The Tide®

Even in a country that is dominated by Hindu beliefs, God has the power to reach people with the truth of His Son, Jesus. Since 1978, The Tide® has had a presence in India, today offering Gospel radio programming in eight Indian languages. For those whose lives are changed by Christ, the results are immeasurable. “Even though new believers in India are about 8,000 miles away from The Tide ministry’s U.S. headquarters in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, we are united because of our common love and trust in Jesus,” said Don Shenk. “It is wonderful to hear from our brothers and sisters in Christ who have experienced true life change, and we are thankful that The Tide radio programs broadcast in their own languages have played a small part in that eternal impact.” Rabindra is a listener to The Tide ministry’s Odia language broadcast called “Shanti Data” in Odisha state. “Your program has increased my knowledge about Jesus Christ, and also I have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior,” he sa...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— Even in a country that is dominated by Hindu beliefs, God has the power to reach people with the truth of His Son, Jesus. Since 1978, The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry has had a presence in India, today offering Gospel radio programming in eight Indian languages. For those whose lives are changed by Christ, the results are immeasurable. “Even though new believers in India are about 8,000 miles away from The Tide ministry’s U.S. headquarters in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, we are united because of our common love and trust in Jesus,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “It is wonderful to hear from our brothers and sisters in Christ who have experienced true life change, and we are thankful that The Tide radio programs broadcast in their own languages have played a small part in that eternal impact.” Rabindra is a listener to The Tide ministry’s Odia language broadcast called “Shanti Data” in Odisha state. “Your program has increased my knowled...

Despite “ extreme ” levels of persecution for India’s 66 million Christians, people are hungry for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Tide® has worked in India for more than four decades—since 1978—and reaches listeners in a variety of ways besides radio programming in eight Indian languages. One method, said The Tide Director Don Shenk, is through successful and long-running Seekers Meetings, where people in India can gather to learn more about Christ. “For many years, Seekers Meetings have served as a way for The Tide partners to get up and close and personal with potential believers in India,” Shenk said. “Many are curious, but at the same time, hesitant. The largely Hindu nation can be a challenging place for Christians to live, work and worship. Still, those interested in meeting Jesus continue to gather, with many making the decision to call Him their Personal Savior.” To close out 2019, eight Seekers Meetings led by our partners in the Chhattisgarh and Odisha stat...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— Despite “ extreme ” levels of persecution for India’s 66 million Christians, people are hungry for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry has worked in India for more than four decades—since 1978—and reaches listeners in a variety of ways besides radio programming in eight Indian languages. One method, said The Tide Director Don Shenk, is through successful and long-running Seekers Meetings, where people in India can gather to learn more about Christ. “For many years, Seekers Meetings have served as a way for The Tide partners to get up and close and personal with potential believers in India,” Shenk said. “Many are curious, but at the same time, hesitant. The largely Hindu nation can be a challenging place for Christians to live, work and worship. Still, those interested in meeting Jesus continue to gather, with many making the decision to call Him their Personal Savior.” To close out 2019, eight Seekers M...

Open Doors USA has again ranked the top 50 countries worldwide where Christians are persecuted for their faith. India remains at No. 10 on the 2020 World Watch List. The report estimates that 260 million Christians experience high levels of persecution—a 6% increase over 2019. Additionally, 2,983 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons, 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned, and 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked. The Tide operates in eight countries on three continents while sharing the Gospel in 25 languages. Besides India, three additional nations where we work are ranked on the new World Watch List for high levels of Christian persecution—Nigeria, Nepal and Bhutan. Additional countries include Albania, Kosovo, Thailand and Zimbabwe, making it possible for The Tide ministry to reach multiple people groups with the Gospel in the languages they were born to speak. “The Tide ministry has been working in India sinc...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— Open Doors USA has again ranked the top 50 countries worldwide where Christians are persecuted for their faith. India, where The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry has broadcast Gospel messages for more than 40 years, remains at No. 10 on the 2020 World Watch List. The report estimates that 260 million Christians experience high levels of persecution—a 6% increase over 2019. Additionally, 2,983 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons, 3,711 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned, and 9,488 churches or Christian buildings were attacked. The Tide ministry operates in eight countries on three continents while sharing the Gospel in 25 languages. Besides India, three additional nations where The Tide ministry works are ranked on the new World Watch List for high levels of Christian persecution—Nigeria, Nepal and Bhutan. Additional countries include Albania, Kosovo, Thailand and Zimbabwe, making it possible fo...

