While it’s true that radio is one of the most effective ways for Chinese believers to grow spiritually, it’s also important for them to meet with other Christians face-to-face. That’s why part of TWR’s Seminary on the Air (SotA) initiative includes personal training.
Earlier this year, in January, Ms. W., a former missionary to China, was invited back to provide further teaching for TWR’s inland SotA training courses. Throughout nearly a month, she traveled to four locations where nearly 120 church workers and pastors from different educational backgrounds and professions gathered.
Though Ms. W. initially planned to teach on church discipline, the subject was changed to counseling by the students’ request. This course seemed to meet their felt need as more people came to attend. “The immediate goal for this time was to help the students acknowledge the concept of biblical counseling, to help students see themselves from biblical perspectives and to apply biblical truth to their lives,” reports a SoTA team member. “Eventually, we hope the pastors will build counseling ministries in their churches and further establish a counseling ministry to help people outside of the church.”
An additional inland training session, primarily for youth leaders, took place in April. The SotA team visited two provinces in China and taught 26 leaders who are currently involved in youth ministry. SotA listeners are gaining invaluable biblical insight from the programming and training seminars, as indicated by these responses:
- “I have a radio that my son gave me, and I have been using it to listen to your programs. He will also give me a computer he doesn’t want anymore and then I will be able to frequently access your station’s Web site. After listening to your programs twice a week for close to six months, I realized I didn’t have enough time to listen to the programs that I loved to hear. The broadcast is very helpful to me. For example, it helps me understand the Word of God much better, helps me comprehend truth and understand God’s will, thus guiding my life. I would like to thank the station’s teachers and friends who are concerned for my fellow countrymen!”
- “I was a student who graduated from SotA in 2002. Recently I left my place and the church, which I served continuously, with my wife and son because I needed to earn a living. In a foreign place, I lost the connection and teachings from you, and I also lost the happiness of ministering unto the Lord. I suffered from the difficulties of work and the loneliness of staying in a foreign place. But the Spirit reminded me about the love of the Lord, the calling and choosing by the Lord and your teachings. I will pray for all of you. Please pray for me and my family as well; I hope to serve the Lord with you again.”