Tag: prayer center

11112020_Affected by Disasters Here are 6 Ways to Help You Cope

Affected by Disasters? Here are 6 Ways to Help You Cope

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Super Typhoon Rolly wreaked havoc in the Bicol region and nearby provinces last week. Inquirer reported that according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon was by far the strongest this year.

Disasters like typhoons can have a lasting impact on people’s lives. It can serve as a lesson to better prepare people for the next calamities or it can cause traumas and anxieties among those who were severely affected. It can take a heavy toll on people’s physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health.

So, how do you cope with disastrous events such as super typhoons?

Here are 6 things you can do to help yourself and your family overcome catastrophic events.

1. Take care of yourself  

It may be hard to start at first but taking care of yourself is an important part of coping with disasters. Make sure you continue with your normal routines such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. Verywell Mind says that practicing self-care will help you cope better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

2. Limit sources of stress  

One of the helpful steps you can do following a disaster is to stay away from sources that add stress. 

This could mean lessening your exposure to visual pictures of this event. It is wise to be informed but it is also wise to prevent yourself or others, especially children, from anything that may add feelings of fear and anxiety brought by this natural disaster.

3. Talk about it 

Voicing out your feelings to your family on how this event has affected you can help alleviate stress.  It can comfort you knowing that others share the same sentiments, too. 

Verywell Mind also explains that early intervention, resources, and support from others can be a major factor in helping people overcome the negative impact of a catastrophic event. Reaching out to people can make a huge difference.

4. Get professional help for mental and emotional distress 

Are you extremely disturbed about the recent disaster? 

If you feel that this event has caused you post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of trauma that resulted from natural disasters, do not be afraid to seek professional help from psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors. Treatments can range from series of psychological therapies to medication that would help you go through this very challenging season.

5. Find ways to help others 

You may be on the other side of the boat who just witnessed a member of your family or a friend go through a tough time during a disaster. One way you can lessen their burden is to reach out and extend a helping hand.  

In the article Are We Biologically Wired to Help Others During Crisis?, Psychology Today stated that according to research, a particular part of the brain is activated when people donate to causes they care about. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose, that even in bad situations, you can make a positive impact in the lives of people.

If you have the resources, you can partner with the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines and lend a helping hand to those who were also severely affected by the typhoon.

6. Pray for your family and community 

One of the best ways to rise above this disastrous event is to look out for each other, pray for one another, and lean on God as your source of hope and strength. 

Matthew 18:20 NIV says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” 

At times like this, coming together in prayer and promoting peace encourage people not to stay in that place of despair. It is an opportunity to know God more and reassure yourself and others that He is your comfort in times of trouble. 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV) 

If you and your family are deeply affected by this disastrous event, we would love to comfort you through prayers. You may reach out to the CBN Asia Prayer Center or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page. 

09112020_My Loved One is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do_1

My Loved One is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do?

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Have you been in this kind of situation before?

Even when you have the best intentions, you could find yourself fumbling for words when someone confides in you that they are struggling with their mental health.

Yes, it can be scary to talk to someone who has suicidal feelings – let alone a friend or a family member. But doing so can really make a difference, and literally save a life.

So, if a loved one tells you that they are thinking of ending their life, here are a few tips to help you handle those conversations.

Tip #1: Take them seriously 

If somebody around you talks about wanting to die, take it very seriously.

Don’t call them a drama queen, don’t call it a joke. Don’t brush them off as simply wanting to gain sympathy or attention. They are reaching out for help. Taking action is always your best choice. 

Tip #2: Do not judge

Here’s a myth: People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it.

But here’s an alarming truth: people who talk about suicide sometimes act on it. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the majority of suicides have been preceded by warning signs, including verbal or behavioral signs. It is better to err on the side of caution instead of judging them.

Also, do not blame your loved ones for how they feel. Speaking up about it may be a huge step for them already.

Tip #3: Start a conversation 

Have the initiative to ask open-ended questions that encourage them to talk. A simple “How are you feeling?” could mean a lot. 

Your loved one is totally overwhelmed by their current situation and is unsure of how to express their feelings nor seek help. Whether they gave subtle hints or mentioned suicide directly, calmly ask what is happening and assure them that you are willing to listen and you care.

