July/August 2004

WMB Bent on Snatching Youth for Christ
By Rafael I. Santos

As the secular global media intensifies its onslaught on vulnerable young people with programs laden with sex, violence and humanistic views, the World Mission Broadcasts in Asia is doubling its efforts to snatch these helpless, yet precious souls from perishing.

While continually exposing thousands of young people across the vast Philippine archipelago with Christian programming, WMB is determined to hold these listeners captive. Not with the godless, violent, and sex-dominated programs, but with activities that are meant to nurture the body, the mind, and most of all the soul.

Activities such as Christian concerts, education or skills training, and sports clinics are part of a new evangelistic and follow-up strategy being launched by WMB and the Church of the Nazarene’s Philippine field. These creative means are projected to lead to Bible Study groups or cell groups and eventual church plants. In order to avail these activities, individuals have to register and be members of local listeners’ clubs.

Two listeners’ clubs were recently launched in two separate locations where the youth program Perfect Rhythm has been on the air. In the northern city of Baguio, Catholic youths cheered, danced, clapped their hands, and sang along as a band performed contemporary Christian songs during the club launching in April. Nearly 300 people, consisting mostly of high school and college students, signed up to become members of a listeners club in the area. A similar launching took place in the eastern city of Sorsogon, also using band concert as a come-on to attract crowds. A total of 245 young people expressed interest to join the club.

Out of these numbers, smaller groups each having ten members are going to be formed for common support, friendship, and other activities as a prelude to witnessing and discipleship. The formed groups are to be facilitated by Nazarene youth workers who have undergone training on handling listeners’ groups and how to be responsive to their needs.

Awake with the Angels
Rafael I. Santos, Asia-Pacific Broadcast Development Coordinator

A World Mission Broadcast-financed program beamed across China is proving to be a haven for listeners who are living in extreme loneliness, embroiled in various struggles, and caught/suspended in a deep sense of hopelessness.

As responses to the shortwave broadcast, Awake with the Angels, continue to reach the programmers, it has become apparent that Chinese listeners representing a cross-section of the society are looking up to the two-hour program for care, connection, and company.

People are desperate for friendship, and connection. Unfortunately, they don’t always have access to simple technology such as radio. Listeners also want to feel accepted, not judged for their own struggles and temptations, while others long for nurture and fellowship.

Awake fills these needs and continues to communicate hope from the word of God every night for two hours. The World Mission Communications-Asia Pacific, which carries out the plans and ministries of WMB in the region, remains committed to airing this program, thanks to prayers and financial support from donors. This comment from another Shandong, China listener is enough to keep us going, “Your program gives me hope and confidence and I really thank you.”

Did you know...
Doug Flemming, RCC for the Asia-Pacific Region

*As a child Doug wanted to be a professional athlete (baseball or football) – but said that the Lord didn’t bless him with the body or talent for either. We’re so glad the Lord did bless him with the talent and heart for missions.

*He enjoys spicy foods, but doesn’t care for “dinuguan” (blood pudding).

*Doug was called into the ministry at the age of 18, and spends his spare time playing with his kids, coaching their athletic teams and going on dates with his lovely wife.