Revival on Test

The transmitter for Revival FM, Scotland's first Christian Community Radio Station, was today tested and given official clearance by officials from Ofcom, the UK's radio regulatory body.

Revival FM's transmitter is now radiating test signals on 100.8 MHz. The station is located in Cumbernauld, just to the east of Glasgow.

Revival FM will officially launch at 2pm this Sunday, 3rd September, with a day full of special launch-day programming.

On Saturday evening, 2nd September, there will be a pre-launch evening of praise, celebration and fellowship in Craighalbert Church, 3 Craighalbert Way Cumbernauld G68 0LS. This starts at 7pm with a concert and finishes with a buffet meal. Special guest at this event will be Ian Mackie, CEO of UCB Europe, who was born and brought up not too far from Revival FM's location.

Tickets for the pre-launch celebration can be obtained by contacting Bill Anderson on 01236 453289 or e-mail bill.anderson@revivalradio.org.uk

Website: revival.fm

Doors Closing in Iran?

With the UN deadline a day away for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, President Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad is still defiant. He claims the UN will do nothing if they fail to comply with the resolution. Many Iranians are concerned and wary of the future.

While Iran is taking a hard-line stance against the world, they're also clamping down on some of their limited freedoms. Spokeswoman for Trans World Radio Barbara Shantz says, "We've recently heard that satellite dishes are being removed from the country, making it difficult for those depending on that media to reach in to the country. So, we're back to radio being extremely important."

TWR beams Persian Christian music and programming into that region of the world. While the government appears radical, Shantz says we can't forget about that nation. "We forget that there is a Church, with a big 'C.' There are believers there depending on radio. And, we know that there are small groups that are listening around the radio, hearing the Gospel, and being discipled."

According Shantz, while it hasn't been easy to reach Iran with the Gospel, it may get even more difficult. "The general trend is that the country is closing, borders are getting tighter and tighter. The country is experiencing a brain drain. Their brightest and best are going to schools in the west and not returning. And, the government is increasingly taking action against believers, making it difficult for them."

Shantz says Iran's defiance to the rest of the world, is actually pushing average Iranians to listen to their programming because they're disenfranchised. She says many are responding. "Maybe I could give one example of three young women (who) gave their hearts to the Lord and have formed, what they call, a church of three. And, they listen to the radio broadcast. That is one of the ways they are fed regularly."

Some new believers have come to Christ as they were instructed in a dream or a vision to listen to the broadcast. Shantz says there are many people like this. She's asking people to pray. "Think of a particular person and give them names, if you can. And, pray for them daily that they'll find the Lord."

Suitcase Transmitters

There are billions around the world who have yet to hear the Good New of Jesus Christ. In many areas, the number of Christians available to preach the Gospel is limited, or evangelism is prohibited. These are the areas where radio is most effective.

HCJB World Radio is helping nationals establish Christian radio as a way to reach the lost and disciple believers. Manager of their radio planting department at their Elkhart, India engineering center is Curt Bender. "We come alongside them and help them by providing technical assistance, training in how to run a radio station, how to produce programs and then basically we'll even go and install the stations and get them up and running."

HCJB World radio has designed and developed transmitters that can be carried into a country in a suitcase. Bender says this has enabled HCJB to help millions hear the Gospel. "We estimate 300 broadcast sites are on air, or have come on air, as a result of the radio planting ministry. There are over 100 countries (where) we have assisted local Christian groups."

Since radio transmissions don't recognize country borders, radio continues to be a very effective evangelistic and discipleship tool in creative access nations. But, Bender says there is a problem. "There are still so many people out there that are in a position to start a radio ministry, but are lacking the funding. So, what we can do to help provide the funding that's necessary, we try to do that."

Financial Crisis may Close R Music TV

Extracted and adapted from R Music TV Newsletter

R Music TV - Sky Digital Channel 370 - www.rmusictv.com

Lack of Finance May Close
R Music TV

Now we all know what r music tv is about. It's about spreading a positive message to a dark world. It's all about music that is inspirational and uplifting. It's one of the only channels not to offer sex, drugs, swearing and violence to our generation.

