Global Radio Outreach: Sharing Jesus with the Muslim World
In many countries today, it is hard or even dangerous to talk about Jesus. But God is opening new ways for His message to reach people who have never heard about Him. One of those ways is through Global Radio Outreach (GRO),  a ministry that uses radio and the internet to share the love of Christ with Muslims around the world.

How It All Began
The story of GRO started with one man’s calling. While working as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, Mike Bond felt God put a deep love for Muslims in his heart. He saw how many Muslims around the world had never had a chance to hear about Jesus.
When Mike returned to the United States in 1991, he followed God’s direction and started Global Radio Outreach. His idea was simple but powerful,  to use radio to reach Muslim countries that are closed to Christian missionaries.
GRO began by training Muslim Background Believers (MBBs),  men and women who had once been Muslims but had come to know Jesus,  to record Christian radio programs in their own languages. These programs were then broadcast back into their home countries. Through radio, the message of Jesus could go where missionaries could not.

Growing Through Technology
As the years went on, GRO saw new opportunities through modern technology. In 2012, God gave them a bigger vision, to use not only radio but also the internet to reach even more people.
The team created a special blogging system that allows people to build websites in any language. These websites can include streaming radio stations that share Christian messages, music, and stories 24 hours a day.
Today, GRO has more than 10 radio stations and in excess of 9 active blogs, with 5 more getting ready to launch soon. Each one reaches into a different country or region where people are searching for truth and hope.

The Work in Bangladesh and Other Muslim Nations
One country where GRO’s impact is growing is Bangladesh. It is one of the most crowded countries in the world, and almost everyone there is Muslim. Talking about Jesus can be very risky.
Still, God is working through local believers who are connected with GRO. They are augmenting house churches, writing online articles, and sharing about Jesus with others carefully and wisely. The internet and radio have become safe tools to tell people about God’s love.
GRO also helps these workers by giving training, guidance, and sometimes financial support so they can keep doing God’s work even in hard situations. Through this partnership, people in Bangladesh and other Muslim countries are hearing the Gospel for the first time.

Working Together for the Gospel
What makes GRO special is that they don’t just send outsiders into Muslim countries. Instead, they equip local believers who already live there or come from those cultures. These believers know the language, understand the people, and can share their faith in ways that connect deeply.
But this work takes resources. Each radio station, blog, and online program needs equipment, internet space, and workers to keep it going. That’s why GRO invites Christians around the world to join them in this mission,  through prayer, encouragement, and giving.
When you give to GRO, you are not just donating money. You are helping spread the message of Jesus to people who may have never heard it before. You are helping believers stay strong in faith and continue their ministry in places where following Christ is not easy.

Be Part of the Story
More than 1.9 billion Muslims live in the world today, and many of them have never heard the true story of Jesus. Global Radio Outreach is helping to change that,  one broadcast, one website, and one life at a time.

Every day, people in closed countries are hearing the Gospel through radio programs and online blogs created by believers like you and me. Some are finding peace for the first time. Others are quietly choosing to follow Christ.
On Giving Tuesday, you can help this mission continue. To learn more or to give, visit www.globalradiooutreach.org/give.
Together, we can help Global Radio Outreach reach more Muslims as well as other unreached people groups, with the message of Jesus’ love,  until every heart has a chance to hear His name.
Amen, 
Gabriel

We are just a few simple people with a big dream.
We want to build a safe place, a home, for young people who were rejected by their families because they accepted Jesus. These young believers are often left alone, with nowhere to go. Some are scared, hungry, and heartbroken. But even in the pain, they still follow Jesus. That is true faith.
Right now, we don’t have a shelter yet. We don’t have money or land. But we have something important: faith and a burden in our hearts. We are meeting with churches, talking to believers, sharing the idea with anyone who will listen. Some say it’s too big. But we know God can do big things with small people.
We see this story in the Bible too.
Joseph was rejected by his brothers because of his dream, but God had a plan (Genesis 37).
David was forgotten by his family, but God chose him to be king (1 Samuel 16).
And Jesus Himself, His own people didn’t accept Him. But He never gave up (John 1:11).
We believe God is calling us to do something like this. To be a family to those who lost their own. To give food, shelter, love, and hope to the ones who feel alone. Just like Jesus said: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
We don’t know how or when, but we are trusting God step by step. If He wants this to happen, He will open the way.
This is only the beginning.
Please pray for us.
And if God touches your heart, maybe you can help too, Someday soon!

Good bless,
Gabriel 

So, Why $80,000?
It’s a good question, and right along with it, why is it so important, and what will we do with it? They’re all good questions.
What this money does is enables us to continue to strengthen and grow the outreach network. As it stands, right now. We’ve actually outgrown the network. We counted about 350,000 people in the last year who visited one of our outreach sites, but there were more. We couldn’t count them because our database was overtaxed. So, the only way that we could keep reaching them was to turn off the counting for several of our larger sites so that there was capacity to do the reaching.
There are a number of things that we are working on to be able to build capacity into the network so that we can reach more. Right now, we’re at our limit, but workers are building and upgrading the system. We hope soon to be able to reach more.
As a matter of a fact, our Seeds of Hope Campaign is about enabling us to reach a million people per year, instead of only the 350,000 that we counted. However, we can only do that if we can keep those people working, and building in the capacity necessary to make the network strong enough to carry the visits of those new people.
So, is it important? I believe so. The souls of millions of lost Muslims and other unreached groups, depend on us strengthening ourselves to reach them.
And, if you ever hear someone say, “Mike doesn’t need any extra help. Mike’s ok, he’s got his banquet, right.” Remember that we’re trying to reach 20% of the world. We’ve taken on the task to reach 1.6 billion people. $80,000 won’t do it, alone. However, it’s still important to us and will still make a difference. We won’t get to the next level without it. However, with your help, we’ll increase our capacity to be able to reach many, many more.
So, if you’re wondering if you should give to the banquet offering, please do. You’ll be part of the answer that will put us on a good, strong track. Thank you. Just visit www.globalradiooutreach.org/give and choose the GRO banquet Offering. Thanks.

It all started with an unexpected request from a friend. She reached out, asking if I could help someone she knew who was in the midst of a financial crisis. The moment I heard about it, my heart stirred. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Let me help.”
As a writer on facebook, I often get asked for freelance writing opportunities, but most of the time, I’m unable to assist. It’s not that I don’t care, but the circumstances rarely align for me to offer meaningful help. This time, however, was different. There was a call in my heart, a strong urge that I couldn’t ignore. I needed to help this lady, no matter the cost. Why I felt this way, I had no idea.
I had no freelance work available to give her, but I still wanted to help. After some thought, I asked her, “Would you be interested in writing Bengali articles for our website?” Note: I get some money from you guys and most of it goes for rent and medicine. But still I wanted to share it with her. Why? I don't know.
I explained that the website she’d be writing for was a Bible-focused platform run by Global Radio Outreach. She was a Muslim lady and agreed to the work, though her enthusiasm was understandably reserved. She admitted she wasn’t excited about learning Christian content, as she had no prior knowledge of the Bible or Christianity. Still, she accepted the challenge.
To help her get started, I suggested she spend two weeks studying the Bible and familiarizing herself with the basics of Christianity. Surprisingly, she agreed. Over those two weeks, she diligently read and began to develop a good understanding of the material.
Today, as we discussed her religious thoughts, she opened up about her struggles. She described herself as a confused Muslim who believed in God but felt lost. Her words resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own journey when I struggled with faith. I saw a reflection of my past in her confusion and search for truth.
As our conversation deepened, I shared the story from Luke 23:32-43, where Jesus was crucified alongside two thieves. I explained how one of the thieves, despite his sins, acknowledged Jesus and was assured a place in heaven. Her reaction was profound. She was overwhelmed and said, “That should be God. That sounds and feels like God!”
Her response was genuine and heartfelt. It was a moment of clarity for her, a connection that seemed to spark something deep within. From that moment on, she was ready to take the next step. She officially started writing for AlorDisha.com alongside me from day before yesterday. Her journey with the Bible didn’t stop there; she also expressed her willingness to join the Bible community in our country, a group that operates in secrecy due to the risks involved.
Reflecting on the beginning of this story, I realize how miraculous the journey has been. I had no prior knowledge about her and certainly didn’t anticipate the risks involved in sharing my faith. Where I live, speaking openly about Christianity can be life-threatening. Yet, I felt compelled to go beyond all risks and financial constraints. I followed my heart, and it led to something extraordinary.
Today, we have another soul who has embraced the truth of Christ. She has started a new chapter in her life, not just as a writer but as someone who is learning about the love and salvation offered by Yashua. This journey has been a testament to the power of faith, compassion, and courage.
Thanks to Jesus, another life has been touched and transformed. And as I reflect on this experience, I am reminded that sometimes, all it takes is a simple step of faith to make a profound difference in someone’s life.
Moral: This story teaches the value of compassion, faith, and courage. It shows that by following the call of our hearts, we can create meaningful change in someone’s life, even when it involves personal risk. Sharing faith with love and understanding can lead to transformation. It emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to help others and trusting in God’s plan. Ultimately, it reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting, eternal impact.