Tip #4: Don’t skirt around the topic of suicide 

Contrary to popular belief that talking about suicide only encourages the deed, WHO says that it is okay to talk about it.

Talking about suicide can reduce their anxiety and helps your loved one feel understood. So, if you feel that your loved one might be suicidal, don’t be afraid to use the word “suicide”. Don’t hesitate to ask direct questions such as: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” “What are the reasons why you don’t want to live anymore?”

Initiating the topic, being direct, and letting them know that they can open up to you can be a huge relief for them. More so, direct questions are more likely to bring about direct responses.

Tip #5: Seek help

Don’t try to handle the situation all by yourself. Encourage them to seek help from a professional – like a doctor, a mental health professional, or a counselor.

But if your loved one is in imminent danger, don’t leave them alone. Seek help and call emergency hotlines, such as Hopeline Philippines’ 24/7 hotlines: 0917-558-4673 (Globe), 0918-873-4673 (Smart), 02-88044673 (PLDT), 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM).

Although the Filipinos are often portrayed as among the world’s happiest and most resilient people, the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the future amid pandemic might trigger negative feelings in anyone.

If your loved one talks about suicide, know that emotional support from people who matter to them can prevent suicide. Gently assure them that you got their back and that things can get better as you seek help.  

Most importantly, pray that your loved one would encounter God’s love, healing, and light even in their darkest days.

We want to pray for you and your loved one!

Together, let’s lift your worries to God. You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 anytime.

Is This How My Life Would End?

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As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to rise, you might be questioning God the same way Fely Dait did. She uttered these words when her life was in danger. 

Before that encounter, Fely lived a life totally disregarding God’s existence. She sought what she wanted and abused her own body by being a chain-smoker. Not a day went by that she won’t give in to her vices. 

However, the day came when she had to face its consequences. Fely was hospitalized for months and experienced extreme difficulty in breathing and speaking. It was the turning point of her life. 

While thinking about her children, she fell on her knees and asked for God’s mercy and forgiveness. 

“Lord, is this how my life will end? If this is just a test from You, please transform my life completely. If You’ll give me another chance to live, I will not abuse my body anymore. I repent for not believing in You, that I had to suffer a lot before surrendering my life to You,” Fely said, bursting into tears as she recalled her past. 

Along with her repentance is a newfound, unshakeable faith that God can heal her. On her road to recovery, she tried her best to live her life the way God wants. Fely started supporting God’s work even when she’s not completely healed yet.

She wholeheartedly donated to the CBN Asia, believing that her simple offering would reach those who are in dire need, “I donated to CBN Asia because I saw how they help the underprivileged.” 

Meanwhile, Fely faced another struggle when the doctors found out a blood clot in her brain, requiring her to undergo a major medical operation. It was fatal. It could end her life right then but her faith in Jesus remained unshaken – until she heard a piece of incredible news. 

“The doctor canceled my operation and told me that I am so blessed. My arteries returned close to normal and I don’t need the surgery anymore. That very moment, I cried and praised God for saving me!” Fely exclaimed. 

After that miracle, blessings outpoured Fely’s life. God revived her career, gave her a new business, and helped provide for her son’s education until the latter finished his studies.  

Blessed abundantly, Fely now serves as a vessel of God’s blessings to other people, especially in their church. 

Like Fely, are you anxious right now and don’t know what to do? Are you wondering if this is the end of it all? 

Fear not! God is in control. He wants you to hear His message in 2 Chronicles 7:14-15, “Then, if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears will pay attention to the prayer made in this place.” 

These trying times, allow your Heavenly Father to enter your life. Ultimately it is Him who can save you from the things that make you anxious. God is the best refuge from all the worries of this world, and He is waiting for you to come to Him.

Are you distressed and in need of someone to encourage you? You may send us your prayer requests through the CBN Asia Prayer Center or call 8737-0700 and we would love to pray for you. 

Is It Really Possible to Heal Past Wounds?

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Verbal abuse, they say, cuts deeper than physical pain. But, imagine how worse it can be if you suffered both. 

Is healing still possible? Can you really heal from that painful past that prevents you from living your life today? 

