Christian radio in Zimbabwe: Many people have tried and failed to get a Christian radio station on the air in Zimbabwe. Now a partner Christian NGO is wanting to launch a children’s education station that would also be allowed to carry Christian content. Pray for this initiative, that the application will be successful, and open the door for more Christian stations in the future.
Radio programmes in India: Our radio production teams in India have come under enormous pressure due to the impact of the coronavirus, but they are still managing to produce programmes in the midst of severe lockdowns and the effect of Covid on family and friends. Pray for them as they continue to serve Jesus under such tough circumstances and pray for the impact of their Gospel programmes which reach the continent via shortwave radio from Australia in 16 languages.
Trafficked girls: Refugees who find their way to Malaysia have a tough life. Many young girls are trafficked into the country as child brides and find themselves pregnant at an early age. A perinatal programme to help them has been running there for a number of years and many healthy babies have been born. Pray for these girls as they meet regularly with our workers, that God would soften their hearts and call them to Himself. Pray the team will have wisdom, courage, language ability and opportunities to go deeper with them.
Radio outreach in Myanmar: Reach Beyond broadcast gospel programmes into Myanmar using shortwave radio from Australia. Let us pray that the peace of the Lord inundates the hearts of believers as they navigate the uncertainties. Let us pray for boldness as they keep professing their faith in the Lord. Even though the military has not shown any signs of religious persecution up to this point, we know that they favour Buddhists. Christians there are praying that pressure from the international community will cause the civilian government to regain power and that might bring better days. One thing we do know: with all domestic broadcast and telecommunications being under severe restrictions, shortwave radio will be more crucial than ever in the country right now.
Radio outreach in Senegal: Just a few years back the first Christian radio station was planted in Senegal with the help of Reach Beyond and their audience has been steadily building ever since. We are now preparing to send 300 solar powered radios and audio Bibles to this station as they have a new strategy to use these radios to help with Discovery Bible Study and Discipleship groups. The radios are pre-tuned to the Christian station and will be in great demand. Please pray for many to hear about Jesus for the first time through these radios, and for the station to be encouraged as they see their ministry expand and bless new believers.
Radio outreach in Malawi: Our partner radio ministry in Malawi is serving the Yao people of that region, and following recent government research, it was discovered that the station had more listeners than the other two stations in their district combined. They now have all the permissions necessary to proceed with setting up a new broadcasting site that will double the number of people that their signal reaches. Pray as we begin to get the equipment ready for installation. One of the listener groups would like to start a Bible study in their village so pray for great impact from this group, and that many more will hear the gospel as the station is heard over a much bigger area.
Answered prayers in Ecuador: Five-year-old Joel is a faithful listener to Radio HCJB in Quito. He longed to eat oatmeal, a food that was talked about on the radio. His parents could not buy it because they did not have money for the extra expense, but his father told him that if he really wanted to eat that type of cereal, he should ask God. One day, an HCJB radio producer arrived with food from her church for people who barely have enough to eat due to the impact of Covid-19. Joel's family received a food kit containing four packets of oatmeal. When Joel opened the box, with amazement and joy he told his father: "I asked God for one packet, but He gave me four!" So many Ecuadorians are struggling through this pandemic, having lost loved ones and livelihoods. Pray that the hope they experience through Radio HCJB will draw them closer to Christ.
Christian radio in Myanmar: Christian radio programmes in the Matu language are proving very popular in Myanmar. For many people, this programme has been their main source of connection with the word of God. One listener living in Mizoram explained how he and his wife were so excited about hearing the word of God in their own Matu dialect, that they would eat dinner early on the days of the programme not to be distracted with anything else when it started. Pray for the ongoing distribution of radios by local pastors and for many to hear about Jesus for the first time through this programme.
Refugees in Southeast Asia: Many Rohingya refugees have sought refuge in Southeast Asian countries, particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The majority struggle to find jobs and are constantly harassed by the police who treat them as illegal immigrants. Young Rohingya women who are expectant mothers are only allowed to leave their homes with their husbands. They rarely get the opportunity to make new friends or build support networks. Pray for Christian workers who are serving these women with perinatal classes and English lessons, that they will be the voice and hands of Jesus and have opportunities to share Christ’s love with them.
Christian doctors in Central Asia: A team of Christian doctors work in an undisclosed country in Central Asia. One doctor shared, “This month one of our local medical trainees confessed that she was in a deep depression because of a miscarriage that she had experienced earlier in the year. She was considering ending her life. We arranged for her to receive counselling from our clinic psychologist. I often remind the doctors I teach that depression can be a fatal disease. It kills people by taking away their desire to live.” As mental health problems increase in this country due to the pandemic, pray that this team can continue to bring hope and point people to a Saviour.
Broadcasting the good news: A team of 12 Christian media producers in Croatia is now broadcasting the good news of Jesus on radio and TV for around 4 hours a day, every day. Their programmes reach the entire Croatian population of 4.5 million people, as well as the Croatian diaspora in the EU by broadcasting terrestrially and via Satellite TV. Pray that many viewers and listeners will be challenged to begin a journey with Christ, and that the Lord will provide much-needed resources for them to expand this ministry into Bosnia, Serbia and Slovenia.
Christian programmes on radio: 15 secular radio stations in a troubled country in the West African Sahel region are now broadcasting regular Christian programmes, and there has been a very positive response from local communities. One pastor involved in hosting the radio broadcasts wrote, “Several villages in our area are almost under Islamist control and it is impossible for us to get there or even think about preaching the gospel there. These radio broadcasts allow us to reach populations and expose them to the word of God." Pray for impact as people hear about Jesus on the radio today.
A Christian clinic in Central Asia: A second wave of Covid-19 is sweeping one Central Asian country. There are currently no hospital beds available anywhere in the city, and very few ventilators. One Christian clinic is trying to make a difference in whatever ways they can, although some of their trainee doctors have been drafted in to work in the struggling hospitals. Pray that the light of Christ will be seen through their compassionate service and that this spike in cases will decrease.
Radio listeners and prayer requests: Ecuador has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Radio HCJB in the capital Quito, has been creating short-format programmes to help heal the trauma that people are experiencing with the crisis. On their last day of prayer, they received 483 requests for physical health, work, family relationships, but also for emotional health. People are afraid, depressed, anguished, but at the same time they are more open to hear the truth of the God’s Word. Pray for the team of intercessors who continually pray for listeners or followers from social media who request prayer.
A radio station bringing people to Christ: One Christian radio station in Guinea is experiencing an increase in the number of people visiting their station. A staff member wrote: “Today 21 people came and 21 prayed to receive Jesus! One older lady came to give a testimony. Thérèse had prayed for her at her house on Sunday. The lady has a heart problem, can barely walk and has been to other countries to see many doctors but to no avail. She felt something changed after the prayer and came today to show us she had been healed! She climbed the 4 flights of stairs to the radio station with no problem. Amazing! She prayed to receive Christ.” Pray for their broadcasts today and for listeners to respond.
Ecuador's economy: Ecuador is known as the ‘ground zero’ of the coronavirus for South America. The fall in the price of oil, the restrictions on banana exports and the closure of Ecuador to foreign tourism have radically affected the economy. We are working with local churches and organisations to provide basic food and supplies to those most affected and helping our media partners to offer health advice and counselling on the radio and social media. With people nervous to connect with medical services for vaccinations, there is also a rise in other diseases such as dengue fever and measles. Pray for the Church in Ecuador to respond with compassion by reaching out in the name of Jesus in practical ways.
Whatsapp in India: An exciting new pilot project using WhatsApp has been launched in India. Short encouraging audio messages that address the Covid-19 situation were initially sent out to three groups, each made up of 260 recipients. The audio was produced in five languages: English, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi and Hindi. Within just two weeks these messages of hope were being listened to by thousands of people, far exceeding the earlier estimates. Pray that this innovative project may expand and that the gospel will be taken to unreached places.
