For more than 40 years, The TideĀ® has been reaching listeners in India with Gospel radio programming. But after the weekly programs sign off, there is still work to be done. Director Don Shenk said ministry partners in India engage in services beyond the radio outreach, such as literacy programs, medical camps and clinics, health awareness classes, village care and cleaning, plantation workshops and Bible correspondence courses.
āImpacting the heart through Gospel radio programming is a wonderful privilege, but between these broadcasts, there are real needs in many communities of India,ā Shenk said. āThis boots-on-the-ground, hands-on work makes a lasting impact in a tangible way. Our partners also report that the government of India is appreciative of this outreach effort because it builds relationships and trust. Likewise, some of those being reached are persecuted Christians who desperately need support and a sense of community from fellow believers in Jesus.ā
Our partners, staff and volunteers have provided services in many villages across Odisha and Chhattisgarh states. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2019, 500 students were educated through literacy projects so they could learn to read, write and study and Bible.
Subash is a radio listener to the āEhpa Gatanjuā broadcast in the Kui language.
āI receive blessing and peace through the messages,ā he said. āNow my faith is strong in the Lord. I want to know more about Christ and do the Bible Correspondence Course in Odia.ā
Like Subash, Debashree is a listener to The Tide radio programs, but in Odisha in the Odia language.
āI am a regular listener of your radio program āShanti Data,āā she said. āThrough this radio program, I was very happy and blessed and became a new person. When I listen to the Word of God, it touches my heart and leads me (down) a right path. Now I have a desire to learn more about Jesus Christ. Please pray for my spiritual growth.ā