January/February 2005

Changing the Channel
Dee Dee Mills, Transmission Editor and World Mission Broadcast Writer

Our world has been consumed with the relief efforts to help the tsunami victims. I see the television flooding my homes with pictures of those who were injured, orphaned and deceased. Comprehending the severity of this situation is nearly impossible. How could a wave of water be so deadly? How could it be that large and destructive? The stories of children orphaned and searching for their parents are heart wrenching, while I watch as others search through the lines of bodies, looking for their missing loved ones.

But with the simple push of a button, it goes away. I can turn the television and radio off and try to put it out of my mind. It’s so easy to turn the channel...to turn my thoughts to something else...so easy to turn away from something that I find so disturbing and heartbreaking. How is it possible as a child of God, to turn away from the devastation I see, knowing that others so far away are suffering a pain I hope to never experience? Sometimes the things we don’t understand, or the things that we find so sad and unbearable to watch, are the very things that we need to turn our attention to.

The simple truth is this: miles cannot be a barrier from carrying out God’s work. There are people all over this world who are suffering in a way we don’t understand. But rather than “changing the channel” and hoping it goes away, we need to continue to turn our attention to those who are lost and hurting.

We don’t know how many of the tsunami victims knew Christ as their personal savior. We don’t know what will happen to all of the newly orphaned children, or how many of the survivors will find peace through the love of God. We don’t know if, when or where another tragedy may strike. What we do know is that there are many people – God’s children – that still have not met Jesus Christ. That in itself is a tragedy. We cannot turn away from the things we don’t understand or the things we find uncomfortable to hear. God has called us to preach to the nations his love, his forgiveness and his salvation. Some travel throughout the world teaching, preaching, and reaching out to people. Others are called to give financially, but all of us have the power of prayer.

The next time you just want to change the channel, stop what you are doing and pray for strength; strength for those who are carrying the message of Salvation and strength for those who are hearing it for the first time.

Blessed By a Gift
Dee Dee Mills, Transmission Editor and World Mission Broadcast Writer

“It’s like a plasma screen in a lean-to...” That is how Edin of the Faro Estereo broadcast in Mohan, Guatemala explained the new addition to their studio.

Early this fall, Rick Guilfoil, WMB Senior Administrator, and Todd Edgerton, Regional Communications Coordinator for the Mexico-Central America region, traveled through Guatemala to present three local radio stations with new microphones. The stations were in great need of new equipment, some even worked out of studios that had no doors.

A faithful supporter of WMB donated Rode and APEX microphones after hearing the stories of our broadcast ministry, and feeling the desire to help.

Equally moved and excited, were Humberto, from Stereo Bienestar in Puerto Barrios and Abraham from Stereo Oasis in Santa Elaina. Humberto, with tears in his eyes, explained that this was a piece of gear they only dreamed of having. Abraham invited Rick and Todd to join him on the air after he received the stations new microphone. They were then able to encourage the listeners and share what WMB is doing around the world.

What a wonderful gift and blessing these three stations received. Many times the studios are not complete, and are not in perfect working order. But that doesn’t stop these servants of God from continuing to bring the message of Salvation through radio. Because of their efforts to fulfill God’s commission, and because of the faithfulness of one supporter, radio broadcast ministries in Guatemala will continue its ministries one new piece of equipment at a time.

Pictured are:
1st pic – Todd Edgerton and Humberto at the radio studio in Puerto Barrios.
2nd pic – Abraham from the radio studio in Santa Elaina
3rd pic - DJ at the Faro Estereo broadcast in Monjas.