Positive response to media broadcasts: Our media partners are seeing a massive response to their media broadcasts during this crisis. During the lockdown people are searching for answers about God, about their own mortality, about hope and the future, and they are consuming more TV, radio and social media than ever. In February and March, gospel videos from our partner in the Middle East were viewed almost 900,000 times compared with 96,000 for the same period last year. They are also discipling twice as many Muslim background believers than they did during the Spring of 2019. Pray for wise follow-up and lasting transformation.
Radio outreach: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, many African governments have now closed down public gatherings, including churches. Many Christian radio stations are providing free airtime to pastors; radio dramas are being produced for oral cultures on the topic of the prevention of the coronavirus; some are setting up helplines for their communities to help the most vulnerable. One partner station has opened up airtime to the Muslim community to give advice to their followers, not allowing them to preach Islam but as a way of showing love to the whole community. Pray that many people will witness these as salt and light and begin a journey with Christ.
Radio wisdom: There are still some 600,000 Rohingya living in Myanmar who need our prayers. A new radio programme made for them was broadcast recently, called ‘Navigating Wisely Through Life’s Challenges’; a result of consultations with Rohingya families on health, welfare, and peace and reconciliation. These will be also loaded onto 3,000 memory cards to be given to mobile phone users. Pray for impact among this unreached group.
Christian radio brings hope of the Gospel: In Gabu, a Christian radio station is spreading the good news of the gospel. Evangelica FM broadcasts in Portuguese to the surrounding area and has the support of many churches and congregations. After a recent gathering of pastors, they recommitted themselves to support the station and to give a unified voice for the Christian church in that region. One pastor wrote, “All of us have been awakened to a reality: making the light of Christ shine in the community!” Pray for the staff as they make programmes that bring hope into that community.
Bible translated in authentic Adyghe language: The Adyghe are an unreached people group in Turkey. They once lived in the North Caucasus region of Southern Russia for more than a thousand years until they were conquered by ethnic Russians. They then fled (or were deported) to Turkey and the Middle East. From the 10th to the 17th Centuries, most Adyghe were nominal Christians, although many now claim to be Sunni Muslim. Pray that the Bible translated in authentic Adyghe will connect with their ancient oral traditions. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Adyghe people.
Electrician accepts Jesus through Christian radio: An electrician was installing electrical wiring in a house in Quito, Ecuador. The project was going to take three days. When he arrived at the house, the home owner was listening to a Christian radio station called HCJB. The electrician had no interest in religion and asked her to turn it off. She told him that it was her house and it would stay on! After three days of listening he had accepted Jesus as his Saviour, and 20 years later he is a deacon in the church and still listening to HCJB! Pray for the ministry of HCJB Radio in Ecuador, especially their FM station aimed at young people.
Practical help for female refugees: The Moria refugee camp in Lesbos is overcrowded and the atmosphere in the camp is highly charged. Moria is a particularly dangerous place for women and safety is a big issue. Pray for the Christian organisations working to bring a sense of hope to the camps and the practical out workings of this. One of these is the Shewee - a portable urination device for women and girls which means they don’t have to leave their tents or containers after dark to visit the toilet. Thousands of women have now received these devices and it has made a big difference. Pray that such compassionate projects will reveal Jesus to the struggling refugees.
Christian radio station provides practical help: In September 2018, a devastating earthquake and tsunami shook the coast of Palu in Central Sulawesi, resulting in over 4,000 deaths. Thousands lost their homes. Since then the rebuilding has been taking place and one Christian radio station in Palu has been reaching out to the local community, providing food packs and installing ten new clean water wells. The station has also been distributing solar-powered radios to provide information, comfort, healing and hope through its broadcasts. Pray that this witness will impact many as the community rebuilds.
Christian Radio in North Korea: There are strict limitations on ministry in this country but foreign NGOs, both Korean and Western, are active through aid and development projects. The very presence of believers can make a difference in many lives through this ‘ground force’. But there is also an ‘air force’. Radio is able to reach into North Korea, and despite many radios being pre-tuned to government stations, greater numbers of tuneable radios from China are making their way into the country. Pray for the impact of Reach Beyond gospel broadcasts that are transmitted via shortwave radio from Australia, and more opportunities for local people to tune in.
Online chats bring Jesus to students learning English: Many young people around the world are learning English to help them progress their careers and increase their ability to connect in this global culture. One way that UK believers can help is to offer an hour each week to chat online with a small group of international young people to help them improve their English conversation skills. As relationships are built, questions are asked about faith, and many people from countries antagonistic to the gospel hear about Jesus for the first time. Pray for these English Conversation Club leaders, that they will build bridges for the gospel as they build friendships through English practise.
Shortwave radio reaching rural communities: Shortwave radio programmes have been broadcast into Central India for many years in local languages, along with the distribution of radios and solar powered lights into remote villages. As a result, one whole tribe that lives 80 miles from the nearest town, came to know Christ, including the tribal leader. As an act of thanksgiving, the leader set aside a parcel of land to build a community church. The desire is to make this a flourishing community space providing healthcare for the people who live there. Pray for the Stream of Life Community Church as they become a beacon of light to the surrounding region, and for the gospel to spread further into remote parts of the country.
Christian radio programmes in remote communities: One radio listener in Myanmar wrote, “I am now in a very remote area. In my village, we do not have a pastor, evangelist or any Christian worker. One day, when I tuned the radio, I heard a radio programme broadcast in my native language and was so excited to be listening to the programme. From that time onward, thankfully I am very blessed by the Word of God. This is the only programme I am now relying on for my spiritual and physical growth. Not only me, I invite villagers to come to my house and listen to the radio programme. Thank God for this opportunity.” Pray for the impact of Christian radio programmes in remote communities throughout Myanmar. Pray that God would transform lives.
Translating the Bible into Cuban Sign Language: There are over 400 different sign languages worldwide. In many parts of the world, the hearing-impaired have little access to education and therefore struggle to read the Bible. What is more, most of these sign languages do not yet have a translation of the Bible in video format. We are currently partnering with hearing-impaired pastors and congregations in Cuba to translate the Bible into Cuban Sign Language. Earlier this year, the recording of the Gospel of John was completed. Pray for the dedicated team as they continue to make the Word of God accessible to all people.
Women at risk in "the worst refugee camp in the world" : Moria refugee camp in Lesbos, has been described as “the worst refugee camp in the world”. People are living in very difficult crowded conditions and the atmosphere in the camp is highly charged. Living conditions are basic and frustrations bubble over quickly. Moria is a particularly dangerous place for women. There is a closed section for women who are alone, but after 11pm the door is open, and anyone can come in because there is no security guard at night. Safety is a big issue. Pray for a solution to this massive problem and for the Christians working with refugees on Lesbos, that their compassion will bring hope. Pray that they would share God’s love with gentleness and respect.
Rohingya refugees: Elections took place in December in Bangladesh and this caused some unrest, as well as disruption to the number of foreign aid workers who were trying to get into the country to serve the needs of the Rohingya community. Pray for open borders so that medical teams can get back into the refugee camps to help this displaced community. A medical clinic in one of the camps uses teams of Christian doctors, nurses and midwives to serve alongside Bangladeshi medical personnel to minister to the many needs of the Rohingya people. We now have reports of Rohingya individuals coming to know Christ. Pray for God to show mercy on the people suffering in the camps and for a political way forward to help them return to Myanmar in peace one day.
Clean water prevents diseases: According to the United Nations, poor sanitation kills 1.5 million children a year. Drinking contaminated water can lead to diarrhoea, the world’s second leading killer of children. A clean water system installed in the Ecuadorian village of Iwia was inaugurated last year with the involvement of the whole community. This included labour, training and maintenance, as well as education for families on essential health and sanitation practices. Throughout this process the love of God has been shared with the Achuar people of Iwia in many different ways and individuals have been impacted both physically and spiritually. Pray that they will continue to be challenged about their need for the Water of Life.
