MEDIA IN MISSIONS BRIDGING BARRIERS TO BELIEF

MEDIA IN MISSIONS BRIDGING BARRIERS TO BELIEF

WHAT WE OFFER A listener in China uses a shortwave radio to listen to Christian programs broadcast from TWR s playout center on Guam, half a continent an ocean away. MEDIA IN MISSIONS: BRIDGING BARRIERS TO BELIEF Common challenges faced by missionaries their sending agencies include:» Unfriendly geography» Laws impacting proselytization» Inherent worldview differences» Language barriers Media missions organizations like Trans World Radio (TWR) can work around these issues, helping to bolster outreach discipleship efforts. Here s an overview of how it works: UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS are identified as opportunities arise. RESEARCH reveals felt needs barriers to receiving the gospel. PROGRAM DESIGN bridges barriers to God s message of salvation. NATIVE SPEAKERS record these programs in their heart language. MEDIA DISTRIBUTION through channels chosen for audience accessibility. PARTNERSHIPS with local churches allow for personalized follow-up. 1 2 3 4 5 6

WHO WE ARE Speaking fluently in more than 200, TWR exists to reach the world for Jesus Christ. map by diego medrano Our global media outreach engages millions in 160 countries with biblical truth. Since 1952, God has enabled TWR to help lead people from doubt to decision to discipleship. TWR s ministry to Asia began with broadcasts into China in 1977. Today, we speak God s hope to 20 countries across the region. SPEAKING HOPE TO ASIA IN: Visit www.twr.asia to find out more. OUR MISSION The purpose of TWR is to assist the church to fulfill the comm of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all peoples, to do so by using making available mass media to:» Proclaim the gospel of salvation to as many people as possible.» Instruct believers in biblical doctrine daily Christlike living.» Model our message through our corporate cooperative relationships. Assamese, Awadhi, Balinese, Banjara, Batak Toba, Bengali, Bhili, Bhojpuri, Bondo, Braj Bhasha, Bundeli, Burmese, Cantonese, Cebuano, Chattisgarhi, Chodri, Dari, Deccan, Dhodia, Dogri, Dzongkha, English, Gamit, Garhwali, Gondi [Northern], Gujarati, Hakka, Haryanvi, Hiligaynon, Hindi, Ho, Ilocano, Indonesian, Japanese, Javanese, Kannada, Kashmiri, Kharia, Khmer, Kok Borok, Konkani, Korean, Koya, Kui, Kukna, Kumauni, Kurux, Kutchi, Madurese, Magahi, Maithili, Malayalam, Malvi, Marin, Manipuri, Marathi, Marwari, Mawchi, Mewari, Mundari, Nepali, Nias, Oriya, Pashto [Southern], Punjabi, S gaw Karen, Sadri, Santali, Sindhi, Sora, Sundanese, Swatow, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan, Toraja-Sa dan, Tulu, Urdu, Uyghur, Varli, Vasavi, Vietnamese, Waray-Waray, Yi. OVER EIGHTY LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS

WHAT WE DO Leverage technology for greater ministry impact TWR does much more than just radio. As the urgency of reaching the world for Christ in this generation grows, so does the need to use new technologies in appropriate ways to extend the reach of God s Word. In Singapore, Bible verses are sent daily via text messages to people on an opt-in list. MicroSD cards with Christian programs are distributed in parts of China. Libraries of solar-powered audio players are loaned out to specific audience groups in China Singapore; the former live in remote areas, the latter cannot afford batteries. TWR reaches people in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Korea, Pakistan Vietnam through long-distance shortwave mediumwave radio. TWR has been so faithful to SMS me Bible verses every day. Honestly speaking, I could not concentrate on reading the Bible one chapter per day as suggested. But one Bible verse is easier for me to underst remember. Many times, when I felt discouraged or lonely, the verse meant a lot to me. From this I know that God has not given up on me. a migrant worker in Singapore Dedicated web sites make available Christian programs to Chinese, Indian, Filipino Vietnamese listeners. www.ktwr.net www.abc111.net www.radio882.com www.twrphilippines.com www.xuyenthegioi.com Our programs are also broadcast from FM radio stations to reach listeners in Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore Thail. The key to our approach is to utilize the best media by which to reach our audience: that they may hear His Word, believe, be transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit.

