wavelength - winter 2013
DESCRIPTION
Words of Hope Newsletter. Unlikely ListenersTRANSCRIPT
WAVELENGTH
WORDSHOPEOF
Good News.No Boundaries.
Winter 2013 | woh.org
In this Issue:• Unlikely Listeners
• Response Stories
• News Briefs5 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013
NEWS BRIEFS
We are delighted to announce our new Groundwork co-host, Reverend Scott Hoezee. Scott Hoezee is the director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary, where he has served since 2005. About this new opportunity, Scott says: “Groundwork is about digging into Scripture to provide insight and guidance and meaning for our lives as Christians. Serving as co-host will give me yet another wonderful chance to keep learning from the Bible and then, along with David Bast, to share that learning with other disciples who are likewise eager to hear God’s voice in Scripture.” Groundwork radio airs on over 190 stations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
We were blessed recently to be able to organize a one-day seminar for serious seekers who have been listening to our Hindi programs. Ninety people, including children, traveled from various places to participate in the seminar. Members of our Hindi team were excited by the turnout and presented several well-prepared sessions. The listeners also enjoyed a time of praise and worship, lifting their voices to sing hymns to the Almighty. Join us as we thank our Lord for enabling us to witness such a beautiful result of our efforts to tell of his love.
These are difficult times for the church in Egypt. Islamic extremists are making verbal threats against local Christians and churches. Recently, however, one of our Arabic ministry volunteers, an Egyptian medical physician, noticed that several new Facebook pages had been activated by former Muslims who were now identifying themselves as a club called “Atheists to the Core.” Despite the daunting name, our volunteer asked to be provided with training in order to interact with these people and share with them the gospel alternative to atheism. He has reported that one member of this group, also a medical physician, has already invited him to share about the deity of Christ. Please pray for our Arabic ministry and for the Christians living in Egypt.
Words of Hope’s vice president for international ministry, Lee DeYoung, recently visited Albania. His visit coincided with the national celebration of Albania’s 100-year anniversary of independence from Turkey. Thousands gathered in Tirana’s central square to commemorate the event with a 14-ton cake. We have recently launched a new radio station in Albania called “Radio 7 Nord,” which broadcasts to the mountainous area surrounding Shkodër. This region is characterized by a strong Islamic influence that is deeply rooted in tradition and includes ancient inter-family blood feuds. Lee was able to help our Albanian partner conduct qualitative audience research with the pastors of six Shkodër congregations who are convinced that the new station will enhance gospel outreach in this region.
New Groundwork Co-host Seeker Seminar in India a Success
Opportunities in Egypt New Albanian Radio Station
Volume 2 | Number 1CHURCHES READING TOGETHERThis past year, several Western Michigan churches took an exciting journey through the Bible with the help of Words of Hope’s Read the Bible in a Year devotional book. These churches realized that, even for the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. They acknowledged that figuring out exactly what the Bible is saying to believers in this present time can be intimidating. Yet these congregations also believe strongly that God’s Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and that, even though it was written long ago, it still speaks to believers today. This decision to fully engage the Scriptures proved very rewarding.
One of the churches that took up the challenge to dive into the Word of God was Vriesland Reformed Church. This church decided to print up bookmarks to distribute each month to church members to help them follow the Read the Bible in a Year reading schedule. The book itself provided them with good summary material to help reinforce the things they read in God’s Word. One Vriesland member in particular shared that she is not a very strong reader and so, in the past, has found it too intimidating to read three or four chapters of the Bible every day. The Read the Bible in a Year book helped this member keep up with readings instead of giving up on the difficult passages.
Each of these West Michigan churches decided to commit, as a congregation, to an entire year of structured Scripture reading and study. To help them accomplish their goals, they requested our Read the Bible in a Year book, which was written by Reverend Harry Buis who served as a pastor for over 40 years in the Reformed Church in America. Throughout the book, Buis acts as an engaging guide and teacher, inviting readers to embark on a journey of transformation. He knowledgeably draws on history, archaeology, ancient languages, theology, and stories, and shines light on even some of the most confusing passages in the Bible.
If you or your congregation would like embark on a similar exploration through the Scriptures this year, please visit our website to request copies of the Read the Bible in a Year daily devotional book. We ask that you consider a donation of $10 per book to help us offset processing and delivery fees. You can expect to receive your book(s) in four to six weeks.
Harry Buis
Read the
Biblein aYear
A Daily Devotional from Words of Hope
Words HOPEofGood News. No Boundaries.
Read the Bible in a YearH
arry Buis
“Do you understand what you’re reading?”That was Philip’s question to a man from Ethiopia who was reading the Bible one day (Acts 9:30). Even to the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. Figuring out exactly what it is saying can be intimidating. Yet God’s word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and even though it was written many years ago, it still speaks to us today.
