From the closed walls and barbed wire fences 00:00:02.56\00:00:04.77 of North Korea 00:00:04.80\00:00:06.37 to the rich culture of Nepal, 00:00:06.40\00:00:08.47 discover how lives are being transformed 00:00:08.50\00:00:10.97 through the work of Adventist World Radio. 00:00:11.01\00:00:14.48 We will travel to Argentina, 00:00:14.51\00:00:16.34 explore the massive cities of Japan, 00:00:16.38\00:00:18.81 and journey to the peaceful islands 00:00:18.85\00:00:20.58 of the Philippines. 00:00:20.62\00:00:22.75 Join me as I discover how Adventist World Radio 00:00:22.78\00:00:26.02 is touching lives of the everlasting gospel. 00:00:26.05\00:00:29.72 This is AWR360A°. 00:00:29.76\00:00:32.36 AWR began in 1971 with a mission 00:00:48.68\00:00:51.65 to spread the gospel message too hard to reach places. 00:00:51.68\00:00:56.92 Nearly 50 years later, this is still our mission. 00:00:56.95\00:01:02.99 Broadcasting from strategic locations 00:01:03.02\00:01:05.23 around the globe, 00:01:05.26\00:01:06.59 AWR can be heard in over 100 languages 00:01:06.63\00:01:08.96 via shortwave radio with a special focus 00:01:09.00\00:01:11.63 on the 10/40 Window. 00:01:11.67\00:01:14.27 Our network also includes over 1,000 FM/AM/DAB 00:01:14.30\00:01:18.57 and internet stations. 00:01:18.61\00:01:21.04 AWR is expanding to all media platforms 00:01:21.08\00:01:23.98 such as Facebook Audio, YouTube, 00:01:24.01\00:01:26.61 and AWR Cell Phone Evangelism. 00:01:26.65\00:01:30.12 Our motto, no walls, no borders, no limits. 00:01:30.15\00:01:34.92 This year our special focus is North Korea. 00:01:34.96\00:01:40.43 Home to 25 million people, 00:01:40.46\00:01:41.86 the country right behind me hardly needs an introduction. 00:01:41.90\00:01:44.87 But behind the political military headlines 00:01:44.90\00:01:47.34 that reach our shores, 00:01:47.37\00:01:48.70 we can only imagine 00:01:48.74\00:01:50.11 how the millions of common North Koreans 00:01:50.14\00:01:52.24 are starving for a hope, truth and a better life. 00:01:52.27\00:01:55.51 Like many other radio programs in North Korea, 00:01:55.54\00:01:58.45 our AWR broadcast have often been jammed. 00:01:58.48\00:02:03.82 We recently began a new high power AM broadcast 00:02:03.92\00:02:07.29 into North Korea from Mongolia. 00:02:07.32\00:02:09.39 And we are so exited for its success 00:02:09.42\00:02:11.89 are touching more lives than ever. 00:02:11.93\00:02:14.10 Only a handful of stories from North Korea make it out, 00:02:14.13\00:02:17.17 but the few that do spur us on. 00:02:17.20\00:02:19.90 The following is one of them. 00:02:19.93\00:02:22.10 One night at my church, 00:02:31.05\00:02:32.68 an unfamiliar woman entered and sat near the back. 00:02:32.71\00:02:36.02 Her face poured hard lines hiding her youth. 00:02:36.05\00:02:39.99 I wondered who she was. 00:02:40.02\00:02:42.66 This stranger sat alone on a pew, 00:02:42.69\00:02:45.49 and after everyone had left, the pastor joined her. 00:02:45.53\00:02:50.13 "I escaped North Korea," she admitted. 00:02:50.17\00:02:53.50 "And I'm not safe here in China either, 00:02:53.60\00:02:57.07 but I have one request," 00:02:57.17\00:02:58.51 she said, "Will you baptize me?" 00:02:58.54\00:03:02.94 "Do you even know what baptism means?" 00:03:06.25\00:03:08.32 I questioned. 