TWR E-Snapshots - February 2010

As the nation of Haiti continues suffering from the recent earthquake’s aftereffects, TWR is assisting local radio stations there to provide ongoing messages of hope in Christ. “Radio is the only way many people can find a word of encouragement through this time of hardship,” says Haiti native Storly Michel, TWR’s Creole language producer for the popular Thru the Bible program. “[Local station] Radio 4VEH partnered with TWR to broadcast special programming to Port-au-Prince. God is using Radio 4VEH to bless the Haitian people.”

Michel says in the less-affected Haitian town of Milot, Radio 4VEH has placed fix-tuned solar radios in classrooms serving as extensions to the hospitals that treat injured refugees. “At least two people have accepted the Lord through this radio distribution effort coordinated by local pastors in Milot,” he says. “For many, those small radios were the only constant friends they have around.”

Remarkably, despite the despair and hopelessness in Haiti, Michel says many people who were affected are reacting in an extraordinarily positive way. “In the midst of all this suffering, people are praising God for His faithfulness,” he reveals. “Of course they are crying, they are mourning. It’s painful, but the words out of their mouths are not words of complaint but praise and worship. [On a recent] Sunday morning in Port-au-Prince, people were worshipping the Lord in the open air, under some kind of tents, not letting the destruction of their church building stop them.”

Also ministering in-country is Radio Lumiere, a local FM station in Port-au-Prince. TWR is providing financial assistance to both Radio 4VEH and Radio Lumiere whose local sources of support have been hard hit by the earthquake. “The station currently broadcasts 15 hours a day, but it is still operating from an outdoor makeshift studio,” says TWR-Americas International Director Tim Klingbeil. “TWR’s intent is to provide special programming based on the Biblica book ‘When Your Whole World Changes.’ These programs are being created by TWR’s Member Care Radio, in partnership with Dr. Brent Lindquist of Link Care Center. They will be geared to help Haitian people deal with the significant emotional issues they will experience in the months ahead.”

This month’s dedicated theme on the TWR homepage is a spotlight on Latin America. Meet Pablo, a South American who considers suicide as an alternative to a destructive lifestyle. But the very thing used to block out all the noise becomes the witness that brings an aching heart out of darkness and into the Kingdom.

Also, learn how we’re Growing Disciples in Latin America and Expanding Ministry in Uruguay. Read several inspiring letters from our listeners. Don’t forget to check out the informative Q&A with Tim Klingbeil, international director for the Americas.

Finding Open Doors in an Unlikely Place

Perhaps best known as a nation devastated by the communist Khmer Rouge and the “killing fields” where 2 million people perished in the 1970s, Cambodia is now a place open to the good news of Jesus Christ. For 10 years, international Christian media ministry TWR has been enabling people in Cambodia to hear messages of God’s hope and peace.

TWR began ministry in Cambodia in 2000 with the task of producing the Khmer version of TWR’s Women of Hope program. Several young Cambodian Christians, who were willing to be trained in translation, production and studio operations, became the first team members. Since then, a brand new media center has been built, and there are currently 19 full and part-time staff members. TWR also works with 51 coordinators who help by managing children’s listening clubs and radio distribution, among other things.

TWR currently airs five programs (Thru the Bible, Women of Hope, Happy Children’s Garden, It’s Yours and The Word Today) over 13 FM stations to address issues faced by church leadership, women, children and young people. Although no formal postal system exists, more than 1,000 listener letters arrive at the TWR office every month.

Speaking Hope to Somalia

Christians in Somalia do not have an easy life. They face severe persecution, and TWR's programs are often the only source of hope for them.

Thru the Bible is a 30-minute weekday Bible study that covers the entire Bible in five years. In Somalia, Thru the Bible is broadcast on shortwave in the Somali language from Monday to Friday. A recent local survey suggests that Thru the Bible is the most popular radio program among Somalis.

The civil war in Somalia has destroyed many families and forced thousands of people into refugee camps in Somalia and in neighboring countries such as Kenya. Over one million people are estimated to be living in refugee camps.

One listener writes, “I felt as though I have been beset by difficult times since the war broke out in 2006. I was in Mogadishu, but fled to another place. I am still tuning into your station when I have time, and receive comfort and courage. Thank you for your concern and love.”

Praise God that Christian Somalis have been able to find encouragement in TWR and Thru the Bible. Pray that this radio program will continue to touch lives and teach God's Word.

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