Studying scripture is a life-long project, even longer really, because we draw on insights from Christians of the past and entrust our wisdom to future generations. But committing to a year of structured reading and study can bind the words on your hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6) and change your life. Rev. Harry Buis will act as your guide and teacher on this journey of transformation, drawing on history, archeology, original languages, theology, and stories to invite you to enter into the beautiful Word of God.
“But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
Harry Buis was a pastor for 41 years in the Reformed Church in America
www.woh.org
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AprilMayJune
2013
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The Word of God, as it is delivered to us in the thousand-plus pages of the Bible, can be challenging. Daunting even. How do you glean everything that this all-important book has to offer? Where do you start? Our daily devotional helps you explore God’s Word.
Our daily devotional is available online at WOH.org in a daily email or for order, as a convenient printed book. Each devotional begins with a theme, offers a scripture passage that illuminates that theme, then in a brief few paragraphs, applies that scripture to instruct and inspire you as you face the day ahead. to subscribe, visit WOH.org/word
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENTAt Words of Hope we talk a lot about reaching the “hard
places.” Most of these are in Muslim or Hindu majority countries. One of the questions we wrestle with is how we can present a Christian message in such a way that non-Christians won’t automatically tune the programs out. We have found two things to be effective in attracting and holding non-Christian listeners. One is to broadcast in people’s “heart languages,” especially tribal or minority languages. In countries where most media is in the
national language, listeners are attracted when they hear their heart language on the air. The other things we do is to shape biblical teaching to address issues and concerns common to all people whatever their spiritual state. Words of Hope’s approach to broadcasting results in some unusual listeners, as you can see in this issue of Wavelength.
Of course, when we have done all we can to communicate effectively, we still depend upon the single, great factor in all
encounters with the gospel: the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to the Word of God and heal them both physically and spiritually. We keep falling back on the great promise of Isaiah 55 — that God’s Word will never return empty but will always accomplish what he purposes to do with it.
Surprising Responses
A Muslim imam is recommending the Words of Hope programs to the congregants at his mosque in Niger. Muslims make up 98% of the population in Niger, but Imam Maharazou Iliyassou says he appreciates our Hausa language programs because they promote “peace between Christians and Muslims.” Maharazou goes on to say that he especially likes the programs on marriage “because they help the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike.”
A Hindu priest living in India was recently baptized along with his wife. As a high-caste priest he had always been strongly opposed to Christianity, but his family life was full of problems. A
Christian friend gave the man a copy of the New Testament and a radio schedule of our Hindi broadcasts. He began listening to the radio messages the very next day and now senses Christ’s peace and joy in his heart. He reads the Bible and listens to our radio programs without fail.
A Hindu priestess living in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan surrendered her life to Christ and is now blessing others as an active member of the Words of Hope Dzongkha listener club in her village. For years this woman had suffered from a chronic stomach disorder and had sought healing through a variety of Hindu rituals, though nothing seemed to help. A friend played a Words of Hope broadcast for her, and Christ’s love so moved
her that by the end of the broadcast she prayed to God and experienced complete healing.
You Make Stories Like These Possible
We are indebted to the many donors who give generously so that we can bless the unlikely listeners around the world who tune in to the Good News of the gospel. We are also indebted to our national partners and their staff, who work hard to present Christian teaching in ways that are respectful and inviting to non-believers rather than condemnatory of their current beliefs. By not criticizing other beliefs, our programs remain focused on promoting the truth of Christ in a positive way.
We believe with all our hearts what Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians about planting the seeds of the gospel with people: “I planted the seed . . . but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Every day the radio broadcasts you support are planting seeds, some of them in the unlikeliest of places. We can choose where to broadcast, and in what language, but God has many surprises in store when it comes to who will listen.
Hindu leaders who have converted to Christianity can be a tremendous witness in their local communities, not only by their
words but also by the testimony of transformed lives. And when an entire mosque begins listening to the broadcasts, who knows what God will have in store?
Breaking Down Barriers
Imam Maharazou recently went so far as to invite us to his mosque. Many members of Maharazou’s congregation also came out to meet us. Sitting side-by-side with one of our broadcasters, Maharazou was full of smiles and extremely gracious. “Here in Niger we are living peacefully and have good relationships and activities together,” he says. “As Allah has said, ‘You and Christians should live together in peace.’” Maharazou also praises the programs because, in his own words, “they point to a true reality.” Our prayer is that God will use these broadcasts to point listeners to the ultimate reality of Christ’s saving work on the cross.
