Personal Journey into Ministry
In these International Insider newsletters I often write about people and places where God is at work around the world. I share those stories because they are the ones God uses to inspire me, strengthen my faith, and prepare me for His work. I must admit, though, that God has been working on me, directing me, shaping me, for a long time.
Dad had a radio and TV repair shop in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. What a treasure land for a young boy. There were recorders to play with (Anyone ever see a wire recorder? No…not tape…a strand of wire!) There were stacks of old radios and a few TV’s, and all sorts of vacuum tubes of various sizes and shapes.
Those were the days you could pull a few vacuum tubes from the back of an AM radio, stick them in the tube checker, and quickly find
out which one or ones didn’t work. Of course, you were usually tipped off to a bad tube because it didn’t glow like the others did. I still remember the 6AU6 used in many a radio. I have no idea what it did, but if it didn’t work and didn’t glow, the radio didn’t work. Replace it with a new one and the power returned to the set, and before long music and news spilled out. Simple.
No doubt that was my first touch point with the broadcast world. Living near one of the Southwest’s first (and best) radio and TV 
stations, WBAP AM, FM, TV, was another amazing thing. I would have never thought that one day I would work at this powerhouse broadcast outlet. God was opening the door to His plan, and drawing me in. College, US Air Force, churches, local stations in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Texas, and even Athens, Greece, prepared me for exciting ministry in radio and television.
Note the young USAF airman with camera
in the office of the Greek Prime Minister.
My 15 years at KCBI Radio in Dallas opened my eyes to the power of Christian radio. Letters, emails, phone calls, and personal testimonies told dramatic stories of lives changed by the power of God. Great Christian communicators, Bible teachers, who could make God’s Word come alive in our hearts, led listeners to a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus. Music, news, and information 
combined with the teaching to help us integrate God’s Truth and our faith into our daily lives. It was powerful and revealing to see God at work this way.
Through my 28 years in National Religious Broadcasters I learned of the work being done around the world in Christian radio and TV. It inspired me to see how God was using faithful, dedicated servants in challenging places all over the globe to spread His Truth, His Hope. A seed was planted in my heart that has been cultivated by God, and it has grown into the International Partnership ministry He has led me to with NRB.
I now have the joy of meeting giants of the faith in places like Albania, Romania, Sweden, Bolivia, Indonesia…to name just a few…who are carrying the Gospel of Christ through Christian broadcasting. Like a torch piercing the night, the Light of the world is penetrating the dark places of the world and bringing hope. My joy expands when I can mentor some of these broadcasters, encourage them, train them. As I find needs for equipment or support, I look for partners in the United States who can come along side their international counterparts. Christian radio and TV stations take on projects for stations and ministries in other parts of the world. Individuals step in to provide needed financial resources.
Relationships are developed, and ministry is made more effective for everyone.
What a journey. And…like that 6AU6 vacuum tube lodged in an old radio…there is a glow in my heart indicating something at work. That “something” is the power of God flowing and enabling, bringing music and teaching, joy and hope. One “tube” glows, and the others are energized. A broadcast instrument comes alive, carrying life-giving Truth to all who hear. What a Mighty God we serve!
You can have a hand in energizing broadcast ministries around the world. Christian radio and TV stations can partner with NRB and tell their listeners about these needs. Numerous projects are available.
Those who have a mission heart can give to support our work through National Religious Broadcasters. Funds are needed for general support of the work, and individuals can also give to special projects that touch their heart. Many of those are listed at www.nrb.org. Go to the “Communities” section and click on “International”. You’ll see many of the countries listed where we are actively working. These ministries cover over 70 million people.
Most importantly, you can pray. Our special prayer newsletter goes out each month with specific items for prayer. If you are not receiving this email newsletter and would like to join our prayer team, email me at rharris@nrb.org. We’ll be glad to add you to the list.
As I sit at my computer writing this, I am overwhelmed by the need. There is a sense of urgency in my heart. But I remember that the Lord promised to supply the need for His work. I look to Him, but understand that He will often work through people like you to supply what is needed.
Is there a glow in your heart? Is He speaking to you? Do you hear His voice? Will you follow His will? A world of blessings awaits those who do.
