A Radio Encounter That Changed Everything

The year was 1956. Sixteen-year-old John Reeder was fiddling with the dial of his radio when a foreign voice pierced through the static.

It was HCJB from Ecuador, over 8,500 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Reeder’s home in Melbourne, Australia. HCJB is the first radio station in Ecuador to provide daily programming and the world’s first missionary radio station.

Reeder became a regular listener of many programs aired from the station. For six years, he corresponded with the different program hosts and received numerous Christian publications in his mailbox.

“They were the foundation of my Christian growth and to sense the Holy Spirit’s guidance,” he shared.

Little did he know that this early encounter would pave the way for a lifelong service in media ministry.

A Divine Calling

Twelve years after that fateful encounter with HCJB, Reeder was on his way home when he came across an article in the New Life newspaper.

It was written by Bob Stokes, then a representative for TWR (also known as Trans World Radio) in Australia. Stokes was returning to England and there was a need for a replacement. 

Having completed two years at Emmaus Bible College in Sydney as well as a radio announcing course, Reeder knew God wanted him to serve with TWR. His early encounter with radio further solidified his calling.

As he learned more about the ministry of TWR, Reeder found himself drawn to it.

“My motivation to get involved was the fact that there were thousands of listeners to TWR,” he said. “I sensed that fostering growth was the key factor for TWR to connect with its listeners.”

From Listener to Servant

Reeder began working part time with TWR out of a back shed at his home. At the time, he had another job as a medical representative.

In 1985, he transitioned into the position of full-time director at TWR and was instrumental in establishing a TWR ministry and national partner in Australia. During its heyday, TWR Australia had a board and a dedicated team of 13 staff members who worked on diverse programming and fundraising initiatives.

While the sun may have set on the former national partner, there remains a faithful community of supporters within the country. Their prayers and financial contributions continue to play a crucial role in enabling TWR to speak hope to the world.  

Most recently, Reeder served as an ambassador for TWR, sharing about the work and vision of the ministry in emails, articles and speaking engagements at churches and conferences.

“I’m very thankful to God for bringing John into service as an ambassador for TWR in Australia,” said Daryl Renshaw, TWR vice president for Asia. “John has tirelessly advocated for TWR media ministry projects in many churches and parachurch organizations. His service has raised awareness about the importance of media ministry — especially for people in countries that are closed to the gospel, and it brings great honor to our Lord.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Reeder’s service with TWR wasn’t without its challenges. Fundraising for various TWR projects, in particular, proved to be a constant hurdle.

Even then, God’s favor was clearly upon the ministry, evidenced by the generous bequests made by various supporters in Australia to aid TWR in the sharing of the good news. Reeder also had the privilege of witnessing God’s hand at work when three Australian couples were sent as missionaries to Bonaire, South Africa and Europe in the 1990s.

Championing Hope

Another highlight in Reeder’s service took place during a business trip when he had the chance to meet Marli Spieker, founder of the TWR Women of Hope (formerly Project Hannah) ministry.

“She shared with the staff how she met, or saw, a lady all dressed in black from head to toe at a shopping center in Southeast Asia,” he recalled. “This was the pivotal point for Marli to establish the Project Hannah ministry. God has wonderfully blessed this ministry. It is something that I am passionate about.”

In the years following, Reeder became a champion for the ministry, distributing the TWR Women of Hope prayer calendar every month and expanding the prayer movement across Australia.

Lisa Hall, international prayer coordinator for TWR Women of Hope, shared, “Each month I would send John the prayer calendar and he always had some comment about the love and concern of the intercessors there for women and their needs.” 

“It has been a joy and delight to work with John,” she added. “His enthusiasm for God and for the TWR and the Women of Hope ministries is contagious. God alone knows how many people have been touched by his joy for the Lord.”

Continuing the Journey

Fast forward to 2023, the same teenager who “happened” to discover a Christian radio station has now completed a half-century-long tenure at TWR. He is embarking on a new chapter in his life.

“I am praying about doing some announcing at one of the community radio stations 15 minutes from home,” Reeder said.

We give thanks to the Lord for Reeder and his legacy of faithfulness. Please join us in praying for God’s continued guidance as he discerns his next steps.

Images: (middle, left) Reeder — third from right — at a TWR leadership meeting in Singapore in 1991, (bottom, right) Reeder and his wife Robyn. Reeder's first wife, Margaret, went home to be with the Lord in 2007 following a battle with cancer.