2 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 3
WAVELENGTH Volume 2 | Number 1
WAVELENGTH is published quarterly by Words of Hope to raise awareness of the work being done around the world by our ministry partners.
All photos are by staff and volunteers of Words of Hope unless otherwise noted.
Copyright 2013 by Words of Hope.
Words of Hope700 Ball Ave NE.Grand Rapids, MI 495031-800-459-6181www.woh.org
UNLIKELY LISTENERS
Words of Hope broadcasters are producing quality Christian programs that are being enjoyed in some surprising places.
As Allah has said, ‘you and Christians should live
together in peace.’“”
“”
v
WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 4
WORDS OF HOPE IN MECCANon-Muslims are not allowed in the holy city of Mecca. If they are discovered here, they can be arrested, imprisoned, deported, or even tortured. While the royal family holds that members of other religions are allowed to carry out religious practices in their own homes, many arrests have still been made when house churches have been discovered. Despite the harsh restrictions here, we know of at least six believers who meet together in Mecca to listen to our Arabic broadcasts, study the Bible, and pray. The first convert initially made contact with our Arabic broadcast and Internet ministry team to express criticism regarding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has since worked in his heart, and we are thankful to see how the gospel is spreading in this incredibly hard place.
Below: Imam Maharazou sits beside Niger ministry director Sani Nomou (right) and Hausa Broadcaster Hachimou Yahaya (to his left).
MOUNTAIN TOP RECEPTIONAlbanian listener Fari Breshani has never met another Christian. Perched high atop a mountain, we thought that Fari’s home village was far beyond our radio station’s coverage radius, but because of the high altitude he is still able to pick up our signal. No churches exist anywhere near Fari, but he came to Christ because of our Albanian Bible teaching programs that he heard over the radio.
He was able to get in touch with us via letter, and we invited him to visit the studio. Upon meeting him, the depth of his commitment to Christ and his mature grasp of Christian principles became evident. He expressed his desire to begin the Christian practice of tithing but said he did not know where to send his tithe. We were able to connect him with the pastor of the congregation nearest to his mountain home.
Thank you for supporting our Albanian broadcasts! They are reaching even farther than we had hoped and speaking truth to people who may otherwise have never known the Christian faith.
COURAGE TO LEAVE THE MONASTERYPhurbu Wangdu was the discipline master at a Buddhist monastery in Northern India. One day, Phurbu met some Words of Hope broadcasters and a woman named Tsering who shared the story of Noah. Phurbu avidly defended his own beliefs and yet felt curiosity about the Christian Scriptures. Tsering gave him a Bible to read, which he would hide under other books in his room so that his fellow monks wouldn’t see.
Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Phurbu’s confidence in the teachings of Christ began to surpass his confidence in the Buddhist Scriptures. Phurbu secretly attended a Bible class to learn more and then made the difficult decision to leave his monastery so that he could follow Christ. He was spat on by former monastery friends and warned that he would be beaten if he ever returned. Phurbu and Tsering were eventually married and now Phurbu is training to become a Words of Hope broadcaster.
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENTAt Words of Hope we talk a lot about reaching the “hard
places.” Most of these are in Muslim or Hindu majority countries. One of the questions we wrestle with is how we can present a Christian message in such a way that non-Christians won’t automatically tune the programs out. We have found two things to be effective in attracting and holding non-Christian listeners. One is to broadcast in people’s “heart languages,” especially tribal or minority languages. In countries where most media is in the
national language, listeners are attracted when they hear their heart language on the air. The other things we do is to shape biblical teaching to address issues and concerns common to all people whatever their spiritual state. Words of Hope’s approach to broadcasting results in some unusual listeners, as you can see in this issue of Wavelength.
Of course, when we have done all we can to communicate effectively, we still depend upon the single, great factor in all
encounters with the gospel: the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to the Word of God and heal them both physically and spiritually. We keep falling back on the great promise of Isaiah 55 — that God’s Word will never return empty but will always accomplish what he purposes to do with it.
Surprising Responses
A Muslim imam is recommending the Words of Hope programs to the congregants at his mosque in Niger. Muslims make up 98% of the population in Niger, but Imam Maharazou Iliyassou says he appreciates our Hausa language programs because they promote “peace between Christians and Muslims.” Maharazou goes on to say that he especially likes the programs on marriage “because they help the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike.”
A Hindu priest living in India was recently baptized along with his wife. As a high-caste priest he had always been strongly opposed to Christianity, but his family life was full of problems. A
Christian friend gave the man a copy of the New Testament and a radio schedule of our Hindi broadcasts. He began listening to the radio messages the very next day and now senses Christ’s peace and joy in his heart. He reads the Bible and listens to our radio programs without fail.
