood stuntwoman’s real life drama. Woman: He pulled me from the car and then threw me into the street gutter. GORDON ROBERTSON: Next week, on The 700 Club. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * END SPOT: YOU WERE THERE TERRY MEEUWSEN: I have the privilege of traveling all over the world and seeing firsthand the life changing things you make possible through your partnership. Thank you for joining The 700 Club. Here in India, you’re demonstrating the love of God to such wonderful people, most of who are in great need, both physically and spiritually. You’re bringing hope and joy to millions around the world, just like you did for Chen Yu. Born with a serious heart defect, doctors said he would soon die. His parents couldn’t afford surgery. That’s when you provided the operation that saved his life. Your monthly gift makes it possible to heal the sick, feed the hungry and preach the Gospel, both at home in America and throughout the world. So please watch for this mailing and send in your pledge. Imagine lifting someone’s life out of despair and filling it with hope instead. That’s what you make possible every day, and it only happens because you were there.