With all our LIVE music shows we have attracted different audiences from all over the world. Let's be honest we all have been waiting for a channel like this to hit the UK and now here it is. Something for England to shout about giving opportunities to our young musicians, bands and artists to share their message through the platform we are creating. But all this comes at a cost. A very high one at that!

The costs to keep r music tv going are extortionate. Everyone loves the fact that r music tv is sitting alongside all the other music channels at 370 but even to be on SKY digital it costs £22,000 per month and that's just the satellite time let alone the licences, studio costs and all the rest.

r music tv belongs to the UK and all those who enjoy it and share the vision are part of it and need to help keep r music tv alive. We have recently been made aware that the satellite costs are increasing and we do not have any funds left to keep the channel going and IT WILL BE COMING OFF THE AIR IN OCTOBER. This is an appeal to all those who believe in r music tv to give what you can. This is an appeal that you would also let your churches/friends and family know of our predicament. We know God is doing something with the channel and we are hearing good news of how lives are being effected already. We know His will shall be done and we are asking for your help. If we receive support by the middle of September then we will know the channel is wanted and can be supported to keep going.

To give please send a donation to our registered charity Revelation Foundation or email and request a standing order form and a gift aid form.

Please make any cheques payable to Revelation foundation and send any contributions to:

Keep r music tv on air
117a Cleveland St
London W1T 6PX

Church Visits
Due to the crisis we are facing, and knowing that we have little time till the channel comes of air (unless the church/organisations get behind it through donations/sponsors etc), so we are now planning to visit Churches all around the UK to share the heart/vision/purpose of r music tv and to also present a message on "Media/TV", with the hope that many will know what we are all about and hopefully catch the vision in time and get behind it.

So if you would like us to visit your Church to share this message please email us on info@rmusictv.com, so we can arrange something.

We at r music tv have realised that for this channel to accomplish its purpose we need God and you (the church).

The church is likened to a body in the bible, Christs body. There is one body, but the body has many parts and r music tv is a part of the body. Just like the eyes are used to see, the ears are used to hear and the legs are used to walk r music tv is a part of the body and its being being used to seek and save the lost in a new, fresh and dynamic way that has never been done before.

Please Pray
r music tv is in hot water at the moment, September is the deadline. If a miracle doesn't happen it'll come of air.

So please pray for r music tv and support us in any way you can.

"......and if one member suffers, all members suffer with it; and if one member honored, all the members rejoice with it." - 1 Corinthians 12:26

Thanks and God Bless

Elena and Obed

R Music TV - Sky Digital Channel 370 - www.rmusictv.com

Broadcasting Love in A War Zone

SAT-7 CEO Terence Ascott writes about the SAT-7 Beirut team

Please Pray for Lebanon and the SAT-7 Beirut Staff

Bombs still rain down on Beirut, destroying infrastructure and lives. Despite the obstacles, our team there continues to be a light shining brightly for Christ. On August 4 we were forced to close our studio because heavily used highways and bridges, even in Christian areas, had been attacked and destroyed preventing many of our staff from reaching the SAT-7 office. But our studio has since re-opened and our Lebanese producers, photographers, editors and on-air presenters are working hard to prepare both regular SAT-7 programmes and reports about how Christians are responding to the crisis in which they live.

Each week since the war began we have been airing live telecasts about the situation, dealing with it from a Christian perspective. A number of Lebanese Christian leaders have come to our studio and been asked on-air to comment, not on the politics of the situation, but on the core reasons behind it. I think their words, translated from Arabic, have wisdom and insight:

Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University
“People in Lebanon are shocked. We have lived through this before. And we know all these bad things—wars and destruction—are basically the result of sin; because people are away from God. Every day we need to seek to live in God’s grace, in His grace it is possible to have peace even in wartime.”

Father Toni Khadra, Catholic Press Union
“In our country we have to confess that people often don’t treat each other in a human way. We have war not because we do not have peace; we have war because we don’t respect each other. We need to dialogue because everyone is created in the image of God. Refugees have some basic needs but they need a deeper touch. People are feeling ignored and forsaken.”

Rev. Joseph Najm, Pastor and Counsellor,
“These are very difficult times and we need to remember that in God’s Word we are warned that we would face difficulties. But in times like this our faith can be our fortress. We need to remember the heroes of faith like Joseph, Daniel and Job. Their stories are in the Bible to strengthen and encourage us.”