A Hindu priestess living in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan surrendered her life to Christ and is now blessing others as an active member of the Words of Hope Dzongkha listener club in her village. For years this woman had suffered from a chronic stomach disorder and had sought healing through a variety of Hindu rituals, though nothing seemed to help. A friend played a Words of Hope broadcast for her, and Christ’s love so moved
her that by the end of the broadcast she prayed to God and experienced complete healing.
You Make Stories Like These Possible
We are indebted to the many donors who give generously so that we can bless the unlikely listeners around the world who tune in to the Good News of the gospel. We are also indebted to our national partners and their staff, who work hard to present Christian teaching in ways that are respectful and inviting to non-believers rather than condemnatory of their current beliefs. By not criticizing other beliefs, our programs remain focused on promoting the truth of Christ in a positive way.
We believe with all our hearts what Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians about planting the seeds of the gospel with people: “I planted the seed . . . but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Every day the radio broadcasts you support are planting seeds, some of them in the unlikeliest of places. We can choose where to broadcast, and in what language, but God has many surprises in store when it comes to who will listen.
Hindu leaders who have converted to Christianity can be a tremendous witness in their local communities, not only by their
words but also by the testimony of transformed lives. And when an entire mosque begins listening to the broadcasts, who knows what God will have in store?
Breaking Down Barriers
Imam Maharazou recently went so far as to invite us to his mosque. Many members of Maharazou’s congregation also came out to meet us. Sitting side-by-side with one of our broadcasters, Maharazou was full of smiles and extremely gracious. “Here in Niger we are living peacefully and have good relationships and activities together,” he says. “As Allah has said, ‘You and Christians should live together in peace.’” Maharazou also praises the programs because, in his own words, “they point to a true reality.” Our prayer is that God will use these broadcasts to point listeners to the ultimate reality of Christ’s saving work on the cross.
2 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 3
WAVELENGTH Volume 2 | Number 1
WAVELENGTH is published quarterly by Words of Hope to raise awareness of the work being done around the world by our ministry partners.
All photos are by staff and volunteers of Words of Hope unless otherwise noted.
Copyright 2013 by Words of Hope.
Words of Hope700 Ball Ave NE.Grand Rapids, MI 495031-800-459-6181www.woh.org
UNLIKELY LISTENERS
Words of Hope broadcasters are producing quality Christian programs that are being enjoyed in some surprising places.
As Allah has said, ‘you and Christians should live
together in peace.’“”
“”
v
WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 4
WORDS OF HOPE IN MECCANon-Muslims are not allowed in the holy city of Mecca. If they are discovered here, they can be arrested, imprisoned, deported, or even tortured. While the royal family holds that members of other religions are allowed to carry out religious practices in their own homes, many arrests have still been made when house churches have been discovered. Despite the harsh restrictions here, we know of at least six believers who meet together in Mecca to listen to our Arabic broadcasts, study the Bible, and pray. The first convert initially made contact with our Arabic broadcast and Internet ministry team to express criticism regarding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has since worked in his heart, and we are thankful to see how the gospel is spreading in this incredibly hard place.
Below: Imam Maharazou sits beside Niger ministry director Sani Nomou (right) and Hausa Broadcaster Hachimou Yahaya (to his left).
MOUNTAIN TOP RECEPTIONAlbanian listener Fari Breshani has never met another Christian. Perched high atop a mountain, we thought that Fari’s home village was far beyond our radio station’s coverage radius, but because of the high altitude he is still able to pick up our signal. No churches exist anywhere near Fari, but he came to Christ because of our Albanian Bible teaching programs that he heard over the radio.
He was able to get in touch with us via letter, and we invited him to visit the studio. Upon meeting him, the depth of his commitment to Christ and his mature grasp of Christian principles became evident. He expressed his desire to begin the Christian practice of tithing but said he did not know where to send his tithe. We were able to connect him with the pastor of the congregation nearest to his mountain home.
Thank you for supporting our Albanian broadcasts! They are reaching even farther than we had hoped and speaking truth to people who may otherwise have never known the Christian faith.
COURAGE TO LEAVE THE MONASTERYPhurbu Wangdu was the discipline master at a Buddhist monastery in Northern India. One day, Phurbu met some Words of Hope broadcasters and a woman named Tsering who shared the story of Noah. Phurbu avidly defended his own beliefs and yet felt curiosity about the Christian Scriptures. Tsering gave him a Bible to read, which he would hide under other books in his room so that his fellow monks wouldn’t see.
Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Phurbu’s confidence in the teachings of Christ began to surpass his confidence in the Buddhist Scriptures. Phurbu secretly attended a Bible class to learn more and then made the difficult decision to leave his monastery so that he could follow Christ. He was spat on by former monastery friends and warned that he would be beaten if he ever returned. Phurbu and Tsering were eventually married and now Phurbu is training to become a Words of Hope broadcaster.
