Reaching Beyond Our Walls
One of the most critical tools in Christian ministry outside the church and the community is radio broadcasting, because it allows the gospel message to reach a wider audience, that may include people in remote areas, those facing persecution or alienation, or even those who may never step into a church.
Cambodia is a country where 85% of the general population live in communities outside major cities, regions with limited access to a church or Christian community. These villages may lack a pastor or Christian resources, but the radio can carry the gospel.
Many rural areas have a large population who are not able to read the Bible or Christian literature too. Using oral transmission and communication makes it easier for people to learn about Christ.
It can be a lifeline in areas where persecution or alienation is possible. Those people can receive teaching and encouragement in a quiet, safe way.
Unlike church services that happen once or twice a week, radio programs can broadcast daily and be available anytime. The programs can teach, disciple, and train leaders.. And people can grow in their faith walk.
And the biggest advantage of all, is that there is no limit to the numbers of people a radio show can reach. The cost overall is minimal for exposure, but the impact is high.
Outreach ministry as this have led to conversions, church growth, and a growing faith among believers over the years.
Since 2009, Pastor Ravy has been under the umbrella of Lutheran Hour Ministries as a vibrant motivational speaker in their radio broadcasting network. He manages the Siem Reap post.
The field of immersion country wide has grown immensely since its start way back in 2009, and today reaches an audience of over 7,000 in a typical month. There are four stations. strategically situated country wide to reach the greatest number of audience possible, Siem Reap, Odor Mean Chey, Kampong Thom, and Preah Vihear provinces each hold a station location.
The program airs seven days a week, with active transmission Monday through Saturday, and a preplanned recording for Sunday. The length of the program is one hour each time. The current program is entitled “Light to the Life.”
In the monitoring of the audience involvement in this ministry, last month there were 64 responses, 41 new referrals, and 39 connections, and 227 shared. This is impressive, considering the longevity of this overall.
Additionally, over the years, inside this program, there has been a puppet ministry into the villages, and bible study programs involving personal one on one contact with a team handling this facet.
One may not realize that perhaps not all of these connections are not solo participants as I noted a few years ago that a group of five surrounded an aged phone, straining to here the words transmitted over the hour together. At that point I was not aware that the group was listening to a LHM program. I do now.
This is indeed a vibrant outreach program where hands and feet have not gone yet, but the gospel message has.