Yes. Take it from Mary Jane’s story. 

Mary Jane is an intelligent teacher, a loving mother, and a faithful wife. However, her seemingly wonderful world dimmed when she experienced cruelty at the hands of her own husband.  

With every slap and bruise, she endured from the man that was ought to protect her from harm, the battered wife was made to believe that she is unworthy of love. 

“He made me feel that I was worthless,” said Mary Jane, recalling how her husband treated her during the first years of their marriage. 

Things got worse for Mary Jane when she gave birth to her second son, Victorio, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Being in an abusive relationship and being pained while seeing her son ill led Mary Jane into thinking that her whole life revolved around pain and suffering. 

In her frustration, she uttered, “I am sorry, but please tell me, Lord, did you give me my son so I can have a reason to live or did you send Victorio to punish me?” 

While hungry for answers, Mary Jane was able to find encouragement through watching The 700 Club Asia regularly. One night, after praying with the program’s host, she decided to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center. 

“The program and the people I talked to gave me a renewed hope. They made me realize that our God is a God of grace and blessings,” Mary Jane pondered. 

For the sake of their child, Mary Jane and her husband set aside their conflicts. They surrendered to God and allowed Him to reign over their lives. Eventually, the couple’s relationship was restored. God heard their fervent prayers and even miraculously healed Victorio. 

“We were not aware of it, but God was already moving in our lives. He restored everything,” Mary Jane ended. 

Like Mary Jane, do you wonder if it is really possible to heal from past wounds? 

The Word has given us an answer in Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 

Your wounds are not hidden from God. He sees each one of them – may it be physical or emotional! He knows that your pain can be overwhelming, yet He promises to heal you and bind up your wounds.

Let Jesus heal your brokenness. Surrender your life to Him to experience His sustaining grace and be amazed at how He can turn everything around in your life.

Are you ready to experience God’s healing? You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center and we would love to pray for you.

“If I pray to God, Would He Heal Me?”

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Jerby Santiago pondered on this question a lot of times before. 

He has a critical heart condition. It needs to be treated immediately or his life will be on the line. 

Jerby found out about his condition after suffering from excruciating chest pain. The pumping capacity of his heart was below normal. If not treated any sooner, he has to undergo a heart transplant. 

He tried a lot of medications and had been to the emergency room a couple of times. Because of this, fear and sadness started creeping into his heart. 

“I didn’t know what to feel knowing that I could die any moment. I still have dreams,” Jerby shared. 

His anguish lasted for a year until he chanced upon the Facebook page of The 700 Club Asia. To his surprise, the real-life stories and inspiring messages he found on the platform gave him his much-needed hope, comfort, and motivation. 

Jerby also recalled watching a segment where The 700 Club Asia host and CBN Asia President and CEO gave a message that touched him. “I remembered the first thing he said, ‘You can be healed, just be in faith. God will make a way for you to be healed. Claim it because it’s a free gift’, and there’s nothing God can’t do because He is God.” 

After that moment, Jerby reached out to the CBN Asia’s Prayer Center and continued praying with them unceasingly.  

“The prayer counselors taught me to not worry because God is listening to our prayers. They said that there’s hope and I will be healed. After that, I became optimistic and put my only hope in God. While science seems to be failing me, God was the only one I could run to,” Jerby said. 

As his relationship with God flourished, his health condition miraculously progressed. Partnering earnest prayers with exercise and healthy food, Jerby’s once ailing body gradually regained its strength. 

“Before, I can’t even move freely. Now, I can do exercises!” exclaimed Jerby, whose heart is now fully healed and restored.  

Through the moving power of prayers, Jerby rests on the promise that the grace of the living God is enough to make people live. “Not everyone with the same condition as mine could live; I knew God is alive. He’s in me and in us,” Jerby ended. 

Like Jerby, there’s good news for you. God can heal your broken heart. Whether it’s hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually, Jesus Christ can mend you – in the best possible way. As said in James 5:15, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” 

Have faith in God and believe in His miracle. Call to Him through prayers and let the God of healing, complete His work within you. 

Are you ready to trust God for your miracle today? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0-700 and we would be eager to pray for you. 

Devotionals

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What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

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The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3

img

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

img

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3