Just a Dime a Piece! What a deal! What can you buy for a dime these days? In America we used to have dime stores. I shopped a lot in these as a kid. Then we got dollar stores. Now, there’s not much that you can still buy in a dollar store unless they’ve shrunk the size of it to make it possible. Fact is, you can’t get much for a dollar, but a dime? Impossible! Maybe not, though.
To what do I refer? Well, we’re talking about reaching the lost. You mean that we can reach a soul, a lost soul, for a dime? Yes!  We can actually bring the lost to one of our websites where they can read, see, or hear the Gospel for a thin dime. How is that even possible?
Well, the websites, with their Internet radio stations, articles, Bibles, stories, music, testimonies and everything are already there, waiting to engage seekers and share the Gospel with them. All it takes is for someone to visit our website.  Once there they will see, hear, read and experience the Gospel.
So, how do we get them there? We use ads in the places where they do searches on their computer or phone browser. We use Google AdWords to draw them in. We select special words that they might use in a search . . . words that are in our articles, music, or even from the Bible. Then, when they search on those words, our ad pops up. If they click on it, they’re brought to the website where they are shown the Good News of Jesus. They get to hear it, see it and read it.
So, where does the dime come in? Each time that they click and go to the site, it only costs us a dime to bring them there. What a bargain! Better than the stuff at the dime store or even the dollar store. Present them with the Gospel for just a dime. Does it mean that they’ll be saved? Possibly. That choice is still up to them, but they’ve been brought to a presentation of the Gospel for just a dime.
Last year we reached about 350,000 Muslims and others this way, with more than a thousand being saved and about 1,400 asking for discipleship. Wonderful! However, this year we want to reach one million, but we need your help to do it.
That’s the purpose of our Seeds of Hope fund. It’s to give you a chance to reach Muslims and others with us. For a dime, one sees the Gospel on a website. For a dollar, ten will see. Ten dollars will reach 100. $100 will reach a thousand, and so on.
You can not only reach a bunch of people for a small gift, but you can be part of the plan to reach 1,000,000 this year. All you have to do is go to www.globalradiooutreach.org/give and choose the Seeds of Hope fund.  Or, you can send your gift to Global Radio Outreach, PO Box 719, Everett WA 98206 and designate it for Seeds of Hope. Together, let’s reach a million for Christ this year. Thank you.

When faced with life’s challenges, many of us turn to prayer for comfort and guidance. As a 26-year-old kidney patient, I found myself doing the same before a critical journey to seek medical treatment. The trip was filled with unknowns, and I could only place my trust in God. What unfolded was nothing short of miraculous—a story of hope, grace, and divine intervention.
 

A Prayer Before the Journey  

 
As the date of my departure approached, I felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. Traveling for medical treatment is never easy, especially when the destination is unfamiliar. The uncertainty weighed heavily on me.  
 The night before leaving, I knelt in prayer, pouring my heart out to God:  
 "Oh LORD, make this journey safe, smooth, and easy."
 With those words, I surrendered my worries to Him. I believed that if God was with me, He would pave the way—even in ways I could not imagine.  
 

An Unexpected Companion  

The atmosphere at the airport was bustling with activity, yet I felt a sense of calm. After boarding the plane and settling into my seat, I offered another prayer for safety. Moments later, I noticed the woman seated next to me. She looked kind and professional, and as we exchanged polite greetings, I discovered something extraordinary—she was a nephrologist, a kidney specialist.  
 
This was no coincidence. God had placed a doctor with expertise in the very condition I was battling right by my side. She wasn’t just a fellow traveler; she became my guide, advisor, and even a friend during the journey.  
 

 A Guiding Light in the Unknown  

 
From the moment we began talking, the nephrologist offered invaluable advice. She shared insights about navigating the medical system, recommended trusted specialists, and explained treatment options that I hadn’t considered before.  
 
Upon landing, she went above and beyond to assist me. She guided me through unfamiliar processes, ensuring that I wouldn’t feel lost. Her presence turned what could have been a stressful experience into a smooth and effortless one.  
 
Looking back, I realized that God had answered my prayer even before I uttered it. He knew my needs and orchestrated events to ensure that I had the right person beside me at the right time.  
 

Signs of God’s Grace  

 
As the plane approached our destination, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the horizon. The view from the window was breathtaking—a vivid blend of orange, pink, and gold stretching across the sky. It felt like a reminder from God, a sign of His grace shining over my path.  
 
Noticing my awe, the nephrologist offered to take photos for me. Each image captured not just the beauty of the rising sun but also the hope and renewal I felt in my heart. It was as if God was telling me, "This is a new beginning. Trust in Me."
 

Lessons Learned Along the Way  

 
That journey taught me several profound lessons about faith, trust, and God’s timing:  
 
1. God Knows Our Needs Before We Do: My prayer for a smooth journey was answered in ways I could never predict. God didn’t just ensure my safety; He provided guidance through someone who deeply understood my condition.  
 
2. When We Trust, God Makes a Way: The overwhelming aspects of my trip were replaced by ease because I had placed God at the center of my plans.  
 
3. Blessings Are Everywhere: From the companionship of the nephrologist to the beauty of the sunrise, God’s blessings were abundant throughout the journey.  
 
4. God’s Plans Are Perfect: Even when we don’t see the bigger picture, God is working behind the scenes, aligning circumstances for our good.  
 

 Embracing the Journey Ahead  

Arriving at my destination felt like stepping into a new chapter of life. The journey that began with apprehension was now filled with hope and purpose. I knew that my battle with kidney disease wasn’t over, but I also knew that I wasn’t alone. God had shown me that He is always present, guiding and protecting me every step of the way.  
 
In the days that followed, I explored treatment options and sought medical care with a renewed sense of determination. Every decision was made with the confidence that God’s hand was in it.  
 

 Gratitude for His Blessings  

 
As I reflect on this experience, my heart is filled with gratitude—not just for the physical journey but for the spiritual one as well. I’ve come to understand that placing God at the start of anything ensures that everything else falls into place.  
 
Life’s challenges may be inevitable, but so are God’s blessings. They often come in ways we least expect, reminding us that He is always in control.  
 

 A Message of Hope  

To anyone facing a difficult journey, I want to share this: trust in God. Pray sincerely, and He will answer in His perfect way and timing. His blessings are real and abundant, and His love knows no limits.  
 
For me, this journey was not just about seeking medical treatment—it was a journey of faith, renewal, and trust in the Creator who makes all things possible.