Forgiven not condemned: A young married woman recently revealed to our Arabic partner that she had betrayed her husband and wanted to repent. Jesus didn’t condemn the woman caught in adultery, but rescued and saved her. After praying, she gave her life to Christ. Pray for her and others like her.
Christian radio station assists after earthquake: Following the 7.5 magnitude quake that struck just off the central island of Sulawesi in September, a local Christian radio station in Palu has been providing essential on-air information to the community and emergency relief supplies to those affected. Initially the station was full of mud and water, but thankfully the radio tower was still standing. Pray for this devastated community as they rebuild their lives and their homes, and that Christ’s love and compassion will be seen through this local ministry.
Mobile medical clinics provide counselling: Mobile medical clinics were recently carried out in two villages within an unreached area of Central Asia. Over 450 people were seen in the four days the clinic ran and individuals were able to share their health and life concerns. Many who came to see the psychologist had problems which caused ill health and depression. The team remarked how many of these individuals had sad eyes. But, once they had the opportunity to share their stories away from others in the community, they could see ways to solve their problems. At the clinic, miracles were happening: sad eyes became bright! Counselling gave them hope for the future. Pray for these people to begin a journey with Christ as a result of the medical help they received from believers.
New converts from radio programmes: Vicky is a radio listener from a Hindu family in India. She said, “Last year, my friend Rakesh told me about your radio programme when I asked why he is different now? He has given up drinking and fighting with everyone. He said he feels different since he started to believe in Jesus and that from your programme he learns good things from the Bible. Now, for the past few months, I have also started listening to radio programmes from your station. I have lots of questions and so many times I have found answers from your programmes. Often when I call your office someone talks and prays with me. Thank you all for helping me.” Praise God for those who respond to the gospel through the radio in India.
African radio station: This landlocked state near the Sahara Desert is still a pioneer missions country, with two-thirds of the population unreached. There are less than 1% evangelical believers here and breakthrough has not yet been seen. In the middle of the bush a little two-room concrete building is being renovated with solar panels on the roof; there is no electricity for miles around. This will be a radio station aimed at reaching 10,000 people that haven’t yet heard the good news of Jesus. Pray for many to respond as they hear the gospel for the first time.
Radio Lilanguka for Malawi Yao: There has been a very positive response among the Yao people in Malawi to their new Christian radio station Radio Lilanguka. Only 0.5% Malawians are evangelical Christians but this first Yao Christian radio station has already started to unify isolated ministries and churches who are working with this unreached Muslim people group. In addition, 600 solar powered fix-tuned radios have recently arrived at the station for distribution amongst the local people. Pray for a real gospel impact as a result.
Jesus over the radio waves: Kurux is a language predominantly spoken by three people groups in Eastern India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Now, gospel radio programmes are being produced in Kurux and broadcast weekly into these areas from powerful shortwave transmitters based in Northern Australia. Pray for the salvation of these people groups, that many will learn about Jesus for the first time through the radio programmes. Also pray that the disciples of Jesus who live in these places will boldly spread the Good News to others.
Healthcare for refugees: A new medical clinic has been built in one of the Rohingya refugees camps and dedicated recently. Teams of Christian doctors, nurses and midwives from around the world will serve alongside Bangladeshi medical personnel to minister to the many needs of the Rohingya refugees. Pray for God to show mercy on all the suffering people in the camps. Pray that the teams will stay disease-free, for health, strength and stamina, and for more Rohingya translators to be found. Ask that the compassion of Christ will be clearly shown to all.
English Conversation Classes: Young people are keen to improve their language skills and consequently English Conversation Project Clubs are growing worldwide. Nearly 2 million people have visited Reach Beyond’s English Conversation Project website in the past year. Clubs have increased in number, engaging English learners in 35 countries. Furthermore, there are many stories from around the world of people who've never even heard the name of Jesus now hearing the gospel, coming to Christ and being discipled. Pray for the English Conversation Project, that as more English clubs are started, God’s love will clearly be seen in these practical sessions and lives will be changed as a result.
Preparing for mission: Ruth is a nephrology (kidney health) nurse from Peru who joined the Corrientes missionary training programme as her heart was set in serving the least reached in the 10/40 window. In Quito, Ecuador, she took advantage of every opportunity to develop her skills to share God's love as a medical professional and in strengthening her cultural and linguistic abilities. Ruth completed her training and is now preparing to serve in a hospital in a Muslim country in Asia. Pray for Corrientes students in Latin America as they prepare for service overseas, that the Lord will lead them to the place where he can use them most.
The Millside Centre: The Millside Centre is a community centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire, serving some of the most vulnerable people in that city. It has now been open for one year, and during that time has seen hundreds of people come through the doors, gaining skills, growing in confidence, making friends and establishing community. Run by Christians, the centre serves refugees and asylum seekers, the homeless, people with addictions, victims of domestic abuse and those with mental health problems. Pray for those visiting the Millside Centre today, that they may find the help they need, experience God’s compassion and reach their full potential.
"I am now here": ‘”I heard your voice when I came in. Are you the one who does the programmes in the afternoons?” A woman, about 35, stood in front of radio station HCJB2's manager, Francisco. He had noticed her uneasiness during the tour of the station in Guayaquil. "Yes,” he replied. “That’s me. Can I help you?" She broke down in tears and was sobbing so hard Francisco could only find out her name was Sara. Finally she could explain her tears: "A few months ago I wrote to your station’s WhatsApp during the programme and told you my problem. Without knowing me, you gave me a word from God. That afternoon I was going to commit suicide, and thanks to what you told me on the radio and your messages on the phone, I am now here. And I can only thank you for that." Pray for the impact of HCJB2 as they spread the good news of Jesus throughout the coastal region of Ecuador.
A Peaceful and Tolerant People: The Yao people in Malawi are a peaceful and tolerant people but the Christian gospel has made little impact there over the years. It’s estimated that just 0.5% of the population are evangelical Christians. Now, after 19 years of failed attempts, negotiations and prayers, the first Yao Christian radio station is finally on the air and has already started to unify isolated ministries and churches who are working with this unreached Muslim people group. Pray for a real gospel impact from Radio Lilanguka which will reach hundreds of thousands of Yao listeners in the region.
Care and Share: A partner radio station in Indonesia has a counselling programme called Care & Share. Listeners love the programme so much that they formed a monthly group. They say, “It's not enough just to let people talk about problems - we have to have help.” Each month they gather together for Bible study and from there they go and volunteer in the local community. A presenter at the station was preparing for his wedding day but had no family in the area. Knowing this, the listener group decided to take care of the arrangements. They provided all the food, did all the work and took care of the cost! Pray that the love of Jesus will shine through this station.
Just Something from the West: A listener to a mobile phone radio app in Central Asia wrote, “When I was 12, I went to my uncle's house. He travelled a lot and always brought gifts and souvenirs home from other countries. I found a little cross with 'Jesus is Lord' written on it. I asked my uncle what it meant. He told me, ‘Oh, that's just something from the West. Jesus is the name of their God.’ I remembered that, and assumed that Jesus was only something related to the West. Just recently, I found your radio station app. When I listened, I was so interested because although the content was in my language, the person was talking about Jesus. I was shocked. This was so amazing and so strange that I started to listen regularly. And now I understand that Jesus is the Lord of my country and my people too - not just the God of the West. And I love Him with my whole heart.” Pray for more people in the ‘stan’ countries of Central Asia to meet Jesus through mobile technology.
