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700 Club

The Double Life of ‘Rico Suave’ Gerardo

The year is 1990, “Rico Suave”, a song promoting sexuality, is an international hit.
To the artist, Gerardo Mejia, it wasn’t just a song, it defined who he was.

“I saw others doing drugs. I saw others drinking. I wasn't that guy. My sin that stopped me from my relationship with God was fornication,” says Gerardo.

That wasn’t the only relationship that suffered. A couple of years after his megahit, Gerardo married Kathy who’d had their first child. By then, the 26 year old, who gave his life to Christ at age 17, was steeped in to the world of pop music and stardom.
Gerardo recalls, “You're being surrounded by beautiful girls the whole time. Friends with power want you around. You know, as far as me. Too much, too soon. It messed me up.”

“We had what I thought was a perfect family,” says Kathy, “and in my eyes at that time, maybe that's what I thought it was.”

Gerardo states, “right after I got married, I went on the road again and being married never stopped me. I was cheating on her from day one. But I did value my family. Like, it was the only good thing that I had.”
Kathy states, “I feel like maybe he didn't love me so much to not cheat on me, but I felt like he loved God so much that he wouldn't do that.”

Gerardo remembers, “I would take my wife to church because I wanted her to be right, and I wanted that blessing there.” Over the next five years Gerardo's career had faded. He continued chasing fame and other women, as the deceptions continued.
He recalls, “Going to the studio, going out to the club, waking up, you know, in a hotel room.

And I knew too, like, I carried my Bible with me everywhere I went. You know, I wake up in the morning and just see the Bible next to my bed. I go, “man, I got to get it right. I got to get back.” But always with the excuse of, let me finish, God. Let me get bigger, bigger, because that one moment that I'm on top, that's when I tell the world that, who you are.”

After ten years of marriage Gerardo had become weary of the lies and hiding. Feeling like he had nothing to lose, he told Kathy everything.
Kathy reflects, “I remember my first reaction, and it's probably the complete wrong reaction, was, "What did I do wrong. Why wasn't I good enough?"
Gerardo continues, “She didn't throw anything at me. She didn't cuss me out. She was just quiet. And she walks off. And I just remember being in that room, looking up at the ceiling going, okay, Lord, let's go from here because I know you're going to restore my family.”

The couple decided to stay together, and Gerardo started sharing at churches how God had made him a new man and saved his marriage. While he was being celebrated, Kathy felt like an isolated victim. She remembers, “every time I went to hear his testimony and every time I was in a church listening to him tell his story, it was hurting me a little bit more and more. I'd just sometimes be sitting in the back, and I'd hear everyone just applauding him for coming clean, and, "Oh, you did the right thing, and look how God's restoring your marriage." I was just kind of in the shadows and just getting a little bit chipped away, little by little.” Gerardo spent more and more time away from home sharing his testimony, while Kathy’s loneliness- led her to adultery.

Gerardo states, “I heard ding, ding on my wife's phone. I started reading the messages.

I can't tell you how betrayed I felt. She said, "What are you doing?" I just remembered showing her the phone. I said, "I know,"
“My whole world just crumbled at that point, because Gerardo – he didn’t have the same 
reaction I had, he was gone he was done,” says Kathy.

The couple separated. Kathy went home to Kentucky, while Gerardo went home to Ecuador.
“I was at the all-time lowest point of my life,” says Kathy.  “I remember sitting on rooftops and thinking, "I'd just be better off if I just jumped off." I'd physically hurt myself.

I don't even know if it's even possible to give yourself a black eye, but I would beat up myself with my own hands because I was just in such a dark place.” A few months later at a men's retreat, Gerardo had a changed heart and went to see Kathy.
He says, “I'm really sorry. I said, "I understand. I'm the culprit. I'm to blame for a lot of it."

Kathy adds, “Gerardo had had a come-to-Jesus moment with our marriage. I think he finally took responsibility for the state that I was in. It wasn't all brought about by myself. I didn't get there alone.”

