update M I N I S T RY
ISSUE 2-2012
PARTNERING TO REACH THE WORLD FOR CHRIST
I
am often asked what’s been the biggest change in Trans World Radio (TWR) since I began my TWR service 25 years aago. In July 1987, I arrived with my family on th the island of Bonaire on my first assignment as a diesel mechanic and missionary. M My early days as a diesel mechanic were sspent with the crew who maintained the over twenty radio towers on the property. Twenty-five years ago, it took over thirty families to keep the Bonaire site operational. TWR had to produce its own electricity to ensure a secure source of power, and when listeners requested copies of our programs (by handwritten letter), we sent them a 90-minute cassette tape. Today, we purchase power and with the help of computers and the Internet, the same work is performed by less than 10 people. We’re now distributing audio players which hold a mini SD card the size of your thumbnail that holds hundreds of hours of programming. Many of these changes allow us to share the Gospel much more effectively.
The idea of partnerships isn’t new. For twenty-five years I’ve had the privilege of serving with TWR Canada in partnership with many of you who were our Canadian support team. By partnering together we can do remarkable things. Though there have been and continue to be many changes in the tools we use to do ministry, and even in how we do ministry, let me assure you about the one thing that has not and will not change: the message we share. Jesus, the only hope for this world, is the reason we do what we do. He remains the bringer of hope, and our great Redeemer. This newsletter provides a brief update on some of our far-reaching ministry work. Thank you for your support and interest in TWR.
Ray Alary President, TWR Canada
In 1993, God called me to be an administrator and a leader. I’ve had to totally depend on God to do what I now do. People are often surprised when I tell them technology isn’t the area where I have seen the most change (though there have been many advances in technology). The biggest changes I’ve seen are not the tools we use to do ministry, but in how we do ministry. Strategic partnerships – working with like-minded organizations – is cost effective, more efficient, and reaches more people with the message of the Gospel. TWR Canada has fostered strong partnerships with the Gideons International in Canada, Hope for the Heart, and Thru the Bible to name just a few.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:13-15