February 9, 2026
The Tide ministry illuminates the true meaning of Christ’s love in over 35 languages
Global radio broadcasts share the Love of Christ and His Gospel message to persecuted Christians in Afghanistan, Bhutan, India and beyond
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — As Valentine’s Day draws near, many will celebrate with flowers, chocolates and romantic gestures. However, The Tide® (www.thetide.org) ministry, with its mission to share God’s Word with people in their heart languages, emphasizes that the holiday offers a profound opportunity to reflect on the true essence of love — the unconditional, sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Through its radio broadcasts on three continents and in over 35 languages, The Tide shares the love of Christ through the Gospel worldwide, reaching listeners in some of the most challenging environments where faith in Christ comes at great personal risk.
“In a world often focused on fleeting expressions of affection, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of the eternal love God offers through His Son, Jesus Christ,” said Don Shenk, executive director of The Tide. “Our ministry is dedicated to broadcasting this message of hope, transforming lives even in nations where Christians endure intense persecution.”
The Tide’s programs touch hearts in countries ranked highly on Open Doors’ World Watch List for Christian persecution:
In Afghanistan, ranked No. 11, the Taliban’s oppressive rule makes following Jesus extremely dangerous. Yet, listeners report profound impacts, such as one who shared: “This radio program is helping us to know more about the God who loves us. My sisters and I are listening to the programs regularly. If Jesus loves me, then I want to love Him forever, too.”
In India, ranked No. 12, religious nationalists equate Indian identity with Hinduism, resulting in systemic violence and exclusion for Christians, especially converts. One Indian listener noted: “I am very glad to write to you, after listening to the ‘Saragara Baat’ program, my life has been changed, and I have become a new person. Now there is peace and joy in my heart.”
Bhutan, at No. 34 on the list, expects all citizens to adhere to Buddhism, leading to discrimination against converts. A listener from Bhutan expressed: “I am a regular listener to your ‘Lamtheam’ Dzonkha program and a student of your Correspondence Course. Really, it is a good and blessed program for all. I listen to this program with my parents. After listening to this program, I learned about Jesus Christ and His love.”
The Tide’s outreach extends to places like Albania, where personal hardships amplify the need for spiritual healing. A young listener shared a moving testimony: “I suffered from bullying throughout my childhood and teen years. I lived alone with my mom and my younger brother. We were very poor, though my mom worked hard. I had to help my mom and work selling on the street. I was mistreated countless times, but hunger was stronger, so I kept going. All these years of hardship made me very tough with people and sometimes aggressive, especially with my school peers. I had to find a way to survive. Then one of the counselors in school recommended that I watch your series of TV programs. On the program, I saw other young people like myself who had a very harsh childhood. That’s when my healing started, and I experienced the love of God like never before. Now, as I know God more, I understand that love and fear cannot live together. I opened my heart to Jesus, and with the help of a counselor, I’m experiencing healing day by day. Thank you for caring for the least of us.”
Listeners worldwide have expressed deep gratitude for The Tide’s broadcasts, often describing as one listener did, how they’ve “experienced the love of God like never before.” These stories underscore the ministry’s impact in fostering spiritual growth and community amid adversity.
“As we approach Valentine’s Day, we’re inspired by these testimonies that highlight how sharing the Gospel reveals God’s boundless love,” Shenk added. “The Tide remains committed to expanding our reach, ensuring more people hear this life-changing message in their heart languages.”
From its humble origins in 1946 as a local Gospel radio broadcast in Chambersburg, PA, The Tide® ministry has grown into a global network of Christian media broadcasting partnerships committed to worldwide evangelism and discipleship. In 2008, The Tide® ministry ended all English-language programming in order to focus on developing and distributing indigenous heart-language content in areas around the world that are less touched by the Gospel. Today, The Tide® ministry works with partners in multiple countries across three continents to broadcast Gospel-centered messages via radio, satellite TV and other media. In order to make disciples and plant churches, The Tide® ministry also provides resources for literature distribution, correspondence courses, discipleship and leadership training activities, and the distribution of radios and media players.
For more information about The Tide® ministry broadcast projects, history, radio programs around the world, special year-long campaigns, the weekly Global Update radio features or other news, visit its website at www.thetide.org or its Facebook page.
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To schedule interviews with Don Shenk, director of The Tide® global radio ministry, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096, ext. 105, or Daniel Moyer, ext. 104.
To inquire about airing any of The Tide® ministry radio broadcasts, contact Michael Hamilton, 610.584.1096, ext. 101.