WHAT WE DO Reach oral communities with stories narratives Oral cultures around the world prefer to communicate through stories, narratives, songs proverbs. To reach these people groups, TWR develops narratives, modeled after the way Jesus told His stories. I am a farmer... I can hardly read write. One day, I was tuning my radio, I came across TWR s programs. Our programs share God s Word using bridging methods, which help to bypass barriers that listeners may have to the Gospel. Understing the world view of our audience helps us to communicate His love effectively. I became so interested to know about God through the programs, I decided to take part in Church worship near my town. Gradually, I am learning about the true God, creator of the universe Savior of the human race, the Lord Jesus. Listening the radio program in my own Tharu language, I feel very happy have peace in my heart... I want to continue to learn about Him more. an oral communicator in Nepal Research design help us to develop messages that our audiences can relate to. This contextualized content, recorded in their heart language, helps to overcome obstacles to receiving the Gospel. Through on-the-ground partnerships, TWR-Asia currently reaches out to oral communicators in Cambodia, China, India, Nepal.

WHAT WE DO Engage youth children with biblical truth Globally, there are nearly three billion young people under the age of 25; over 1.8 billion of them are under the age of 15. Studies show that early exposure to Christ dramatically increases the possibility for children to experience a lifelong faith. TWR presents Jesus the Bible as relevant vital to this age group. Text messaging is one of the primary ways that our listeners from the Philippines respond to our youth programs. Each month, teens young adults send many SMSes seeking advice Christian counsel. I listen to the Happy Children s Garden program every Sunday with other children in my village. I m always happy when I hear the story. The story today taught me to trust in God even when I m sad or in difficult times because He is always with me. Your program really encouraged me to pray, to work hard, to do my best even when I m facing hard times. a 14-year-old listener in Cambodia Our Cambodian children s ministry team not only produces the program Happy Children s Garden but also shares Jesus love to listener groups churches through puppet shows, songs, small gifts of practical necessities. TWR s programs for children youth resonate with our audience. From magazine-format programs that discuss topics teens are interested in, to children s programs that appeal to parent child alike, our ministry reaches out to the next generation with biblical values. TWR-Asia currently ministers to youth children in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines Vietnam. photo by ragnhild vartdal

WHAT WE DO Actively reach out to women who are hurting Suicide, sexual slavery, poverty abortion are tragedies that disproportionately victimize women. TWR s ministry to women is known as Project Hannah, its flagship program Women of Hope reaches millions of women worldwide with a message of hope. Bringing the gospel to families through women s programs has the power to dramatically improve the circumstances of millions. Literacy skills training classes in Nepal enable women in this project to be better able to provide for their families. Couples camps in China facilitate couples in improving communication, overcoming barriers, renewing their commitment to one another before God fellow believers. My life was so hard. My husb died from health problems due to drinking, I had to raise five children by myself. I have been changed a lot through listening to the Women of Hope program... My nature has changed. Now I am happy to share with other people who are in need I can forgive others when they hurt me.. a mother in Vietnam The friend-to-friend style of TWR s Women of Hope program is simple attractive. The broadcasts share practical advice insight, letting listeners know they are understood loved especially by God. Listeners in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thail Vietnam pray for women worldwide, using the Project Hannah monthly prayer calendar.

WHAT WE DO Minister to the sick the needy Health conditions plaguing millions of the world s poor often make it difficult for them to be concerned about spiritual development. TWR develops broadcasts that address basic health sanitation needs to reach suffering people assist health care workers with God s message of unconditional love forgiveness. Ministering to HIV/AIDSaffected villages in China Thank you all for your love help rendered to my family. My father has been ill for a long time, our family is in dire straits. Our village authorities do not provide even the most basic support. Putting on the winter jacket you provided, I can see your loving care. I can only express thanksgiving from within my heart to you all. It is Jesus who has endowed you with this compassionate selfless sacrificial spirit. a student in China Our disaster relief efforts include airing programs on disease control as well as dealing with grief loss. Our teams also help out with on-the-ground efforts however they can. HIV/AIDS affected villages in China have been blessed through TWR s holistic ministry the support of churches, corporations, individuals. Supporting relief efforts through our broadcast programs, visiting the afflicted in hospitals, providing love gifts of necessities are just some of the ways TWR demonstrates God s love to these suffering people. Our teams have ministered to the sick needy in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines.

WHAT WE DO Disciple believers train indigenous church leaders Strengthening the faith of new believers preparing new leaders are trademarks of TWR s work. Daily programs provide training systematic teaching to pastors lay leaders who would not otherwise have access to them. I am a pastor of a church in a small town... When my wife I listen to your program, I sit with a pen write down the points, after the program we sit with the Bible study the word of God... Whatever I learn through this program I will study meditate preach in the Church. I thank God for your broadcast which gives us spiritual strength. As we minister in the Church we also need to be filled with the Word of God. This filling is done through your broadcast. a church pastor in India In Vietnam, a pastor blesses two new believers as they confess Christ as Lord Savior. TWR partners with local churches for follow-up with listeners to integrate new believers into the local Christan community. Detailed, hwritten notes taken of our Seminary on the Air (SOTA) radio program are testament to the believers devotion to God s Word, their hunger for spiritual food, their lack of access to in-depth teaching on Scripture. TWR s programs help to build up the faith understing of our listeners by availing Scripture Bible exposition. In Asia, TWR s broadcasts for building up believers can be heard in Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thail, Vietnam.

