“…Lord, what is going on? What do you want us to do? And He said, ‘Pray with hope.’”

On June 5th, 2017, firefighter Rick Ralls was making his morning rounds at Station 5 in Anchorage, Alaska, when he heard loud banging and then a thud on the ground. Shane Wescott was the first paramedic to attend to Ben, who remained unresponsive. “I would compare his condition to injuries incompatible with life at that time. Uh, that's the best way I know how to put it,” says Wescott.

Ben was immediately medevacked to Providence Hospital, where his parents, Joan and Jeff Schultz awaited news on his status. They were shocked Ben was taken into surgery at once where they discovered he had suffered Diffuse Axonal Injury, or DAI, the tearing of his brain’s nerve fibers. This is the most severe type of brain injury --- he had only a 10% chance of surviving. Ben’s primary care physician, Dr. Kathy Hurlburt of over 15 years, came along his family and spoke with the medical team. Hurlburt says, “From what they could tell on his exam, it was highly unlikely that he would survive very long.”

Ben’s father Jeff had a difficult time taking the news ---- he says, “I actually, I broke down and screamed because I couldn't believe that this was happening to Ben --- I was preparing myself for him not living.” Joan Schultz, his mother had a prayerful approach from the beginning. “I'm thinking, Lord, what is going on? What do you want us to do? And He said, ‘Pray with hope.’" 

With Ben still in surgery, Ben’s parents called their church family and friends to get a prayer chain going. Jeff transparently shares, “There were times where I was angry at God; I got tired of prayer because it was just like, what are we doing this for? But quite honestly, what really bolstered my hopes, was other people saying, 'we're praying for you, we're here for you.' That was a game changer, that brought life to me.”

After several hours, Ben came out of surgery stable, but in a vegetative state. A month later, he was transported to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado, that has a team that specializes in traumatic brain injuries. For another three months, his family and friends stayed by his side, praying and hoping for a miracle. Ben lay in a coma, with no signs of recovering. Then, one day about three months after his accident, Ben unexpectedly awakens from his coma on his own, to his parents’ surprise. Although now awake, Ben’s future functionality was unknown. Ben would need several surgeries across his entire body and intensive rehab as he faced the reality of life in a wheelchair.

When he finally returned to Alaska and Station 5 after several months of intensive rehab, Ben miraculously walked in, unassisted. When asked about his recovery, his doctor says, “You just can't begin to comprehend what Ben has gone through when you see him today. A fully functional, normal, healthy, vibrant, bright young man.”

Ben, along with his family, continues to defy odds and recover more every day. Now married to Carly, he works in emergency management for the city of Anchorage. Jeff and Joan Schultz believe the power of God, working through a praying community, is the reason their son is the walking miracle he is today. “Keep hoping and keep praying. That’s our motto now. We prayed, others prayed, and we saw what God did,” says Joan.

When reflecting on his long journey of recovery, Ben had this to say: “I have gained a lot more insight into the, the strength and magnanimous power of our Heavenly Father. Even when all hope was lost and how lifeless I was at that time, God picked me up. Nothing is out of reach of His arm.”

Ben’s remarkable story has been covered by several news and media agencies in the Alaska area and is known for the unique and miraculous nature in its defiance of its medical prognosis. Ben’s parents, Jeff and Joan Schultz’s book, which includes their children’s life changing events and their own brushes with death, can be found at www.shattereddreamsbook.com.
 

Sergeant Jordan is proud to serve as part of the support system for new Marine Corps recruits arriving at Camp Pendleton. At home, her top priority is her daughters. She always puts their needs in front of her own. Because that’s how she was raised. 

Jordan says, “My parents put my brother and my sister as well as myself first before them. My dad worked. My mom worked endless hours.”

Jordan has more financial challenges than her parents did because she is a single mom. So, a huge chunk of her paycheck goes to childcare. She learned that she’d get some financial relief as soon as a slot opened in the daycare center on base where the cost was significantly less than childcare in town. While waiting for an opening, her car broke down. Jordan simply couldn’t afford to fix it.
         
Jordan explains, “It's a huge headache because I get scared. It's kind of just waiting on that moment whenever I catch a break in my financial stuff that I can actually afford to get my car fully repaired.”

Financial relief for Jordan came when Helping the Home Front joined forces with a faith-based military support program called Soul Survivor Outdoor. Director Rick Wolf delivered some good news.
         
Rick says, “Through that partnership with CBN, your chaplain, and Soul Survivor Outdoor, we want to pay for the repairs on your car.”
    
Jordan replies, “Do you really? Thank you. Thank you.”

Rick continues, “It doesn't stop there.”

