Is there less need for the Gospel today, or more need? If you scan the news headlines both here in the US and around the world, you will come to the same conclusion. Like the old Steve Green song says, “People need the Lord.”

Everyday they pass me by,
 I can see it in their eyes.


Empty people filled with care,
 Headed who knows where?


On they go through private pain,
 Living fear to fear.


Laughter hides their silent cries,
 Only Jesus hears.
 

We certainly know that truth in our country. Whether it is the evil of an Aurora, Colorado shooter, or the latest abuse case, we see the truth of scripture that the heart is evil. Yet we know that followers of Christ and their churches are there to bring truth and reason in the midst of the darkness.

But we also see the growing evil in countries where an evangelical witness is in the vast minority, where the population of Christ-followers is extremely small. In some countries where we have ministry partners, only 2% of the population are evangelical believers. In other countries the number drops to 0.02%...or less.

This is one of the reasons I do what I do. Through our NRB Strategic Partnerships work we try to both enhance and encourage Christian broadcasters and communicators in what God has called them to do in their country, be a lighthouse for the Gospel. Through training, guidance, prayer, mentoring, finances, equipment…whatever we can provide to keep the Light of the world shining brightly in the vast darkness.

And I am thankful. Thankful for those who have answered God’s call in their country to broadcast His Truth against a backdrop of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Voodoo, atheism, or rampant apathy. Thankful that they are willing to take the road less traveled, the narrow road, the sometimes bumpy road, providing a pathway for many to hear and believe God’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

And I am thankful for you. Your willingness to pray, to support, to encourage, and to strengthen these Christian broadcasters in other parts of our globe is making an impact.

When a Muslim comes to faith in Christ in Indonesia, you have had a part in that conversion. When a Hindu in India hears the Gospel and turns away from their many “gods” to follow the one true God, you have helped them see the light. When former Communists in Eastern Europe turn from the hopelessness of atheism to the eternal hope of Christ, you have helped deliver that Truth. The Middle East. South America. Europe. Russia. Asia. You are a part of God’s vast enterprise to encompass the world with the Light of the World that men and women, boys and girls, from all walks of life and background, may know Him, and the power of His resurrection.
 

We are called to take His light 
To a world where wrong seems right.


What would be too great a cost
 For sharing life with one who's lost?


Through His love our hearts can feel 
All the grief they bear.


They must hear the words of life
 Only we can share.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord


At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door.


People need the Lord, people need the Lord.


When will we realize that we must give our lives,


For people need the Lord…
People need the Lord.
 

Less need for the Gospel today? No…we need to do all we can, that God’s Word might be spread abroad to the ends of the earth. The Apostle Paul said well what I often feel in my heart:

“Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ….”
                            Colossians 4:3 (MSG)

God at Work…Your Opportunity to Pray and Help

India
The All India Kingdom Media Conference is coming up quickly, scheduled for September 19-22, in Allahabad, India. This is a first-time event, so we don’t know the response, but there could be as many as 300 coming for three days of workshops and conferences. Pray for Ashvin Dhyriam, who with a leadership team from India, is coordinating everything in that country. They are working on the location, the promotion, logistics, and the myriad of details associated with putting on an event of this nature.

Pray also for the team of US and NRB related faculty that will be teaching in radio, TV, Internet, and social media. Some are still deciding if they can assist. Others are making their travel and teaching plans. Pray for God to draw together the right people to instruct, lead, and love the Christian communicators of India. Pray for travel safety for all taking part. And pray for the remaining financial needs to be covered by God’s people. We anticipate another  $10,000 will be necessary to fully cover the cost of the event. This is above the $14,000 committed to by NRB members at the 2012 NRB Convention.

Balkans
Moody Broadcasting is giving good leadership for the media training planned in the Balkans in November. Working with a dedicated leadership team from several different countries, the Moody team is putting together the workshops and seminars needed to take Christian media to another level of effectiveness in spreading the Gospel.

Pray for Moody Broadcasting and their team as they coordinate this important event. Pray for the Balkans team as they give direction and provide the “on the ground” support for the training event. And pray for the many Christian broadcasters who can benefit from the training, networking, and spiritual input in their lives as they serve the Lord so faithfully.

Albania
Pray for the ongoing needs of Radio 7 as they continue to grow, soon covering northern Albania as well as the central part of this formerly Communist country. This land needs strong Bible teaching to help these first-generation Christians understand the full depth of God’s love and plan for their lives. Radio 7 is providing solid evangelical teaching and application of God’s word through well-known speakers like Michael Youssef, June Hunt, J. Vernon McGee, and Charles Stanley.

Pray also for Radio Emanuel in the southern Albanian city of Korçë. Like Radio 7, this station reaches beyond its borders, impacting lives in Macedonia and Greece. It is also leading its listeners to show love and compassion to the very poor living in mostly Muslim villages around Korçë.

Belize
I don’t work directly with the Christian broadcasters in this Central American country, but I am aware of some of their needs and challenges through our good friend Clive Welsh. This man of God has been a regular part of our NRB convention for several years, and we have had the privilege of having Clive in our home overnight.

Clive serves as Director of Lighthouse Christian Radio in this small country. They are currently challenged by tower difficulties that cause them to have to reduce power, reaching fewer people. Pray for God to lead them to the right “fix” for these issues, and for the financial resources to provide for this and other ministry needs.

Middle East
With all the turmoil in this part of the world, particularly Syria at this time, my mind has been drawn to the needs of the people there. My heart has been touched by the many dedicated Christian broadcasters working to get the message of Hope found in Jesus into these troubled areas. Many do this work at great risk. Most we could not name nor give specific locations. All serve with a great sense of calling from God for the task at hand.

God is doing amazing things as His message reaches hearts that have lost all hope. Many of the Muslim faith are asking Christ to be the Lord of their life. The power of the Gospel is evident through faithful pastors and people, through radio and television broadcasts, and through the Internet that carries Bible teaching and application into homes throughout the Middle East.

Pray for those who are standing firm in the face of great harm. They are being used in amazing ways by our God.

Finally…

I keep in contact with other broadcasters in countries like Bolivia, France, Sweden, Finland, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Indonesia, and other places. God is at work...and He has His people serving faithfully in each country.

Pray with me that God will indeed …open doors for telling the mystery of Christ….”

Grateful to serve the King,

Ronald L. Harris, DD
Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships

National Religious Broadcasters
 
817-446-1094 (Direct)
703-330-7000 (NRB HQ)
rharris@nrb.org
www.nrb.org/international

Web

NRB / 9510 Technology Drive / Manassas, VA / 20110