Wearing out the Buttons: Julia lives with her daughter and 4-month-old granddaughter. She lost her leg 7 years ago after an accident and is now confined to a wheelchair. For the first few years she suffered with depression, cried incessantly and was embarrassed she didn't have her leg. Then she received a ‘Player of Hope’ – a solar-powered MP3 audio player - from a Brazilian missionary and everything changed. She spent hours each day listening to programmes and her life was transformed. Julia is now on her third player because she wears out the buttons! She no longer feels she is suffering and knows God is with her. Pray for those who receive audio players in Brazil today and for more lives to be changed, just like Julia’s.
A visit to the doctor: In rural areas it is not uncommon for parents to threaten their misbehaving children with a visit to the doctor. Although this might put a smile on our faces, in reality it is no laughing matter. Access to quality healthcare in rural areas is limited and sometimes the ‘doctor’ being referred to is a witchdoctor. Please pray for rural communities to respond to a community development programme run by a Christian charity that seeks to improve community health, both in the physical and spiritual sense. Pray too for these local believers as they have to overcome obstacles and resistance in a folk Islam context.
River Communities: In Amazon Basin river communities, no one (not even mainland Brazilians) can enter without being invited. But one family had visited another village and met a Brazilian missionary, called Fornaldo, there. He helped the family with some problems they had, and when a relationship was built over a few visits, the father accepted a Player of Hope (an MP3 device loaded with evangelism materials) to take back to the village. The villagers were at first angry about Fornaldo being invited ashore to go and answer some questions raised about the content of the Player of Hope. After the first visit however, Fornaldo was invited back, and now many people come to the man’s house every week as they listen to the audio programmes and discuss them with the missionary. Pray for gospel seeds to be sown in that community.
People of Peace: One village in a remote valley of Central Asia has a population of 1,500 and their only access to drinking water is either an unprotected spring shared with livestock or taking buckets of water from an irrigation ditch. There are no known believers in this isolated region, but a team of Christ-followers are building friendships there with some people of peace - Muslim leaders who have welcomed them and are enthusiastic about bringing improvements to their village. “Lord, may this community experience your compassion and goodness, your glory and might, and be drawn towards the Kingdom of God as they see your followers serving their needs.”
Dignified Burials: Harvest FM in Lesotho is one of the leading radio stations in the capital city of Maseru. As well as radio, they also run projects for some of the most vulnerable people in the country, of which 57.1% live below the poverty line. In the offices of Harvest FM there is a certificate from the funeral directors of Maseru thanking the staff for their contributions towards giving dignified burials to those who have been left, abandoned and forgotten in the funeral parlours. Harvest FM gives financially so that they may receive a dignified Christian burial. Pray that such acts of kindness will lead the families and friends of the bereaved closer to Jesus.
7,600 scripture study groups: One of the most effective ways to see ‘hard to reach’ people groups fall in love with Jesus is to have them engage with the scriptures. Sometimes their religious system inhibits or prevents them from having access to the Bible, but when those barriers are broken down, salvation and spiritual breakthroughs will come. In one part of Indonesia, over 7,600 scripture study groups were meeting regularly in 2016, all with ties back to the their local Christian radio stations. As we celebrate that God's Spirit is moving to draw people to Jesus through his word, continue to pray for a great harvest for the kingdom.
An Act of Kindness: A man downloaded a mobile app and left a rude and angry post on social media, blaming the online radio station for a crashed device. The team knew this was impossible, but instead of ignoring him, they contacted him and repaired his device remotely for free. He was surprised at their kindness despite his hateful messages and they replied by sharing the gospel with him, even though this is extremely risky in this country. Soon the man became their most active “promo man”, telling everyone he knew about the radio station. But best of all, after two months of conversations with the team, the man and all his family came to know the Lord! Pray for the impact of online radio in the closed countries of Central Asia.
A Radio Lifeline: In January, a new 100-watt FM radio station was built in the mid-western part of the country where people face a daily challenge to access clean drinking water and a sustainable electricity supply. The new radio station is run by a Nepali Christian organisation that cover the cost of healthcare for those who can’t afford to pay. The station has also begun providing programmes on education, health and agriculture. Pray for this fledgling station as they are poised to be a spiritual and social lifeline for the community.
Conversation Class and Christ.: English conversation clubs are proving popular in Vietnam for people wanting to improve their language skills. These clubs meet weekly to listen to an audio programme and to discuss English usage in small groups. As well as hearing holistic Christian content in the programmes, the participants also come into direct contact with registered churches and end up building relationships with people of faith. Pray for this project, that as more English clubs are started, God’s love will clearly be seen in these practical sessions and lives will be changed as a result.
Fellowship Fuels Faith: This message was posted on a radio partner's chatroom in an undisclosed Central Asian country: "I have one question. I came to Christ. I study many things via this radio. But one person recommended me to visit Church. I do not know where I should go. Does anybody have any idea? Is it important to visit a Church?” These replies were posted: “I think you should talk with that person who you came to Christ through. I think he can recommend you the closest home group which you can visit. You definitely should meet with other sisters and brothers.” Pray for those who are finding Christ through radio broadcasts in Central Asia, that they will find fellowship to help them grow in their faith.
Polygamist to Pastor: A woman who listens to Radio Kahuzi in DRC told the station that her father had nine wives, which is a common custom. But one day he heard Radio Kahuzi playing when a pastor was speaking about marriage and the special relationship between husband and wife, like Christ and the Church. The father started listening to the broadcasts, and eventually accepted the Lord as His personal Saviour. He then decided to give his extra wives their liberty to be free of his illegal marriage bonds, and if they chose that path, he would give them some cows and money to help them get started in their new lives. He also shared the gospel with them all, and they each put their trust in Jesus. Today this man is a pastor. Pray for more lives to be turned around through Christian broadcasting in the DRC.
Heartening After Hurricane Matthew: Haïti is once again experiencing one of its darkest moments, after the devastating Hurricane Matthew. Thousands of victims living in hard-to-reach areas are still waiting for the arrival of any humanitarian aid, particularly food, drinking water and housing. A member of the Christian radio station there, Radio Lumière, commented, “five of our installations were severely damaged or destroyed, as were the houses and possessions of our 24 employees in these areas. And of course after this kind of a catastrophic event there's stress, trauma, and often even emotional damage and scars.” Please stop and pray for these people who have lost so much but who continue to sing, ‘Our God still reigns!’
Radio to the Remote Villages: Radio Feon Janahary is the first Christian radio station in the isolated area of Maroantsetra in northern Madagascar. Many people of the area venerate ancestors and often practice synchronistic Christianity. Local believers want to reach these remote villages with the Gospel on a daily basis through radio with the aim of discipling, raising leaders, and teaching people, especially in the rainy season when it's hard to get about. Pray for this new radio station and its potential audience of 35,000 people, that the broadcasts will encourage the church to reach out to their neighbours.
Can God Help Me?: "Can God help me? I really don't know if I can make it any longer. I was thinking about suicide few times but I haven't tried it. I have family. I don't want to leave them but it's hard for me. I'm not a good wife and finally I see that. I don't know what to do. I haven't spoken to anybody about it.” This woman, aged 22, was responding to a radio programme on Radio CCM in Poland. CCM is a network of Christian stations covering Poland with an upbeat, entertaining sound and a clear gospel message. Pray for the many listeners who respond by phone and on the website, for lives to be helped and transformed. (Reach Beyond)
PTSD Counselling: 50,000 people died in the civil war in Sierra Leone, and nearly 4,000 were lost during the Ebola crisis. As a result it is estimated that almost 10 percent of the population suffer from anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress syndrome. In the entire country there’s only one psychiatrist, two nurse practitioners and very few mental health workers operating. In this vacuum, Christian groups are now training pastors and church leaders to become counsellors supported by a drop-in counselling centre in Freetown. Many of the 3,000 people who’ve visited the centre so far had heard about the service through a local Christian radio station which also operates a late-night call-in show to help traumatized listeners. Pray that the counsellors and employees at the centre and the radio station will have increased opportunities to free people from the wounds of the past and to share the hope of Jesus for the future.