Jordan asks, “What do you mean? There's more?”

Rick says, “We are going to pay for 4 months of childcare so you can get yourself back on your feet.”

Jordan replies, “Thank you. You didn’t have to.”

Rick says, “You are taking care of us. We know the things that are going on in our world today. You are a sergeant in the marines. It takes a lot to do that. It’s a huge sacrifice for every one of us.”

Jordan replies, “I'm happy, and I’m excited because the car is going to be fixed! My kids are going to be safe driving from the house to daycare. It’s just, it's overwhelming. I thank you!”

Helping the Home Front paid to repair Jordan’s car and 4 months of childcare until she was able to get both girls into the daycare center on base. Jordan can now focus on her duties in the Marine Corps with a lot less stress.

Jordan concludes, “I really appreciate CBN and everything that they're doing because I know it's not just me that y'all are helping. I know there are other members out there that need this, and I appreciate it. I can say thanks to them as well. “

FINDING JESUS

Finding Jesus is an interactive hide-and-seek game that helps your children focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Your child can find God’s Word daily inside the pocket of a 12” plush, huggable Finding Jesus doll. There are short scriptures and illustrations, printed on 24 double-sided puzzle pieces, which come together to make a beautiful picture. Unlike most puzzles, however, the finished product is only revealed one day at a time. The scripture book correlates to each puzzle piece and walks through the birth of Jesus. The activity is designed to intrigue curiosity leading up to Christmas instilling the habit to Seek Him First. “I wanted to create something that would help families focus on the true meaning of Christmas,” says Lillian. “Finding Jesus is more than just a puzzle; it’s a way to engage children in the story of Christ’s birth and encourage them to seek Him daily.”

THE STORY 
            

The idea for Finding Jesus was conceived in December 2023 during a Bible Study Lillian was attending. The group discussed how Christmas can feel secular making it hard to keep the reason for the season in focus. Lillian says, her friend shared how her toddler kept taking the porcelain baby Jesus from their nativity scene, carrying it around their home, inevitably, leaving it here and there, which had Lillian’s friend constantly asking her toddler, where’s Jesus? Since that day, the Lord continued to impress on Lillian’s heart the idea of Finding Jesus, which would keep Christ’s birth at the center of the Christmas holidays. In mid-February 2024, Lillian began to act on the Lord’s prompting. 
            

Lillian recalls, “I felt strongly that God’s Word was the foundation of the product and no commentary from me or anyone else was to be incorporated. To make the words come to life, I wanted visuals that were attractive for adults yet playful for children.” She needed an artist but did not know one, so she prayed. Two days later God answered her prayer. She was introduced to the sister of a friend, Lauren Cox, who happened to be an artist. “She captured the spirit of this project with precious and playful illustrations for each day of scripture and a beautiful whimsical piece of art for the completed puzzle, shares Lillian.

The completed puzzle for Finding Jesus is not on display anywhere to show where the next puzzle piece goes and how the finished artwork will look. Lillian reveals, “The reality is that this parallels life walking with Jesus. It is an adventure, and we just don’t know the masterpiece planned, but we can trust that His plans for us exceed any of our own.” To order Finding Jesus you can visit https://seekhimfirst.com.

Lillian became a Christian in the 3rd grade. Ever since making Christ her Savior she has loved telling others about Him whether she is in the grocery store or on an airplane. As the founder of Finding Jesus, she gets to share the reason for the season with children. She says, “Finding Jesus has been an experience that I cherish. Each day I seek Him first and He gives me just what I need for that day. He doesn’t overwhelm me with everything I need to do or know… just what I need to do or know for that day.  

MANUFACTURING FINDING JESUS

Lillian wanted Finding Jesus to be made in the USA however securing a manufacturer in the states became unattainable. Then she talked with the Lord about going to China and she felt the green light to go. Every door seemed to open and she has been happy with the two manufacturers she chose. While talking with a friend, Lillian also learned that Christian missionaries are prohibited in China. When she received pictures from her manufacturer of all the workers sewing the nail marks into the hands and feet of the Jesus doll, she felt overwhelmed. God had bigger plans.

LILLIAN’S INFO.

She graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and worked at the Texas Rangers Baseball Club selling sponsorships until she and Adam had their first child.  She says, “I had the blessing of selling the naming rights for the Texas Rangers Ballpark, changing it to Ameriquest Field through a cold call at the age of 26.  The money that I have used for Finding Jesus has come from what I made during my time at the Rangers.” While attending SMU, she was on the Pom Squad each year. She has continued her passion for dance through teaching an adult dance fitness class, Dallas Dance Fitness. Over the years, she has also participated in numerous activities for her kids, whether it’s fundraising, children’s Bible studies, VBS, and chairing school events.  

