The old adage that ‘time marches on’ certainly is true. For some, that relentless and unstoppable passage of time produces anxiety and despair. However, as we reflect on The Tide Ministry’s 79th anniversary this month our hearts are filled with joy and gratitude. We rejoice in the good things God is doing through our global partnerships, and we are genuinely appreciative of your encouragement and support. Without you by our side we would struggle to follow God’s leading. Thank you!
As we look back on the past twelve months there is much to celebrate. The following are some examples of the positive progress you helped to fuel over the past year.
Production of the first season of the Serbian language TV program component of our Balkan Expansion project has been completed! The program is called Moja Prica (My Story) and consists of Serbian believers sharing their personal testimonies. Whether being rescued from a life of addiction, or finding truth while spiritually lost and seeking answers, each story has a common component; their lives changed for the better when they placed their faith in Christ. New episodes are being released each week and listeners are responding positively as they view these personal accounts of life transformation.
“I want to thank you for the Moja Prica TV program. These stories are so powerful and I wait forward every week for the new story. I have been so blessed and inspired. The stories how these brothers and sisters who fighted addictions came to freedom in Christ has always been very encouraging to me. Only God can redeem a person that is so deep in drug addiction. These stories filled my heart with gratefulness. I share these stories with my collegues at work and two of them already made a decision for Christ and are coming to church. Please keep sharing the light. Our country is in deep darkness. Only Jesus saves.” – Teodora
The Tide outreach in Pakistan has been expanded to include programming in the Punjabi language. Over a third of all the people in Pakistan speak Punjabi as their first language but are often compelled by society to communicate in Urdu or English as those are the two official languages of Pakistan. The Punjabi people of Pakistan are fiercely loyal to their traditional culture and deeply engrained religious beliefs. Providing Biblical truth in their heart language captures their attention and creates a unique point of connection with them. This new series of Punjabi programs is based on the miracles performed by Jesus Christ and focuses on the supernatural power and might of Christ. This approach presents Jesus as a divine living, active presence capable of transforming lives instead of simply a historical figure. Though we face cultural pushback and spiritual resistance, it is an immense joy to tell you that the Gospel is being planted, and Punjabi listeners have begun responding with heartfelt reflections.
“I truly enjoyed listening to the Zindagi Da Chanan (The Light of Life) program. Brother Adil beautifully shared insights from the Word of God. Listening to the message in the Punjabi language brought great peace to my heart, and I was able to understand the words more clearly. From today’s message, we learned how God healed a man born blind. As Pastor Akash explained, God said, “I am the Light of the World.” We must walk with the Lord so we remain in the light and not stay blind while living in this world. When we accept Christ, we receive the Light of Life. Even today, we are blind in our sins. We must seek to see God’s glory and His light and walk in it so that our eyes may be opened.” – Hafiz
Another Punjabi listener, M. A., admitted that through our program he is gradually growing closer to the Christian faith and is finding himself increasingly drawn to programs centered on Biblical teachings. Our boots on the ground in Pakistan have been engaging him in additional dialogue and, at his request, have given M. A. a Punjabi New Testament, and ask for your continued prayers and support as they follow up with curious listeners.
“We thank God for the impact the Punjabi program continues to have in the lives of listeners like M. A. It is encouraging to see hearts being touched and drawn closer to the truth of God’s Word. Please continue to pray that these seeds of faith will grow and bear lasting fruit across the Punjabi-speaking community.” – Rev. Akash (Director of Pakistani Christian recording Ministries)
In Cameroon we initiated a new radio outreach to share the Gospel with the Bamileke people who live mainly in western Cameroon. Most databases classify the Bamileke people as predominantly Christian, but very few of them are true followers of Christ. Many Bamileke still cling to traditional spiritual beliefs and practice idol worship by exhuming and worshipping the skulls of dead relatives that they keep on display in household shrines. Through these radio programs Bamileke listeners are being guided to Christ and finding freedom from evil practices.
“Before discovering your radio broadcast and Bible teachings in the local language, I had the feeling I was lost and without a reason. I was embedded in our traditional practices and consultation of sorcerers. The difficulties of life left me bitter and hopeless. Listening to your teachings, I found hope again. The testimonies you share touched me deeply. I made a decision to repent and accept Jesus in my life. The peace I’ve found in Christ is indescribable. Every day, I wake up with new hope and I am willing to share my experience with others. Thanks to the production team for their love and dedication in bringing people to the knowledge of the light. – Anon
You have helped accomplish all this and more! Ongoing outreach in Thailand has been strengthened by the provision of 50 new solar powered media players. The average number of people responding to our multiple language programs in India has grown from 1620 per month to 2046 each month. As we rejoice over all the wonderful things God is doing through your support, we also express a heartfelt Thank You! for choosing to use The Tide ministry as a channel to share your faith with spiritually destitute people in other parts of the world.