Players of Hope: Along the Apuquitaua River in Brazil, MP3-like audio players are being distributed to local communities. These ‘Players of Hope’ are solar-powered and pre-loaded with the entire Bible, a series of Bible studies and gospel and children’s programmes, indigenous worship music and educational material on community and health topics. More than 500 players have recently been distributed among 28 communities, and missionaries there are being trained how to make new audio material for the devices. These communities are very open to learning more about the gospel so please pray that the Lord will use these programmes to reveal himself to these communities.
Radio Station Outreach: One Muslim woman began listening to a programme on the first Christian radio station in Maroantsetra. She then visited the station and said, “I want to offer my life to Jesus so I can go to Heaven.” The station staff prayed with her, and she accepted Jesus as her saviour. Then two witchdoctors offered their lives to Jesus and burned their religious artefacts because of what they heard on the station. So far, more than 50 people have been baptised as a direct result of the station’s outreach. Pray for further spiritual impact, and for those who live in Maroantsetra as they are facing famine because their crops were destroyed by the floods during the recent cyclone.
A Radio Harvest?: Later this year a new Christian community radio station will be launched in a town in Madagascar which is quite isolated by it’s bad roads. Alfred is a pastor who came to the town to plant churches in this area where ancestral worship is very strong, and there is persecution of Christians. The team will have to be spiritually solid, as recently someone walked onto the site to attack Alfred and his family. Pray for safety for the radio team and for a great spiritual harvest as the station launches.
Gospel in a Boat: For the eleventh year, the Evangelista riverboat leaves port in late September on its cross-cultural missions training venture ‘Mision a Bordo’ while navigating the Ucayali River in Peru. Stops are planned in 3 villages not previously visited to share the good news and minister to people spiritually and physically. The boat is staffed by participants who are eager to be challenged in cross-cultural missions. Pray for safety for the 50-plus participants, crew, facilitators, and the medical team - for God’s special touch on each person that they connect with along the river.
Corrientes Course: "The biggest lesson that I leaned at Corrientes was the transparency in the lives of my mentors and the reflection of Jesus in each one of them.”
This is just one comment from a Latino missionary going through the Corrientes programmes (Spanish for ‘Currents’). Corrientes is a missionary training programme using the tool of individual mentoring, and many Latinos are now serving the Lord worldwide after going through the course. Pray for Corrientes students as they prepare for service overseas, that the Lord will lead them to the place where he can use them most.
I Can't See.: As Mama Louise's vision deteriorated, life became increasingly difficult. She got lost when she went to her plantations because she could no longer see. She had to stop going and people stole everything, so she could no longer cook for her family. Her daughter had to give up her job to stay home to look after her and make sure that she was safe. Now, as a result of a cataract operation at the Pioneer Christian Hospital in Congo, Mama Louise can see again, and her life has improved dramatically. Pray for the New Sight Eye Clinic at the Pioneer Hospital, that patients will receive physical and spiritual sight for the first time.
Ecuador earthquake efforts: The 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit the coastal area of Ecuador in April cost many lives and left thousands of people homeless. As the relief and re-construction efforts continue one Christian radio station in Guayaquil has been a lifeline for many. HCJB-2 has been serving the people of western Ecuador for decades and was therefore in a strategic position to send out messages of help and advice throughout the recent crisis. Pray for the rebuilding efforts and for those who have lost loved ones. Also remember HCJB-2 as they try to be the voice of Jesus to people in great need.
Central Asia healthcare: In many of the ‘stan’ countries of Central Asia churches find it impossible to register and Christians are monitored by the state, by Islamic clergy, and by neighbourhood committees. Conversion to Christianity is prohibited and believers experience physical abuse and attacks on their meeting places and homes. Government healthcare exists but it is rudimentary, so in a rural valley in one of these countries a Christian medical outreach is establishing itself with two medical caravans planned for this year. Pray that these isolated communities will be impacted as the love of God is demonstrated through basic primary care.
Turkish Christian radio: There is only one local Christian radio station in Turkey and that is based in the capital, Ankara. The station is well respected in the Turkish radio industry and has a growing audience and a deepening influence in the city. The station has recently started a new programme for children which has short stories that draw positive lessons from the Bible. They advertise, “We can know God better, and this programme is an opportunity to better understand Him.” Pray for younger listeners to respond to the station each day and for lives to be changed.
Bible Listening Clubs: “I had been living in a very hostile environment for over 15 years. Our village had been divided into two factions based on chieftaincy titles. We could never come together to build anything for ourselves. When the Bible listening group started, the Chief announced that it was for the whole community so all of us attended. As we listened to the Bible and discussed among ourselves a certain bond begun to form among us. We also realised through God’s Word that we are all children of God. There is joy, peace and harmony in our village today.” Pray for more communities to be transformed through Theovision’s Bible Listening Clubs across Ghana.
Clean water in Ecuador: “I know a little about Jesus but I don’t believe in Him - will you tell me about Him?” This was the question asked by one man in the community of Santa Rosa in Ecuador. The question came about after a new clean water system was installed in the heart of this remote community which had very little spiritual presence when the project began. Many people have now accepted Christ and have become a witness to the other communities around them. Installing water projects in such places has a high cost, both financial and emotional. All materials and supplies must be flown into the community. It normally takes 12 to 15 visits to each project and each visit is 3 to 5 days long. Pray for more remote communities to be impacted for the gospel through water projects.
Skype conversation clubs: Peter, who is 80, runs four English conversation clubs on Skype with 50 young learners, many from countries closed to the gospel. As they discuss together the content of specialised English audio programmes which have low-key Christian content, Brian is gently raising questions in their minds about the Christian faith. There are currently over 600 people on the waiting list to join similar Skype clubs. Pray for new volunteers to be found to run English conversation clubs on Skype, to build Kingdom relationships with young people as they seek help with their English speaking skills.
Missionary doctors: Over 20 years ago a group of missionary doctors started a 3-year GP training programme in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Shortly afterwards, they opened the first GP clinic in the country with the goal of providing quality Christ-centred healthcare at an affordable price. Since then, thousands of patients have received God’s message of hope through interacting with these clinics, but due to new government regulations and a desire to keep costs low for the poorest patients, many of these clinics are struggling financially. Pray for the clinics to be sustainable and to continue to serve needy people in the name of Jesus.
MP3 Bibles: Players of Hope are solar-powered MP3 players, preloaded with the entire Bible, a series of Bible studies and gospel programmes, children’s programming, indigenous worship music and educational programmes on community and health topics. 500 Players of Hope have just been distributed among 28 communities along the Amazon Basin in Brazil and missionaries there are being trained how to make new audio material for the devices. These communities are very open to learning more about the gospel so please pray for engaging material and for God to send more missionaries to teach local people how to produce their own audio content.
Radio lifelines: The political situation in Nepal is currently very unpredictable in the wake of the country’s new constitution and the threat of religious extremist action is on the increase. The new constitution has sparked protests in the country's southern plains bordering India and this instability is making things difficult for agencies wanting to work with local partners in reconstruction following the earthquakes. Pray for peace in Nepal. Radio continues to be a lifeline in remote Nepali communities and the ninth Christian community radio station is in the process of being planted; please pray that people will be connected to each other and to the Lord through the broadcasts.
Broadcasts into India: A listener writes: “One year ago while tuning in my radio to listen to film songs, I unexpectedly tuned into your Punjabi programme Pyar Di Bhet (Offering of Love). I started tuning in daily and have since heard many different songs and learnt good teaching. I am writing to you for the first time and hope you will write back and send me a programme guide you offered free in your programme. I am not a Christian but I now follow what you talk of in your programmes. I will also like to contact you by phone." Pray for the impact of Christian broadcasts into India and for effective follow-up to correspondence.