Gerardo brings his hands together, “It was little by little by little, and she met me. And now we're both in that path that God wanted us to be. If you knew us from back then, all bets were against us. All our friends said, "Oh, this is never going to last." This year, we've been married 30 years, and I give him all the credit.”
Kathy smiles and says, “We spent so many years of our lives just chasing after God, but until we finally just surrendered to God, could we really see what he could do. I mean, only God could take a marriage that was so messed up like our marriage and turn it into this, I won't say perfect, but I can't imagine. Sometimes I look around at people and I'm like, "Could they love each other as much as we do?" We have to love each other more than anybody else loves each other, and that's only God.”
 

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700 Club

Tiny Faith Delivers Big Miracle

After a stroke leaves Seanna disabled and angry about her new limitations, she clings to a mustard seed of faith for a full recovery. During a church service, a miracle begins to unfold.

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700 Club

A Heart Attack at Any Moment

Wenyang tried hard to live up to his name, which means powerful and strong.  Yet, his classmates had another name for him.

“One boy called me a sissy,” he shares.  “I didn’t have energy, so I colored with girls and just made paper airplanes by myself.”  

Mr. Wang recalls, “I told Wenyang that I wasn’t very strong when I was a boy either, but I exercised, and things changed.  I said, ‘You can do it too!’” 

However, when he played basketball with his dad, he ended up in the hospital.

“His lips were purple, his face was blue, and he was covered in sweat,” Mr. Wang recounts.  He continues, “A doctor said he’d been weak his whole life because he was born with a hole in his heart.  We had no idea.”

Mrs. Wang adds, “We were told without surgery, the hole would impact his physical development, his health, and personality.  The news crushed me.” 

Over time, Wenyang’s heart got worse.

“He laid in bed clutching his chest and gasping for air,” his mother recalls.  “If this continued, his body would give out and he’d die.”

“I told my mom I was fine because I didn’t want her to worry and cry,” Wenyang shares.  He then admits, “But really I was dizzy and nauseous.” 

Wenyang’s dad remembers “Once, Wenyang was coughing and had a dangerously high fever, so I carried him on my back to the hospital.”  

“The doctor said the hole in his heart was too big, and he could have a heart attack at any moment,” adds Mrs. Wang.  “He lay weak in my lap, his body was as dry as a branch, and his spirit was fading.” 

Wenyang needed heart surgery as soon as possible.  Yet the Wangs couldn’t afford it.  Then a doctor told them about Operation Blessing

“When we heard Operation Blessing would help us, suddenly the sky got bluer,” Mrs. Wang proclaims.  “Operation Blessing volunteers even prayed for us and told us they loved us because God loved us.”

Thanks to your help, a doctor repaired the hole in Wenyang’s heart. 

“Now he has a good appetite, and he’s growing fast,” his mom says.  “Every day, we go for a walk, and Wenyang is always the one who walks the fastest.”

His father adds, “He’s like a new person. When I look at his happy smile, I’m so relieved.”

“My classmates don't laugh at me anymore,” Wenyang declares.  “Finally, I feel like my name really fits me.  I’m confident and healthy and strong.”

“Without you, our son would’ve died.” Mrs. Wang says.  She concludes, “Your love is selfless, and it’s changed our whole family.”

 

Do you know that CBN partners can reach people around the world for Christ every day? We invite you to join us in ministry together as we provide financial support to those in need through our life-giving surgeries, food and clothing programs, humanitarian aid, and so much more! When you give today and become a CBN partner, you’ll help transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ! Join us now!

Nimitra, a Sunday school teacher in Thailand, wears a maroon shirt and smiles at the camera. The Superbook time tunnel is behind her, and the CBN Animation and Superbook logos are stacked to the right of her.
CBN Animation

Superbook Gives Sunday School Teachers Confidence

In the serene province of Mae Hong Son, Thailand, lives a dedicated Sunday school teacher named Nimitra. Her journey as an educator has been marked by challenges and triumphs, reflecting the profound impact of faith and divine guidance.