00:03:08.35\00:03:10.69 "Yes." 00:03:10.72\00:03:12.22 Was her resolute response. 00:03:12.25\00:03:14.79 "I learned about Jesus through the radio." 00:03:14.82\00:03:17.63 While in hiding, this dear women found a radio, 00:03:23.26\00:03:27.30 and tuning it stopped when she heard bits 00:03:27.34\00:03:29.84 of a familiar Korean language. 00:03:29.87\00:03:33.94 It was the Voice of Hope through Adventist World Radio. 00:03:33.98\00:03:38.88 This discovery soon turned her loneliness and fear 00:03:38.91\00:03:42.32 into courage and hope as she learned 00:03:42.35\00:03:44.52 about the one who left all and died for her salvation. 00:03:44.55\00:03:49.29 A longing was born in her heart to one day go back 00:03:49.32\00:03:53.29 and share what she was learning 00:03:53.33\00:03:54.73 with her family and friends in North Korea. 00:03:54.76\00:03:59.27 We studied the Bible together for one week, 00:03:59.30\00:04:01.77 and she soaked up every word. 00:04:01.80\00:04:04.97 You could feel the Holy Spirit's presence 00:04:05.01\00:04:08.08 in the room. 00:04:08.11\00:04:11.21 After this week of studying, a secret baptism was held. 00:04:11.25\00:04:15.25 All the doors and windows were closed, 00:04:15.28\00:04:17.05 and every one sang hymn softly so is not to be heard. 00:04:17.09\00:04:21.49 And in a lonely bathtub, 00:04:21.52\00:04:23.43 this North Korean lady was baptized. 00:04:23.46\00:04:26.26 With tear stained cheeks and joyous eyes, 00:04:30.90\00:04:33.67 she declared her allegiance to God alone. 00:04:33.70\00:04:39.04 After her baptism, 00:04:39.07\00:04:40.51 she expressed her desire for freedom 00:04:40.54\00:04:42.91 and the ability to study the Bible 00:04:42.94\00:04:45.18 at the Adventist University in South Korea. 00:04:45.21\00:04:48.45 She set her front foot that very night. 00:04:48.48\00:04:51.22 Sometime later I received the phone call, 00:04:58.83\00:05:01.93 the voice on the other line said and whispered, 00:05:01.96\00:05:04.70 "I have safely arrived to the border, 00:05:04.73\00:05:07.27 tonight is the night. 00:05:07.37\00:05:09.10 Please pray for me." 00:05:09.14\00:05:11.81 All I could think about 00:05:11.84\00:05:13.17 were the eight strands of barbed wire. 00:05:13.21\00:05:15.68 Would she make it? 00:05:15.71\00:05:19.78 Unfortunately, 00:05:19.81\00:05:21.32 she did not cross the border that night, 00:05:21.35\00:05:24.12 but was found by Chinese soldiers 00:05:24.15\00:05:26.82 who sent her back to her country of birth, 00:05:26.86\00:05:30.06 where she was executed. 00:05:30.09\00:05:33.46 I was so saddened to receive this news. 00:05:33.50\00:05:36.73 I would never see those joyful eyes again. 00:05:36.77\00:05:41.34 I remember what she had told me, 00:05:41.37\00:05:44.21 "Even if I'm captured, 00:05:44.31\00:05:46.51 I will die with the hope of salvation. 00:05:46.54\00:05:52.21 She sought freedom, 00:05:52.25\00:05:54.02 and what the North Korean soldiers 00:05:54.05\00:05:55.88 did not realize is, she found it. 00:05:55.92\00:06:01.49 True freedom in Jesus Christ 00:06:01.52\00:06:05.16 and no one could take this from her. 00:06:05.19\00:06:08.40 There are many others who are also seeking freedom. 