Fishers of men: Pastor Harlan Macklin always had a dream to use technology to overcome the difficulties of travel in his remote area of Puerto Lempira, a tiny fishing village on the coast of Honduras. The community is about 200 miles away from the nearest major city and can only be accessed by boat or regional airplanes. Earlier this year he joined forces with two engineer friends to establish a church-based radio station to reach into the lives of people around him who had never heard the gospel message. The station went on-air in July using the commonly spoken language of Mískito. Pray for the staff of this fledgling station as they seek to reflect the message of Jesus through their messages and music.
Programmes for Prisoners: About three years ago, Alberto began listening to Programmes for Prisoners aired on Radio Vida, a Spanish Christian FM station broadcasting to the area of southern Andalucía. These live phone-in programmes allow inmates from a nearby prison and their families to exchange greetings over the air. Alberto began listening because his grandson was in prison. He heard that the radio station was inviting the families of the prisoners to a special meal so Alberto attended and met the programme producer and the volunteers from the church. As a result of the relationship that formed, Alberto surrendered his life to Jesus, joined the local church and has now become one of the dedicated volunteers who are involved in the weekly radio programmes, where he shares his own testimony. Pray for the impact of such programmes and that lives will continue to be changed.
Programmes for Prisoners: About three years ago, Alberto began listening to Programmes for Prisoners aired on Radio Vida, a Spanish Christian FM station broadcasting to the area of southern Andalucía. These live phone-in programmes allow inmates from a nearby prison and their families to exchange greetings over the air. Alberto began listening because his grandson was in prison. He heard that the radio station was inviting the families of the prisoners to a special meal so Alberto attended and met the programme producer and the volunteers from the church. As a result of the relationship that formed, Alberto surrendered his life to Jesus, joined the local church and has now become one of the dedicated volunteers who are involved in the weekly radio programmes, where he shares his own testimony. Pray for the impact of such programmes and that lives will continue to be changed.
Clean water projects: The Andean community of Mariana de Jesús in Ecuador were reaching out for clean water for five years. Identified as the poorest of the poor, they were told that if they bought land they would be given houses and water. So they saved up hard, bought a small plot of land and asked for houses. “To get houses, you must have water” they were told. So they tried to get water. “To get water, you must have houses…” To lift them out of this vicious circle, Reach Beyond engineers helped them build their own water system and experience God’s love in action. A clean water project can be a catalyst for a whole process of long term development within a community. Pray that relationships will be formed, the gospel will be shared, and lives will be transformed both physically and spiritually through clean water projects.
Tamil language radio: A listener to Tamil language radio programmes broadcast from Australia wrote: “One day I was tuning into the radio, when suddenly I heard a Tamil programme, and was happy. We are 15 blind people who listen to your programme regularly. The reception is very clear, and we like your songs and sermons. We can’t watch television programmes; we depend only on programmes like yours. Please come to Pondicherry to our church and share the Word of God in our church as well.” Pray that radio broadcasts into India will bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
A communication lifeline: Radio is more important than ever in remote Nepali communities since the recent earthquakes. A radio is a communication lifeline for a host of things people need to know - when and where supplies are arriving, medical clinics, weather forecasts, road information, health and water safety updates plus news from other districts. Radio also provides important human connections to help people deal with stress, loss, and depression in the wake of the disaster. Pray as local Christian radio stations are rebuilt and continue to serve their local communities.
Specialised English Clubs: Specialised English Clubs are proving popular in Vietnam for people wanting to improve their language skills. These clubs meet weekly to listen to a programme together and to discuss English usage in small groups. As well as hearing holistic Christian content in the programmes, the participants also come into direct contact with registered churches and end up building relationships with people of faith. Pray, as more English clubs are started, that God’s love will clearly be seen in these practical sessions and that lives will be changed as a result.
Christian voice on radio: Christian station Radio Lumière recently celebrated its 56th anniversary with a number of special events, where many listeners spoke and gave testimony to their love and attachment to the station. One listener wrote: "I am a young Haitian girl. I currently live in Brazil where life is very difficult for us. A number of my girlfriends have fallen into prostitution in order to live. I thank the name of my God who gave me a special gift in Radio Lumière. It is my companion… and helps me stay faithful to biblical principles in spite of the difficult circumstances.” Pray for continuing fruit from this powerful gospel voice.
Blanketed with the gospel: Today, there are about 40,000 believers worshiping in Mongolia in around 600 churches across the country. The challenge is that the 40,000 believers represent only about 1.2% of the nation’s population. That’s why Reach Beyond and FEBC have committed to put a Christian radio station in each of the country’s 21 provinces, blanketing the nation with gospel broadcasts. There are currently six partner stations on the air, pray as they plan to add another three stations this year, and for a good response to the current broadcasts.
The Cotahuasi: The La Unión Quechua people in Peru live in some of the most rugged terrain on earth. Reaching a depth of 10,967 feet below the top of the plateau, Cotahuasi Canyon is believed to be the deepest canyon above sea level, more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Over 40 villages are scattered throughout this canyon where subsistence farming is possible. Reach Beyond helped our ministry partner establish a Christian radio station in 2008 that covers most of the canyon and last month 220 solar-powered SonSet radios tuned to this station were sent to the Cotahuasi people to help spread the Good News. Pray for open hearts and changed lives.
Dental clinics reopen: The Dental Clinic at ELWA Hospital in Liberia has begun treatment again despite the Ebola crisis. The need for dental intervention and treatments was extreme as all dental clinics have been closed since late July and the team could no longer stand the suffering caused by untreated infections. The team all received full training in donning and working in full protective suits, including total decontamination of the clinic at the end of each day. Pray God’s protection for them, as dentistry cannot be done without contact with bodily fluids.
Developing medication: Nearly four decades after the discovery of River Blindness (onchocerciasis) in Ecuador, the South American country has now been recognised by the World Health Organization for eliminating this tropical eye and skin disease. First discovered in Ecuador in 1976 by a Reach Beyond missionary doctor, the disease is rated as the second-leading infectious cause of blindness globally. Now the greatest need in the global fight against river blindness is for a new medication that kills not only the larvae but also the adult worms which cause the disease. Pray for those people working to discover this medication.
Million Bible Mission: Cuba has seen unprecedented church growth in recent years. According to estimates, the evangelical church is currently growing at a rate of 10-25% per year in the country. While the island nation has a number of seminaries, a significant number of lay leaders have had little or no Bible training, and many believers do not own a copy of the Bible, forcing them to share. In response to this need, UBS (comprising some 146 Bible Societies worldwide) has joined with the Bible Commission of Cuba to launch a campaign called the ‘Million Bible Mission’. The goal is to provide 1 million Bibles for Cubans as well as resources and leadership training to support the growing church.
Hearing the gospel through the airwaves: Spanish FM station Radio Vida broadcasts Christian programmes to the area of La Linea de la Concepcion and Gibraltar in the area of Andalucía. Thousands of people tune in and the station receives many emails, texts and phone calls, especially for their special programme aimed at the relatives and friends of prisoners. Now Radio Vida has the opportunity to enlarge its transmission area to include Jerez de la Frontera, the largest municipality in the province. Pray that these plans will come to fruition and that many more people will hear the gospel through the airwaves in Spain.
Programmes in Urdu and Hindi: There are a number of radio stations in the UK serving the Asian community but very few of these ever broadcast programmes with a Christian flavour. One group of radio producers in Yorkshire are trying to reverse this trend by producing creative programmes in Urdu and Hindi covering major Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter. Pray for Whistling Frog Productions and their on-going campaign to bring the name of Jesus onto local Asian commercial radio stations and for listeners to respond to his life-changing message.