For more than 40 years, The Tide® has been reaching listeners in India with Gospel radio programming. But after the weekly programs sign off, there is still work to be done. Director Don Shenk said ministry partners in India engage in services beyond the radio outreach, such as literacy programs, medical camps and clinics, health awareness classes, village care and cleaning, plantation workshops and Bible correspondence courses. “Impacting the heart through Gospel radio programming is a wonderful privilege, but between these broadcasts, there are real needs in many communities of India,” Shenk said. “This boots-on-the-ground, hands-on work makes a lasting impact in a tangible way. Our partners also report that the government of India is appreciative of this outreach effort because it builds relationships and trust. Likewise, some of those being reached are persecuted Christians who desperately need support and a sense of community from fellow believers in Jesus.” Our partners, staff...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— For more than 40 years, The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global ministry has been reaching listeners in India with Gospel radio programming. But after the weekly programs sign off, there is still work to be done. The Tide Director Don Shenk said ministry partners in India engage in services beyond the radio outreach, such as literacy programs, medical camps and clinics, health awareness classes, village care and cleaning, plantation workshops and Bible correspondence courses. “Impacting the heart through Gospel radio programming is a wonderful privilege, but between these broadcasts, there are real needs in many communities of India,” Shenk said. “This boots-on-the-ground, hands-on work makes a lasting impact in a tangible way. Our partners also report that the government of India is appreciative of this outreach effort because it builds relationships and trust. Likewise, some of those being reached are persecuted Christians who desperately need support and a sense...

The nation of Nepal remained at the No. 32 spot on the 2020 World Watch List from Open Doors USA, which each year ranks 50 countries around the world where Christian persecution is ranked from “high” to “extreme,” putting Nepal in the “very high” category. The Tide® has worked in Nepal for the past 15 years, broadcasting Gospel programming in the Nepali language since 2004, then offering programs in the Tharu language in 2013, which has allowed the ministry to reach millions more listeners. Director Don Shenk said the ministry’s partners on the ground as well as radio listeners have reported hardships associated with trusting and worshipping Jesus. “Officially, the people of Nepal have religious freedoms, but the at the same time, anti-conversion language has been written into the Constitution, preventing Christians from sharing their faith in Christ with others,” Shenk said. “This causes some Nepali Christians to live in fear and be very hesitant to talk about their changed outloo...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— The nation of Nepal remained at the No. 32 spot on the 2020 World Watch List from Open Doors USA, which each year ranks 50 countries around the world where Christian persecution is ranked from “high” to “extreme,” putting Nepal in the “very high” category. The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry has worked in Nepal for the past 15 years, broadcasting Gospel programming in the Nepali language since 2004, then offering programs in the Tharu language in 2013, which has allowed the ministry to reach millions more listeners. The Tide Director Don Shenk said the ministry’s partners on the ground as well as radio listeners have reported hardships associated with trusting and worshipping Jesus. “Officially, the people of Nepal have religious freedoms, but the at the same time, anti-conversion language has been written into the Constitution, preventing Christians from sharing their faith in Christ with others,” Shenk said. “This causes some Nepali Christian...

We’re reflecting on the blessings experienced worldwide this year and looking back on an impactful year of reaching millions of listeners around the globe with the hope of the Gospel.  “As we consider all God has allowed this ministry to accomplish through His power and providence this year, we are beyond blessed to interact with His children in far corners of the world, introduce people to His Son, Jesus, and hopefully impact their lives eternally,” said Don Shenk. Shenk noted that while the true impact comes in the form of listeners’ feedback and testimonials of life change, numbers help partners on the ground to reflect on the many who were reached throughout the year.  Listeners who responded to broadcasts via mail, email, phone and text: 14,118 Discipleship mail pieces sent to listeners, including Bibles/New Testaments, Gospel booklets, tracts and Bible lessons: 14,125 Listeners who received a personal visit from a discipleship worker: 1,070 Group discipleship even...

On January 4, a group of guys in central Pennsylvania got together—not for a big game, a hike or a hunt—but they did have one very unique thing in common. All had committed to growing their beards for an entire year to help raise awareness and funds for The Tide! For the 2019 “Year Beard” challenge, 16 men grew their beards all year long, while several others committed to shorter growing periods—eight for “No Shave November,” one for a three-month period, and five for six months. “We are excited to announce that the inaugural Year Beard challenge raised over $27,000 for The Tide global Gospel ministry,” said The Tide Director of Development Mark D. Story, who was also a Year Beard participant along with The Tide Director Don Shenk. “This was due to the diligent efforts of the participants, as well as a generous matching gift. We are immensely grateful to the bearded men who made a very unique—and sometimes challenging—commitment to grow their beards for a full year so that The Tide mi...

According to the Christian persecution watchdog group, Persecution.org , Nepal is home to one of the fastest growing Christian communities in the world. In fact, the organization reports, the latest figures suggest there are now approximately 13,000 churches in the former Hindu kingdom. These growing Christian communities in Nepal, however, are not without grave challenges. “Nepal has historically been a Hindu stronghold, but in 2008, the nation drafted an interim constitution that gave Nepali citizens some religious freedom rights,” said Don Shenk. “This change also allowed more ministries like The Tide to make inroads in Nepal. But in 2015, a new constitution was adopted after government officials debated for several years. At that time, Nepal was officially established as a secular country, and its citizens were given religious liberties. But simultaneously, anti-conversion language was added to the constitution, making it punishable for Christians and other believers to share thei...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— According to the Christian persecution watchdog group, Persecution.org , Nepal is home to one of the fastest growing Christian communities in the world. In fact, the organization reports, the latest figures suggest there are now approximately 13,000 churches in the former Hindu kingdom. These growing Christian communities in Nepal, however, are not without grave challenges. The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry has broadcast Gospel programming in Nepal since 2004, first in the Nepali language, then offering programs in the Tharu language in 2013, which has allowed the ministry to reach millions more listeners. “Nepal has historically been a Hindu stronghold, but in 2008, the nation drafted an interim constitution that gave Nepali citizens some religious freedom rights,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “This change also allowed more ministries like The Tide to make inroads in Nepal. But in 2015, a new constitution was adopted after government offi...

