May 11, 2026
THIS WEEK: The Tide’s Race to Share the Gospel Around the World begins
Impact a nation where less than 2% of the population is Christian
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Throughout Scripture, the Lord reminds Christians that sharing the Gospel is not something to delay. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Jesus Himself spoke of the urgency when He told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37–38). However, American Christians are living in a society where 56% feel their spiritual life is entirely private.
The Tide® (www.thetide.org) ministry, an international Christian outreach committed to worldwide evangelism and discipleship, understands that same urgency and perseverance underscored in the Gospel, especially through their annual Race to Share the Gospel Around the World.
“Through The Tide’s mission of sharing God’s Word in heart languages via radio, television and digital media, every step taken in the Race becomes part of a larger story God is writing across the globe,”
said Don Shenk, Executive Director of The Tide. “Whether you’re running, walking, biking, hiking or praying from thousands of miles away, we invite everyone to take part in Gospel work that spans continents.”
Since 2022, the Race has made a transformative Gospel impact in regions where hope is desperately needed, including Afghanistan, the Middle East, the Balkan Region and Cameroon.
This year’s Race will benefit The Tide’s radio broadcasts in Thailand, where the ministry’s programming is currently heard on three stations for a total of four hours each day, with plans to add another station in 2026. With approximately 20 million Isaan language speakers in this region, these programs allow souls who are deeply entrenched in Buddhism to hear the Good News of Jesus in the heart language they were born to speak.
The fundraising will go toward expanded ministry in 2026, as well as raise support for media players and airtime costs.
On Saturday, May 16, The Tide is hosting an in-person Race to Share the Gospel 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and a 5K Race at Norlo Park in Fayetteville, PA. This event will include inflatables, yard games, and a complimentary lunch, making it a FREE Family Fun Day for the whole community.
This year, The Tide is also hosting virtual events for participants worldwide. The 16-Day Virtual Challenge invites participants to run, walk, hike or swim 13 miles at their own pace and location between May 16 and 31 to virtually navigate through the streets of a city in Thailand, with the opportunity to pray for those who haven’t yet heard the Good News of Jesus. The Ride for The Tide Virtual Challenge welcomes participants to ride their bicycles at least 13 miles between May 16 and 31 to support the ministry’s work in Thailand.
For those unable to attend or participate in the in-person or virtual events, The Tide welcomes them to take part as cheerleaders, who will pray for challenge participants and prayer suggestions at the Milestone Markers, spread the word about the Race, and become an individual or team fundraiser.
The Tide also encourages youth pastors to invite their student groups to partner with the Race, as a way to introduce young people to a world beyond their church building, helping them recognize the value of missions.
“Whether you join us in person, participate virtually, or simply commit to praying, the Race is an intentional and active way to be part of God’s global work, helping people to hear the Gospel in their own language and experience the hope found only in Christ,” remarked Shenk. “Let’s run with purpose. Let’s pray with urgency. And together, let’s help finish the race God has set before us.”
To learn more or register for The Tide’s 2026 Race to Share the Gospel, click here.
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.
