FINDING CHRIST

Growing up, Robert went to church occasionally on Christmas Eve and Easter. “By the time I was in my early teens I had gone through some stuff. I was angry, rebellious, and if someone mentioned God or the Bible to me, I made it clear I had zero interest,” shares Robert. For most of his adult life, he aggressively mocked and persecuted Christians. 

In 2002, Robert had an encounter that changed his belief about God. He was thirty-eight semi-retired, and living in the woods in Montana. He had moved there to get away from everything including a successful career in advertising. During the long winters, his wood burning stove required lots of firewood for him to stay warm. So, he spent a considerable amount of time splitting wood which kept him busy as he tried to work out decades of anger and frustrations. Somedays he would split wood until he was too worn out to feel anything. One day, he had been chopping wood so long that his arms felt rubbery. Exhausted, he plopped down into a snowdrift. It got very quiet, and a holy hush enveloped him. He could hear the Lord speaking directly to his heart, “I refuse not to love you.” Robert was surprised that the God he had mocked for so many years expressed love for him. In that moment, Robert brought God every mean, selfish, wicked, and arrogant thing he had ever done. 

However, to each thing he brought up, God continued to refuse not to love him. For the first time in his life, Robert felt loved and accepted. He says, “It undid me.” On that day, Christ declared the fullness of His love and goodness to Robert. He realized it was not about what he was worthy of or had earned. It was all about Him.

A few months later, Robert was asked to be part of a miracle crusade in Ethiopia. Over the course of ten days, he saw amazing wonders take place…tumors disappeared, blind eyes were opened, the deaf could hear again and a demon possessed girl got set free. Robert says, “The miraculous things I saw in Ethiopia when I prayed did not happen because as a new Christian, I had figured out some super big secret on how to pray extra powerful prayers. It was all by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

YOU ARE POWERFUL

God created you with a plan and purpose. Robert shares, “You are here to release Heaven into the earth, to advance the Kingdom of God, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and more.” You cannot do these things in your own might, but rather with the power and authority of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you to see what you have been given, and to help you start moving in it. Robert shares the following realms of power available to you in Christ:

• Power of faith - is how you access everything of the Kingdom here on earth and how you access every realm of power. Faith is more than a belief, it is also a substance. Robert says, “Faith brings forth what you know is already yours.” He gives the example of a tub of Legos. As a kid whenever he would pull them out from under his bed, he could build anything he wanted. Block by block the Legos made whatever he could see in his imagination tangible. They became real. The substance of faith works the same way. 

• Power to work miracles – as Christians, we have no trouble believing that Christ performed miracles, but can sometimes wrestle with the idea that in Him we are to work miracles too. Robert recalls seeing 

his first miracle in 2003. He was attending a conference, and the speaker prayed for a man with a metal rod in his arm. When the speaker was done praying for him, there was gray metallic powder on the ground and the man could no longer feel the rod in his arm. Just as Paul said in First Corinthian 12, “We have been given Holy Spirit power for the working of miracles.” 

• Power of unity – the enemy knows we are more powerful together than apart. When disagreements arise, it is important to work through them and be undivided. More importantly, make sure you refuse offense. 

• Power to shift atmosphere – as believers we can influence and affect atmospheres here on earth. Robert recalls being on a flight that was experiencing heavy turbulence. He asked God if He would do something about it. To his surprise, God replied, “You do it.” Quietly, Robert began to pray and spoke to the storm of the air commanding the wind causing the turbulence to be still. Almost immediately, the rough air smoothed out. The atmosphere had shifted because of Christ. 

• Power of tongues – strengthens and accelerates us in the things of the Spirit. When Robert had been a believer for about six months he had a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit. He had committed to praying in tongues 30 minutes a day for 40 days. Shortly after, Robert’s life radically changed. The Lord called him into full time ministry, and he connected with two of the most important people in his life – Ron and Patricia King who became his spiritual mentors. He began working with their ministry and eventually launched the USA arm of their organization. 

• Power of giving thanks – opens the floodgates of God’s goodness. Twelve years ago, Robert had mysterious and debilitating health challenges. The doctors were baffled…none of the treatments or procedures he had been given helped. Discouraged, he cried out to God. Robert shares, “He felt the Lord invite him to begin thanking Him for the strength he did have in his body.” As he thanked the Lord, the more health and vitality he regained gradually. Today he is healthy and strong. 