00:06:13.27\00:06:16.44 Will you join us in setting the captives free? 00:06:16.47\00:06:19.37 By God's grace, with your support, 00:06:19.41\00:06:22.38 AWR will fulfill this dear woman's dream 00:06:22.41\00:06:25.78 to tell the people of North Korea 00:06:25.81\00:06:28.02 about Jesus' soon coming. 00:06:28.05\00:06:29.85 Another country where it is difficult 00:06:34.16\00:06:36.06 to be a Christian lies in the very heart 00:06:36.09\00:06:38.76 of the 10/40 Window. 00:06:38.79\00:06:43.47 Come with me as we travel to see the impact 00:06:43.50\00:06:46.03 of Adventist World Radio in this region. 00:06:46.07\00:06:48.40 Sandwiched between two giants, 00:06:53.64\00:06:55.78 India and China lies a land that is distinct in culture. 00:06:55.81\00:06:59.81 From its crowded streets to its peaceful mountains, 00:06:59.85\00:07:03.05 this is a country that is teeming with color 00:07:03.08\00:07:05.39 and full of exotic flavors. 00:07:05.42\00:07:08.06 Yet, it is filled with hopeless, 00:07:08.09\00:07:11.03 poverty stricken people. 00:07:11.06\00:07:12.39 Steeped in superstition, 00:07:15.96\00:07:17.63 81% of this population is Hindu, 00:07:17.73\00:07:20.70 9% Buddhist, 5% Muslim 00:07:20.74\00:07:24.17 with sadly only 1% Christian. 00:07:24.27\00:07:27.84 God is at work though 00:07:27.94\00:07:29.28 and light is beginning to pierce the darkness. 00:07:29.31\00:07:32.08 We are in Nepal, and this is AWR360A°. 00:07:32.11\00:07:36.79 I have come to Nepal to see for myself 00:07:50.60\00:07:53.20 how God is working in the lives of the Nepali people 00:07:53.23\00:07:56.17 through Adventist World Radio. 00:07:56.20\00:07:58.44 One of the first people I meet is Bikram, 00:07:58.47\00:08:01.54 a young man who has dedicated his life 00:08:01.58\00:08:03.61 to serving the Lord here in Nepal. 00:08:03.65\00:08:08.75 I grew up in the small village in eastern Nepal, 00:08:08.78\00:08:11.85 about 150 kilometers 00:08:11.89\00:08:13.49 from the capital city of Kathmandu. 00:08:13.52\00:08:15.86 When I was 12 years old, 00:08:15.89\00:08:17.29 my family became some of the first Christians 00:08:17.33\00:08:19.33 in our village. 00:08:19.36\00:08:20.96 Because of our Christian faith, 00:08:20.96\00:08:22.63 we were despised by our fellow villagers. 00:08:22.66\00:08:25.70 One night while meeting in the home 00:08:25.73\00:08:27.27 with other Christians, 00:08:27.30\00:08:28.84 angry villagers surrounded it. 00:08:28.87\00:08:30.84 Broken and beat the Christians 00:08:30.87\00:08:32.84 with stones and pieces of metal. 00:08:32.87\00:08:35.44 Fortunately, I was spared, 00:08:35.48\00:08:38.18 perhaps because I was just a boy. 00:08:38.21\00:08:40.75 But my father and mother were badly injured. 00:08:40.78\00:08:44.02 As soon as it was safe, 00:08:44.12\00:08:45.79 our family fled the village never to return. 00:08:45.82\00:08:50.26 After they attacked us, 00:08:50.29\00:08:51.96 we moved to a city of Dhikura, 00:08:51.99\00:08:54.60 which was far from the dangers of our last village. 00:08:54.63\00:08:58.37 But even though I was now physically safe, 00:08:58.40\00:09:01.47 I had began to feel 00:09:01.50\00:09:02.84 that my Christian walk was lacking. 00:09:02.87\00:09:05.17 There was a spiritual emptiness in my life 00:09:05.21\00:09:08.01 that could not seem to be filled. 00:09:08.11\00:09:10.98 Bikram's mother was also struggling 00:09:11.01\00:09:13.18 with these same feelings that something was missing. 