SAT-7 has also broadcast reports on what Christians are doing—showing the aid work being done by Christian groups like World Vision and Caritas, reporting on Christian shelters such as a Baptist school that has taken in more than 500 refugees and other centres that are providing food and medical care to refugees. For the first time ever, as part of these programmes, SAT-7 also carried live calls from viewers. Many called in to say they were praying for the situation and for SAT-7.

Our team asks that you urgently pray for a cease fire and an improvement in the situation for the many civilians across the region caught up in the conflict. We honestly don’t know how long we will be able to continue broadcasting from Lebanon. Fuel is running out, and more staff members are considering fleeing if they can. We are raising emergency funds to temporarily relocate some staff, to pay for the extra satellite time, to purchase security equipment and even to set up our own mobile video uplink system. But our most important need continues to be for prayer. Please continue to pray for:

• Peace for Lebanon and every country in the region
• Safety for the SAT-7 Lebanon staff
• For the SAT-7 Lebanon team to have courage and energy to make hope-filled programmes despite the situation
• That the Lebanon team will be able to continue to ship their television productions to Cyprus-especially the children’s and youth programmes
• For supplies of food, medicine and fuel to be made available to those who so badly need them
  

Thank you for praying for SAT-7, our team in Lebanon, and for peace in the Middle East.

Yours in His Service,

Terence Ascott,
SAT-7 Chief Executive Officer (TerenceAscott@sat7.org)

Radio Outlets Off-Air

All but two of the nearly 100 outlets affiliated with New Life Radio (NLR), a Russian satellite network operated by Christian Radio for Russia with HCJB World Radio as the principal partner, have been forced to go off the air temporarily.

"NLR had to move to another satellite to distribute its programs," said Mark Irwin, director of HCJB World Radio’s Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States subregion. "This is due to the fact that the satellite distribution slots on the satellite we were using were all bought up by the Russian government."

At the end of July NLR learned that it would have to move from one satellite (Eutelsat W4) —the main satellite that carries entertainment programs in Russia—to another satellite (Intelsat 904) "in just a matter of days," Irwin explained. He added that going back to the Eutelsat satellite may still be an option, "but the costs appear to be prohibitive."

At present only two affiliates are broadcasting NLR programs—an FM station in Volgodonsk, Russia (operated by Volgodonsk Baptist Church), and KICY in Nome, Alaska. Local technicians in Volgodonsk made the necessary changes immediately while KICY never went off the air since it downloads the programs via high-speed Internet.

Most of NLR’s outlets are off the air until changes can be made to their satellite dishes. Each unit needs to be repositioned and new reception equipment installed in order to pick up the signal from Intelsat.

"These dishes are scattered all across Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic states and parts of Europe," Irwin added. "The problem is getting to these sites. It could take up to a year before they’re all changed. This means curtailing a lot of effective ministry."

The biggest impact could be on the downlinks that have been installed in Russian prisons, he said. "NLR has been used to preach Christ across Russia and Eastern Europe and was making an especially big impact as a ministry tool in dozens of local prisons. The prison ministry could come to a halt temporarily."

Other outlets are in remote areas of Siberia—in tiny drug rehabilitation centers, at distant military sites or faraway churches and Bible schools. "Making all the necessary changes is a mammoth task, and our staff is very busy," he explained. "And for some of the more remote sites, the outlets may actually be outside the footprint of the new satellite. We don’t know yet."

Irwin said moving to the new satellite could also result in a "90-percent reduction in listenership" for certain subscribers who pick up the programs on their personal direct-to-home satellite dishes.

"If somebody is receiving a big satellite television package and New Life Radio is on that package, as was the case, and then NLR goes to a totally different satellite, the listener will have to make a choice, ‘Will I give up my television package so I can follow NLR to a different satellite?’"

He added that this is a "really sensitive time in Russia" with current events straining relations between Moscow and Washington, D.C., and countries in Europe. "Political events and developments between Russia and Western governments sometimes affect ministry in Russia," Irwin said.

Since 1931 HCJB World Radio’s passion has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Through the practical tools of media and healthcare, the mission is equipping the voices and hands of the growing church. By working with local believers around the globe, ministries have been established in more than 300 communities in more than 100 countries as partners focus on blessings their communities.