Christians in Nepal face many challenges American believers may never experience: being shunned by families, excommunicated from communities or even criminally charged because of their faith in Christ. In spite of this danger, we have been getting reports from Nepal that people are courageously listening to our programs and are being inspired. “Hindu influence in Nepal is extremely strong, and new Christians may have little support when it comes to asking questions about the Bible and the way to salvation,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “In fact, they may have no one to turn to at all, which is why it is so important that The Tide gospel programs reach even more people—both in Nepal and worldwide.” At one point, Nepal was the world’s only official Hindu kingdom. Nepal identifies as a secular nation, and although the politics have changed, the people of Nepal remain deeply religious, with about 86% who are followers of Hinduism. However, despite of this political shift, “many…are ...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— Christians in Nepal face many challenges American believers may never experience: being shunned by families, excommunicated from communities or even criminally charged because of their faith in Christ. Regardless of the dangers of being a Christian in Nepal, many are encouraged by the hope that Gospel programming from The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry brings. Since 2004, The Tide ministry has broadcast programming in Nepal. In 2013, the ministry began offering additional programming in the Tharu language to enable the Gospel to reach potentially millions more. “Hindu influence in Nepal is extremely strong, and new Christians may have little support when it comes to asking questions about the Bible and the way to salvation,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “In fact, they may have no one to turn to at all, which is why it is so important that The Tide gospel programs reach even more people—both in Nepal and worldwide.” At one time, Shenk adde...

I have many memories of being around fires as I grew up.  In the Fall as cold and winter weather began, we raked the fallen leaves and branches into piles and then set them on fire.  We had to stir and turn the leaves occasionally to keep them burning.   I remember sitting around a fire just to relax and enjoy our family and friends.  I remember preparing hamburgers and hot dogs over the flames of a grill.   I remember making popcorn and holding marsh mellows over fires until they turned light brown and were gooey in the middle for a tasty desert.   “… they saw a fire of burning coals there, with fish on it and some bread.” John 21:9  I remember the fires in a fireplace that was under a barrel full of water in Africa.   It was the only way to get hot water and felt so good to have a hot bath.  I remember sitting, talking and laughing as we sat around the fires to stay warn in the cool evening air.  There’s something special when sitt...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— This past Saturday afternoon, a group of guys in central Pennsylvania got together—not for a big game, a hike or a hunt—but they did have one very unique thing in common. All had committed to growing their beards for an entire year to help raise awareness and funds for The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) ministry’s work to spread the Gospel around the globe. For the 2019 “Year Beard” challenge, 16 men grew their beards all year long, while several others committed to shorter growing periods—eight for “No Shave November,” one for a three-month period and five for six months. “We are excited to announce that the inaugural Year Beard challenge raised over $27,000 for The Tide global Gospel ministry,” said The Tide Director of Development Mark D. Story, who was also a Year Beard participant along with The Tide Director Don Shenk. “This was due to the diligent efforts of the participants, as well as a generous matching gift. We are immensely grateful to the bearded men who ...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— The  Tide ®  ( www.thetide.org )   global radio ministry is reflecting on the blessings experienced worldwide this year and looking back on an impactful year of reaching millions of listeners around the globe with the hope of the Gospel.  “As we consider all God has allowed this ministry to accomplish through His power and providence this year, we are beyond blessed to interact with His children in far corners of the world, introduce people to His Son, Jesus, and hopefully impact their lives eternally,” said Don Shenk, director of The Tide ministry.  Shenk noted that while the true impact comes in the form of listeners’ feedback and testimonials of life change, numbers help partners on the ground to reflect on the many who were reached throughout the year.  Listeners who responded to broadcasts via mail, email, phone and text: 14,118 Discipleship mail pieces sent to listeners, including Bibles/New Testaments, Gospel booklets, tracts ...

During this season of Advent, it’s easy to assume that Christmas is celebrated the same everywhere! Here is how Christmas is celebrated around the world: Albania: As a predominately Muslim country, Christmas isn’t quite as popular as it is in the US. In fact, due to the lingering effects of communist rule, during which Christmas was banned, New Year’s has taken the place of Christmas! Instead of Santa coming down a chimney Christmas Eve, “Santa” delivers presents on New Years as “the Old Man of New Year.” One Christmas Eve tradition is having a meal consisting of fish, vegetables, beans, and dessert—including baklava! India: Even though the Christian population is small, Christmas is happily celebrated in India! Midnight mass is especially important to the Catholic population. Instead of pine trees, some people decorate banana or mango trees!     Pakistan: In addition to celebrating Christ’s birth, December 25th is a day that the Pakistani people remember Jin...