00:09:13.38\00:09:17.15 One day she accidentally discovered Ashako Bani, 00:09:17.19\00:09:21.09 the Voice of Hope radio. 00:09:21.12\00:09:23.56 The radio programs drew her in, 00:09:23.59\00:09:26.13 and she began faithfully listening every day. 00:09:26.16\00:09:29.56 Her heart was being spoken to 00:09:29.60\00:09:30.97 by the words coming across the radio waves. 00:09:31.07\00:09:34.44 Before long, she was bringing the entire family together, 00:09:34.47\00:09:38.57 to listen to the broadcast. 00:09:38.61\00:09:42.08 We like what we heard, and we were touched 00:09:42.11\00:09:44.45 by the messages of salvation and hope. 00:09:44.48\00:09:47.08 A relationship with Jesus was forming in our hearts 00:09:47.12\00:09:50.05 and our lives began to change through this radio program. 00:09:50.09\00:09:53.96 Bikram's family contacted the radio station 00:09:53.99\00:09:56.56 and were directed to the nearest Adventist Church, 00:09:56.59\00:09:59.13 a 45 minute bus ride away 00:09:59.16\00:10:01.60 and yet, they gladly made the journey each Sabbath. 00:10:01.63\00:10:05.13 One day the passer encouraged me 00:10:11.94\00:10:13.78 to attend the Adventist Youth training school 00:10:13.81\00:10:16.28 located in Nepalgunj. 00:10:16.31\00:10:18.21 But I was stubborn and did not want to go. 00:10:18.25\00:10:20.98 However my mother prayed 00:10:21.02\00:10:22.48 that I would have a change of heart 00:10:22.52\00:10:24.05 about attending this training school. 00:10:24.15\00:10:26.96 Her prayers worked. 00:10:26.99\00:10:28.96 Looking back, I feared to think where my life would be 00:10:28.99\00:10:33.03 if I had not made the decision to go. 00:10:33.06\00:10:36.33 God began to work mightily in my life 00:10:36.36\00:10:38.47 during those four months of training. 00:10:38.50\00:10:40.77 Not only was my faith strengthened, 00:10:40.80\00:10:42.94 but at the end of my training 00:10:42.97\00:10:44.34 I was offered a job to be the driver 00:10:44.37\00:10:46.17 for Pastor Umesh Pokharel, 00:10:46.21\00:10:48.44 the very man whose voice brought hope for family 00:10:48.48\00:10:51.61 through Adventist World Radio. 00:10:51.65\00:10:53.42 Bikram now travels throughout Nepal 00:10:57.62\00:10:59.85 with Pastor Umesh as he preaches, 00:10:59.89\00:11:02.49 gives Bible studies 00:11:02.52\00:11:03.86 and visits the many members and listeners here. 00:11:03.89\00:11:06.13 Even though he has been offered other worldly jobs 00:11:09.63\00:11:12.17 that pay more, 00:11:12.20\00:11:13.54 Bikram has made his decision 00:11:13.57\00:11:15.10 to continue working for the Lord 00:11:15.14\00:11:16.47 and dedicate his life to the Lord's work 00:11:16.50\00:11:18.81 in any way he can. 00:11:18.84\00:11:20.18 Adventist World Radio not only changed my life 00:11:24.08\00:11:27.05 and provided me with the good job in ministry, 00:11:27.08\00:11:30.05 it also led me to my wife. 00:11:30.09\00:11:32.32 My heart is no longer empty, but full and fulfilled. 00:11:32.35\00:11:38.66 Ray and I both love to sing. 00:11:38.69\00:11:40.83 We often share special music at various churches. 00:11:40.93\00:11:43.97 We visit to share with others 00:11:44.00\00:11:45.77 about what Jesus has done for us. 00:11:45.80\00:11:47.64 I praise the Lord 00:11:52.67\00:11:54.08 for the impact AWR had on my family, 00:11:54.11\00:11:56.58 and continues to have on me today. 