We are excitedly looking forward to another hairy year as participants continue to accept the “Year Beard” challenge to stop trimming their hair for twelve months. For the second year, we are looking for men who are willing to stop shaving and grow a beard for the entire year to raise awareness and funds for the ministry. This time, however, the ministry is adding to the challenge: men who are willing to grow their head hair out can also participate. Through the “Year Beard” campaign, the hairy guys will each have a fundraising goal that will help purchase more airtime for The Tide ministry’s Gospel radio broadcasts in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
“The Tide takes a creative partnership approach to fulfill the great commission,” said Jared Brock, author of Bearded Gospel Men. “Through their international radio ministry, people hear about Christ for the very first time. I heartily endorse the Year Beard challenge – what better way to advance the gospel than by remaining ‘follically’ faithful? Year Beard is a whole new way for everyday men to live out their faith and grow their own neck scarf.”
The Tide ministry records and broadcasts Gospel programming in eight countries on three continents in 27 languages. With more than 7,000 languages spoken worldwide and more than 2,000 people groups that have been unreached by the Good News of Jesus, the opportunities are tremendous, and the need is great.
Participants in the Year Beard challenge can sign up to grow out their hair for one, three, six, or all 12 months with the goal to raise money each month for The Tide ministry. A motivating factor is the knowledge that for every dollar given, 20 more people worldwide can hear about Jesus, and in 2019, the challenge raised more than $27,000.
Depending on the time they commit, participants will receive t-shirts, beard combs, beard oil, and a devotional book called “Bearded Gospel Men,” along with conversation starters such as country fact sheets, a testimony sheet, and a pocket info card so they can speak to potential donors about The Tide mission. Those who raise the most money for The Tide ministry throughout the year will be eligible to win sporting event tickets and gift cards.