Building on the Momentum Generated by The Tide Diamond Vision

A common practice when transitioning into a new year is to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. As we head into 2026, the core purpose and mission for The Tide® Ministry remains steadfast, even though the organization presently looks much different than it did the day Rev. Charlie Byers stepped into the studio in 1946. Over the past 79 years God has grown The Tide ministry from a local radio program on one station in central Pennsylvania to a multifaceted global outreach using a variety of broadcast media in over 35 languages to proclaim the good news about Jesus to people in 14 countries or regions spanning 3 continents. Ongoing strategic planning, grounded in prayer and an earnest desire to discern God’s will, plays a vital role in the longevity, growth, and effectiveness of the Tide ministry. Having a well-defined vision creates a framework for efficient and successful operations by providing specific goals to work towards and objectives to accomplish. A clearly communicated purpose and plan of action also inspires confidence and ongoing engagement among those who support The Tide ministry. 

Our current Diamond Vision was unveiled in 2021 in conjunction with our 75th anniversary. The result has been an increase in global partnerships, media outreaches in additional languages and formats, and more people hearing about Jesus in the language they were born to speak!  Primarily driven through increased awareness, and a growing number of people engaging with us to provide support in a variety of ways. As we approach our 80th year of gospel proclamation through broadcast media we have been actively seeking to discern and articulate God’s vision going forward. The essence of The Tide Diamond Vision will remain in place as overarching guiding principles, but as we transition towards The Tide Ministry’s 80th anniversary in 2026 we believe there are some specific areas we need to focus on in order to continue our current momentum. The strategic plans and comprehensive details are still in the discernment and formulation process, with the goal of unveiling The Tide Vision 2026 at a special anniversary celebration event in October of 2026. However, we have determined that we need to focuses on three key strategic elements: Organizational Strength, Partnership Development, and Resources Development. 

We rely on our global ministry partners to accomplish our mission. They in turn rely on us for the resources to carry out that mission. Together, we are increasingly encountering spiritual warfare in our mutual endeavors to share the gospel. Our work in the Balkan region has experienced widespread opposition to both existing outreaches and efforts to expand into new countries. We are currently facing obstacles and challenges to route funds into India, Mozambique, and Pakistan. Almost every country in which we have a partnering outreach faces economic hardship. Seven of the fourteen countries where we have a base of operations are on the Open Doors World Watch list for persecution of Christians and four other countries are on the verge. As our partners face threats against their lives and facilities and engage in legal action to maintain or procure broadcasting licenses and registered organizational status, they turn to us for advice, assistance, encouragement and support. As this spiritual battle rages on, the quarterly reports from the field come in with testimonies of lives changed by Christ and new fellowships being established! These victories indicate that God is sustaining the work and using our partners to draw people into His Kingdom. It is vital that we continue to strengthen existing partnerships, even as God opens doors for new ventures. 

As we continue to pursue the perpetual mission that God has assigned to The Tide ministry, we are keenly aware of how much the diverse aspects of Partnership Development and Resource Development integrate and coalesce with one another. Our efforts towards Resource Development often focus heavily on finances, but it is imperative that we also devote ourselves to providing prayer coverage, raising awareness, engaging in advocacy, and recruiting teams to visit each region and minister to – and alongside – our boots on the ground. We are grateful for the many individuals, congregation, and businesses who fill the dual role of partnering with us and generously providing resources. Thank you!

As The Tide ministry has grown, we have been making significant progress towards more robust operational policies and structure for improved Organizational Strength. Perhaps our greatest challenge is to discern how to best develop and establish Organizational Strength that can endure and adapt to multi-faceted changes in technology and society.  Longevity in ministry does not guarantee perpetuation, but it does indicate that we have historically been able to grow and adapt well. With God’s help we hope to continue that trend as we continue to be fully devoted to our mission of creatively sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ worldwide through media and partnerships!