Move Allows Organization to Cultivate New Ministry Opportunities While Still Serving Technology Needs of Reach Beyond
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 29, 2014 /
Christian Newswire/ -- The board of trustees of Reach Beyond (
www.reachbeyond.org) announced today that SonSet Solutions, its technology division based in Elkhart, Ind., will become a new independent nonprofit ministry effective Jan. 1, 2015. The move will allow SonSet Solutions to pursue new ministry opportunities while continuing to serve the technology needs of Reach Beyond.
Photo: Engineers at SonSet Solutions prepare a 100-kw shortwave transmitter for use at the Reach Beyond-Australia international broadcast facility in Kununurra, Australia.
For nearly 30 years, SonSet Solutions (formerly HCJB Global Technology Center) has been the technology division of Reach Beyond, providing radio technology, broadcast equipment and other engineering services to help spread the gospel to unreached people around the globe. Reach Beyond and SonSet Solutions believe the move will multiply the impact of both organizations.
"As technological developments continue to emerge at a mind-boggling rate and shape the world around us, it is more imperative than ever that Christ's followers seize the capabilities available to us for communicating the message of new life in Jesus Christ," said David Russell, executive director of SonSet Solutions. "The move by the board of trustees of Reach Beyond will help strengthen the church and engage more believers in God's work."
Established in 1986, SonSet Solutions also provides critical assistance to ministry partners who are communicating the gospel, often in difficult-to-reach locations. This includes expert advice and training for various communications technologies, the design and manufacture of quality equipment, such as transmitters, antennas, the SonSet® fixed-tuned solar-powered radio and water well development tools. It also includes troubleshooting help, repair and installation services, mentoring for technology students and research into emerging media technologies.
"The world we live in today is not the same as it was 20 or 30 years ago," said Wayne Pederson, president and CEO of Reach Beyond. "Being flexible and innovative are key components to helping us reach those who have never heard the name of Christ. This move will help Reach Beyond and SonSet Solutions focus specifically on our unique missions. It will make us both stronger and more nimble as we tell the world about Christ."
SonSet Solutions' original mandate was to develop high-powered broadcast tools for the cooperative missions initiative "World By 2000." In partnership with international ministry organizations like TWR, FEBC and SIM, the goal was to bring Christian radio programs to all the world's major language groups. Other technical developments led to a highly effective ministry thrust known as "radio planting," which is responsible today for more than 450 community Christian FM stations owned and operated by national partners.
The newly independent ministry currently works with more than 100 different ministries each year, enabling technology-dependent efforts and initiatives to grow and thrive.
"Our passion to see the name of Christ boldly proclaimed throughout the earth is what brings us together with many individuals and organizations," Russell said. "Our love for technology and an ability to harness the tools it provides for the cause of Christ is what sets us apart."
Additional information about SonSet Solutions and its new status is available at
www.reachbeyond.org.
For 82 years the passion of Reach Beyond (formerly HCJB Global) (www.reachbeyond.org) has been to make disciples of Christ. Using mass media, healthcare and education, and working with partners around the world, Reach Beyond has ministries in more than 100 countries. The gospel is aired in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are meeting Jesus. Local believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers.