The election is over. I hope you got out and voted. Trump won. But as I have heard some Christians say, “This result will help my pocket book”, I hope that is not the reason you voted for him, if you did. I pray you voted with your ear tuned to the heartbeat of the Father, living out Christ’s own motto, “I only do what the Father tells me”. 
I have also seen many Christians posting on social media that this is a result of God’s mercy on us, or that we are receiving a reprieve. I beg to differ. This is NOT about US. This is not God’s mercy on us, it is His mercy on the lost. It is a reprieve of His judgement. God’s goal is to save as many as He can, so let’s not make this about us, it is about the lost.
We should not be taking a deep breath, sitting back and getting comfortable. God’s goal is NOT our comfort, but to save the lost. We need to be partnering with Him in that goal. 
The same urgency we felt at the beginning of 2024, when it seemed the rapture was just around the corner, needs to be the same urgency we live in now. The rapture is still around the corner. The Bible says that many will be taken by surprise, “like a thief in the night”. How much more of a surprise would it be if He came during our “reprieve”. Again it's not about us.
Let’s stay on task. Let’s move with urgency. Let's share the good news with our neighbor, our coworker, our friends, even our enemies. Let’s serve more and give more to missions. Let’s partner with God and make His name known. Let’s not take our foot off the gas pedal, rather let’s run harder and make our Jesus proud. Let’s not give in to the temptations of comfort and ease. Let's join in His mission for the world. And help God Bless the Lost.

Imagine a traveler on a long road, tired and burdened by the weight of his journey. He meets two guides who offer him help. One guide tells him to keep pushing forward by himself, saying that his efforts will eventually get him to his destination. The other guide, however, takes the burden off his back, saying, "You don't have to carry this alone." The first guide represents the idea of “works,” while the second guide represents “grace.”
 
In Christianity, this contrast between grace and works is one of the most important and debated topics. The Bible teaches us that Jesus came to offer us salvation, not because of what we can do, but because of what He has already done. This article will explore the idea of grace and works in Christianity and how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection offer us a clear picture of God's grace.

The concept of grace in Christianity
Grace is often described as "unmerited favor." It is the gift of God's love and salvation, freely given to us even though we don't deserve it. Think of it as a gift that no one can earn, no matter how hard they try. In the Bible, grace is the foundation of our relationship with God. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Grace is seen most clearly in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, and then died in our place, taking the punishment for our sins. He did this not because we earned it, but because He loves us. Grace means that we don’t have to work for our salvation; it is a gift that is given freely.
 
What does "works" mean in Christianity?
While grace is a gift, the concept of "works" in Christianity refers to the things we do — our actions, good deeds, and efforts. In the Old Testament, before Jesus came, people followed the law, which was a set of rules and commandments given by God. Obeying these laws was seen as the way to stay in right standing with God. However, it was impossible for anyone to follow all the laws perfectly.
The idea of works is often associated with this attempt to be good enough to earn God's favor. But the Bible makes it clear that no one can be saved by works alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
While good works are important, they are not what saves us. Instead, they are a response to the grace we have already received. This brings us to a key point: works do not earn us grace, but grace inspires us to do good works.
 
The life and teachings of Jesus: A picture of grace
The life of Jesus Christ is the perfect example of grace in action. When Jesus walked the earth, He spent time with people who were considered outcasts — sinners, tax collectors, and those who were seen as unworthy by society. In John 8, for example, Jesus meets a woman caught in the act of adultery. According to the law, she was supposed to be stoned to death. But instead of condemning her, Jesus tells her accusers, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” One by one, the accusers leave, and Jesus says to the woman, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
This story is a powerful example of grace. Jesus did not ignore the woman’s sin, but He offered her forgiveness and a new beginning. This is what grace does—it doesn’t deny our mistakes, but it offers us a way out. Jesus’ message was clear: we don’t have to be perfect to receive His love. We just have to accept it.
 
The balance between grace and works
While grace is central to Christianity, this doesn’t mean that our actions don’t matter. James 2:17 tells us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” What this means is that while we are saved by grace, our faith should naturally lead to good works. When we truly understand the depth of God's grace, it changes us from the inside out. We are no longer trying to earn God's love, but we are responding to the love He has already given us.
 
Think of it like a tree. Grace is the root, and works are the fruit. The tree is alive because of its roots, not because of its fruit. But a healthy tree will naturally produce good fruit. In the same way, when we receive God's grace, it should inspire us to live lives that reflect His love and goodness.
 
Paul, one of the early Christian leaders, often talked about this balance. In Galatians 5:6, he writes, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Faith and grace are the foundation, but our love for God and others is shown through our actions.
 
The danger of relying too much on works
There’s a danger in relying too much on our own works to gain salvation or favor with God. When we focus too much on what we can do, we forget what Jesus has already done. This can lead to pride, where we start thinking we are better than others because of our good deeds. It can also lead to despair because no matter how hard we try, we can never be perfect.
 
The Pharisees in Jesus’ time are a good example of this. They were religious leaders who followed the law very strictly and believed that their works made them righteous. But Jesus often rebuked them, saying that their hearts were far from God. In Matthew 23:27, He calls them "whitewashed tombs," clean on the outside but full of dead bones on the inside. They were so focused on following the rules that they missed the heart of God’s message: love, mercy, and grace.
 
This serves as a warning to all Christians. While doing good is important, we must remember that our relationship with God is based on His grace, not our efforts. When we focus too much on works, we may end up missing the beauty of grace altogether.
 
Conclusion: Living in the light of grace
So, what does it mean to live in grace? It means recognizing that salvation is a gift, not something we earn. It means accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate expression of God’s love. It means that, while we are called to do good works, those works are a response to the grace we have already received, not a way to earn it.
 
In the end, grace is like the second guide on the road—lifting the burden off our backs, showing us that we don’t have to carry the weight of our sins by ourselves. Jesus invites us to lay our burdens at His feet, knowing that His grace is enough.
 
In our walk with God, there will always be a balance between grace and works. But when we understand that grace is the foundation, it changes everything. We stop striving to be good enough and start living out of a place of gratitude and love for what God has already done. And that, in the end, is the heart of the gospel: God’s amazing grace, freely given to all who will receive it.

In a world that often feels disconnected, the idea of community is a source of hope, offering a place where we can connect, support each other, and feel like we belong. For Christians, community is not just a nice idea; it's an essential part of growing closer to Christ. The Christian community, often called the body of Christ, helps believers deepen their relationship with Jesus, strengthen their faith, and live out their calling. This article explores the power of Christian community and how it helps us grow closer to Christ.

The Biblical Foundation of Christian Community
The idea of community is deeply rooted in the Bible. From the very beginning, God showed us that we're not meant to be alone. In Genesis, God says, "It is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18), showing that we need companionship and community. The Israelites, God's chosen people, lived as a close-knit community, united by their faith in God.
In the New Testament, the early church gives us a powerful example of Christian community. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the first believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." They shared everything, supported each other, and grew in their faith together. This early model shows us that spiritual growth happens best in a community.

How Community Helps Us Grow Spiritually
Christian community plays a big role in helping us grow spiritually. Our faith journey is not something we do alone; it's something we do together with others who can encourage us, teach us, and hold us accountable.

1. Encouragement and accountability
 In a Christian community, we find encouragement to live out our faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another." This encouragement helps us keep going, especially when life is tough.
 Accountability is another key part of spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." In a Christian community, we challenge each other to grow, to avoid sin, and to strive to live holy lives. This kind of accountability helps us stay on track and grow closer to Christ.

2. Teaching and Discipleship
Christian community is also a place where we learn and grow through discipleship. Jesus told His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This mission happens within the community, where older or more experienced Christians can mentor and guide others.
 Discipleship happens in many ways, like in small groups, Bible studies, or one-on-one mentoring. These settings allow us to have deep conversations, get personalized advice, and build close, Christ-centered relationships.

How Community Strengthens Our Faith
Faith is like a journey, and it's easier to travel with others. The Christian community helps keep our faith strong, especially when we face challenges.

