A Midnight TV Show Changed Their Lives Forever

Retired educators Rich and Cathy Janiak have weathered plenty of highs and lows throughout their 52 years of marriage. Through every season, one thing has remained steady: their desire to help others.

“We don’t just give—we are givers,” Cathy said. “If we hear of something and we both know in our spirits that we’re supposed to give, we give.”

For Rich, generosity and sharing faith naturally go hand in hand.

“I think it’s in every Christian’s heart to reach the world,” he said. “You get born again, and immediately you want to tell people about Jesus.”

That heart for ministry took on a new direction in 1981 after the birth of their son, Paul. During one sleepless night caring for their newborn, the couple turned on the television and discovered The 700 Club.

“We just started watching The 700 Club in the middle of the night,” Cathy remembered. “Eventually it became a part of our life.”

Week after week, Rich and Cathy were inspired by stories of transformed lives and by the ministry’s efforts to help people facing hardship around the world. One outreach in particular deeply resonated with them: Operation Blessing.

“When we were watching The 700 Club and saw the things they were doing with Operation Blessing, we really wanted to be a part of that,” Cathy said.

In 1983, the couple officially became CBN partners—a commitment they’ve faithfully continued for more than 43 years.

Rich says one of the things that impressed him most was how quickly CBN responded during crises around the world.

“Wherever there’s a natural disaster or famine, CBN is always one of the first organizations on the ground,” he said. “They address people’s physical needs with food and supplies, but they also give spiritual support. How important is that?”

The Janiaks wanted to do even more than monthly giving. Over time, they created an emergency fund specifically designated for disaster relief so they could respond immediately whenever urgent needs arose.

“That way we always know that if something happens, we can immediately give,” Cathy explained.

Now retired, Rich and Cathy say partnering with CBN has allowed them to be part of something far greater than themselves. Even though they may never travel overseas or personally preach to crowds, they believe their giving plays a role in changing lives around the world.

“For most people, we can’t go to another country and preach the Gospel,” Rich said. “But we can support people who do.”

After decades of giving, the couple says generosity has brought joy and purpose into their own lives as much as it has blessed others.

“It’s a wonderful organization,” Cathy said. “They’re doing things all over the world, and I always want to be a part of that.”

Rich encourages others not to underestimate what God can do through simple acts of faith and generosity.

“Start by faith and give,” he said. “And you’ll see what God can do in your life.”

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and we invite you to join in blessing others with your giving to CBN! Your faithful giving brings hope to the hopeless and the truth of God’s Word to millions of homes through The 700 Club! Help bring the love of Christ to the world when you become a CBN partner today!