Calls to my Sister: “Everyone wants to listen to Calls to my Sister, and every child in that community has learnt a lesson from the programme.” These are the comments of a manager from Echo Radio, a Christian radio station in River Cess, Liberia, talking about Calls to my Sister, a short radio programme covering health, nutrition and hygiene topics in an entertaining drama format. The programme has generated a lot of interest and even the Chief of the township has noticed a change in behaviour in people in the community. Pray for continued impact as people make healthier choices based on what they hear on the radio.
Communities continue rebuilding: “We’re not poor anymore,” said the Haitian man. The missionary engineer was confused. The clean water project in his remote community was still under way. How could this man, living in Haiti, the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere, think he was no longer poor? “Because now we have the power to build a water system ourselves,” responded the man. The project working alongside the community of La Bruyère in northern Haiti showed that poverty is much more than a lack of physical resources. It is also about people lacking the power to make their own decisions and control their lives. Pray for communities continuing to rebuild their lives after the 2010 earthquake.
Asia-Pacific radio planting : One hundred Christian radio ministries have been established in the Asia Pacific Region in the last 10 years. The 100th station was a radio plant in Thailand that was dedicated during a large celebration in February. Stations have also been installed recently in Indonesia, including one in a highly sensitive, unreached area. Pray that God would prepare the hearts of listeners within the coverage areas of these stations and that many would come to Christ.
A message of peace: More than 100,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have recently fled across the border to the Republic of Congo, close to the Pioneer Christian Hospital in Impfondo, where a new Christian radio station has been installed. The station is broadcasting a message of peace in the midst of this unrest. Pray for safety for the station personnel and an ability to keep the message of the Good News on the air so that the refugees can be encouraged and know that Jesus loves them, even in the midst of these horrific days.
Slowly rebuilding: One of the world’s poorest countries, Mali suffered an inconclusive military coup in 2012 followed by French military intervention against Islamist fighters. Although civilian rule was re-established last year, a truce with Tuareg separatists in the north remains fragile. During the coup many Christian radio stations were destroyed, but now a process of rebuilding is slowly taking place. Pray for technical and radio production training taking place at an FM station in an Islamic area of Mali this Easter. There is still great opposition to the gospel.
Need for trained counsellors: This last outpost of Communism in the West continues to create difficulties for the Church there. Foreign missions are largely restricted and there is disunity amongst the Christian denominations in the country. There is also a desperate need for trained counsellors in Cuba, and in the autumn eight locations around the country began counselling training. There are now plans for several resource centres to be launched in various regions of Cuba to equip ministry facilitators serving in family counselling, education and leadership. Pray that these Centres will be able to function without persecution and will be a channel for God’s peace and love.
A new radio transmission: Despite a history of great suffering and oppression, the Church in Myanmar has continued to grow. Christian radio has been a big influence on this growth and radio missions such as TWR and FEBC continue to broadcast gospel programming in 35 languages. In the autumn a new transmission of Burmese programming began from the Reach Beyond shortwave radio facility in Australia. Pray that listeners will discover these programmes and that lives will be transformed.
Radio programmes in India: “We are students of the Blind School in Delhi. We listen and enjoy your programme together. We want to take part in your drama. Can you send us books in Braille?” This is one of many texts, emails and letters received from listeners to Christian radio programmes received in India. Programmes in 17 Indian languages are transmitted via powerful shortwave transmitters in Australia. Pray that many listeners would discover Jesus as they listen. Also pray for a new Christian community FM radio station which is in the final stages of the licence application process.
Reversing the trend: Whilst the BBC continues to produce religious programmes both nationally and locally, the world of commercial radio has almost completely turned its back on such programmes. In the past, these stations had to broadcast religious programmes by law, but since that law was abandoned in the 90s many of the 340-plus commercial stations keep well away from anything to do with Jesus. One group of radio producers in Yorkshire are trying to reverse this trend by placing creative and entertaining Christian programmes on commercial stations. Pray for Whistling Frog Productions and their on-going attempt to bring the name of Jesus back onto the mainstream airwaves.
Broadcasting daily: TV and radio has a big role to play in reaching Bolivia with the Gospel. A radio is a vital possession to every family. There are now 11 local evangelical stations as well as international stations broadcasting daily in Spanish, Quechua and Aymara. One local radio station in Guayaramerin in Northern Bolivia recently had its 170-foot tower destroyed in a construction accident. Pray as Radio Inspiración rebuilds the tower and operates with reduced coverage, that listeners will not be too impacted by these changes.
Freedom from guilt: Mrs B, a devout Buddhist, was planning on steering her motorbike in front of a truck to end her life. Depression had accompanied the loss of her restaurant. Then her aging father came to mind, and knowing that he needed her, she decided to plod on with her troubled life. She was told she would have to give gifts to nine different temples to achieve penance but the monk in the third temple yelled at her for turning up late. So Mrs B began exploring other faiths and, hearing a guest speaker at a church talk of Jesus’ forgiveness, she believed in Christ and felt the weight of guilt lift from her shoulders. Today Mrs B is back in the restaurant business, and is training to become a presenter on a local Christian radio station in order to have a wider impact on her community.
Radio station ransacked: Already besieged by grinding poverty, the Central African Republic (CAR) experienced a coup back in March and the new leaders face the challenges of running the country and trying to rein in renegade members of their rebel alliance. During the initial violence a Christian radio station in Berberati was ransacked and one of the staff was shot and killed. Thankfully, two of their transmitters were untouched by the looters, but much of the broadcasting equipment was lost. Pray for the radio team as they try to rebuild the station and get their signal back on the air. The station’s founder said, “The broadcasts will help calm the people down”.
Respected by the government: The Evangelical Church of Guinea-Bissau is viewed with a good deal of respect by the government after it assisted with humanitarian needs during the civil war and worked with Catholics and Muslims in the political reconciliation efforts. A Christian radio programme is broadcast every week on the country’s national radio, and a new Christian station has just received a broadcasting license. Already antennas have been erected and staff are being trained. Pray for the effectiveness of this station as it seeks to be the voice of Jesus to its local community.
An effective gateway: Radio has proved an effective gateway for reaching Hindus, Muslims and animists in Indonesia who have difficulty accepting Christian literature or other traditional forms of evangelism. Radio also complements church work and offers a vehicle for sharing solid theological teaching in both urban areas and remote villages. Last year 21 Christian community stations were planted in this nation of 237 million people, with another 25 planned for 2013. Pray for open doors in these new locations and for the people and finances to keep each station on the air.
Commmunity radio: One Nepali radio station manager writes: “We have a cell group that has formed in our town in central Nepal, which is the outcome of our radio broadcasts. One brother from this town became a strong Christian through the programme Message of Hope’ from our radio station. There are now 12 people ready for baptism, and I am preparing to go for the baptisms in that place. We are planning to build a church in that town.” Pray for community radio in Nepal, that listeners will have changed lives as they listen, and in turn share their newfound faith with their neighbours.
Evangelical influence: There has been a significant rise in the influence of evangelicals within Peru in the last 50 years. Evangelicals now number more than 10% of the population and are engaging more and more in social and political issues. This has gone alongside the rise of Christianity in many indigenous peoples, especially the Quechua and Amazonian groups. To consolidate this growth, a new regional shortwave radio station went on the air in July, airing programmes in seven languages across Peru’s northern jungles which are home to 200,000 people. Ask the Lord to speak through the airwaves and for the many new listeners to respond to these life-changing broadcasts.
Historic hatreds: As historic hatreds continue to affect many in the Balkans, there are a number of media initiatives underway to bring the revolutionary message of Christ before the Croatian people. Radio has a wide coverage across all bandwidths, and Internet radio in Croatian is another new and developing ministry. Lighthouse Radio in Zagreb is in the final stages on going online with Internet broadcasting, hopefully a first step towards a full FM license. Pray for completion of all the details to achieve this important milestone in the next two months.