ACTIVATE YOUR GOD GIVEN POWER

As you step out into what you were designed to do Robert encourages you to remember who you are in Christ. Next, cultivate the gifts of the Spirit in your life. There is no better way to get more seasoned in the realms of power than by moving in them. Don’t get overwhelmed, focus on one realm of power at a time. Then, as you become confident in that realm add another one. After that, establish a small faith circle (family members, friends, etc.) who will celebrate with you when they see God move through you as well as encourage you if things don’t always go the way you expect. Finally, don’t compare yourself to others…what you do will look different from what others are called to do.

To learn more about Robert Hotchkin, click the link! 

CREDITS

Author, Realms of Power: Operating in Untapped Dimensions of Holy Spirit Power, (Destiny Image Publishers, 2022); Minister; Speaker; Revivalist; Founder of Men on the Frontlines, Core leader of Patricia King Ministires; Host of the Heroes Arise broadcast; Regular guest and co-host on GodTV’s Supernatural Life; Married to Yu-Ree 

“My whole body just started shaking,” Rebekah Ramdial said. “I would've never thought something like this would happen. She's only 4-years-old and she has lymphoma cancer.”

Rebekah Ramdial’s day was going normally like any other, until her daughter Aiyana came to her complaining about a sharp pain in her leg.

“I thought maybe while she was playing around that she hit her leg, you know how kids are, Rebekah said.” So, I kind of just let it go. I was working on some things, and she just came up to me. She's crying this time. She goes, ‘Mommy, my leg hurts, my leg hurts.’ So, at that point I realized, ‘Okay, this has to be serious. We're going to go to the hospital.’”

Thinking she might have a fracture, Rebekah took Aiyana to be x-rayed. The images didn’t show a break, but rather an unknown mass in her knee. She underwent several tests over the course of a week to determine what it was, until finally doctors came to Rebekah with an answer.

“He goes, ‘We got the results for your daughter and she has lymphoma cancer.’ My heart just dropped,” Rebekah said. “It was almost like I felt like I wasn't even in real life. Like, this is a movie. So, the first thing I did was call my husband, I was crying. I couldn't believe it.”

The doctors told Rebekah that the cancer was already spreading to other parts of her body. They would need to take immediate action to try and save her life, however, the potential cure carried its own risks.

“He sat down and just started going through every single medicine that was going to put through her body, all the side effects,” Rebekah said. “Her organs could be messed up. You know, things like she couldn't have kids in the future, learning disability, heart issues. I told him, ‘I can't do it, I'm not putting my daughter through that.’ He looks down and then he looks back at me. He goes, ‘I understand, but if you don't, she will die.’ She’s 4-years-old, just a little girl, hasn’t even lived her life yet. That’s when I felt knives come through my heart.”
Rebekah left the hospital after the consultation alone to clear her head. As a Christian, she’d relied on God to help get through her past troubles, but this time was different.

“I felt betrayed by God,” Rebekah said. I was like, ‘How can you let this happen? You know, I've been serving you this whole time.’ It was to the point where I felt like I was going to die, it was so heavy on me. And that's when I screamed, ‘God, ‘where are you?’ That's exactly when I heard him speak right into my inner being. He said, ‘Are you going to trust me?’ I just broke. I said, ‘Lord, whatever happens to my daughter, I put her in your hands.’ I felt this overwhelming peace that I have never felt in my life, just immediately manifest in me.”

Aiyana soon started chemotherapy. Then one day shortly after, she came to Rebekah saying she’d had a dream of going to heaven.

“She said that she saw Jesus sitting on a tall, tall throne,” Rebekah said.

“I walked up to Jesus and I sat on his lap and he had a crown, and he touched my knee,” Aiyana said. “It made me feel happy, because he healed me.”

“And immediately I knew she was healed,” Rebekah said
Miraculously, Aiyana’s next PET scan showed no signs of cancer. Her doctors acknowledged how incredible this was, but she would still need to finish her chemotherapy. The Ramdial’s continued to pray and believe that God would protect her from any side effects.

“I felt like there was hope somewhere in this,” Rebekah said. “Even though she's going through the chemo, it won't harm her. He will protect her supernaturally from whatever's being pumped into her body. Every time we would go to the chemo sessions, I would speak that over her life. She was always laughing. She just had this supernatural strength where she'll be like, ‘Mommy, are you ready?’ And she'll just walk in there like a champ. I'm just looking at her like, ‘Wow, this is only God.’”

