In closed countries where missionaries are not welcome, radio programming provides the opportunity for people to hear and respond to the gospel. Unfortunately, poverty and other circumstances can make even the most basic items, like batteries and small personal radios, too expensive for some families. Many are prevented one of their best chances to hear the Word of God. That’s why TWR not only airs Christian programming, but also distributes radios around the world in Africa, Europe and Asia.
Wind-up Radios for Africa
TWR-Africa distributes Grundig wind-up radios in the countries of Mozambique, Angola and Namibia, where electricity is nonexistent in many rural areas and batteries are too expensive. Wind-up radios fit this need perfectly, and Africans in these nations hear TWR’s broadcasts in their own languages.
Radios for North Africa
Since March 2007, 58 radio/CD players have been delivered to Morocco and 54 to Algeria, along with a CD of TWR programming. If broadcast signals are weak, listeners can still hear the programs. In addition, 500 pre-fixed radios have been ordered and soon will be distributed throughout North Africa.
Radios for Nepal
In the mountainous regions of Nepal, radio is one of the best ways to share the gospel. Nearly half of the population is unemployed or underemployed, leaving many so poor that they lack funds to buy their own radios. By the end of 2007, TWR aimed to distribute 180 sets to Nepalis throughout the country.
Radios for Romanian Gypsies
In places like Romania, TWR seeks to bypass financial and electrical challenges by distributing solar radios. These fix-tuned radios are durable, water resistant and inexpensive, a practical fit for poor Gypsy families. “We offered radios only to people who had no other way to listen,” said a TWR staff member. “[One woman] seemed happy to meet people who had an active interest in her and her family.”
Radios for North Korea
Throughout the second half of 2007, TWR-Korea staff distributed 2,300 radios to North Korean house church leaders. When they learned that some of the sets weren’t working, they discovered that listeners were burying the radios to hide them due to security reasons. The humidity caused these radios to become rusty. TWR-Korea solved the problem by providing plastic bags with each radio.
Radios for Indonesia
Lukas admitted that, for a time, he never worshiped in church because he had to work deep in the Indonesian forest, far from his village. “Every evening, I listened to God’s Word and songs from KTWR,” Lukas says. “These strengthened me, even though I could not go to church. Some friends of mine also listened.” Lukas is grateful to TWR-Indonesia for giving him a radio so he can listen to the Word of God.
Radios for China
TWR’s Chinese team supplies Radio Church Kits (RCK) to listeners in the rural, mountainous areas of China. RCKs contain a Bible, shortwave radio, books that correlate with the daily Self-Confrontation and Discipleship on the Air broadcasts and a program schedule. These materials provide vital training many believers in China still lack. RCK distribution since the project began totals more than 81,000 kits.
Prayer Points:
- Because China is closed to traditional missionary work, safety is a concern for TWR’s inland coworkers. The danger of persecution is intensified by the upcoming 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Pray for their safety.
- TWR’s worldwide staff and volunteers distribute radios by hand to those who need them. Pray for their safety and wisdom in distributing radios to those who are best able to start listener groups.
- Pray for hearts to be opened to the gospel on TWR’s programs.