Val Evanđelja

NRB Chairman Dr. Ron Harris joined with other Christian broadcast executives recently, visiting Christian broadcasters in Eastern Europe. As guests of Trans World Radio (TWR), the team visited Albania, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, as well as Austria and Italy. In each country they found dedicated broadcast professionals who were shining the light of Jesus into a dark land. "Since the fall of Communism over a decade ago, these countries have gone through a lot of change and, in most cases, a lot of turmoil," said Harris. "The need is great and the challenges are enormous for these broadcasters."

Bill Blount, NRB Second Vice-Chairman, was also along on the trip. He and Harris were asked to be on Radio One in Cakovec, Croatia. During the half-hour interview (Harris & Blount are pictured below), they were asked many questions about Christian radio in the United States. Before ending the interview, Harris was asked, "Do you have any evidence of changed lives by those who listen to the truth of God proclaimed over Christian radio?" Harris and Blount were thrilled at the question, stating: "At that our eyes lit up, and we were able to share story after story of the power of Christ to change the hearts of those who put their trust in him. In fact, the program ran overtime, with the interviewer saying that the news would be late, but that what the listeners were hearing was important."

Blount said he didn't realize how "unevangelized" most of Europe is. Stating that in Italy, for instance, less than 1% of the population is evangelical and almost 18% of the people say they are atheist or agnostic.Secondly Blount said that during this recent trip he was "truly impressed by both the ingenuity and conviction of those in broadcasting to creatively present the Gospel with relevance, using the few resources they have available to them." He said, "The broadcasters want to learn from NRB, but I believe we can also learn much from them!"

The NRB Executive Committee has been seeking ways to encourage Christian broadcasters in the U.S. to partner with those in other parts of the world. Harris said, "We gain so much from each other. We may be able to share expertise with them, but they teach us a lot about faith and perseverance in serving the Lord."

Harris said many of these international broadcasters know that if God doesn't intervene and provide, they cannot operate. "Many times we Christian broadcasters in the US feel that if we work harder we can accomplish most of what we need. We seem to call on the Lord only in unusual situations. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus, found in John 15:5. 'Apart from me you can do nothing.'" Harris said this is something Christian broadcasters in Eastern Europe realize everyday - their total dependence on the Lord.

Blount said it was thrilling to see how TWR partners with various broadcast teams in each country, allowing them to decide how to best reach their own individual communities, but giving the guidance and technical resources necessary to accomplish their goals.