'Little missionaries' -- AM, satellite and shortwave capabilities added to FM radios -- reach remote areas regardless of broadcast method

Contact: Darin Campbell, 
512-785-8350 
 
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 5, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Reach Beyond (www.reachbeyond.org) is expanding its reach for Christ by sending 4,000 new SonSet® radios that have FM, AM, satellite and shortwave capabilities to the Asia Pacific Region for distribution in multiple countries.

Photo: A Thai woman listens to a Christian program on her SonSet radio fixed-tuned to a local community station.

The new technology is part of an ongoing, sustained push by Reach Beyond's global effort to reach the unreached, with the Asia Pacific Region being the area of the world with the highest concentration of those who have not heard the gospel.

"As a part of what we are calling the 'SonSet® Effect,' we can take the gospel to places where the name of Jesus has never been heard," said Wayne Pederson, president and CEO of Reach Beyond. "This new technology will be able to reach thousands more than before in some of the world's most remote regions."

To date, more than 500 radio stations have been planted together with local partners worldwide, and more than 50,000 SonSet® radios have been distributed in dozens of countries, such as Thailand, Ghana, Lesotho, Ecuador and Panama. Each radio can reach anywhere from one person to an entire community.

Reach Beyond has described the radios as "little missionaries" that can go even where it's too dangerous for missionaries to travel. The radios are solar-powered and fixed-tuned to a local Christian radio station. All people have to do is press "on" and instantly they are listening to the gospel in their own language from their own community.

The previous version was only able to pick up FM stations. The new unit adds AM, satellite and shortwave capability.  So now, regardless of the broadcast method, a person can get access to a particular station.

This is especially important in closed locations where local stations do not exist or can't be licensed, such as China or anywhere in the Middle East, Pederson said. In those cases, SonSet® radios can now use shortwave or satellite technology.

Jack Pelon, general manager of KPOF Denver AM 91's The Point of Faith, has supported Reach Beyond's efforts for more than 15 years. He has traveled to Estonia to support the ministry's efforts and rallied listeners to underwrite 1,500 radios. Pelon appreciates Reach Beyond's effort to reach more for Christ through the new radios.

"This new technology helps complete Reach Beyond's goal to encompass radio stations listened to around the world," said Pelon. "The SonSet® radios can now provide the gospel message to more people in their own tongue and territories. It's a wonderful growth in the SonSet® project."

For 83 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.

To schedule an interview with a key leader from Reach Beyond, contact Darin Campbell at (512) 785-8350 or dcampbell@inchristcommunications.com