Improving language skills: Spotlight English Clubs are proving popular in Vietnam for people wanting to improve their language skills. These clubs meet weekly to listen to the Spotlight audio programme together and to discuss English usage in small groups. As well as hearing holistic Christian content in the programmes, the participants also come into direct contact with registered churches and end up building relationships with people of faith. Pray, as more English clubs are started, that God’s love will clearly be seen in these practical sessions and that lives will be changed as a result.
Message of peace: The civil war continues in the DRC. Since the fighting erupted in November 1996, at least nine African states have taken part in the bloodletting, driven by their lust for the DRC's mineral wealth, which lies mainly in the east of the country. Rebels, bandits and a defecting police force continue to create great danger for the population. Radio Kahuzi is a Christian station broadcasting a positive message of peace in the midst of this unrest, and they have recently received permission to expand their FM signal in the country. Pray for safety for the radio station personnel and an ability to keep the message of the Good News on the air so that people can be encouraged and know that Jesus loves them.
A vision to reach the lost: Ghana enjoys a rich Christian tradition with the emergence of many new churches, a good number of which are taking up the challenge of reaching the unevangelised in their midst. The number of indigenous Christian radio stations is also growing with a vision to reach the lost. Pray for the newest radio station in Ghana, Beyond FM in Nkwanta, as they begin daily broadcasts of community programming with gospel content.
Mission training: The missionary movement in Latin America is growing significantly, with many of these missionaries serving as bi-vocational workers across the globe. In 2009, it was felt by a number of national and international mission organisations that this new generation of Latino missionaries required an innovative and specialised training programme to equip them for the new challenges and opportunities ahead of them. The Corrientes programme was started in Quito, Ecuador with the purpose of creating a new cultural missionary training programme using the tool of individual mentoring. Pray for Corrientes students as they prepare for service overseas, that the Lord will lead them to the place where he can use them most.
Desire to hear about Jesus: A survey in India of the 15 most widely spoken languages revealed that six out of ten Hindus said they would like a Christian to tell them more about Jesus. When Hindus hear the story of Jesus and are confronted with the gospel they often understand and respond, which is why gospel radio programmes in one of these languages, Chattisgarhi, are being so well received. However, the state of Chattisgarh is presently reeling under the influence of an armed insurgency by the Naxalites, a group operating as ‘a parallel government’. Pray for peace in this region and for the gospel to continue to break through.
Beyond Words: It is very rare to hear a Christian radio programme in a prime-time slot on government radio in India, but one popular series that can be heard across the whole continent has been running continuously now for two years. Beyond Words is a 30-minute programme in Hinglish (Hindi and English) that highlights social problems in modern Indian society, for example honouring parents and preventing suicide, and then comments on these issues using Biblical values and dramatised parables. Although the programme gets a massive response each week, funding is currently hard to find. Please pray that this ray of light on the airwaves in India can continue to change lives.
Focus on the family: Although Ireland is a 'religious' country, there remains only a small amount of Christian programming on mainstream radio stations. However, recently two commercial radio stations in Ireland unexpectedly asked Focus on the Family in Ireland to produce some family-oriented programmes for airing on their frequencies. Pray that these short 5-minute talks about family-related issues such as 'drug-proofing your kids' and marriage, will have real impact to those listeners.
Wantok Radio Light: Almost the entire population of Papua New Guinea has links to a Christian denomination, although the old ethnic religions still have an underlying influence. 'Wantok Radio Light' is a network of local Christian radio stations operating across the islands in 14 different locations. One of the presenters receives 15,000 text messages each month and 40 percent of those are asking questions about salvation; an average of seven people a day are coming to Christ. Pray for funds to install ten new stations next year and for continuing fruit from Wantok Radio Light.
Gospel over the airwaves: During the devastation of Liberia’s civil war, the African Bible College campus in Yekepa was gutted and closed. In 2008 it reopened as the ABC University and many of the current 100 students are Liberian refugees who lost fathers, brothers or even children in the fighting. The city of Yekepa has no radio stations, but the ABC University is working to build a Christian station on the campus to reach a wide area, including nearby refugee camps and even into neighbouring Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire. Pray for this project and for the impact of the gospel over the airwaves.
Asking for forgiveness: One villager in Hounde actively participated in the ceremonies and sacrifices in his village but he had developed a hatred for his parents. One evening he heard a message on the radio about forgiveness as a source of blessing. That night he couldn't sleep - a voice told him to kill himself and another to go and ask forgiveness from his parents and save his life. He decided to go wake his parents late at night and ask forgiveness. Having chosen to follow Jesus, he is now a changed person and is grateful for his deliverance. Pray for the growth of Christian radio in Burkina Faso.
Proclamation with demonstration: The small republic of Chuvash is located in the centre of the European part of Russia. In the capital, Cheboksary, the churches there are combining proclamation of the gospel with demonstration of the gospel. They are working hard to make Christian radio programmes that reach their local community and also run a number of social outreach projects, including a rehabilitation clinic for alcoholics. Many alcoholics have become Christians, and now help others in the same boat to find faith in Christ. Pray for the funds to grow this work and for the new home-grown missionaries who are being sent out to other parts of Russia.
Religious tolerance: In many island villages in Indonesia poverty is rampant. However, in one particular small village, where religious tolerance is highly valued, Christians and Muslims live together in peace. A solar-powered Christian community radio station has been established there and there are now plans to open a Community Transformation Centre. Here villagers will be trained in effective farming techniques and there will be medical and agricultural outreach from this base. Pray for lives to be changed through this ministry.
A lifeline: For people in Haiti, radio is a lifeline. The Christian radio stations in the country present the gospel message, but they also provide programming about essential healthcare and family life. Funds are currently being raised to send 1,000 radios to Haiti. These durable radios are solar powered, and pre-tuned to the signal of the local Christian radio station. Pray that lives will be changed as these radios bring the light of Christ to communities.
Radio initiatives: A wide variety of languages are spoken within Canada, apart from English, and since 2003 a number of Christian groups have been partnering together to broadcast Christian radio programmes in two of these languages - Urdu and Low German. As a result of the Urdu broadcasts, an annual conference will be taking place this month in Toronto for believers among this ethnic group. A group of local pastors in the city are also submitting an application for a Christian radio station in the French speaking province of Quebec. Pray for fruit from these radio initiatives.
Local radio: For a number of years the country of Slovakia has had a local Christian radio station in the city of Banska Bystrica. Radio 7 has been reaching out across the city with gospel programming to encourage believers and challenge the lost. Following the success of Radio 7, local Christians are now seeking another FM frequency to expand the ministry. Pray as these local believers seek God's will for the next step in growing this ministry in Slovakia.
Correspondence Bible study course: The Christian Academy of the Air is a Spanish-language correspondence course which is operated along the US/Mexico border by the World Radio Network. Quality materials are broadcast to thousands of Mexican students who enjoy studying God's Word in this way. Pray for Hernán and Thelma Meneses as they coordinate this work and ask the Lord to supply more volunteers to assist them.
Gospel radio: Although the official languages in India include Hindi, Urdu and English, there are still 216 languages which have more than 10,000 native speakers. Gospel radio programmes transmitted from HCJB Global's shortwave broadcasting facility in Kununurra, Australia, reach into the heart of the country with regional languages such as Malayalam, Tamil and Telegu. Ask the Lord to give creativity to the local programme producers and pray for the effectiveness of these broadcasts as they communicate God's love in the 'heart language' of the listener.
Need for training: Research shows that, due to a lack of suitable training, many Latin American missionaries leave their field of service prematurely. To help with this problem a new partnership training programme has been started in Ecuador titled Corrientes ('currents' in English). The programme is designed to prepare Latinos for bi-vocational missionary service around the globe and is staffed by trainers from a number of partner missions. Pray for doctors, nurses, radio producers, engineers and water specialists who are learning how to be both professionals and missionaries at the same time, so that they will have greater longevity and effectiveness in their service for the Lord.