A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENTAt Words of Hope we talk a lot about reaching the “hard
places.” Most of these are in Muslim or Hindu majority countries. One of the questions we wrestle with is how we can present a Christian message in such a way that non-Christians won’t automatically tune the programs out. We have found two things to be effective in attracting and holding non-Christian listeners. One is to broadcast in people’s “heart languages,” especially tribal or minority languages. In countries where most media is in the
national language, listeners are attracted when they hear their heart language on the air. The other things we do is to shape biblical teaching to address issues and concerns common to all people whatever their spiritual state. Words of Hope’s approach to broadcasting results in some unusual listeners, as you can see in this issue of Wavelength.
Of course, when we have done all we can to communicate effectively, we still depend upon the single, great factor in all
encounters with the gospel: the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to the Word of God and heal them both physically and spiritually. We keep falling back on the great promise of Isaiah 55 — that God’s Word will never return empty but will always accomplish what he purposes to do with it.
Surprising Responses
A Muslim imam is recommending the Words of Hope programs to the congregants at his mosque in Niger. Muslims make up 98% of the population in Niger, but Imam Maharazou Iliyassou says he appreciates our Hausa language programs because they promote “peace between Christians and Muslims.” Maharazou goes on to say that he especially likes the programs on marriage “because they help the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike.”
A Hindu priest living in India was recently baptized along with his wife. As a high-caste priest he had always been strongly opposed to Christianity, but his family life was full of problems. A
Christian friend gave the man a copy of the New Testament and a radio schedule of our Hindi broadcasts. He began listening to the radio messages the very next day and now senses Christ’s peace and joy in his heart. He reads the Bible and listens to our radio programs without fail.
A Hindu priestess living in the Himalayan nation of Bhutan surrendered her life to Christ and is now blessing others as an active member of the Words of Hope Dzongkha listener club in her village. For years this woman had suffered from a chronic stomach disorder and had sought healing through a variety of Hindu rituals, though nothing seemed to help. A friend played a Words of Hope broadcast for her, and Christ’s love so moved
her that by the end of the broadcast she prayed to God and experienced complete healing.
You Make Stories Like These Possible
We are indebted to the many donors who give generously so that we can bless the unlikely listeners around the world who tune in to the Good News of the gospel. We are also indebted to our national partners and their staff, who work hard to present Christian teaching in ways that are respectful and inviting to non-believers rather than condemnatory of their current beliefs. By not criticizing other beliefs, our programs remain focused on promoting the truth of Christ in a positive way.
We believe with all our hearts what Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians about planting the seeds of the gospel with people: “I planted the seed . . . but God made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Every day the radio broadcasts you support are planting seeds, some of them in the unlikeliest of places. We can choose where to broadcast, and in what language, but God has many surprises in store when it comes to who will listen.
Hindu leaders who have converted to Christianity can be a tremendous witness in their local communities, not only by their
words but also by the testimony of transformed lives. And when an entire mosque begins listening to the broadcasts, who knows what God will have in store?
Breaking Down Barriers
Imam Maharazou recently went so far as to invite us to his mosque. Many members of Maharazou’s congregation also came out to meet us. Sitting side-by-side with one of our broadcasters, Maharazou was full of smiles and extremely gracious. “Here in Niger we are living peacefully and have good relationships and activities together,” he says. “As Allah has said, ‘You and Christians should live together in peace.’” Maharazou also praises the programs because, in his own words, “they point to a true reality.” Our prayer is that God will use these broadcasts to point listeners to the ultimate reality of Christ’s saving work on the cross.
2 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 3
WAVELENGTH Volume 2 | Number 1
WAVELENGTH is published quarterly by Words of Hope to raise awareness of the work being done around the world by our ministry partners.
All photos are by staff and volunteers of Words of Hope unless otherwise noted.
Copyright 2013 by Words of Hope.
Words of Hope700 Ball Ave NE.Grand Rapids, MI 495031-800-459-6181www.woh.org
UNLIKELY LISTENERS
Words of Hope broadcasters are producing quality Christian programs that are being enjoyed in some surprising places.
As Allah has said, ‘you and Christians should live
together in peace.’“”
“”
v
WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013 | 4
WORDS OF HOPE IN MECCANon-Muslims are not allowed in the holy city of Mecca. If they are discovered here, they can be arrested, imprisoned, deported, or even tortured. While the royal family holds that members of other religions are allowed to carry out religious practices in their own homes, many arrests have still been made when house churches have been discovered. Despite the harsh restrictions here, we know of at least six believers who meet together in Mecca to listen to our Arabic broadcasts, study the Bible, and pray. The first convert initially made contact with our Arabic broadcast and Internet ministry team to express criticism regarding the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit has since worked in his heart, and we are thankful to see how the gospel is spreading in this incredibly hard place.
