Radio stations continue sending Hope

HCJB

While many are struggling to get on the ground in Myanmar and China to respond to the recent catastrophes, HCJB Global Voice has been faithfully reaching these two countries via shortwave.

The mission’s ongoing media efforts are focused on reaching those beyond the reach of traditional ministry opportunities.

Broadcasts in the Rawang language, spoken by more than 140,000 people in Myanmar, began airing from HCJB Global-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra in 2007. Two half-hour programs in this language air daily -- one slot in the morning and one in the afternoon.

A voice of hope is also going into China as the Australian station broadcasts 18 hours of Mandarin programming each week. An additional five hours of weekly programming airs in Fujian, and 10.5 hours of English programming reaches China. The latter broadcasts are designed to help Chinese listeners learn English as a second language while presenting a clear gospel message.

TWR

As the beleaguered nation of Myanmar continues to suffer from the mass devastation caused recently by Tropical Cyclone Nargis, international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) plans to produce special radio programs offering critically needed health and social care information, emotional support and spiritual care for the hurting and hopeless.

TWR's announcement to begin airing these programs to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is especially timely given news reports indicating that the estimated death toll is upwards of 100,000 people, with another 1 million having been displaced from their homes.

A media release states that TWR's over-the-airwave assistance strategy involves offering a full year of dedicated 30-minute broadcasts that will provide biblical counseling and care five days a week.

The release says the programming will be specifically designed to help restore the lives and spirits of Myanmar's people. The need for these broadcasts is underscored by the reality that the country has no electricity or telephone connections. Consequently, solar- and battery-powered radio becomes a vital link to the outside world for storm survivors.

"We continue to pray for the Lord's intervention to comfort, heal and provide ways for scores of people in Myanmar who have lost loved ones or have lost their homes and belongings," says TWR's Andrew Sundar, ministry director for Southeast Asia.

"Currently, we are broadcasting existing shortwave programs to Myanmar in both the Burmese and Sgaw Karen languages, but the new relief-focused broadcasts will be vital when it comes to addressing the victims' ongoing needs."

"The people are desperate and broken-hearted and are going to need significant long-term help," says Sundar. "My hope and prayer is that Trans World Radio can provide a voice of lasting hope and comfort in the days ahead."