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How Radio Home Groups are reaching Christians in Persecuted Nations

by | Fri, Dec 10 2021

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Group of men doing Radio Home Group
Image: via Shutterstock

Have you ever wondered how persecuted Christians connect with others and grow in their faith? One method that has proven very successful over the years is the radio. In many oppressed nations, discipleship happens over the air waves via Trans World Radio.

TWR has been demonstrating the effectiveness of broadcasting across Afghanistan, Iraq, Northern India and Russia. One of the key blessings of this ministry is the distribution of handheld radios along with biblical literature for training and discipling.

TWR currently broadcasts hope to the world in over 300 languages. John Reeder is the TWR Australia Advocate, and he joined this 20Twenty conversation to share an update on the distribution of materials, and how this is providing opportunities for home groups.

It was actually in India that the concept of church home groups was adapted into listener groups. These were called Radio Home Groups. The groups were typically made up of 7-10 people who gathered regularly to study the word of God.

The groups use a radio kit to discuss the Bible study in their heart language. This kit contains a digital player with an SD card and includes study content and discussion notes. It started by adapting various programs to the Christian lifestyle to help believers grow in their faith.

TWR partners around the world took the initiative to fund the distribution of 9,000 radio home groups in India and Bangladesh. There are plans for more of distribution by volunteers, who sometimes put themselves at risk by going into these countries.

John hears from pastors all the time about the impact TWR is having. “A pastor in Sri Lanka told me that the radio is such a blessing for a church like his,” says John. “They are located in a very strong Buddhist area, and he had tried many times to start prayer and Bible study. With the radio home program, we were able to fulfil that need.”

Statistical data shows that 57% of the 1.3 billion people in China live in rural areas, whilst 43% are in urban areas.

“The radio church kits provide special emphasis on believers in rural areas who lack training resources,” he says. “There is exploding growth of Chinese Christians, and an acute shortage of full-time pastors. The Bible training and discipleship resources are necessary to build a firm foundation of biblical truth.”

John says that one report from China that came through was particularly encouraging. “They wanted to thank all the brothers and sisters overseas who were supporting their churches. Though some believers could not actually attend the church, they were able to listen to the programs at home and receive the spiritual nourishment they needed.”

God willing, this TWR project that will continue for many years. There are a lot more countries that need radios and Bible materials. Distributing these is one of the most effective ways that people can learn to grow and trust Jesus with their daily lives.

John recently heard a report from Malawi, where the people were so in thrilled to be given the gift of a radio. “It is firmly believed that if you are a man living there, the two possessions that you must have to be respected are a radio and a bicycle.”

“It might seem strange to us, but it provides a level of dignity and social standing. It’s such a remarkable advantage for entire nations of people that have been isolated and stigmatized.”

“Hope knows no barriers.”

If you would like to support the work of TWR around the world by helping more people get to know Jesus, please visit www.twr.org.  Listen below to the hear the full conversation between Neil and John