1. Shared Faith and Worship
Worshiping together is a powerful way that Christian community strengthens our faith. When we gather to worship God-through singing, praying, and reading Scripture-we're reminded that we're part of something bigger. We're part of a global body of believers, all united in our love for Christ.
Shared faith also gives us support during times of doubt or spiritual dryness. When our faith feels weak, the community can remind us of God's faithfulness and encourage us to keep going. The experiences and stories of others in the community can inspire us and give us hope.

2. Carrying Each Other's Burdens
The Christian community is a place where we can share our struggles and get support. Galatians 6:2 tells us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Whether we're dealing with emotional, spiritual, or physical challenges, the community is there to offer comfort, prayer, and practical help.
This kind of support helps us feel connected and loved. Knowing that others are praying for us and walking with us through tough times gives us strength. It also reflects Christ's love, who calls us to "love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34).

Community Helps Us Live Out Our Christian Calling
Christian community isn't just about growing and finding support; it's also about living out our calling as followers of Christ. In the community, we're equipped, encouraged, and sent out to serve others and share the Gospel.

1. Service and Mission
Christian communities often get involved in service projects and missions, both locally and globally. These activities allow us to put our faith into action by serving others in the name of Christ. Whether it's feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or spreading the Gospel, the community gives us opportunities to live out Jesus' teachings.
Serving others within the community also teaches us humility and selflessness. Jesus set the example by washing His disciples' feet, saying, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet" (John 13:14). By serving others, we learn to put others' needs before our own and show Christ's love to the world.

2. Evangelism and Witness
The Christian community is a powerful witness to the world. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, so "that they may be one as we are one-I in them and you in me-so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:22-23). The love and unity within the Christian community show the world the truth of the Gospel.
Evangelism is often most effective when done in community. When non-believers see the genuine love and support within a Christian community, they're often drawn to learn more about the faith that brings the community together. The community acts as a living example of Christ's transforming power.

Challenges and the Need for Authenticity
While Christian community has great power to bring us closer to Christ, it also faces challenges. Because it's made up of people, conflicts, misunderstandings, and disappointments can happen. It's important for Christian communities to deal with these challenges with grace, forgiveness, and a commitment to being real and honest with each other.

1. Handling Conflicts
Conflict is a normal part of any community, but how we handle it can either strengthen or weaken our relationships. The Bible teaches us how to resolve conflicts by talking directly, forgiving each other, and seeking reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17). When we address issues openly and with humility, Christian communities can grow stronger.
2. Being real and vulnerable
For a Christian community to truly be effective, it needs to be a place where people can be real and vulnerable. Believers should feel safe to share their struggles, doubts, and failures without fear of judgment. This level of honesty helps build deep relationships and allows the community to support each other better.
Being real also means recognizing that no community is perfect. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in his book *Life Together*, "He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter." True community isn't about being perfect; it's about walking together in faith, love, and grace, even when things aren't perfect.

Conclusion: Drawing Closer to Christ through Community
The power of Christian community lies in its ability to help us grow closer to Christ. Through shared faith, encouragement, accountability, and service, the community helps us grow spiritually and strengthens our faith. It also provides a supportive environment where we can carry each other's burdens, live out our Christian calling, and be a witness to the world.
But for a Christian community to be effective, it must be committed to being real, united, and loving. By embracing these principles and dealing with challenges with grace, Christian communities can fulfill their role as the body of Christ, helping each member grow closer to Him.
In a world that often values individualism and self-reliance, the Christian community stands out as a place where we can find strength, support, and encouragement. It's within this community that we find the help we need to draw closer to Christ and to show His love to the world around us.

It’s banquet time again. This will be our 26th annual banquet. I can’t believe that we’ve actually pulled this off 25 times before! Of course, the Lord has helped us. I have to admit that each one takes its toll on me personally. Sometimes I didn’t have the full strength needed and it could be seen in the outcome. I had to lament that and move on. Praise God that each time we met our goal.
This year that goal is high at $70,000. We’ve only attained that amount one other time.  This occurred a number of years ago when we had a great number of business sponsors.  Unfortunately, we don’t have as many business sponsors this year.  We’re knocking on the door of that number again. Why? Because we need that money to carry on the work and to take Global Radio Outreach to the next level.  
It’s really a question of timing and the season that we’re in. Raising money has always been a struggle for me. It seems like we never have enough. That was true when we were doing shortwave broadcasts as well. However, this has never been truer than it is now.  God has called us to migrate over to internet radio broadcasting on websites. I began with only a dream. There was no one to help and there was no money to hire people to help. We had to take some risks.  This required us to spend more money than we were receiving in order to get those workers. 
One of our first new people was Joe.  He was a computer network guy who could figure out almost anything. Then Luke joined us. He was an experienced software writer who was studying computer science at a local Christian University. Between those two our blogging websites and our Internet radio stations were born. Ed joined us. Others joined us for seasons. A few have stuck in various positions. Two of my children work with us. Thank you, Jesus, for them all.
I was always hitting a ceiling with the fundraising, though. I didn’t have the time and energy to manage the ministry and raise enough money. I burned out. I slogged. I eventually learned to manage the burn-out. I kept slogging.  Some years ago, I came up with an idea to recruit workers who would come on as missionaries.  They would raise their own personal support. It’s been an uphill struggle finding such people, but it’s getting some traction. You can see a partial list of the jobs (people needed) on our website, www.globalradiooutreach.org under the ‘Get Involved’ tab. Please pray that we find those people. Maybe you’re one of them. 
One of those people to join us, agreeing to raise his own support, was Emmanuel from Zambia. He was a missionary with Campus Crusades. He was a software writer with experience in server networks and cyber security. He has a huge vision like me.  But unlike me, he is young and has a more modern way of thinking. He also has drive, vision and energy. He wants to get into everything. So, the old guy (me) shares wisdom with him and tries to keep him focused. His coming has brought new vision, new hope and a new set of hands to the mix.
Now we’re seeking other members of the team to come to us through the MissionNext agency. It’s a great missionary finding tool . . . almost like a dating website. People come there not expecting a job with wages, benefits, etc. They’re there because they want to be missionaries. The MissionNext agency helps to match them with mission agencies like ours. Please pray that as we fill our job listings the Lord will send us all of the people that we need to cause this outreach to Muslims to fly.  I want this to happen with all of the potential and all of the fruit that the Father saw when He called us to found it. As much as we’ve accomplished, we’ve only just begun.  I believe that, with the Lord’s leading, we’ll put a sizable dent in the Muslim world for Jesus.
Let me bring this full circle. What does this have to do with this year’s banquet and the almost hopelessly big goal in our Banquet Offering. As I mentioned, it is the timing and the season. We’ve moved from almost hopeless slogging to a season of hope thanks to all the workers who have joined us and all those that we’re hoping will soon join us through these people-seeking efforts. This year we need that $70,000 offering, not just to pull through, but to launch us into this hopeful season. I’m hopeful that we’ll raise the funds to get the things that these people will need to carry us forward to reach Muslims everywhere. I don’t have official numbers yet.  As I write this, the offering stands at somewhere around $7,500.  We’re about a tenth of the way there.
Please pray. Please become a part of this season of hope. You can send your gift for the banquet offering to GRO, PO Box 719, Everett WA 98206 or visit www.globalradiooutreach.org and click on the Banquet Offering button. You can do it on the Global Radio Outreach App. Please pray and help propel us in this season of hope. You’ll be part pf a miracle. Thank you.

By Hameed

In Asian countries, Muslims are deeply connected to their religion.  When a child is born, they recite the Azan in the child's ears.  The children begin learning Arabic and reading the Quran from a young age.

During Ramadan, every Muslim reads the entire Quran.  If a Muslim in an Asian country doesn't pray five times a day other Muslims in the community, as well as Muslims in their own homes, often criticize them.  This causes most Muslims to strive to pray five times daily.

