‘If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.’ – Matthew 5:41 NIV
Dear friends,
Greeting in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hasn’t the year been moving fast? Last month Vision Christian Radio celebrated 25 years on-air with a special broadcast in Beaudesert, Queensland—the location of our very first radio station. Vision also launched DAB+ digital broadcasting across greater Melbourne and Sydney. Praise God for all He has done and for all our supporters nationwide who share our vision to use media to take God’s Word to every corner of Australia and be available to whoever wants it or needs it.
We are also grateful to the faithful pioneers who started this mission. Their aim was to be a trusted, consistent, and unifying voice in the Australian community, and to challenge, encourage, and affirm people in the Christian faith. Without their vision, we would not be here today. We give thanks to those before us and to all who are standing with us today to keep Vision going and growing.
Please join us in honouring Vyleen White, the grandmother who recently was senselessly stabbed and killed in front of her six-year-old granddaughter. Vyleen loved the Lord and was a member of our Vision family. Her tragic story has hit us hard. She was a supporter who loved reading The Word for Today and listening to Vision Christian Radio. In this issue of Vision For Every Australian, we pay homage to Vyleen and her courageous family, who have shown the nation what Christian love in action looks like.
March is also Mission Month. As we reflect on the final days of Jesus’ destiny to die on the cross for our sins and salvation. We all have the opportunity to stand together for the Gospel and go that extra mile for God’s Kingdom.
What does it mean to go the extra mile? Simply put, it’s doing more than what’s expected or required. This concept originates from Biblical times when people were legally compelled to carry Roman soldiers’ luggage for one mile if ordered. Jesus taught his followers in Matthew 5:41 to exceed this requirement by encouraging a lifestyle that surpasses legal obligations to serve and bless others willingly. This demonstrates a servant-heart and embodies a genuine love in action towards God and others.
If you are also a visionary, and this principle resonates with you, we invite you to join our mission to help Australians look to God daily by becoming a Visionary Extra Mile Partner. This entails a commitment to a monthly donation to secure Vision’s ability to keep the ministry going. Full details are available at vision.org.au/extramile
‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.’ – Ecclesiastes 3:1 RSV
It is with a heavy heart we inform you that Vision has decided to close our online shop. Moving forward, instead of ordering physical books, DVDs, and CDs etc. by slow mail, you will be able to freely access ‘on-demand’ streaming content. The popular Superbook series will remain on offer. For those who prefer hardcover books, we will still recommend and suggest where to buy them.
It has taken years of prayerfully seeking God’s guidance before making this decision. The fact is that technology and the way people buy and consume media is rapidly advancing, and so must we if we are to stay strong in the marketplace. We invite you to participate in all the discounts and promotional offers available at vision.org.au/shop, while stock lasts.
It is our prayer that the Lord continues to guide us all in these changing times. Despite changes in our methods, we remain committed to God’s unchanging message, which is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.
In His service,
Phil Edwards
Chief Executive Officer
P.S.– Just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem to fulfill His mission and His Father’s purposes. We pray the Lord’s face will shine upon you as we approach Easter and reflect on Christ’s ultimate example of love in action. God bless you!
