Anderson Times

Although the message of the Bible does not change, our world is rapidly changing; and HCJB Global is working to find ways of using new technology to deliver the timeless message.

Dan is on a mission-wide committee researching opportunities for using new technology. One type of technology has emerged as being almost universal throughout the world - cell phones. Sixty percent of the people of the world have cell phones including even some poor children of Africa. Our next task is to determine how we could use cell phone technology for Christian outreach.

The following report illustrates how emerging mobile phone technology can be used in missions:

And there are growing opportunities to use mobiles in evangelism and discipleship. One pastor in India writes, "I am working as an ordinary pastor with the Church of North India in a rural area. It is good for me that I download your worship and outreach songs on my PC and through that to my mobile phone to show the rural people how to worship by heart."

Radio ministries have a wonderful opportunity to create MP3-download web pages of selected past programs. These programs are especially helpful in cultures where there is little printed material. These pages can also explain how to place MP3 downloads into mobile devices and suggest ways to share them with others.

Source: Lausanne World Pulse

Last month, Stanley Stankovich of "Faith by Hearing" encouraged us with his report of how the solar-powered radios produced by the HCJB Global Technology Center are bringing the gospel to the people of Haiti. Mr. Stankovich distributed a number of these radios including 50 to officials in government offices.

Many people in Haiti cannot read, so radio or audio recordings are critical to getting the Christian message to the masses. These radios are pretuned to receive only the local Christian FM stations, and the people are eager to listen. Even the voodoo priest pictured above wanted a radio so that he could hear. For more information about the SonSet radios see: http://www.sonsetradio.com.

How do you power a radio station that is so remote, you cannot even walk to it? A small Christian station in the jungles of Suriname (near Venezuela) that we have assisted has been using wind and solar power energy to charge batteries, but this system only provides enough energy for three hours of broadcasting a day. Greg Jardine, a Canadian broadcast engineer, located a small hydro-generator that can provide 1,000-1,500 watts of continuous power from a mountain stream. In April, Greg tested the unit pictured above at the HCJB Global Technology Center here in Elkhart. Of course, we techies were fascinated with this innovative technology and will consider using it in other remote areas. We gain great satisfaction in putting technology to work for God's Kingdom purposes.

Using Our Gifts for Kingdom Impact

Dan's work is primarily the management of the HCJB Global Technology Center computer and network systems. He keeps the email system running, backs up the data from hundreds of projects and partners with whom we work, helps others with their computer problems, and does research for technology that can be used by partner ministries.

While much of Dan's work is physical with computer hardware and software, it enables the spiritual work of a partner out in a local village or evangelism and discipleship in an unreached metropolis using the airwaves.

Tending to and researching computer equipment for HCJB Global can be likened to the builders of the tabernacle in Exodus 36. Various types of craftsmen used their minds and hands to construct a tangible building as God directed to be used for a spiritual purpose. Each craftsman was uniquely called and gifted by God for a practical purpose.

The impact of engineering support work can also be likened to the men in Acts 6:2 who were chosen to use their hands to serve others as their ministry to the Lord, so that the preachers and teachers could commit themselves fully to their spiritual ministry.

One of our machinists here in Elkhart said it well:
In the final analysis, the great commission can be seen as a multi-faceted offensive in today's world, and one small but important facet impacting the saving of souls is radio, and one small part of radio is making the equipment needed to reach people.

You are Part of the Puzzle

Ministry at HCJB Global happens not only because of our efforts, but because of your prayer and financial support. As the Apostle Paul said, "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ." Thank you for the part you play in the Body of Christ as we send the message of hope around the world. Without you, the ministry would be incomplete and less effective.

In December, Jenny (24) completed her studies at Moody Bible Institute, and on May 16, she participated in commencement in Chicago. We rejoice with her in this accomplishment and ask that you pray for her to find a place of service soon. She is considering ministry in the Czech Republic or Latin America, but nothing firm has opened up yet.Dan, Jenny, Barb at Jenny's graduation

Emily (22) and John (20) are working this summer and will continue their college classes in the fall.

Like nearly everyone else, we have felt the impact of the global economic recession, but the Lord continues to provide for our needs through His people. Our faith has been tested through several uncomfortable situations these past few months, but it is still strong.

Each gift toward our ministry is appreciated and important even if it must be reduced because of financial stress. We thank God for each one who gives so that we may all serve Him together.