The purpose of sharing these details is to highlight how closely tied Muslims in Asia are to their faith.  This makes it somewhat challenging to guide them towards Christianity and encourage them to read the Bible.  

Allow me to share the story of Mr. Abu Talib (name changed for security reasons), whose journey to Christ is remarkable.  Born into a devout Muslim family, Abu Talib's upbringing was deeply rooted in Islamic traditions and beliefs.  However, when he heard about Jesus, he became curious and began asking me more about him.  Initially hesitant to read the Bible, I quoted him verses from the Quran about Jesus to pique his interest.  After understanding Jesus' role from the Quran, he became open to reading the Bible for further insight.  As he delved deeper into researching Jesus in the Quran, it naturally led him to explore the Bible.

I recommended a Global Radio Outreach website in his mother tongue that provided articles addressing common questions Muslims have about Christianity.  Through these articles, he found answers to his inquiries.  Additionally, I shared the inspiring story of Nabeel Qureshi, whose book "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus" recounts his journey from Islam to Christianity.  Inspired by Nabeel's story, Abu Talib embarked on his own quest for truth.  This quest ultimately led Abu Talib to embrace Jesus as his Savior.

In conclusion, engaging in meaningful dialogue with Muslims and addressing their questions is crucial. By first explaining concepts from the Quran and then encouraging them to explore the Bible, we can guide them on a path towards Jesus.  It's essential to remember that personal stories of transformation, like that of Abu Talib (now living under a pseudonym), can be powerful testimonies to God's work in the lives of Muslims.

By Timothy Abraham

I often get asked my thoughts as to what is the best approach in communicating the gospel to Muslims without offending and certainly without compromising.  

One brother in Christ asked me, “Timothy, I pastor a downtown church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Nearby is a Mediterranean style restaurant run by a lovely man in his 40-50’s.  He is Iraqi by birth.  I welcome any suggestions as to how I might witness to him, but not act pushy or intimidating.”

Whether it’s Jamal in the Mediterranean restaurant or one of your international students named Ghassan, it’s important that none of them gets the feeling that you’re making a missionary project out them.  Don’t make them feel that you are not happy with them as they are. Be friendly and accepting.  Don’t try to make things happen.  Simply rely upon the Holy Spirit to lead the conversation.  You don’t want to give the impression that you are friends with him solely so you can convert him. You should be their friend because you enjoy their friendship and you enjoy giving and receiving.

Instead of doing all the talking, put him in the position of teaching.  Have him tell you about his own relationship with God.  Ask him how God intervenes and comes to his rescue.  Ask him how God has shown Himself to be such a gracious provider. We learn a bit about the attributes of God in Islam.  He is the Sustained One, the Provider, etc.  Make them the topic of discussion. Start out with what are generalities and gradually climb up to what is specific. The revelation of God in Christ is specific, but that comes later.  It’s better to let the Bible do its job as he reads it for himself. Thanks to your intelligent approach, you will be turning on his appetite as you quote here and there the words of Christ.  The Sermon on the Mount is full of great material. Subsequently he will become curious to hear more about the unique person of Jesus.

As ambassadors of Christ, it is essential for us to remember that it is not all about the words and the correct verbiage that we are using. Rather, you can actually witness effectively in your silence, choosing to speak as needed. As you speak, your words are seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). In your stillness and gentle, calm demeanor you are bound to pique his curiosity. What is so different about Christians? Why are their faces beaming with joy and light, especially after they pray to the Creator? Is Christianity actually applicable, or is it some form of idealism or utopia that doesn’t actually exist? Everything about you should make your Muslim friend wonder and get attracted to the person of Jesus.  Jesus in you is definitely attractive. Christ is attractive. Christ is unique and nobody is like Him. This is your goal.  What you aim to do is instill this curiosity into his soul.

Another thing that I can’t stress enough is this: But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth'; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.  The LORD replied, “Don't say, 'I'm too young,' for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you (Jeremiah 1:7). Just because you weren’t born in the Islamic religion or you didn’t use to be a Muslim before doesn’t mean you can’t communicate the gospel as effectively as I who used to be a Muslim would. In fact, Muslims can be more receptive of you because you didn’t betray them by giving up their religion. To a Muslim, somebody like me is and will always be a traitor.  A Muslim is going to deal with you on a completely different level . . . as a sophisticated, sincerely believing Christian who sees good in people and wants the best for them. Muslims admire Western people for being straightforward and honest, as opposed to the cunning, conniving, indirect ways that are common to people where I was born and raised. Muslims admire many qualities about you.  That’s your chance to give Christ the credit for such biblical traits. Remember, it’s going to be a long process, but the Holy Spirit is in no hurry.  You want Him to do all the work as you are gently led by Him.  Make sure that you don’t force anything to happen. You could sow for many years, but another brother comes in the last stages and leads him to the Lord. You both did it! It takes many witnesses to labor together and see a Muslim get saved.  Ultimately the Lord gets the glory.
 
We are profoundly blessed by your love for us and your partnering with us.  Together we are fulfilling the Great Commission.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Life can often happen pretty unexpectedly. That’s for all of us. But my life is full of twists and tests. You know me, I am Gabriel, a Christian convert from Islam who runs the Bengali website for Global Radio Outreach. We are getting so many positive, and sometimes some negative responses on the website, LOL. I have never thought, ‘I will be a part of a huge community like GRO’. 

I caught kidney disease in 2020. I couldn’t visit a doctor due to lockdown and then I found out I had cancer cells in my kidney too. It was already 2022. I couldn’t visit a doctor for 2 years until after lockdown, I really didn’t have a job to support my treatment. Finding cancer cells was the last thing I wanted to hear. I had a lot of faith that I would be alright. Because my father was there for me, he will do something, but my ultimate Father had a different plan. I lost my Baba (my earthly father). In one year, he was dead with the same kidney disease. I was scared. But…

I knew that God had a better plan for me. By then, I really became a focused Worshiper of God. I prayed, and I asked for prayers from Mike and my GRO family. (Did he give my message to you guys? LOL).

I won’t lie, every matrix and all of the data was against me. I still prayed. I kept asking for prayers.

I went to India, visited a doctor and he clearly told me that I won’t be cured but that there were no cancer cells, it had been some calcium blocks in my kidney’s outer skin. I was happy and sad like those confused emojis. Haha! I still kept my faith and kept asking for prayer through Mike. (Again, I am confirming, did he tell you guys? LOL).

One day, I woke up and one of my friends mentioned to me about an article posted by an Herbal medicine doctor. He talked about natural treatment for kidney disease. I was excited and not ready because per dose of medicine is almost 300 Dollars which is not okay for me as I need to run a big family and I am not well to do. I shared this with Mike and he assured me that we can do some crowdfunding. So, he did and I got some help from you to start the natural treatment.

Guess what? I had been rejected by at least 7 high quality doctors and they told me my Creatinine will never come down, but after the natural medicine, it came down to 2.0 from 3.0. And I am feeling so good inside my stomach and my entire body feels much better.

Is it a miracle? Is it a result of your prayers? Did Jesus send me there? I would like to say, I believe so. And I would like to thank Jesus and all of you for your prayers and those supporters of mine who really helped me go through this by paying for my medicine bill. I need a monthly checkup and it costs a lot. But things are going smoothly after Mike helped me with the “Support For Gabriel” campaign.

My utmost gratitude guys. May God, Yeshua Ha Mashiach bless all of you. This blog is to inform you that the Gabriel you all prayed for is recovering and needs your prayers till death. I am praying for all of you too.