PARTNER WITH US Working together: Partnerships for His glory Here are some ways that you can come alongside our ministry:» Use our programs» Join us or volunteer» Come along on mission trips» Give financially» Pray with us For more information, visit www.twr.asia

JOIN TWR-ASIA Discover whether TWR could become the place where you can make a difference. Get in touch with us! Visit www.twr.asia for more details on opportunities to serve! FIELD MINISTRY Do you have a passion for the last, the least, the lost? Is God calling you to the mission field? From following up with new believers, to ministering to women; children; as well as the sick needy, TWR has openings for missions-minded individuals who are looking to serve God throughout the region of Asia. WEB / INTERNET SPECIALISTS Are you familiar with content managment systems web analytics? Do you wish to be a part of a team that avails online/mobile content to spread the message of the gospel? If this excites you, then let your skills expertise be put to good use in TWR s digital media outreach! MAINTENANCE / CRAFTSMEN Do you love to fix things? Do you get satisfaction from building things? From antenna riggers to building transmitter maintenance, TWR affords opportunities for you to get your hs dirty while participating in God s rescue mission for the world. ENGINEERING / AUDIO TECHNICIAN Do you know your way around studio equipment? Would you enjoy repairing upgrading broadcast digital media equipment while training local staff? Use your skills in working with RF circuits, logic circuits, automation systems, project management computers to use technology to spread the love of Jesus throughout Asia! INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY / INFORMATION SYSTEMS Were you taking apart the computer when you were a child? Do you have training /or experience in systems administration, programming, web design or software engineering? Join our IT/IS team in using cutting edge technologies to put programs on the air, connect a global staff, manage information automate a variety of tasks.

TWR s International International Transmitting Sites Transmitting Sites ( correct as of August 2010 ) Bonaire Bonaire Monte Carlo Monte Carlo (AM, SW) (AM, SW) Europe Europe Albania Grigoriopol Grigoriopol Estonia Grigoriopol Americas Americas in in 20 20 Americas in 20 Europe Africa Africa in in 65 65 Middle East East Middle Central Asia Middle East East & & Middle North North Africa Africa Commonwealth Commonwealth of of Independent States Independent States in in 15 15 Commonwealth of Independent States (AM, SW) in 27 Russia (SW) Central Asia Asia Central in in 27 27 Monte Carlo Bonaire Russia Russia (SW) (SW) Estonia Estonia in 15 Northeast Northeast Asia Asia South South Asia Asia in in 21 21 in in 58 58 Middle East Africa in 65 Benin Benin Middle East & North Africa in 21 Johannesburg Johannesburg (SW) (SW) South Asia in 58 Sri Sri Lanka Lanka Brazil (SW) (SW) Brazil Benin Swazil Johannesburg Swazil (AM, SW, FM) (SW) (AM, SW, FM) Uruguay Uruguay Brazil (SW) Digital Digital ices ices 12 Uruguay in in 7 7 Guam (SW) Southeast Southeast Asia Asia in in 20 20 Northeast Asia in 7 Southeast Asia in 20 Sri Lanka ** All All transmitting transmitting locations locations coverage coverage areas areas are are approximate approximate Highlighted areas represent shortwave Highlighted areasam represent shortwave worldwide coverage AM AM (MW) (MW) coverage coverage worldwide worldwide Highlighted areas represent shortwave coverage coverages (MW) coverage Areasnot not reachedbybyinternational international Areas transmitting sites Areas not reached reached transmitting sitesby international transmitting sites Guam Guam (SW) (SW) Albania Albania Angola Angola Australia Australia Austria Austria Belarus Belarus Benin Benin Bolivia India Romania Chile India Romania Chile Colombia Indonesia Russia Colombia Indonesia Russia Swazil Serbia d Ivoire Japan (AM, SW, FM) Côte Serbia Côte d Ivoire Japan Croatia Kenya Kenya Singapore *Croatia All transmitting locations coverage areassingapore are approximate Slovakia Czech Lithuania Slovakia Czech Republic Republic Lithuania Madagascar South Denmark Madagascar South Africa Africa Denmark South Korea Dominican Republic Malawi MAP MAPBY: BY:DIEGO DIEGOMEDRANO MEDRANO Albania Albania MAP BY: DIEGO MEDRANO Transmitting Sites

TWR-ASIA address 85 Playfair Road #04-01 Tong Yuan Industrial Building Singapore 368000 tel (+65) 6501 5150 fax (+65) 6444 3053 e-mail info@twr.asia web www.twr.asia