Are They Humanitarian

A few weeks ago, we discussed the humanitarian or practical projects you accomplish through your support. Your gifts to The Tide ministry support a host of humanitarian projects, including literacy classes, tailoring training, wells, nutrition supplementation, and media players.

The last one may seem out of place, depending on how you view it. Media players contain the Bible, preaching, worship music, and other locally produced audio developed in the heart language people were born to speak.

To us, it is very practical. In areas where radio and television signals don’t reach, media players let people hear God’s Word. They also serve as a resource in house churches that might not have someone equipped to lead Bible studies. Media players don’t require Wi-Fi or internet. Some are solar-powered and don’t even need to be plugged in.  They are practical. Very practical!

But what about them is humanitarian? If by humanitarian you mean showing compassion and consideration, then the media players that you put into the hands of people in places such as Thailand and Cameroon are among the most humanitarian things you could do.

The Bible tells us how we can get relief from the greatest of suffering. It is through Jesus! Whether a person realizes it or not, without being born again, they are in bondage to sin, under condemnation, and in jeopardy of spending eternity facing the greatest consequence of all: eternal separation from God. The Bible tells us that when a person puts their faith in Jesus, they are freed from sin, no longer under condemnation, and have a home in Heaven waiting for them. But it gets better. They gain access to God and an eternal relationship with the Creator of the world. Telling others how they can have that relationship with God and have relief from sin, guilt, shame, and the condemnation that comes from it is compassionate.

Media players also address safety concerns. They are simple, discreet devices people can use while working in a field, traveling on a bus, or in the privacy of their home. They provide a safer way for people to interact with God’s word through Scripture, sermons, and Christian music. The media players you put in people’s hands show that, through The Tide ministry, you consider their need for personal safety and the safety of their family members.

The next time you turn on the radio or television and hear a sermon, a song, or an encouraging message from God’s Word, take a moment to pray for all of those around the world who cannot do this openly. Pray that we can get media players into their hands so we can get God’s Word into their hearts. Thank God for allowing you to be part of their faith journey. We are convinced that though they don’t know you, they thank God for you.