See you in the next blog,
Gabriel

The Scriptures have a lot to say about good counsel and getting the counsel of many (Prov. 1:5; 11:14). So it is in our ministry. We’re seeing this advice even more since Emmanuel has joined Global Radio Outreach. He’s been to a number of events since this past fall.  He has been rubbing elbows with ministries who are doing related things.
The opportunity to learn new things is huge. What is also great is the opportunity to generate collaboration. If we learn from one another and work together we can do it faster, better and with less effort.  This also helps us to avoid wasting time on things that have already been accomplished by others.
There is one particular conference that has been seeking our presence for about a decade. It’s called the EMDC, or the Eurasian Media & Distribution Consultation. I can’t say too much because of the sensitive nature of the conference and for the security of the attendees. However, it is held abroad. We want to finally attend. We’re planning to send Emmanuel to interact with the rest of the ministries attending this conference. He’ll do the same things there that we do at other conferences. He will learn all he can and look for people with whom he can network.
There is, of course, some cost involved. We have a bit of time left to raise the money, but it would be nice to have it in hand by the end of March. So, we’d appreciate your help, please.
We’ve already started raising funds locally, but we need to find about $1,500 more to make sure that he has enough for airline tickets, accommodations, food and other expenses. If you can help us, please use the Global Radio Outreach app or go to www.globalradiooutreach.org/give and choose the ‘EMDC Conference for Emmanuel’ fund.  Just give what you can. It will be a huge help in advancing our mission to bring the Gospel to the whole Muslim World. Thank you. God bless you!

I had the distinct privilege this week to meet via Zoom with our Kenya team and inaugurate the work there.  We prayed for the team and their new office. I had a previous tour of the new facility and saw where they will keep their offices and the new recording studio that they are establishing. Six workers were in attendance all together. 
We actually began the work together a couple of years ago when we gave an outreach website to Pastor George Atang’A in the Swahili language. The site is www.mwokozi-wa-wote.org  which means Savior of All.  He’s been excited by the results with visits and comments from around the region and the globe. As a result, he built himself a team in order to really go big. Pastor Atang’A and the other 5 men will be seeking equipment for the offices and studio. From this location they will be launching their efforts to create recorded material for the website’s internet radio station.  They will also coordinate follow-up efforts for the responses to our outreach and to perform their discipleship work.
We, at GRO, are so excited to put these worldwide ministry tools into the hands of these dedicated indigenous workers.  This ministry will enable them to reach their region and beyond. Please pray for them. Shown in the photo is Pastor George (on the right) next to an unnamed worker. 
Thank you all for your prayers and support for our growing work.

I’ve recently been talking a bit about Hameed, our Website Missionary to Urdu speakers in Pakistan. In a recent prayer piece I put him up for prayer because of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan.  Two people in Hameed’s circle have already been killed and Hameed would likely be targeted because of the way he wants to be used by the Lord.  Hameed has a wife and children who also need your prayers.  He wants to work teaching and using apologetics and polemics on our outreach website to Pakistan.  Apologetics (the defense of the faith) might be enough to get him accused of denigrating Muhammad, but polemics (a critical analysis of Islam) would definitely do it.
In that last piece, I talked about the possibility of immigrating them to the U.S. to do that work from here. We had a Zoom meeting with an immigration lawyer.  It wasn’t encouraging. The prospects of a door quickly opening for them to come here seemed unlikely. There isn’t enough imminent threat in his case to trigger an opportunity for asylum. All other possible options seemed slow and/or expensive. Furthermore, they won’t grant you asylum for what you’re about to do . . . step up your game against Islam.
So, as we wait on the Lord for that open door for immigration, Hameed has decided to turn up the heat a little. He’s going to start teaching apologetics which is the lesser of the two dangers. He plans to use a Facebook page to advance it. Please pray. Our website missionaries to other countries also need this teaching. Eventually, we’d like to use him on our Website Missionary University which is in the dream stage right now. We want to use that to completely prepare the Website Missionaries in every area where they may be lacking in either knowledge of the use of their site or internet radio station, doctrine, technique or the more advanced subjects of apologetics and polemics.
So, Hameed is stepping up the potential danger. If threats begin to come, they may be good grounds for an asylum application. However, if any accusations come that fall under the criteria relating to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, it may be too late. Once that trap snaps closed escape is almost impossible. Once accused, even if you’re found innocent or released, the mobs will usually kill the person. If they can’t reach him they’ll often kill the lawyer that defended him.
So, please pray fervently for Hameed as he turns up the heat. We’ve started a fund so that when the door does open for him and his family to join us here, we’ll be able to afford the expenses for their transition and settling here. On the Global Radio Outreach website it will be called simply, ‘Support for Hameed’. If you feel led to give to that, by all means, please do.
In the meantime, please pray for the safety of Hameed and his family while he takes steps to meet this all important need in the area of apologetics. It will affect his listening audience of Muslims in Pakistan. Even greater, though, it will be useful in training others of our website missionaries in the defense of the faith. Thank you for your prayers and we will keep you posted. God bless you. Thank you. 

One of the difficult things that we experience in the Christian walk is when an unbeliever, or even a seeker is put off by the behavior of a believer. Sometimes we do things that offend or wound people that we could and should be reaching. It’s particularly painful when we know we’ve done wrong. We’ve hurt our witness and perhaps kept a seeker away from the Kingdom by our actions. This is also detrimental when we’re dealing with Christians and we mess up. We can always repent and get the Lord’s forgiveness. Often, we can get forgiveness from the other party, but this can be hard and sometimes we fail and damage has been done.
It’s always painful when this happens, but we also have to remember that we’re still on the way to who we’re becoming. Some of us were a real mess when He found us. He saved us, then we began the process of becoming like Him. So, we had a beginning point, when we came to Him. Our completion point will come when we finally see Him and become like Him because we see Him as He really is, 1 Jn. 3:2. In the middle, though, is the place where we find ourselves right now. We’re not the mess we once were, but we’re not yet fully sanctified, fully like Him yet. We’re not perfect yet. So, like it or not, things are going to happen.
There’s a bumper sticker that expresses this a little. ‘God’s Not finished with me yet’. I used to hate that bumper sticker. It sounded like an excuse for bad behavior. It still feels uncomfortable. However, there’s an element of truth in the message. As long as you’re in this flesh there’s always a danger of messing up, of sinning, and wounding someone who sees our sin. We can mitigate this, though, when it happens, by earnestly seeking Him, seeking to see Him in the Scriptures and in the Spirit, endeavoring to become like Him. The more like Him we become, the less likely we are to mess up and hurt another.
This is important, because the world has a perception that they’re checking the validity of God and His Kingdom by watching our works, and there’s validity to the ‘test’. Related to this is where Jesus said, ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another’, Jn. 13:35. In this case our love for one another is a witness. In the previous case our behavior is a witness. However, the fact will always remain that we began a mess. We’re on our way to becoming like Him, but we’re on the road ‘stuck’ in the slow process.
So, what can we do? We want to be the best person that we can be. We want to be a good witness for Him. So, first, be the best person that you can be. When and if you do fail, be transparent and humble. Don’t bluster and try to cover it up. Apologize. Be quick to admit your wrongdoing and say you’re sorry. Make amends if it is appropriate. Ask for the Lord’s forgiveness. Forgive yourself as well. Too often we punish ourselves when He already paid the price for our sins. Then, get up, keep growing and go on living.
We can’t always live a perfect life. We will make mistakes and occasionally sin. When you do, follow those simple guidelines to get back on track quickly. Remember, after all, you’re a long way from where you began, but you’re not yet where you some day will be – like Christ Himself.

