Not Junk...Useful Stuff

Maybe you have one of these. I sometimes call it a “junk” box, but what is in it isn’t junk. It’s useful stuff, collected over time, just waiting for the proper occasion to be put to use. I have one on my bathroom counter, and it often receives its treasure from my pockets. Let’s see, right now there is a small flashlight in this box, a couple of AA batteries (not new), various coins of various countries, a small rubber ball (?), paper clips, a small rock, a hose clamp, and other items. All waiting for the next project or special need. It may look like bits and pieces of stuff, but at any moment I may put these items to work.

By the way, the word “stuff” seems like such a colloquial term. So I was surprised one time to find it in the Bible…and in numerous places. One of the interesting places is in Exodus, when God had given the instructions for the building of the tabernacle, had selected skilled craftsmen to do the work, and then instructed the people to supply materials for the work. In Exodus 36:7, there it is…that word.

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.  

                                                                                                                Ex 36:7 KJV

Well, our International Insider is a little like that box of stuff this month. Over these months I have collected bits and pieces of items on my international journeys, just waiting for the time to put them to use. I think this is the time. So…let’s see what “stuff” is in the box.


•    Our ministry friends at Radio 7/Media 7 in Albania continue to seek open doors for ministry in both Albania and Kosovo. Licenses for radio and TV programming have been applied for in this nation that is about 98% Muslim. The field is white unto harvest. Pray for God’s protection and an unusual favor as they, like the shepherd boy David, go up against their “Goliath” in seeking these licenses.
•    Recent word from this broadcast ministry in Albania indicates that in a two-week period, 50 people gave their heart to Christ. Pray for labors for the follow-up work needed for these who commit their lives to the Lord.
•    Alfa Omega TV in Romania continues to work toward a multi-channel satellite platform that will allow broadcasts in many languages to reach the people surrounding Romania and throughout the Balkans.
•    ELION Media ministry in Serbia now has a professional HD video camera, Mac editing computers, and software to launch their new projects. This is the answer to years of prayer for Sasko and Ira Bogeski.
•    Skype is a wonderful tool that, for no cost or low cost, allows me to keep in close contact with our international friends with both audio and video connections. How close? Well Sasko and Ira Bogeski’s six-year old daughter, Abigail, often wanders into the room while I am on Skype and says, “Hello, Uncle Ron.” Sweet blessing.
•    Indonesian Christian broadcasters have many challenges, which we have detailed previously. Yet their spirit and their faith remain strong. I recently wrote about a young girl who I call Lea, to give a measure of protection to her. She manages a radio station in the midst of a large Muslim population. Lea’s schooling is actually in architecture. I recently heard from her, as she thanked us for our prayers. Lea is now working on plans for reconstructing housing for poor people, to show that our God is still at work in their land.
•    I often share with people about the great things the Lord is doing around the world, and the great servants He has in Christian media. It is not unusual for someone to simply pull out a checkbook and write a check to further this work. The amount ranges from $100 or less to several thousands of dollars. These gifts have supplied equipment for some, fix-tuned radios for others, and encouragement for all. God’s people, hearing God’s voice, doing God’s will. What a partnership.
•    In several parts of the world I am seeing Christian broadcasters and communicators come together in unity to be more effective in taking God’s Hope to an otherwise hopeless world. It would be easy for these people to sit down and find areas of disagreement. But they are sensing the importance of Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, that the world be impacted by God’s love through our unity.

“…that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.”             

                                           John 17:21 NASB

•    HopeFM in Sweden continues to add to their staff and to their effectiveness. They are producing new programs to speak to the many non-Christians in their country.  In addition, they will be covering a major Christian event in Stockholm, the Jesus Manifestation, and sending this broadcast coverage all over Sweden.
•    Roger Arnfjell asks for continuing prayer for HopeFM, sensing a great opportunity and an open door for touching lives and changing hearts for Jesus’ sake in one of the most secular countries in all of Europe.
•    In a few days, and for the second time, we will try to assemble our group of key Christian broadcasters from Eastern Europe for planning the Balkans Training Initiative for next fall. Our first attempt was canceled by the Iceland volcano and its ash plume that shut down almost all European airports just as we were to meet outside Vienna. May 30-31 we will try to meet again. I have had to paraphrase a saying from the old South when talking about this: Volcano willing and the ash don’t rise. Yes…I know it is all in God’s hands. Your prayers will be appreciated.
•    I am reminded almost daily of the many opportunities that I can’t consider, and it is a bit frustrating. Financial resources, time, and that ol’ thing about being able to be in only one place at a time limit me. So I pray, and I wait, and I rejoice each time someone steps in to help. And I try to do what God puts before me, and do it in a way that pleases Him and furthers His work.
•    This was mentioned in a previous newsletter, but it bears repeating. Think of a radio station where there is little or no electricity. There are places in the world, such as islands and villages in Asia Pacific, where electrical power is sporadic, if it exists at all. But think of what a blessing Christian radio would be. NRB member Galcom now has small radio transmitters that run on solar panels that feed an array of batteries. And they can put in the hands of the people small, solar powered radios that are tuned only to the Christian station. What a package. The solar panels and batteries cost about $3000 each, and I know of four or five that need to be funded and completed right away. Sounds like something an individual, a Sunday school class, a ministry,  or a radio station could do. And the radios cost about $20 each. Anyone want to be a partner in such an amazing way?

I haven’t reached the end of my stuff box, but I think that may give you an idea of what God is up to globally with Christian broadcasting. And that is just from my perspective.

We have ministries like HCJB Global, TWR, Far East Broadcasting Company, Galcom, and Gospel for Asia, that are actively expanding the reach of God’s Good News through media. They deserve your prayer, your support, and your partnership.

If God puts it on your heart to become involved in some of the projects we have touched on, let me know. Email me at rharris@nrb.org. Or you can call me at 817-446-1094. I will be happy to let you know how you can get in on what the Lord is doing.

Ron