The Tide®

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...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— Christmas is fast-approaching, and as Christians everywhere celebrate Jesus’ birth—the true reason for the season— The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry is blessed to share about His life with radio listeners around the world. “We are grateful that God allows us to reach millions of potential listeners in eight countries through 25 languages, as we tell them why Jesus came to Earth—to ultimately die for their sins and give the gift of eternal life,” said Don Shenk, director of The Tide ministry. “But at the same time, as we ready our homes and hearts for Christmas, we are cognizant of the fact that many around the world who are also making these preparations don’t know the true reason of why they celebrate. We pray that this Christmas, more global listeners will meet a baby in a manger for the first time and realize He is the greatest gift in all of history.” Ilirjana from Switzerland has realized that gift and found the joy of Christ, thanks to lis...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— There’s nothing like hearing the truth of the Gospel in your own heart language—the language you were born to speak. Rather than using translators or adapting the message for radio listeners in other countries, The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global radio ministry works with indigenous pastors and partners on the ground in eight countries on three continents to offer the saving truth of Jesus Christ to people in 25 different languages. “For 73 years, The Tide ministry has stayed true to our vision to creatively share the Good News of the Gospel through multiple media avenues,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “In some remote locations, that means providing radios so entire villages can gather around them and listen to programming about Jesus in their own language. In other places, it means distributing media players so people in urban areas can hear the Gospel on busy streets. Whatever the method, The Tide ministry is committed to reaching people where they are—an...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.—A major project for The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) global Gospel ministry throughout 2019 has been the construction of a new studio in Zimbabwe that will not only broadcast life-changing programming but also serve as a sustaining source of income for the community. And a local construction company was able to be part of that project from many miles away. This fall, Lehman Construction Services, Inc. (LCSi) in Chambersburg, Pa., where The Tide ministry has had its U.S. headquarters for many years, donated $6,000 to cover the installation of solar panels on the newly constructed recording studio in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. LCSi President Jay Finkenbinder and Secretary/Treasurer Alice Hyatt-Hawbaker made the gift to The Tide ministry after learning that electrical power is only sporadically available in Zimbabwe, rendering the new studio useless for long stretches of time. “We understand the need for power and know the importance of solar energy in the industry, so we se...

In August 2019 The Tide ministry conducted a Leader to Leader mission trip to Zimbabwe. The primary purpose of the trip was to host a seminar for church leaders from the rural areas of Zimbabwe. The Itinerary also included a dedication service for the new studio we constructed in Zimbabwe and participating in the annual General Conference meeting of the BIC Church in Zimbabwe. A unique aspect of this trip is that we had three Lancaster Bible College students as members of our team. It is incredibly encouraging and exciting to see young people engaging in the Great Commission, and we are grateful for the writing and photography these young ladies provided for this newsletter and other publications. – Don My trip to Zimbabwe was nothing short of amazing. We saw God work in every aspect of our trip overseas! Our team consisted of 12 individuals: myself, Hannah and Moriah (LBC Communication Students), Mark (Director of Development for The Tide), John (Chairman of the Board of Directors...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.—As Americans around the country set aside time this week to count their blessings,  The Tide®( www.thetide.org )  global radio ministry is doing the same. Over the past year,  The Tide  ministry has made continued progress on three continents in eight countries through Gospel programming in 25 languages. And in 2020, more exciting projects are on the horizon. “This year, as we pause to consider our many God-given blessings, The Tide ministry is thankful for so many things,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk, “the millions of listeners who are responding to the Gospel worldwide, our dedicated partners on the ground who are carrying out this important work and meeting new believers right where they are, and our faithful donors who believe in what The Tide ministry is doing and continue to support us.” Thus far in 2019,  The Tide  ministry is reflecting on several areas of impact: The Tide  ministry’s unique  “Year Beard”  ...

NIGERIA I want to thank the Lord for his is mercy towards me. I am writing in fulfillment of a vow I made to God. I promised that if my troubles are over, I would thank him immensely. I am a witch doctor. I received this power from my uncle who initiated me into the cult. I have gone to many churches looking for help but to no avail. One day, I listen to your radio program. Not that I have not been listening before. But this time around I took down the phone numbers mentioned as the contact. Happily we arrange a visit to my home. After the prayers, I confessed that I had secret temple in my room. The speaker and his followers destroyed the temple by burning it. I am now free. My vow was I would live and die with Christ Jesus. Silver and Gold I have none but I will for others what he was done for me and is still doing for me. – Okon I have been drinking all sorts of wine. I am a drunkard. No day passes without my been drunk. It was as if I was under the influence of a spirit. But God...

In August The Tide global radio ministry blessed me with the task of documenting our time in Zimbabwe through journaling. Although I only spent one week in Zimbabwe, seven days have never impacted me in the way Africa has. My heart for God has been positively altered by the Christian lives in Zimbabwe. Life is not easy in Zimbabwe, and I will admit I do not personally understand the struggles they deal with each day. Technology, electricity, water, housing, economy, health—none of these elements are guaranteed in their living, yet the people I saw in Zimbabwe responded with unified worship pro- claiming, “God is good!” I am unable to give identity to simply one source for quoting “God is good” in my six days there; I heard countless people communicating this truth. During my time in Zimbabwe, the local bishop, Bishop Sindah Ngulube, was attending his mother’s funeral, yet he and his wife joined our team for din- ner to welcome us with “open arms.” There was pain from the recent lo...

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.— For nearly 75 years, The Tide® ( www.thetide.org ) ministry has focused on creatively sharing the Good News of the Gospel through multiple media avenues. That mission has led The Tide ministry to offer audio programming in 25 heart languages spoken by millions of people in multiple regions of Albania, Bhutan, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand and Zimbabwe, making it possible for multiple people groups to hear the Gospel in the languages they were born to speak. Now, The Tide ministry is branching out yet again to work with partners to offer Gospel programming in Pakistan to an unreached people group in their own language. Plans are in progress to recruit and train media ministry teams with a goal to have a radio outreach in the language of one of four unreached people groups ready to launch by January 2020. The Tide vision is to be sharing the gospel with all four groups in their own language within the next five years. “We’re thrilled and honored to begin...