Endeavoring to raise awareness and funds for Trans World Radio’s strategic Radio Church Kits project, several North American-based radio station and network representatives traveled to China in January. Here’s a Q & A about their enlightening experience.
Why did your station or network choose to partner with TWR in ministering to China?
Scott Wilder, afternoon host at KWRD-FM, Dallas, Texas: I’ve known about TWR for years and always greatly respected the work. It’s important to only partner with ministries of the highest integrity, and when I was asked to go with TWR to China, I jumped at the chance.
Tom Michaels Zahradnik, general manager, Sound of Life radio network, Lake Katrine, NY: Much of the world is focused on China. We wanted to bring to our listeners the inside story of what is really happening there and something they can do to change the country’s spiritual climate.
During your 10-day trip, what impressed you about the spiritual situation in China?
Jerry Grimes, former general manager, WMHK-FM, Colombia, S.C.: You hear so much about how big China is, how many people live there and how [restrictive] it is. All that’s true, but it creates a misconception that Chinese people aren’t hungering and thirsting for the Truth. They are! Especially young people. I believe TWR’s work in China is at the epicenter of a huge move of God…. The church there is growing exponentially.
Wilder: This trip reinforced the humility of faithful Chinese Christians. The people are always slow to tell you their real needs or the details of their dire circumstances. I’m always struck by their genuine nature and dependence on God.
Did you meet with any house church leaders or TWR listeners?
Grimes: I’m humbled by the dedication, passion and determination of the Christians I met. I’ll never forget one man in his 30s who had the biggest smile and most joyful countenance I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t wait to hear why he seemed so happy…. Imagine my shock when the translator told his story of being imprisoned three times, beaten nearly to death with shovels and threatened repeatedly for leading a house church. And yet, here he was, smiling and giving glory to God. He was truly “counting himself worthy,” just as the apostles did in Acts 5:41!
Is the China Radio Church Kit project resonating with your listeners?
Grimes: We ended up raising some $5,000 for the kits. Now that the seed is planted, hopefully future efforts will be even more fruitful.
