Our programming reaches not only those who already put their faith and trust in Jesus but also those who may be far from Christ or not yet introduced to His love and grace. This has been especially profound for audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic isolation.
“The Tide ministry has been honored to share the Gospel in Albania for the past five years, first over radio airwaves in partnership with Radio 7, then through media players, live-streaming, and, most recently, through a television program geared toward young people,” said Director Don Shenk.
“This has been especially helpful during the pandemic’s isolation. We hear from many who are touched by the content of the programs, from Christians and from those who are not yet Christian but are open to hearing the Gospel message. It is amazing when we hear from unbelievers that they have been uplifted or are now putting their faith in Christ after listening to a Tide partner pastor.”
The enthusiastic response from listeners and viewers has been overwhelming, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. One listener was restored while facing the isolation that came with the pandemic.
“I want to thank you for the program, Sipas Fjales. I listen to almost every program. During the pandemic isolation I was very depressed and worried for my family. I lost my income and was very concerned for our future. Pastor Klodi, through the program, gave me hope and helped me to see light at the end of the tunnel. I thank God for these messages of healing and hope. I thank God for my job now, that I can go to work and provide for my family.”
“Time to Talk,” a series of programs for Young People, has had over 100,000 views on social media, with programs continuing to gain new audiences, especially in the uncertainty during the pandemic.
“I’m 20 years old and, though I grew up in church, I felt misunderstood and like I did not belong,” says a listener. “During the isolation months because of the pandemic, I felt like everything I had built so far was shaking. I studied a lot in University and I needed the good grades to continue my higher education out of the country. But now with online classes I felt I would never make it. Both my sister and mother struggled with suicidal thoughts and as Christians we are not supposed to feel that way. I was living one of the darkest moments of my life. One day, a friend told me that she had been invited on the youth program, ‘Time to Talk.’ I was very curious to watch my friend and learn how to stay encouraged in the days of social distance and isolation. I have watched all programs with my sister since the very beginning and they truly changed my way of thinking and behavior. I was encouraged and really equipped to face these difficult days. Through the program I learned to put my trust in the Lord. And for the first time I feel like I belong. I’m looking forward to meeting with the group.”
Many viewers, such as a young adult from Shkoder, found great comfort, hope, and inter-generational healing during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic through The Tide ministry’s programming.
“The pandemic situation made us spend much more time online, connected through the internet with one another. I’ve been watching almost the whole series of the ‘Time to Talk’ TV program. I was very surprised when you talked about how to talk with the parents. That was a great discussion and very good teaching. I really needed to hear that because I’ve had a very hard time with my parents since my early teen years. I’ve learned so much on the program… I have a problem talking to my parents; I was thinking they don’t understand me. Hearing from the other guest on the program and their experiences helped me a lot. I wish I had a friend like them, with whom I could talk openly without prejudice. I now know that I have to love and respect my parents, but it is so hard to do. I find myself failing at this many times. Please pray for me that God will give my patience, and self-control so I can honor my parents. Since I watched the program, I began to practice at home the advice from the Bible. My change and intentional acts of kindness and love really changed for good the relationship with my parents. We are understanding one another better. Thank you all.”