On August 11, 1946, Reverend Charlie Byers set out to spread the Gospel via his radio show The Gospel Tide Hour on a new radio station in the Chambersburg, PA area. Although the program was originally a local broadcast, Rev. Byers had a vision to share the Good News around the world, and in 1975 this became a reality as we began producing global broadcasts in South Africa. Just three years later, in 1978, we began recording the messages in what we refer to as ‘heart languages’ – the language of the listeners, and not a translation of the English program airing in America.
With the realization that North American airwaves were saturated with Christian radio programming, and resources could be better utilized overseas, the English language program was retired, and we transitioned our entire focus to meet the great need for indigenous language Christian radio programming in other regions of the world.
Today, God continues to use the ministry to have a massive impact through radio broadcasts, as well as literature distribution, correspondence courses, discipleship and leadership training activities, and the distribution of radios and media players all around the world. He uses this unique Gospel programming to spread the Good News of Jesus daily to millions in over 20 different languages and on three different continents. The majority of our activities now take place in relatively undeveloped regions of the world targeting less privileged populations with little access to the Gospel and is accomplished in partnership with like-minded individuals, ministries, indigenous missionaries, and local church movements.
The Tide director, Don Shenk, commented, “The longevity of this ministry is astounding, and we give all glory to God — it really shows that there is a hunger for the Gospel all around the world, and we here at The Tide® are humbled by the fact that Christ has used this ministry over the past 76 years to reach the lost. Our mission still remains relevant, and we are seeing ongoing impact all around the globe.”
We are grateful that God chose The Tide ministry to be a part of His plan to see thousands coming to Christ over the past seven decades by hearing the Gospel daily through various radio stations and media players around the world.
One listener stated, “I listen to your radio program regularly. My life is changed through your radio program, and I have received a new hope in my life. I had been disturbed in my life but now my life is changed. I trust in the Lord and want to live for Him. Please pray for my spiritual growth and send me some literature.”
Another wrote in saying, “Last week for the first time, I got an opportunity to listen to your radio program in my own language. It is an interesting program, and I will try to listen to it again. I want to know more about Jesus Christ.”
As we look ahead to the next seven decades, we are focusing on the core foundations of “The Tide Diamond Vision”:
- Amplify – The Tide® ministry will increase ministry initiatives so that more people can experience God’s grace.
- Magnify – The Tide® ministry will work to grow its support base to an expanded demographic.
- Solidify – The Tide® ministry will develop and supply more resources to help new believers to grow in their faith and live in right relationship with God.
- Verify – The Tide® ministry will measure the effectiveness of its activities to both manage them well and to demonstrate the efficient stewardship of resources.
- Glorify – The Tide® ministry will strive to ensure that all it does to achieve its vision will bring glory to God.
YOU can make a difference in the ministry as we celebrate the years to come through your support and prayer. We look forward to the next seven decades as we strive to creatively share the Good News of Jesus Christ worldwide through media and partnerships.