The miracle of Radio Glory

In the middle of nowhere bush country (only in our eyes, not in God's) stands a 300' tower reaching towards the heavens in praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. In the day time pilots who fly close enough to our mission campus can see its splendor and are amazed that it is even there, let alone that it actually functions. Despite the fact that it stands so tall (30 ten-foot sections), it has never once been struck by lightning. Much of this we are sure is due to the amazing ingenuity and engineering of Jim Hulse, Founder and Director of Towers for Jesus, who along with Connie, his wife, Cayla, his daughter, and their sons, Cory and Christopher have erected radio towers all over the world.

But it goes even further than that. The mighty arm of our Lord Himself has restrained the force of lightning from hitting Radio Nkembo or Radio Glory as it is known in English. How amazing that the pure pleasure of God allows the air waves to be filled with His praises as far away as Kinshasa (420 land miles from us), even dipping into parts of Angola.

Just before leaving Congo, our staff told us that Radio Glory had been named the most listened to radio station in all of Bandundu. I am not sure who compiles the statistics. But I do know that some of the judging is based on letters, phone calls, and general information making their way to the government. Who would have thought that the hills and valleys nestled into the territory we call the Nkara Collectivite or Center (government name) once steeped in witchcraft, coated in darkness, full of superstition and the occult, and fought over for decades not only by nationals but some missionaries as well, would become such a lighthouse not only through the Laban Bible Institute, but also through intensive Gospel preaching, Bible teaching, Christian music, and Christian Family Living programming done by smart, humble, loving, dedicated men and women who comprise part of the Laban staff in Africa.

A total of 8 people work hard to keep Radio Glory alive and well, two of whom are women. They are called journalists in Congo, and we are so proud and honored to have them on the team. They walk approximately 1.5 miles everyday uphill to keep the programming going, frequently walking on rainy soil from September through the middle of May, daylight or no light bravely facing the possibility of snakes on the path, working 7 days a week because 8 people are just not enough to do all the programming and engineering both morning and evening. (This is Congo, you know)

I asked them how many more people would be needed so that they could have weekends off, and they said four would be a great help and maybe even sufficient to give them more time with their families. They also asked for 2 motorcycles to help get them to their work place, boots to ward off possible snake bites, rain coats, and an increase in salary, as most of them have not had a raise for more than three years.

Their requests hit me and Jim right in the face. These were not outrageous demands. They were given with hesitancy, waiting to see our reaction as we sat in a circle around our living room, and told "As you see fit, as you are able, as God opens the door, as He makes a way. . ., will you please hear us and do what you can.?" Jim and I had to tell them that the economy in America is at a critical level and we could not promise any increase in salary, which must have washed over them in sorrowful waves. We did promise them more rain coats and boots, warmer clothes for days with lower temps than 68 degrees which give them shivers, and we would see what could be done about motorcycles.

They were happy that we listened to them and thanked us for our time. We felt grateful for their uncondeming spirits but helplessly, almost sickeningly sad that we could not give them more.

So I am bringing these very basic requests to you, asking you to pray for 6 raincoats, some warm sweaters, 5 pair of boots, sweats to wear at night when the wet grass hits their legs and makes broadcasting in wet pants or wet hems of dresses uncomfortable, and 2 motorcycles to get them to the station quicker and with much less effort. They are such small needs, really. Our God is big enough, surely, for these amenities which would make such a difference in the lives of these men and women. About the need for increased salaries, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could take them each an additional gift when we return to Congo later on this year, and tell them that because of the generosity of God's people in America, they can enjoy a few more dollars to provide for the educational needs of their children, provide a few more cans of sardines for dinner, and make life just a little less stressful?

What price tag can one put on whole villages being freed from the bondage of depression because of the hope of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ being preached? How much is a soul worth, or thousands and thousands who are being transformed by God's Word through the preaching heard on Radio Glory each morning and evening? How much is a reconciled marriage worth in the heart of Congo, where little is known about interpersonal relationships, and professional counseling is unheard of, but because of Radio Glory's messages, hope is renewed and attempts are made to try bringing their lives as a couple before God so that He can be the one they run to with their problems instead of to a witch doctor or running off to mama?

There is no way to measure the value of these amazing things that are taking place in our area and beyond, but I know it is surely worth more than the cost of the requested items. Please pray. Our God is not a pauper. Would to God we could supply these things and much more! Amen!