Since 1995, Galcom International has been partnering with TWR in the distribution of solar powered radios that are fix-tuned onto TWR’s global broadcasts. Thousands of radios have been distributed by TWR staff to unreached people groups in India, Mozambique, Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia Montenegro, not to mention the tens of thousands distributed by other missionaries and pastors. With an estimated 10 people listening to each radio, together Galcom and TWR are daily reaching millions with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Galcom was founded in 1989 when God gave the vision for reaching the lost through fix-tuned radios to Rev. Allan McGuirl of Hamilton, Canada. Allan visited many areas in Kenya that had no access to electricity and people without the means to purchase batteries to power a radio. His burden for the unreached compelled him to build something to share the Gospel to the people in remote villages.
God brought Allan and two others together to begin the production of Galcom’s first radios in Tiberius, Israel. The first 40,000 radios were tuned to Voice of Hope in Lebanon, reaching into Israel, Jordan, and Syria. Since then, Galcom has distributed over 740,000 “portable missionaries” to over 125 countries. They’ve also installed or assisted in the installation of over 85 radio stations around the world, equipping pastors and missionaries with the tools to expand their reach beyond literature or personal visits.
To enhance the effectiveness of the radio ministry, Galcom always partners with a missionary on-the-ground where the radios are distributed to ensure follow-up and to give the personal touch that is often needed in matters of salvation. Radios have been distributed by short-term mission teams in Bolivia, by boat in Micronesia, by mule in Mexico, by camel in Mongolia and by mini-parachutes in the jungles of Colombia.
In 2009, Galcom is excited about their partnership with TWR in their “Year of the Roma” initiative, with plans to distribute over 3,000 solar-powered, fix-tuned radios to the Roma people spread throughout Eastern Europe. We know that the message of Jesus Christ has the power to change lives, to bring peace and hope, to heal families, and empower believers. Please pray that these little “portable missionaries” would have a great impact on the Roma and everywhere they serve all over the world.
Learn more about Galcom’s ministry at http://www.galcom.org/ Or, visit RadiosfortheWorld.com to purchase a radio for listeners in many parts of the world.
By Tim Whitehead, CMA
Associate Director of Galcom International