THE GREATEST GIFT (A Poem By Lillian Richey)

The greatest gift
Is not tied up with a bow
It is a relationship with God
And here’s what you should know
 
It cannot be earned
By things that you do
It is freely given
Because God loves you
 
But the cost of this gift
Is very high
God’s own son
Had to die
 
Why did this happen?
It is hard to understand
So let’s start from the beginning
When God made man
 
God made the world
And everything in it
He said it was good
There was only one limit
 
He said not to eat
From one certain tree
The rest He gave
Completely free
 
But a crafty snake
With a purpose to deceive
Questioned God’s goodness
To Adam & Eve
 
And the forbidden fruit
Was a pleasing sight
So Adam and Eve
Took a bite
 
The moment they chose
To disobey
They felt great shame
And ran away
 
Sin means doing
What you should not do
You may think it’s fun
But that’s not true
 
It leaves you feeling
Bad inside
And makes you want
To run and hide
 
And since God is perfect
And can not sin
It separates
Us from Him
 
God knew no human
Could ever be
Completely perfect
And live free
 
So because God loves us
He had a plan
To bring together
God and man
 
He would send
His blameless, perfect Son
God as man
The Holy one
 
Jesus walked this earth
Like you and me
But instead
He did it perfectly
 
Healed the sick
Raised the dead
Walked on water
Five thousand fed
 
The things He did
Were all God’s will
His final act
The most costly bill
 
He paid the price
And took our place
For the debt of sin
What amazing grace
 
How awful
It must have been that day
When sin was on
Full display
 
They made fun of Him
With the things they said
A crown of thorns
Put on his head
 
His hands and feet nailed
To the cross
He bled and died
His life he lost
 
And none of this
Did he deserve
It was our punishment
That he served
 
For three days
He was in the grave
But came back to life
For us He saved
 
From that moment on
Nothing was the same
Mankind was forgiven
In Jesus’ name
 
Death was conquered
Jesus, now the door
To live with God
Forevermore
 
The price was paid
For sin’s deadly rift
Between man and God
Our greatest gift
 
Yet still God gives us
The freedom of choice
To receive this gift
With our heart and voice
 
Declare Jesus as
Your Lord and King
Your Savior, God,
Your everything
 
Invite Jesus into
Your heart to live
There is nothing else
For you to give
 
It’s not by works
Or what you say
God’s love is free
Just believe and pray
 
Lord, forgive me
For some things I do
I want to be
More like you
 
Come into my heart
And lead the way
For everything I do
And say
 
You are my Savior
Lord and King
Your praises
I forever sing
 
Jesus, you’re
The only one
To conquer sin and death
The work is done
 
Thank you God
That you would send
Both a Savior
And a friend
 
Who loves me
At my best and worst
I want to always
Seek Him First
 
The greatest gift
Will forever be
Jesus Christ
Who died for me
 

If you want your very own Finding Jesus Advent Puzzle click the LINK!

10-year-old Pharvin spent a lot of time playing on her own because she couldn’t seem to get along with others, including her parents. “I did not think my parents loved me,” she told CBN. “They bought gifts for my brothers but not for me.” 

Pharvin said after her dad went to work, many days her mom, Sophea, left to play cards and drink wine with friends. “I was afraid of being isolated so I kept going,” said Sophea. “Also, whenever I felt stressed and alone I went to drink and play." 

One day a teacher from an after-school program supported by CBN’s Orphan’s Promise invited Pharvin to attend. “They taught me to dance and sing,” she recalled. “I felt really happy there. Then they taught me about God’s love. Then we watched Superbook.” 

At the end of one Superbook episode, the teacher asked the children if they wanted to pray to become Christians. Pharvin said yes. “Superbook taught me that I am a sinner, but that God loves me! I asked Him to forgive my sins. And I also ask Him to help my mom to stop drinking and playing cards.”  

Pharvin prayed for her family every day. She talked to her Buddhist parents about Superbook and the Bible. Then she invited them to church. “Pharvin invited me to church, and I always said ‘no,’" recalled Sophea. “She kept asking so I started to go. I watched many Superbook episodes, and I learned that God loves me and forgives my sins. Then I decided to believe in Jesus!”   

“Since my wife believed in Jesus, she has changed!” added Pharvin’s dad. “She no longer drinks or plays cards. Now our whole family are Christians.”

“Because of the Superbook, my parents and brothers all know Jesus, just like I do!” declared Pharvin. “Thank you for giving us Superbook!”   
 

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