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 NRB Strategic Partnership
February, 2010 Prayer Newsletter
God is the Ruler Yet
Many of you may know I have a great love for music, instilled at an early age. Singing was a part of our family life growing up, and remains a powerful force in my life today. I like a fairly broad range of music styles (though some types just bewilder me) and can move from classics to country, from praise songs to the hymns. However, for deep inspiration, it is the latter where I seem to linger the most.
I was recently listening to a CD of great hymns of the faith…like “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” I came across a familiar one on the CD that I have usually considered “nice” but kind of “light.” You have probably sung it in church and reflected on the beauty of the world that God created and provides for us to enjoy. The first verse is,
This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears ?
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. ?
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought ?
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; ?His hand the wonders wrought.
Beautiful thoughts. But as I was listening this time I was drawn to a verse that seems out of place for the rest of the hymn. Placed in the midst of words and phrases like, “…the birds their carols raise, ?The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise…” comes this thought.
This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget ?
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
That’s not exactly your “garden path” thought. I don’t know much of the life of Maltbie D. Babcock, the author of the words, except that he lived in the late 19th century, was pastor of prominent churches, and died too young…in his early 40’s.
But clearly, Babcock was dealing with some of the hardships of life. Even acknowledging the wonder of God’s creation, he recognized the power of Satan and his evil forces.
Have you been there? Enjoying life with family and friends and receiving devastating news? Going through life with relative ease, and get the rug pulled out from under you? Or simply enjoying fellowship with the Father and then scan news headlines or turn on the news channel on TV and see the result of all sorts of evil. It can be devastating. But there is hope.
“…though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”
God has not left the throne. He has not lost power. His plans are not thwarted by mere man or by the darts of Satan. He is the ruler yet.
The Apostle Paul knew that. He wrote, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed….” (II Corinthians 4:8-9)
The Psalmist knew of God’s power, too. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me….” (Psalm 138:7)
And Nahum summed it up this way: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble….” (Nahum 1:7)
O let me ne’er forget…
Prayer and Ministry Updates
Strategic Partnership Ministry Opportunities and Needs
We are working with eight different broadcast ministries in various places around the world…and in various ways. While we look for partners, either US broadcast ministries or individuals, who will help meet the needs of our international Christian broadcasters, we also serve them in other ways.
Our days are often filled with the opportunity to mentor and encourage these dedicated Christian servants around the globe. Today’s technology allows this to happen with greater ease and effectiveness due to such technologies as Skype. While email opened the world to quick and easy communication, Skype allows computer-to-computer voice and video almost anywhere there is high speed Internet.
However, nothing replaces personal, one-on-one visits to be with these broadcasters in their place of ministry. This allows us to know their heart, assess their spiritual foundation, understand the culture of their land, and see the ministry operation.
To that end, our needs, above the general administrative ones, center on the cost of international travel. As financial resources grow for that expenditure, we will see the NRB Strategic Partnership ministry expand. And that in turn will allow us to provide more assistance to those whom God has called to serve through Christian broadcasting.
Pray for:
• Resources for international travel. $40,000 needed to fully fund this area.
International Prayer Needs
Sweden - HopeFM
• Program Development
• Expanded hours of operation on existing stations (2)
• Additional frequencies for the HopeFM programming
• Financial support for staff and ministry needs
• Roger Arnfjell and Nathan Quist and others on the ministry team.
Albania – Media 7
• Broadcasting for Kosovo
• Radio transmitter for northern Albania and Kosovo
• TV programming
• Financial support for these new ministry needs
• Enkelejda Kumaraku and the ministry team
Serbia – ELION Media
• Registration of ELION Media with the Serbian government
• Video and editing equipment, and dubbing/captioning computer program
• Space for ministry operation
• Mega City Evangelism Campaign (with IRR/TV from Finland)
• Financial support for operations
• Sasko and Ira Bogeski
Bolivia – Radio Mosoj Chaski
• Fixed-tuned radios for Quechua Indians in Andes
• Upgrade of aging broadcast equipment
• Video production equipment and training
• Financial support
• Cam and Mary Hurst, Ann Wheeler
France – Radio Gospel
• Favor with French broadcast agency for temporary license
• Financial support, needing about $100,000 toward $250,000 goal
• Paul Harrigan and ministry team
Romania – Radio Voice of the Gospel
• New stations, including coverage in mountain regions
• Additional programming for specific groups
• Staff training
• Lucian Despa and ministry staff
Romania – Alfa Omega TV
• Multi-channel platform for additional language programming
• Broadcast and training center completion
• Tudor Petan and the ministry team
Czech Republic – Radio 7
• Broadcast license for Czech Republic station
• Favor with government broadcast agency or a current license holder
• Financial need for acquiring a station ($75,000)
• Ales Bartosec and his broadcast staff
Indonesia – DiscipleMakers Radio
• Additional stations to reach the many islands and villages
• Training for radio staff
• Paulus Wiratno and his ministry team
Finally...
Our 2010 NRB Convention is just weeks away. I ask you to pray that many will come to learn, to grow, to be inspired, and to hear God’s voice for their ministry. The need for the clear proclamation of God’s Word has never been greater…not only internationally, but right here in the US. There has been such great change in our nation, politically, economically, and spiritually, that many simply ignore God and His Word.
At the same time, there are those who hunger for direction and for hope that is only found through faith in Jesus Christ. We have news…Good News…and we need to sound a clear word to our nation like never before. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
Thank you for praying for these critical needs. You are making a difference around the world. If God leads you to provide financial support, contact me. I will be happy to discuss the ways you can help.
Remember…though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
Ronald L. Harris, DD
Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnership
National Religious Broadcasters
817-446-1094 (Direct)
703-330-7000 ext. 400 (NRB HQ)
rharris@nrb.org
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Dr. Ron Harris