By the time you read this it will be a new year, 2024. If it’s not already, that odometer is about ready to turn over. Take a look at 2023 in the rearview mirror. It’s over. Gone. Done. Out of reach. It’s too late to change that. The cement has set.
So, what about this year, then? What will you do with 2024? We like to make resolutions about that. They are almost universally unkept. We’re always trying to figure out how we can do better. Well, resolutions don’t usually work. Now, a change of year is a milestone, a momentous event around which we might just wrap a change to our lives that will stick.
I recommend that you not try to make too many changes all at once. One thing at a time is enough. Too many things at once and it becomes like juggling. You’re bound to drop it all and walk away worse than you began. Is that because you are worse? Not really. You’re probably about the same, but you experienced a failure. That never encourages us.
Here’s another thing to consider, when Jesus found us, we were in a mess. How many years ago was that? For some of us it was a long time, almost 50 years for me. How much have I changed in that time? A lot probably, but it’s taken 50 years. What does that tell me? That most of the change He’s brought about in my life has been gradual and incremental. It wasn’t quick, suddenly and in big batches like we make our yearly resolutions. We’re mistaken to expect so much so quickly. Incidentally, that goes for our neighbors and fellow Christians. We too often expect perfection and we want it now. Let’s go easier on one another.
So, now that we’ve learned that, what about resolutions? Well, what would you like to accomplish this year that you’ve never before? Rather than just ‘doing better’, what good could you do? Maybe it’s just a habit that you want to change. Or, do you want to be kinder? Focus more on people and their needs. Try to see them differently, choosing to care about them as He cares. And when you stumble, remember that it wasn’t an instant change that you were trying to bring, then fell from. It’s a yearlong commitment to work to establish a change. So, don’t’ be too hard on yourself when you stumble. Learn from the experience. Get back into that saddle.
There could be any one of a bizzillion things that you might like to see done in your life this year. Is there a ministry in your future? Take a step in that direction. Wanting to support your pastor? Start praying for them. Want to see the world reached? Get behind someone who’s doing it, or join a work, or pray. In any of these things, pick a goal, maybe just one. Then start your journey, a step at a time. Don’t hold yourself accountable, like the change magically happened on Jan 1st and anything less than perfection is failure. You’ve begun a journey.
Make yourself some reminders, anything from post-it notes on your fridge or bathroom mirror to notes in your prayer list. Keep it before the Lord in prayer. Then start to do it. Stumble? Get back up and start walking. Be nice to yourself. You’re trying to grow and improve. Never give up. Then when 2025 rolls around, look back and see what you see in the rearview mirror. Better? I trust so.

Beloved friends in Christ,
Often as I share in churches about the most effective ways to bring the gospel to Muslims, I can safely expect to be asked two questions: Timothy, were you a Sunni or a Shia’a/ Shiite? And what’s the difference between them anyway?
First, I used to be a practicing Sunni Muslim and I used to preach their teachings in mosques as well as in the morning sermons I delivered every morning before we went into our classes at school. 
Second, the division between Sunnis and Shiites dates back to the year 632 and the death of Muhammad, which resulted in a struggle for the right to lead Muslims that, in a way, continues to this day. Sunnis are the majority among Muslims - it is estimated that approximately 90% belong to this current - and see themselves as the most traditional and orthodox branch of Islam. In fact, the name of Sunni or Sunni comes from the expression "Ahl al-Sunna": the people of tradition. In this case, the tradition refers to practices derived from the actions of Muhammad and his companions. Thus, the Sunnis venerate all the prophets mentioned in the Koran, but particularly Muhammad, who is considered the definitive prophet. They use the Quran as their sole authority, more or less the Protestants of Islam, while Shia’as are more like the Catholics of Islam who build on the authority of the household of Mohammed. The Shiites began as a political faction: literally "Shiat Ali" or Ali's party. The Ali in question was the son-in-law of the prophet Muhammad and the Shiites claim his right, and that of his descendants to lead Muslims. Ali was killed as a result of the intrigues, violence and civil wars that marked his caliphate. And his sons, Hassan and Hussein, were denied what they considered their legitimate right to succeed him. It is believed that Hassan was poisoned by Muawiyah, the first caliph - that is, leader of the Muslims - of the Umayyad dynasty, while his brother Hussein died, along with several members of his family, on the battlefield. These events are behind the Shiite concept of martyrdom and its mourning rituals. Like Catholics, the Shiites also have a “hierarchy of clergy” who practice an open and constant interpretation of Islamic texts. Rather than explaining the Christian doctrine or what it means when we as Christians say that Jesus is the Son of God, we begin to think about Spirit-led ways in which we attract them to the person of Christ, we bring them face to face with His person, that is, an actual encounter with the person of Christ and getting to know the One who is altogether lovely, and trust Him to prevail upon their hearts and get into a relationship with Him, and He takes care of the rest from there as He shines His own light in the seeking heart, and lo and behold everything is crystal clear and as bright as day from there. We depend on the Holy Spirit to do the work as we all come before the throne of Christ.
We are grateful to you for partnering with us in our ministry and making it all happen through your intercessory prayers and gracious support that takes many different shapes and shows us how much we are loved and never alone in this. Very blessed merry Christmas to you! We love each one of you so very much. 
In the name of Christ our King who has sent us,
Timothy Abraham

As long as I lived in Egypt as a secret believer, for 5 years after my conversion, it was my consolation that I was not sitting idle until the time of escape. The Lord used me in translating 13 books from English to Arabic and vice versa. When I would feel down due to Islamic persecution I would go for walk in Azbakeya square, grab a sandwich of fava beans and falafel, take a look in the Nile Christian bookstore and see the books on the shelves with my name on them. I looked forward to doing more. I was longing to proclaim the gospel to Muslims with my own voice.  

When I was granted a 5-year multiple entry visa I knew I was being released into the mission field to Muslims.  There would be no more looking over my shoulders and no more entering the church from the back door. I was not coming to America to amass material wealth, but rather to focus on my missionary goals. Through some missionary agencies, like The Sudan Interior Mission, I went alongside missionaries in the city of Charlotte.  We evangelized Muslims in their own mosques and got to give away Bibles and books that made the Christian faith more easily understood.

Then the Lord opened a door for me to proclaim the gospel on the radio through the generous partnership of Global Radio Outreach. It was difficult to believe that people were actually listening to me until letters from radio listeners to our radio programs came pouring in. We even once helped a brother in Jordan with an electric wheelchair. He was elated and so were we.

While I continue to broadcast on G.R.O.’s Internet Radio Network, the Lord has also opened additional doors for me. Now He’s also using us on satellite Christian TV channels. Every Friday at 2:00 p.m. EST, I get behind my desk and do a TV show with brother Andrew Habib on Al-Karma TV. The show lasts for about two hours. Muslims get saved and we pray with them to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It’s heartwarming to teach God’s Word to Muslims. We receive a flood of phone calls from literally all over the world . . . Egypt, Syria, the United States . . . you name it! Honestly we can’t take every call during the show due to the limited time, but we are all happy that there's always next Friday and they can come with more questions. On the internet, the TV show receives over 10,000 viewers, and, of course, those watching us on their TV screens are such an infinite number. Muslims always get priority in phone calls and I’m more than glad to offer discipleship via Facebook messenger.

Long gone are the days when we used to spend a lot of money on international calls.  We are now thankful to call Muslims internationally for free. I always pray and give spiritual and emotional support to converts that I’m discipling. How many are there? After my own name, Abraham, a father of many, Genesis 17. And we claim the promise! As much as we don’t care for Islamic fanaticism and political ideology of Islam, this is a golden opportunity for us. This is a ripe mission field in which you can easily start a conversation with anyone.

Nobody in the Muslim world would ever tell you, “we don’t talk religion here”. In fact, the mention of God there is pretty common in almost every other sentence. Muslims are hungrier than ever for the living bread and the living water. Woe to us if we don’t preach! We are challenged by God’s Word to respond to Muslims, “bring water for the thirsty; you who live in Tema, bring food for the fugitives.”(Isaiah 21:14). We are always praying to meet real seekers of truth in the hope of avoiding futile arguments that do nothing but breed disputes (2 Timothy 2:23). In the meekness of Christ as well as in holy boldness, the gospel flows gently, yet confidently, out of us. His Word shall not return void (Isaiah 55:11)

Thank you so much for partnering with us in order to bring Muslims to Christ and getting them saved.

