Item:Affiliation: Christian Emergency Network (CEN)
Notes: Christian Emergency Network (CEN) was formed after Sept 11, 2001, originally by several Mission America Coalition members, to respond more intentionally and collaboratively to national emergencies by rallying Christians to BE AWARE of our uncertain times; to Be Ready physically, emotionally and spiritually; and to BE THERE responding as courageous mature disciples by praying, caring and sharing Christ effectively.
CEN began with 10 national ministry partners who were moved to unite together to reach our world for Christ when emergencies occur, which are historically pivotal times for those without a personal relationship with Christ. Ninety percent of people who face a crisis will ask the question "Where is God in this?" and they either will be turned toward Him or reject Him completely - most often for a lifetime. CEN was originally called Operation Eternal Hope and was changed to become Christian Emergency Network when it recognized that all emergencies were opportunities for Christians living out the Hope of Christ.
Because they were impressed that events like 9/11 or other natural emergencies may continue, that our nation had become sorely under-prepared after WWII, and that the Greater Church was likewise not ready physically, emotionally and spiritually (especially in the benchmark of maturity to stand as faith-sharing disciples), these Christian leaders believed that their first role of leadership was to alert Christians to BE AWARE of the times, Be Ready and then rally all Christians to BE THERE praying for the victims, caring for them in sensitive ways, and then sharing the Hope found only in Christ.
They committed to meet every month for four years to develop the CEN ministry and bring their unique expertise and contacts to the network. Whether it was the outstanding media ministries of Christian Broadcasting Network, CDR Radio Network , Family Life Radio Network and the many reporters nationwide, the city leaders from Mission America , the National Prayer Committee or the usual "first responder" type ministries like The Salvation Army and Gospel Rescue Mission or the share responders like the BGEA Rapid Response Team , Luis Palau , Zondervan , and NeedHim.org - all ten ministries gave guidance to the founding and implementation of the Christian Emergency Network.
Their prayer for CEN is that it will help to inspire Christians to first unite and then share their faith effectively in any emergency as well as everyday life. Praying without good works is dead; caring without Christ is an opportunity missed for all eternity.
CEN Partners believe that if a Christian is ready for any emergency to pray, care and share Christ and not merely only take care of themselves, they will Be Ready for ANY opportunity.
Categories Where This Item Is Listed:
