International (MNN) ― On this Good Friday, HCJB Global is eagerly anticipating the outcome of a special project.
HCJB's Jon Hirst says they're focused specifically on India and the United Kingdom. Why these two areas? It could be because India has seen a lot of persecution of Christians over these last few months and people might be wondering what they believe in. It could be because the United Kingdom is an area so familiar with religion, that few people find faith exciting or know that it's about relationship.
Or, it could be all of the above PLUS it's the perfect chance to engage people who aren't necessarily looking for a Gospel message over Easter, but might be interested to know what it's really about.
Hirst says, "In India, HCJB Global Voice will air two half-hour programs on Government-FM." One airs today, and one airs on Easter Sunday. "There's a potential listening audience of almost fifty million people."
A secular radio station airing Gospel programs? In light of all the news coming out of the region, it might just be the most significant piece of the day airing on the secular, government-run radio station line-up.
The complication comes with India's political season. "With elections coming up, everyone is a bit cautious. Our partners there are asking us to pray that the programs go on the air just as they were sent to the stations."
While the Gospel has advanced in most countries during the past 250 years, in Europe it has declined. That's why a similar effort is aimed at the United Kingdom on Easter Sunday.
Hirst explains that they've tailored the message to that audience. "It's a very different program. We're going to have two very short programs, only one or two minutes long, on two stations in the Yorkshire area with an audience of almost 180,000."
The opportunity to build relationships with mainstream stations and provide thought-provoking programming for secular radio is a key part of HCJB Global Voice’s ministry in the U.K.
Geared to a non-Christian audience, HCJB wants to engage them with the Gospel message. One program called “Final Answer” uses a format similar to a popular TV quiz show in the region. Through the program, a question is answered by another question: "Do you want to have a relationship with God?"
The second program is called “Pearly Gates Duty.” It features the thief who died on the cross next to Jesus talking about the latest new arrivals in heaven and how they gained entrance.
Hirst urges prayer for both efforts--in India and the U.K. "Please be praying for open hearts, that God will touch people as they listen."
HCJB Global is also providing a resource that supports the programs they're airing Easter weekend. "We're excited to be offering people a devotional download called 'The Voice and Hands Reader.' That really ties into our overall message of being the voice and the hands of Jesus as we reach out, for example, this Easter with these Easter programs."
This 30-day reader download gives daily devotionals from the life of Jesus. It also includes stories from around the world about people who have stepped out in service to God. Click here for details.
