The Need
The phrase “hidden in plain view”describes what is happening in the countries of Latin America today. In a traditional sense, they have been “reached” with the Gospel message for many decades, yet thousands of their people still remain “unchanged” in their lifestyles. Each year millions of children in Latin America and the Caribbean are mistreated, abused and exploited sexually; and 90 million live in conditions of poverty. Approximately two million adults and children are living with HIV/AIDS, according to the World Health Organization (December 2003). Churches face the additional pressures of disintegrating families-some countries averaging a rate of 5 out of 10 marriages ending in divorce. Compounding this situation is the large number of unwed couples living together.
Latin Americans need to commit their lives to Christ in such a way that they will live out their Christian faith on a day-to-day basis. Of extreme importance is for the light of the gospel to shine in the cities-where the majority of Latin Americans live, including the vast populations of children and youth. Turning on the light of gospel will bring about commitments to Christ that will result in a change of lifestyle for millions of Latino children, youth, women and men.
The Vision
By the Lord’s leading,Trans World Radio (TWR) is determined to help reverse the spiritual decline of both the present and next generation of Latinos by “turning on the light” in 50 Latin American cities over the course of the next few years. We call this project “City Lights.” The plan is to connect churches and individuals throughout the United States with Latin American churches and radio stations to bring God’s principles into thousands of lives.
U.S. churches can choose a city–perhaps even a city where they may already have their own missionaries–and sponsor a package of five to eight TWR programs designed specifically for different groups (children, youth, women, families) within that city. Through TWR U.S. churches and individuals who sponsor these programs will receive feedback from the cities about the changed lives resulting from the broadcasts. Specific programs in the package can be chosen for sponsorship.
The Ministry
Since 1964 Trans World Radio has been broadcasting to Latin America from its powerful transmitting station on the Caribbean island of Bonaire. TWR partners with more than 650 local stations in Latin America. Now there is a need for additional quality programs customized to “connect” biblical teachings, such as those presently aired, to the listeners’ everyday lifestyles. The five to eight original TWR programs in the City Lights package will do just that. TWR’s partner offices in 10 Latin American countries are producing most of these high quality original programs that will be used in the City Lights project. These programs are geared to meet the needs of children, youth,women and families. TWR’s Latin American partner offices will also distribute the City Lights broadcasts to their network of affiliate stations and link the City Lights project to on-the-ground ministries or missionaries supported by U.S. churches already working in a particular city.
The Opportunity
The cost for a City Lights package for one city per year is $7,200. This includes studio costs for production of the programs, the distribution costs of sending the programs to radio stations in cities, and follow-up expenses. Trans World Radio’s goal for Phase 1 is to reach 20 cities at $7,200 per city, for a total cost of $144,000 annually. TWR asks that you prayerfully consider how God might use you in this new strategic ministry to Latin America.
Get Involved
How can you help with this important aspect of our ministry? Consider financially supporting this project.
- Make an online donation by clicking the button below.
- Mail in a donation by completing, printing, and sending our mail-in form
- Call us at 1-800-456-7897 and ask for the Donor Services department to make a credit card donation over the phone or inquire about other methods of giving.