The Tide® Ministry’s Radio Program Shares the Gospel amidst Persecution in India
Despite the Dangers of Becoming a Christian in Odisha, People Are Hearing About and Believing In Jesus Christ
July 6, 2020
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.—In a region of India long known for targeting and obstructing Christianity, radio listeners are responding to the hopeful Gospel message broadcast through The Tide® (www.thetide.org) global radio ministry.
In 1967, Odisha became the first state in India to enact anti-conversion legislation, preventing anyone from trying to convert another person to Christianity. Despite legal barriers and persecution, the people of Odisha are drawing encouragement from the Gospel through The Tide ministry’s Good News Hour radio program.
“I have been listening to the ‘SHANTI DATA’ Odia program with great interest and eagerness as it consoles my heart,” listener Mangaldan said. “The messages are so interesting and encouraging and have drawn me towards Jesus. I have given my heart to Jesus Christ and want to follow Him every day.”
Following Jesus in Odisha often means being harassed, threatened, discriminated against, or even martyred. Amid this darkness, The Tide ministry’s programs spread the hope of Jesus Christ to unbelievers and believers alike.
“It helps me to live a holy and worthy life in this world,” listener Rubismita shared. “I love to listen to this program and receive joy and peace in my heart.”
The Tide ministry started producing radio programs in India in 1978, and now broadcasts the Gospel in eight Indian languages. Four of these heart language broadcasts target people groups found primarily throughout the state of Odisha. Listeners of each program frequently ask for prayers and literature so they can grow closer to the Lord. In 2020 alone, the broadcasts are known to have prompted 48 nonbelievers to seek to learn more about Jesus Christ.
“It’s inspiring to see new believers standing firm in their faith despite intense opposition,” said Don Shenk, director of The Tide ministry. “The same Jesus who gives these believers a new life and a hope that is so precious that they will endure banishment from their homes, public beatings, and even death, commands us to continue providing resources and support. Our prayer is that their testimonies, along with our radio broadcasts and discipleship activities, will turn their oppressors into fellow believers.”
For nearly 75 years, The Tide ministry has recorded and broadcast Gospel programming in nine countries on three continents in 27 heart languages spoken by millions of people in multiple regions of Albania, Bhutan, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand and Zimbabwe. With more than 7,000 languages spoken worldwide and more than 2,000 people groups that have been unreached by the Good News of Jesus, the opportunities are tremendous.
For more information about The Tide broadcast projects, history, radio programs around the world, special yearlong campaigns, the weekly Global Update radio features or other news, visit its website at www.thetide.org or its Facebook page. Read more about The Tide ministry and Director Don Shenk here.
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To schedule interviews with Don Shenk, director of The Tide global radio ministry, contact Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Jeff Tolson, 610.584.1096, ext. 108, or ext. 102.