Christ is Victorious in us!
Timothy Abraham

Greetings from G.R.O. It’s been quite a while since I’ve written an article to you. Life has been a real crush since before our banquet in the spring here in the Northern Hemisphere. It hasn’t let up, but here I am anyway.
I’m here to promote someone else, but let me lay a little groundwork first. All of the national workers that serve with us on blogging websites or on our Internet Radio Stations serve as ‘self-supporting’ missionaries, or as bi-vocational. It can be hard for them to support themselves, so we’ve taken to either giving them a little monthly financial help or we help them periodically with projects that they have. Everyone’s needs are met and the work gets done.
We have one exception, though. We call him Gabriel, because if we let out his real name it might not be safe for him. He lives in a Muslim country. Sometimes Christians, particularly ones active in ministry, have ‘accidents’. So, we’ll call him Gabriel.
Those of you who have been following know that Gabriel has polycystic kidney disease. Last year his father died of this disease. He’s a young man. Married. He is largely on his own with a debilitating and deadly disease.
Gabriel is one of our ‘Website Missionaries’.  He is our voice to the Muslims of Bangladesh. However, his kidney disease keeps him from holding a job in order to support himself. He gets sick periodically and while he’s recovering his job is lost. He works with us and does a good job. We give him his small monthly stipend and one of our supporters gives to make sure that he gets his medicine in order to stay alive. We’re thankful for that.
However, that’s not enough to support him and his wife. I want to find him his own support team. Just a handful of people with even a moderate or even small gift could support the two of them in their ministry to Muslims in Bangladesh. Let me share with you a greeting from him.

‘Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you with the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is with a humble heart and a testimony of transformation that I come before you today. Having once walked a different path, I have been blessed to find my way to the light of Christ and am now diligently working with Global Radio Outreach to share His message in Bangladesh.

The journey to spread the Gospel is not without its challenges, and it is in this spirit of perseverance and faith that I seek your support. I have been humbled by the call to serve as a kidney patient, and the responsibilities of maintaining my family and medical bills weigh heavily. Hope I can get some help from you. This way, we can all be part of God's work together, providing for my needs and ensuring that the Gospel reaches the hearts of those in need in Bangladesh.

May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and devotion to His work. In His holy name, I thank you for considering this opportunity to partner with me in spreading His love.

In Christ's love and service,
Gabriel’

So, please consider becoming one of Gabriel’s supporters. It may be the best investment you will ever make. You could send a check to Global Radio Outreach, PO Box 719, Everett WA 98206. Make it out to GRO and mark it for Gabriel’s Support. Or you could give to him on the website at www.globalradiooutreach.org. Click the give tab and choose an amount. Then choose the, ‘Support Gabriel’ fund and complete your gift. You can give one-time or regularly. Thank you.

Please help Gabriel reach the lost of Islam in Bangladesh and support him and his wife in the process.
God Bless you,
Mike

Roughly 36 years ago, while we were in Papua New Guinea, the Lord began His call to us to broadcast to Muslims over shortwave radio. The work began in earnest in 1991 . . . about 32 years ago. Over the years, we developed a pretty robust broadcast schedule over the Voice of Hope Radio Network.  This was located in the formerly Israeli occupied region of Lebanon.
We began in Arabic.  We then added Turkish, Farsi, Urdu, Uighur and more. At one point, we would have topped a half of a billion people who would have been able to hear the Gospel through our broadcasts. We were even broadcasting on a one quarter of a million-watt transmitter in Arabic for a while. It was quite a time. We were getting listeners in over 60 nations at that point. We never had enough money, but God was always faithful. Many lives have been and continue to be touched.
Then, about 15 years ago, we began to see that the effectiveness of this shortwave, International Broadcast was waning. I began to brood with the Lord for answers. Then in a missionary conference prayer meeting in New York I purposely put myself in the ‘hot seat’ up front for prayer. After prayer, I came away feeling that I’d been heard. As I sat down in the back of the sanctuary, a veteran missionary to Nepal (who is now with the Lord) stopped by to ‘read my mail’.  He told me everything that I was thinking, where I was struggling, and that He heard and that He would act. That missionary had no reason to know any of that, except that it was from the Lord, and I knew it.
After that missionary walked away, as I sat in prayer, the Lord began a ‘download’ of vision and direction about what He wanted us to do. At the center of it was ‘Internet Radio’. I really hadn’t wanted to do Internet Radio up until that point. Though the whole thing had been of the Lord from the beginning, I was caught up in the glamor of International broadcast radio, transmitters, studios, satellite links, giant antennas, thousands of watts, and the warm glow of the giant transmitting tubes that propagated our signals to the far away and hidden places of the Muslim world.
We then began again in earnest. We had Internet radio stations constructed for us and rented them. We filled our broadcast day on each station with the thousands of hours of programming we’d recorded by then. We added music, Bible reading and other features that we were able to obtain from other ministries. Soon I began to realize that it would be expensive to rent those stations as the numbers and languages grew. So, we scrounged servers, hooked them up to the Internet and learned to build and host those stations ourselves. We needed websites to ‘carry’ the stations, so we built and hosted them. Finally, writing our own software for the websites. It continues to grow with more new functions. Soon, we’ll even be able to run schools of ministry over our websites.
We didn’t stop broadcasting on International stations immediately. That tapered down slowly. The last shortwave International Broadcast, which was in Arabic, aired on the last day of 2001. We’d climbed up and kicked away the ladder. It was all Internet radio from there. That now means that not only can we reach every computer in the world, but we can also now reach anyone who carries a smart phone, anywhere that a smart phone works. In any given month we now get listeners in about 170 nations. We’re not reaching them all . . . not yet. The potential is huge. We’ve barely begun. We’ve just scratched the surface. There remains so much to be done so that all that potential is realized, until they’re all being reached. However, they will be.
I was in my 30’s when all this began. I was young, full of energy and vision. I’ve never known how to give up. Stubborn, I guess. However, I’m not in my 30’s any longer. I’ll be 70 next year. How did that happen? It did, though. And the realization that my energy has been slipping recently has been evident. I’m starting to get old. What’s left to be accomplished will take the energy that comes from youth, fresh vision, direction and vitality. No, I’m not announcing my retirement. I have been aware for some time, though, that I should be preparing to pass the baton. I need to have a protégé on hand, someone that I can prepare, teach them what I know, the history, the vision, etc. Then, I can begin to hand over the reins, the responsibility, the vision. You’re out there. You may be reading this. You hear, sense the irresistible call of the field, sense that this is for you. Answer it.
On top of that is another realization that’s been dawning on me recently. It can be summed up in the statement, ‘some people are designed to build things while others are called to operate them’. I believe, having observed myself operate for many years, that I am the former. He called me to build the International Broadcast ministry. Then He enabled me to build a team, to build the Internet radio and blogging website ministry from the ground up. Experts in parts of the missions-tech world have expressed the hope that we would eventually take this system, this strategy beyond the Muslim world. God leads us into great things.
However, it awakens me to an even deeper fact that I now am looking for, not only my protégé, my successor, but someone who is destined to take this ministry to even greater heights of effectiveness. I’m looking for the person who is destined to operate what God has enabled me to build. Those heights I will not realize if I cling to it, hoping to be that man. So, I’m looking for you. Answer the call. Contact me. If you’re the one, you’re about to be launched into an endeavor that will make your head and mine spin.
Will I run away right away? No. I want to hang around and help with the transition. Pass on wisdom and experience. And, since I’m a builder, there’s still stuff around to be built. If I’m the kind of guy who can do it, I’d like to remain part of the ‘think tank’ for a while. I’d like to see it take off and do what I see is possible, to help see every man, woman and child in the Muslim world know that it was Jesus who’s been calling to them from their dreams. I still want to see it.
So, if you’re reading this and you’re not that person, you’re not off the hook yet. You must pray. It’s time for me to prepare to pass on the baton. I need to know who I’m passing it to and prepare them. It’s up to you to pray, please. Thank you.