Below: Imam Maharazou sits beside Niger ministry director Sani Nomou (right) and Hausa Broadcaster Hachimou Yahaya (to his left).
MOUNTAIN TOP RECEPTIONAlbanian listener Fari Breshani has never met another Christian. Perched high atop a mountain, we thought that Fari’s home village was far beyond our radio station’s coverage radius, but because of the high altitude he is still able to pick up our signal. No churches exist anywhere near Fari, but he came to Christ because of our Albanian Bible teaching programs that he heard over the radio.
He was able to get in touch with us via letter, and we invited him to visit the studio. Upon meeting him, the depth of his commitment to Christ and his mature grasp of Christian principles became evident. He expressed his desire to begin the Christian practice of tithing but said he did not know where to send his tithe. We were able to connect him with the pastor of the congregation nearest to his mountain home.
Thank you for supporting our Albanian broadcasts! They are reaching even farther than we had hoped and speaking truth to people who may otherwise have never known the Christian faith.
COURAGE TO LEAVE THE MONASTERYPhurbu Wangdu was the discipline master at a Buddhist monastery in Northern India. One day, Phurbu met some Words of Hope broadcasters and a woman named Tsering who shared the story of Noah. Phurbu avidly defended his own beliefs and yet felt curiosity about the Christian Scriptures. Tsering gave him a Bible to read, which he would hide under other books in his room so that his fellow monks wouldn’t see.
Through the working of the Holy Spirit, Phurbu’s confidence in the teachings of Christ began to surpass his confidence in the Buddhist Scriptures. Phurbu secretly attended a Bible class to learn more and then made the difficult decision to leave his monastery so that he could follow Christ. He was spat on by former monastery friends and warned that he would be beaten if he ever returned. Phurbu and Tsering were eventually married and now Phurbu is training to become a Words of Hope broadcaster.
WAVELENGTH
WORDSHOPEOF
Good News.No Boundaries.
Winter 2013 | woh.org
In this Issue:• Unlikely Listeners
• Response Stories
• News Briefs5 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013
NEWS BRIEFS
We are delighted to announce our new Groundwork co-host, Reverend Scott Hoezee. Scott Hoezee is the director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary, where he has served since 2005. About this new opportunity, Scott says: “Groundwork is about digging into Scripture to provide insight and guidance and meaning for our lives as Christians. Serving as co-host will give me yet another wonderful chance to keep learning from the Bible and then, along with David Bast, to share that learning with other disciples who are likewise eager to hear God’s voice in Scripture.” Groundwork radio airs on over 190 stations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
We were blessed recently to be able to organize a one-day seminar for serious seekers who have been listening to our Hindi programs. Ninety people, including children, traveled from various places to participate in the seminar. Members of our Hindi team were excited by the turnout and presented several well-prepared sessions. The listeners also enjoyed a time of praise and worship, lifting their voices to sing hymns to the Almighty. Join us as we thank our Lord for enabling us to witness such a beautiful result of our efforts to tell of his love.
These are difficult times for the church in Egypt. Islamic extremists are making verbal threats against local Christians and churches. Recently, however, one of our Arabic ministry volunteers, an Egyptian medical physician, noticed that several new Facebook pages had been activated by former Muslims who were now identifying themselves as a club called “Atheists to the Core.” Despite the daunting name, our volunteer asked to be provided with training in order to interact with these people and share with them the gospel alternative to atheism. He has reported that one member of this group, also a medical physician, has already invited him to share about the deity of Christ. Please pray for our Arabic ministry and for the Christians living in Egypt.
Words of Hope’s vice president for international ministry, Lee DeYoung, recently visited Albania. His visit coincided with the national celebration of Albania’s 100-year anniversary of independence from Turkey. Thousands gathered in Tirana’s central square to commemorate the event with a 14-ton cake. We have recently launched a new radio station in Albania called “Radio 7 Nord,” which broadcasts to the mountainous area surrounding Shkodër. This region is characterized by a strong Islamic influence that is deeply rooted in tradition and includes ancient inter-family blood feuds. Lee was able to help our Albanian partner conduct qualitative audience research with the pastors of six Shkodër congregations who are convinced that the new station will enhance gospel outreach in this region.