After six months of chemo, Aiyana was cancer free with no damaging side effects. It’s now been three years, and the Ramdials have taken inspiration from her miracle to start their own ministry, Life Stand Church, hoping to encourage others to put their trust totally in Christ. 

“I believe that what healed her was trusting Jesus, trusting the Lord,” Rebekah said. “When it came to my daughter, I wasn't trusting Him up until I decided to give her to Him. He allowed me to experience this overwhelming, just loving on me. I credit the goodness of God and who He is and his faithfulness for his children. He is there for you, and we just need to receive Him. Receive Him like a child.”
 

For seven-year-old Ian, this is what the world looked like after he developed juvenile cataracts.  And being in bright lights was especially hard for him.

“When the sun is out, I get blinded,” he told us.  “I had to cover my eyes like this so I could see.  It hurt to open them.”

Sadly, Ian’s brother and sister were also born with juvenile cataracts.   

“When we read, we had to hold the book really close to see it,” Ian told us.   

The siblings also struggled in school.  Their mom recalled how her oldest son, David, was bullied. 

“One time his classmates pushed him and all of his things fell to the floor,” she shared.  “And David couldn’t find them.  I felt so bad him!”  

An eye doctor told the kids’ mom it would cost $6000 for all them to have surgery.  Their dad, Jehan, earns just 17 dollars a week. 

“I drive my tricycle taxi near my kids’ school so I can keep an eye on them,” he told us.  “I also work as a farmer, but I earn very little.”

“I did not know how we would pay for surgery,” their mom said.  “Three sets of cataracts - six different operations!  I tried everwhere to find help, but everyone just said, ‘No.’”

Then their answer came through Operation Blessing.  We met the children during a medical mission in the Philippines, where they live.  And thanks to you, we paid for all three children to receive surgery to remove the cataracts and replace them with new lenses.  Now, Ian and his siblings are able to see again.  

“I read my books, I see the things around me and I don’t fall,” Ian said excitedly.  “I see everything more clearly!” 

“I am so happy,” exclaimed their mother. “Thank you to the people who helped my children!”

“Thank you for fixing our eyes!” Ian added. 

What a beautiful example of how CBN partners share the love of Jesus around the world with people in need! If you’re not yet a partner, we invite you to join us today. Help bring God’s love through initiatives like clean water wells, medical missions, feeding programs, and so much more—all in the name of Jesus! Join us today and become a part of what God’s doing through CBN partners. 

In the vibrant and diverse country of Indonesia, a young boy named Mahmoud faced significant challenges from an early age. Growing up in a family that did not know God and in a neighborhood with negative influences, Mahmoud’s childhood was marked by rough and rude behavior. He often followed the actions of other children in his neighborhood, even spitting at passers-by in front of his house.

Mahmoud’s life began to change when he was 7 years old. A neighbor and friend invited him to Sunday school, marking the start of a transformative journey. This invitation led Mahmoud to participate in worship every week diligently. The support of his friends and the guidance of his Sunday school teacher played a crucial role in encouraging Mahmoud to become better and more committed to attending church.

His Sunday school teacher utilized curriculum from Superbook Academy, and the Bible lessons from Superbook had a profound impact on Mahmoud’s life. One episode, in particular, stood out to him—“A Giant Adventure,” which tells the story of David and Goliath. The courage and faith of David resonated deeply with Mahmoud, motivating him to believe in God and accept Jesus as his Savior.

Mahmoud’s transformation was remarkable. He decided to be baptized and felt a strong calling to serve in the church. Now at the age of 13, Mahmoud has taken on significant roles, becoming a guitarist, worship leader, and Sunday school teacher. His dedication and passion for serving God is evident in everything he does.

The lessons from Superbook helped Mahmoud connect deeply with God’s Word, experience Jesus’ love, and change his behavior in profound ways. Mahmoud’s story is a testament to the global reach and impact of CBN Animation’s Superbook. Through engaging storytelling and captivating animations, Superbook brings the Word of God to children worldwide, fostering spiritual growth and transformation. 

Join us in this mission to bring the Word of God to life for the next generation. By donating to CBN Animation’s Superbook ministry through the link below, sharing this story, or accessing Superbook resources for your own families, you can help extend this ministry to even more children and families around the world. Together, we can bring the love of Jesus to more children like Mahmoud.

Give to Superbook