Together with these partners, HCJB World Radio broadcasts the gospel in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are also meeting Jesus. Believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers. HCJB World Radio’s desire is to integrate discipleship with practical tools to equip the growing church around the world and see lives transformed.

(HCJB World Radio)

Making a Difference in Indonesia

While Indonesia is still reeling from the potent natural disasters that have rocked this island nation in the last few years, Christian radio broadcasts continue to share Christ’s hope.

Words of Hope is broadcasting nightly programs in the languages of Macasar and Bugis, 30 minutes in each language seven nights a week.

Far East Broadcasting Co. (FEBC) airs the programs via shortwave, and a local medium wave (AM) station is also carrying the programs.

"[The AM broadcast] has really added to the response," said Lee DeYoung, Words of Hope’s vice president for broadcasting. "Pastors have told us that the broadcasts are bearing fruit and that they are proving to be a help to them in building their churches."

Indonesian laws prevent churches from legal registration until 75 families sign their names on registration certificates. Until that time, meeting locations must rotate weekly.

HCJB World Radio has worked with local partners to establish more than 14 local Christian radio stations across Indonesia since 2004.

Broadcasts from HCJB World Radio-Australia’s shortwave station in Kununurra also encourage listeners nationwide.

In addition, HCJB World Radio has helped with relief efforts since the Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake/tsunami and subsequent quakes that devastated parts of Indonesia.

The Miracles of Jesus

BBC1's new religious series The Miracles of Jesus at 6.35pm on Sunday attaracted 2.9 million viewers (17.9%).

Press Comment

• "This was a programme of such fluffiness that it would have made anyone shout 'But have you got any science? Any facts?'"
  Caitlin Moran, The Times
  
  
• "He [Rageh Omaar] proved to be a passionate presenter."
  Marcus Dunk, Daily Express & Daily Star
  
  
• "It seems to me a pretty creditable stab at making genuinely theological ideas palatable for a mass family audience."
  James Walton, The Daily Telegraph
  
  
• "It was all very interesting, but contained rather too much information and speculation for an increasingly secular audience that, largely, knows little of these things."
  Peter Paterson, Daily Mail

from http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/12_december/06/1religion.shtml

The Miracles of Jesus

Today, miracles are seen as supernatural acts that defy the laws of nature; but in the first century AD, miracles were seen as a secret code – a set of signs and ciphers known only to the Jews.

As codes, they possessed many layers of meaning – about history, Israel, the Romans, God and Satan, good and evil.

But above all, the miracles were clues to the identity of Jesus of Nazareth.

Presented by Rageh Omaar, this series explores what the miracles said about Jesus.

Who did the disciples and his followers think He was? And did Jesus see Himself as the son of God?

The latest historical and archeological findings point to answers as surprising as they are fascinating.

Living Water Radio 107.3 FM

11-16 August


Norwich Christian radio station Living Water Radio is back on air for the seventh time in early August, broadcasting from the well-known Christian festival all over greater Norwich and as far as East Dereham and Wymondham.

The station will be on the airwaves at 107.3FM from early on Friday August 11 until late on Wednesday August 16 produced from special studios in the main arena control tower on the Norfolk Showground at Easton.

Broadcasting 24-hours a day, the experienced team of presenters, news reporters and technical staff will be producing music, features, interviews, news programmes, competitions, lively chat shows and live links to the main arena and road show.

The station will feature everything that is going on at the Festival including main speakers John and Anne Coles (New Wine), Rachel and Gordon Hickson and Simon Ponsonby (St Aldgate’s Oxford), David Campbell (Elim London), Dave Smith (Peterborough Community Church) and Steve Campbell (C3).

“The station aims to take the Living Water event beyond the boundaries of the Showground and help to cultivate faith in people by promoting Christian activity in the area,” explained station manager Andy Hopley.

“We have a mix of experienced presenters and a few new faces offering a wide variety of shows,“ said Andy. “We always have loads of competitions and fun on air. We want to help people to feel part of the Living Water event so please tune in.”

