Behind the Scenes with Better Life
September 2021

“HEAVEN BOUND”
by Charlie Oliver,
Executive Director of Better Life

Something was different when I woke up that morning. What was it? I shook the cobwebs of a good night’s sleep from my foggy morning brain and looked around for a moment before it hit me: rays of sunshine were streaming in through our bedroom window! You see, this was special because for weeks the sun had been obscured by the smoke from the many fires burning in our region. A familiar and favorite tune popped into my head as I jumped out of bed, and I joyfully sang out the words “I’ve got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun!” as I prepared for the day.

Yes, it was a wonderful beginning to a beautiful day, but even at its best this world provides but a glimmer of what we will enjoy when our Savior returns in the clouds of His glory! Oh ... what a day that will be! Thank you, Lord Jesus, that Your sunshine pierces the darkness of this world. Thank you that, through You and in You, each of us has the remarkable privilege to be an ambassador of Your kingdom, sharing hope with the hopeless, and pointing people toward You and the forever home You have prepared for those who choose You!

Friends, begin each and every day with a song in your heart, and through His Spirit be ready to invite those you meet toward a relationship with Jesus. As Paul writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope!” - CO

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING SINCE 2017

We received a wonderful email from a YouTube viewer in South Africa which said, “I have been watching and following all your programs that l could find since 2017 on YouTube. I am from…South Africa. I must say l have been spiritually touched and have felt the urge to write to you as well. All along l have been resisting the urge but it has grown and grown in my heart. Last night l woke up at 3:30 am and watched one video and after that l prayed about it and l have now decided  to inform you of these things that are happening [in] my spirit and life.”

The viewer went on to describe how he decided to write down all the miracle moments in his life that he could remember, from when he was young up until now, and he also mentioned that he is now 47 years old. As he reviewed his life he was able to recall 25 times the Lord had specially helped him. We should note that in our programs we have encouraged viewers to write down what the Lord has done for them to help build their faith and it seems that he took that advice to heart!

He also mentioned that he would like to work with our ministry in some way. Isn’t that great?!

A YouTube viewer from Brazil emailed us saying, “I found Stories of Faith on YouTube exactly a month ago. I’ve been watching all the programs since number one. I just finished number 58. I’ve been hitting all the thumbs up buttons.  I’d like you to know that your program brings peace to my soul and all the stories are so uplifting. Thank you! To God be the glory!”

It’s so good to hear how Better Life is impacting souls all around the world. God is truly blessing the humble efforts of this simple ministry in Oregon!

Closer to home we were contacted by a lady in Medford, Oregon, who told us that she had lost all her possession in the big fire of 2020. She said she was in the hospital at the time and sadly lost her two cats in the disaster. She called us because she said she wanted to rebuild her library of Christian books and wondered if we could send her a copy of the book, the Great Controversy and of course we were happy to do so. 

While visiting Medford, Oregon, one day one of our staff members received a work voicemail forwarded to his cell phone from a Better Life viewer who said “I’m downhearted and God has asked me to call you at this time.” In her message she also mentioned the name of the facility where she lived. Our staff member looked up the address and saw he happened to be very close by. He decided that this might be a divine appointment and so he went over to see if she would accept a surprise visitor. As it turned out she was very happy to have him stop by and said, “God told me something special was going to happen today!” She also told him that she had been watching Better Life for years and she thought it was time she joined the Adventist church! Praise the Lord!

A war veteran called the other day saying he had been watching Better Life and had decided that he wanted to be baptized by immersion. We were able to pass his information on to a local pastor!

All these wonderful connections have been possible thanks to your prayers and financial support. Thank you so much for supporting this end-time evangelistic ministry!

Thank you for supporting the outreach ministry of Better Life.

NEWS NOTES

3ABN HOMECOMING
Better Life will be carrying 3ABN’s Home Coming Weekend from September 23rd through the 25th. 

This year’s virtual homecoming Camp Meeting theme is “Something Better,” featuring sermons by James Rafferty and a host of 3ABN speakers. 

You’re sure to enjoy this end of summer treat. For schedule details visit our website at BLBN.org. 

RELIVING MARK
This month Better Life begins airing a new series entitled, “Reliving Mark” presented by Carl Cosaert, Professor of Biblical Studies at Walla Walla University.

This program is a documentary, recorded in Israel, that looks at the life of Jesus from the earliest written account found in the Gospel of Mark. 

There will be a new episode each week on Sunday at 7:30 am, Monday at 10:00 pm, Wednesday at 11:30am and Saturday at 3:30 pm. 

YOUTUBE CHANNEL CONTINUES TO GROW
Better Life’s YouTube channel continues to grow with more and more original programming. Have you checked it out lately? You’ll find playlists for Better Life Today, Catching the Light, Stories of Faith and more.

Just go to our channel by going to YouTube.com/BetterLifeNetwork to see all of our on demand programs. It’s easy to share links with friends and family!

Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Your credit card or bank card can be used to make an automatic donation each month. You don’t even have to write a check! Thank you for your prayers and support. It’s never been easier to become a regular contributor to God’s work. Click HERE to go to our donation page.

Call (541) 474-3089

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

PRAISE GOD
By Jeanette Stark
I love to sing at church, but my favorite place to sing praises is in my car, by myself. I can just pour out my heart to God in song and prayer and not worry about what others might think. 

Sometimes I get so emotional, I cannot form the words.

Hebrews 13:15 says “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

There are also times when I have no song or prayer because my heart is too heavy. It is during those times that the Holy Spirit intercedes on my behalf. Romans 8:26 states, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

Friend, whatever your circumstances, praise God. Thank Him for what He has done in your life. Thank Him for what He is doing in your life. Thank Him for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Rest in the assurance that you are loved! 

Editors Note: You can read more of Jeanette’s devotional thoughts online at Facebook.com/BetterLifeNetwork