New Groundwork Co-host Seeker Seminar in India a Success
Opportunities in Egypt New Albanian Radio Station
Volume 2 | Number 1CHURCHES READING TOGETHERThis past year, several Western Michigan churches took an exciting journey through the Bible with the help of Words of Hope’s Read the Bible in a Year devotional book. These churches realized that, even for the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. They acknowledged that figuring out exactly what the Bible is saying to believers in this present time can be intimidating. Yet these congregations also believe strongly that God’s Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and that, even though it was written long ago, it still speaks to believers today. This decision to fully engage the Scriptures proved very rewarding.
One of the churches that took up the challenge to dive into the Word of God was Vriesland Reformed Church. This church decided to print up bookmarks to distribute each month to church members to help them follow the Read the Bible in a Year reading schedule. The book itself provided them with good summary material to help reinforce the things they read in God’s Word. One Vriesland member in particular shared that she is not a very strong reader and so, in the past, has found it too intimidating to read three or four chapters of the Bible every day. The Read the Bible in a Year book helped this member keep up with readings instead of giving up on the difficult passages.
Each of these West Michigan churches decided to commit, as a congregation, to an entire year of structured Scripture reading and study. To help them accomplish their goals, they requested our Read the Bible in a Year book, which was written by Reverend Harry Buis who served as a pastor for over 40 years in the Reformed Church in America. Throughout the book, Buis acts as an engaging guide and teacher, inviting readers to embark on a journey of transformation. He knowledgeably draws on history, archaeology, ancient languages, theology, and stories, and shines light on even some of the most confusing passages in the Bible.
If you or your congregation would like embark on a similar exploration through the Scriptures this year, please visit our website to request copies of the Read the Bible in a Year daily devotional book. We ask that you consider a donation of $10 per book to help us offset processing and delivery fees. You can expect to receive your book(s) in four to six weeks.
Harry Buis
Read the
Biblein aYear
A Daily Devotional from Words of Hope
Words HOPEofGood News. No Boundaries.
Read the Bible in a YearH
arry Buis
“Do you understand what you’re reading?”That was Philip’s question to a man from Ethiopia who was reading the Bible one day (Acts 9:30). Even to the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. Figuring out exactly what it is saying can be intimidating. Yet God’s word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and even though it was written many years ago, it still speaks to us today.
Studying scripture is a life-long project, even longer really, because we draw on insights from Christians of the past and entrust our wisdom to future generations. But committing to a year of structured reading and study can bind the words on your hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6) and change your life. Rev. Harry Buis will act as your guide and teacher on this journey of transformation, drawing on history, archeology, original languages, theology, and stories to invite you to enter into the beautiful Word of God.
“But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
Harry Buis was a pastor for 41 years in the Reformed Church in America
www.woh.org
Bible-in-a-year.indd 1 9/8/11 11:31 AM
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AprilMayJune
2013
I will never leave you.
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11/7/12 5:32:28 PM
The Word of God, as it is delivered to us in the thousand-plus pages of the Bible, can be challenging. Daunting even. How do you glean everything that this all-important book has to offer? Where do you start? Our daily devotional helps you explore God’s Word.
Our daily devotional is available online at WOH.org in a daily email or for order, as a convenient printed book. Each devotional begins with a theme, offers a scripture passage that illuminates that theme, then in a brief few paragraphs, applies that scripture to instruct and inspire you as you face the day ahead. to subscribe, visit WOH.org/word
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL
WAVELENGTH
WORDSHOPEOF
Good News.No Boundaries.
Winter 2013 | woh.org
In this Issue:• Unlikely Listeners
• Response Stories
• News Briefs5 | WAVELENGTH • Winter 2013
NEWS BRIEFS
We are delighted to announce our new Groundwork co-host, Reverend Scott Hoezee. Scott Hoezee is the director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching at Calvin Seminary, where he has served since 2005. About this new opportunity, Scott says: “Groundwork is about digging into Scripture to provide insight and guidance and meaning for our lives as Christians. Serving as co-host will give me yet another wonderful chance to keep learning from the Bible and then, along with David Bast, to share that learning with other disciples who are likewise eager to hear God’s voice in Scripture.” Groundwork radio airs on over 190 stations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
We were blessed recently to be able to organize a one-day seminar for serious seekers who have been listening to our Hindi programs. Ninety people, including children, traveled from various places to participate in the seminar. Members of our Hindi team were excited by the turnout and presented several well-prepared sessions. The listeners also enjoyed a time of praise and worship, lifting their voices to sing hymns to the Almighty. Join us as we thank our Lord for enabling us to witness such a beautiful result of our efforts to tell of his love.