Nimitra’s path to becoming an effective Sunday school teacher was not without its hurdles. Initially, she felt ill-equipped and uncertain about how to engage her young students. Her early attempts at teaching left her feeling disheartened, as she struggled to make her lessons clear and impactful. 

During her search for suitable teaching materials, Nimitra was introduced to Superbook lessons by a children’s ministry supporter. This introduction marked a turning point in her teaching journey. Although she initially found the concept challenging to grasp, divine providence led her to a local CBN facilitator who conducted a training session on utilizing Superbook lessons. This training session was a revelation for Nimitra, filling the gaps in her understanding and equipping her with the tools she needed to succeed. “I express my deepest gratitude to God for the guidance He has bestowed upon me in my journey as a Sunday school teacher,” Nimitra shares. 

Empowered by this newfound knowledge, Nimitra embarked on her teaching journey with renewed confidence. She was given opportunities to lead classes independently, with the facilitator providing valuable guidance throughout the process. The transformation in her students’ engagement and comprehension was nothing short of remarkable. “They now eagerly participate in the lessons, captivated by the captivating videos and interactive activities,” Nimitra notes. “These resources have proven to be a valuable tool in fostering a fun and accessible learning environment, free from unnecessary complexities.”

Superbook brought hope and transformation into Nimitra’s life and the lives of her students. Through the captivating stories of the Bible brought to life, her students experienced Jesus's love in a profound way. The interactive activities and engaging videos made learning about the Word of God enjoyable and accessible, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.

Nimitra’s story is a testament to the global reach and impact of CBN Animation's Superbook. This ministry is transforming lives across different cultures and regions, bringing the stories of the Bible to children worldwide. “I am eternally grateful to God for His transformative power, which has instilled in me the courage and competence to teach effectively using Superbook lessons. My heartfelt gratitude extends to Him for His unwavering guidance and blessings,” Nimitra expresses.

As we reflect on Nimitra’s inspiring journey, we are reminded of the power of faith and the importance of supporting ministries like Superbook. By donating to CBN Animation’s Superbook ministry via the link below, sharing this story, or accessing Superbook resources for your own families you can help extend this impact to even more children and families around the world. Join us in this mission to bring the Word of God to life for the next generation.

Give to Superbook

CBN’s impact around the world

USA

Daily prayers for people across the country

In 2023, the CBN Prayer Center in the U.S. responded to 1.3 million prayer needs from viewers—recording over 6,500 professions of faith and fulfilling over 336,000 requests for ministry resources. Our ministry extends beyond phone calls, offering assistance in various languages and digital platforms.

Latin America

Highlighting testimonies of God’s faithfulness

Vida Dura or “Hard Life” stories are sourced throughout Latin America and produced in Spanish to reach a region with testimonies of people who hit rock bottom and turn to God for change. CBN has a prayer center in Latin America to support people through prayer and faith resources.

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Help in Times of Crisis

When tragedy struck Israel, CBN partners helped war victims by providing emergency shelter, food, supplies, and access to counseling. Our team members also visited bomb shelters to bring hope, encouragement, and much-needed supplies.

Ukraine

For 30 years, CBN has been serving the people of Ukraine

CBN’s Orphan’s Promise continues to minister to desperate men, women, and children in Ukraine by providing warm clothes, winter shoes, blankets, flashlights, and thermoses. We were even able to provide some with generators.

International

Reaching Kids for Christ

 CBN partners are reaching children around the world with the Gospel of Jesus through Superbook, a Bible-based animation series. Through the free Superbook Kids Bible app, kids can watch Superbook, hear the Gospel presentation, play games, and more. They can also read the Bible, many in their own languages. 

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