Regular shows are:

• 7-10am - Breakfast Show: Get up and Go
  With Les, Paul and Jade. Start the morning with a full site up-date and hear from the early morning risers
• 10-11am - Heavens Help
  Features people’s stories of how God has helped them through difficult situations. Also a chance to learn and here the songs sung at the event
  11-2 Steve Jolly's Lite Bite
  Howard, Steve and Natalie go all over the camp getting just about everyone. Live musicians, funny stories, mystery voice and Retro Rock.
• 2-5 Family Frenzy
  Andy, Big John and Dr Green fingers, give you the latest music for kids. The classic track, a Narnia story, Rap of the Day and that great competition Don't ask the Kids. Dr Green fingers reports on the youth events and throws in a few gardening tips besides. While little Jon and Alex report from Kids work.
• 5-6 NewsNow
  News programme with Keith and Les bringing you the latest news and interviews from the Living Water Festival and around Norwich.
• 7-9 A taste of Living Water
  With Sally and featuring live ministry and the latest worship sounds
• 9-12 Shout it Out
  Sam, Carl, Jacko and friends with madness and mayhem from the late night youth scene.
• 12-7am - overnight mellowmix

Web Links

• Living Water Radio website

SAT-7 Closes Lebanon Office

The continued fighting in Lebanon, punching holes in roads across the country, turning a drive into a risky, tortuous ride, have forced th Christian television channel SAT-7 to make the difficult decision of closing their Lebanon office.

SAT-7's Debbie Brink says they made a tough call. "We had to close our studio and cancel a couple of programs that were being produced because it's just impossible for people to even get to the studio right now."

Naji Daoud, the SAT-7 Lebanon Director says the cancellations included a women's program and a youth program.

The dangers are increasing daily, as the fierce fighting continues. "Roads are difficult to pass, and bridges have been bombed out, so we had to close. We're hoping not for very long, but it's hard to know how long."

Despite the challenges, SAT-7 hopes to reopen production sometime later today or possibly tomorrow. Because of the lack of fuel and the difficulty of traveling, the team is putting an emergency plan into place in which a small crew may move into a donated flat located near the office and continue to produce programs.

None of their staff has been injured and the studios are intact for the moment. Brink says ministry won't stop. "We just need to continue to pray that this will come to a conclusion, one that's a positive conclusion for all parties, as positive as that can be, pray too that people would be drawn to seek the Lord through this whole process. People are so discouraged and they're seeing Christians really reaching out. I think that's probably speaking very loudly to a lot of people."

Cross Rhythms to cease on satellite

After 8 years broadcasting on Sky Digital, Cross Rhythms Radio believe it is time to move on from their Satellite broadcasting platform, with effect from Monday August 14th.

Cross Rhythms report that they have not taken this decision lightly, nor is it a reaction to any circumstance or need.

They report that, on one hand, they do not feel we have had fresh vision for the Satellite station since January 2001, something that would be very important to taking it forward, while at the same time however there has been two very clear aspects where there is overwhelming vision and confirmation:

1. One is the FM model for Christian radio they have pioneered across Stoke-on-Trent, which they see has having come into a whole new season of multiplication. Not only did Cross Rhythms receive a new 5 year licence, but two further FM stations (Cross Rhythms Plymouth and Cross Rhythms Teesside) are due to start broadcasting in the next year or so as they work in collaboration with groups in those cities.
2. Secondly, the effectiveness of the newly re-launched Cross Rhythms website has been beyond their expectations. Currently it sees more than 130,000 different people using it every month. With the growth in broadband use across theUK, Cross Rhythms now see the development of the Cross Rhythms website and with it the delivery of Cross Rhythms Radio through the internet, as a key part of their future.
   

Web Links

• Cross Rhythms Website
• Cross Rhythms Radio
  

Light for North Wales

A new radio station broadcasting Christian contemporary music is being planned for the Rhyl, Prestatyn and Abergele areas of North Wales.

Provisionally, The Light Radio will take to the airwaves for the first time with a 28 day broadcast from 28th March 2007, under a Restricted Service Licence.

Tony Humphreys is one of the leading "lights" behind this project and would be interested in talking to anyone who may have experience of using the Linux-based Rivendell playout system. Tony can be contacted by e-mail at tony.humphreys@thelightradio.co.uk

Keep up to date with information about this project on the station's website at http://www.thelightradio.co.uk