These are difficult times for the church in Egypt. Islamic extremists are making verbal threats against local Christians and churches. Recently, however, one of our Arabic ministry volunteers, an Egyptian medical physician, noticed that several new Facebook pages had been activated by former Muslims who were now identifying themselves as a club called “Atheists to the Core.” Despite the daunting name, our volunteer asked to be provided with training in order to interact with these people and share with them the gospel alternative to atheism. He has reported that one member of this group, also a medical physician, has already invited him to share about the deity of Christ. Please pray for our Arabic ministry and for the Christians living in Egypt.
Words of Hope’s vice president for international ministry, Lee DeYoung, recently visited Albania. His visit coincided with the national celebration of Albania’s 100-year anniversary of independence from Turkey. Thousands gathered in Tirana’s central square to commemorate the event with a 14-ton cake. We have recently launched a new radio station in Albania called “Radio 7 Nord,” which broadcasts to the mountainous area surrounding Shkodër. This region is characterized by a strong Islamic influence that is deeply rooted in tradition and includes ancient inter-family blood feuds. Lee was able to help our Albanian partner conduct qualitative audience research with the pastors of six Shkodër congregations who are convinced that the new station will enhance gospel outreach in this region.
New Groundwork Co-host Seeker Seminar in India a Success
Opportunities in Egypt New Albanian Radio Station
Volume 2 | Number 1CHURCHES READING TOGETHERThis past year, several Western Michigan churches took an exciting journey through the Bible with the help of Words of Hope’s Read the Bible in a Year devotional book. These churches realized that, even for the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. They acknowledged that figuring out exactly what the Bible is saying to believers in this present time can be intimidating. Yet these congregations also believe strongly that God’s Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and that, even though it was written long ago, it still speaks to believers today. This decision to fully engage the Scriptures proved very rewarding.
One of the churches that took up the challenge to dive into the Word of God was Vriesland Reformed Church. This church decided to print up bookmarks to distribute each month to church members to help them follow the Read the Bible in a Year reading schedule. The book itself provided them with good summary material to help reinforce the things they read in God’s Word. One Vriesland member in particular shared that she is not a very strong reader and so, in the past, has found it too intimidating to read three or four chapters of the Bible every day. The Read the Bible in a Year book helped this member keep up with readings instead of giving up on the difficult passages.
Each of these West Michigan churches decided to commit, as a congregation, to an entire year of structured Scripture reading and study. To help them accomplish their goals, they requested our Read the Bible in a Year book, which was written by Reverend Harry Buis who served as a pastor for over 40 years in the Reformed Church in America. Throughout the book, Buis acts as an engaging guide and teacher, inviting readers to embark on a journey of transformation. He knowledgeably draws on history, archaeology, ancient languages, theology, and stories, and shines light on even some of the most confusing passages in the Bible.
If you or your congregation would like embark on a similar exploration through the Scriptures this year, please visit our website to request copies of the Read the Bible in a Year daily devotional book. We ask that you consider a donation of $10 per book to help us offset processing and delivery fees. You can expect to receive your book(s) in four to six weeks.
Harry Buis
Read the
Biblein aYear
A Daily Devotional from Words of Hope
Words HOPEofGood News. No Boundaries.
Read the Bible in a YearH
arry Buis
“Do you understand what you’re reading?”That was Philip’s question to a man from Ethiopia who was reading the Bible one day (Acts 9:30). Even to the most educated reader, the Bible can remain mysterious and daunting. Figuring out exactly what it is saying can be intimidating. Yet God’s word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and even though it was written many years ago, it still speaks to us today.
Studying scripture is a life-long project, even longer really, because we draw on insights from Christians of the past and entrust our wisdom to future generations. But committing to a year of structured reading and study can bind the words on your hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6) and change your life. Rev. Harry Buis will act as your guide and teacher on this journey of transformation, drawing on history, archeology, original languages, theology, and stories to invite you to enter into the beautiful Word of God.
“But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)
Harry Buis was a pastor for 41 years in the Reformed Church in America
www.woh.org
Bible-in-a-year.indd 1 9/8/11 11:31 AM
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OctoberNovemberDecember2012
and Other Meditations
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and Other MeditationsWOHDevotionalQ12013FINAL.indd 1
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and Other Meditations
AprilMayJune
2013
I will never leave you.
WOHDevotionalQ22013FNAL.indd 1
11/7/12 5:32:28 PM
The Word of God, as it is delivered to us in the thousand-plus pages of the Bible, can be challenging. Daunting even. How do you glean everything that this all-important book has to offer? Where do you start? Our daily devotional helps you explore God’s Word.
Our daily devotional is available online at WOH.org in a daily email or for order, as a convenient printed book. Each devotional begins with a theme, offers a scripture passage that illuminates that theme, then in a brief few paragraphs, applies that scripture to instruct and inspire you as you face the day ahead. to subscribe, visit WOH.org/word
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE DAILY DEVOTIONAL