00:11:56.61\00:11:59.01 I have truly found direction and a purpose for my life, 00:11:59.05\00:12:02.72 thanks to Adventist World Radio. 00:12:02.75\00:12:08.09 Nepal has a population of 29 million people, 00:12:08.19\00:12:13.73 only 5000 of which are Adventists. 00:12:13.76\00:12:16.80 Jesus is coming soon 00:12:16.83\00:12:18.17 and the doors of opportunity are open today 00:12:18.27\00:12:20.74 that soon may close. 00:12:20.77\00:12:23.10 Now is the time to be involved 00:12:23.14\00:12:24.91 in spreading the gospel like never before. 00:12:25.01\00:12:28.88 How can you help to spread the gospel 00:12:28.91\00:12:31.25 in these difficult to reach places? 00:12:31.35\00:12:33.35 Here are two practical ways. 00:12:33.38\00:12:35.12 First, pray. 00:12:35.15\00:12:36.62 Prayer is the most powerful thing 00:12:36.65\00:12:38.19 that you can do and every one can do it. 00:12:38.22\00:12:40.42 And second, visit awr.org, 00:12:40.46\00:12:43.39 where you can help to expand the reach 00:12:43.43\00:12:45.43 of AWR's broadcast around the world 00:12:45.46\00:12:48.16 by your generous donations. 00:12:48.20\00:12:49.90 I grew up in Indiana, 00:12:58.87\00:13:00.28 and I've been a farmer all my life. 00:13:00.31\00:13:03.48 My father, every time we'd plant a field, 00:13:03.51\00:13:06.95 when we got through, 00:13:06.98\00:13:08.32 we'd always kneel down and have prayer. 00:13:08.42\00:13:10.02 We'd done our part, now the Lord would do His, 00:13:10.05\00:13:13.05 and He always come through. 00:13:13.09\00:13:15.06 After praying about it, 00:13:18.66\00:13:20.13 my wife and I decided to do a gift annuity 00:13:20.16\00:13:22.76 through Adventist World Radio. 00:13:22.80\00:13:25.03 It goes to people that normally is not going to hear. 00:13:25.07\00:13:29.17 And that's what 00:13:29.20\00:13:30.61 our three angels' message is all about, 00:13:30.64\00:13:33.04 to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. 00:13:33.07\00:13:37.61 When you're a farmer, 00:13:37.71\00:13:39.05 you don't have a retirement plan. 00:13:39.08\00:13:41.38 It was a good way to supplement our retirement. 00:13:41.42\00:13:44.95 It's been a blessing to us. 00:13:44.99\00:13:46.59 And I know it's gonna be a blessing 00:13:46.62\00:13:48.02 to those others around the world. 00:13:48.06\00:13:49.82 Our next stop takes us half way across the world, 00:13:55.06\00:13:58.37 to the beautiful country of Argentina. 00:13:58.40\00:14:04.37 Today we are travelling 00:14:04.41\00:14:05.74 to the city of Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina. 00:14:05.77\00:14:08.94 As the gateway to the charming Punilla Valley, 00:14:08.98\00:14:11.31 this city is the most visited tourist destination 00:14:11.41\00:14:14.28 in the entire province. 00:14:14.38\00:14:18.25 Lake San Roque provides a beautiful setting 00:14:18.35\00:14:20.92 for a variety of water sports. 00:14:21.02\00:14:23.02 And the surrounding hills and valleys are ideal 00:14:23.06\00:14:25.46 for hiking, biking, and rock climbing. 00:14:25.49\00:14:29.20 After driving along the beautiful lake, 00:14:29.23\00:14:31.10 we head out of town in search of Eduardo Battystage's home. 00:14:31.20\00:14:37.54 I find Eduardo, working his backyard, 00:14:37.57\00:14:39.87 and he kindly invites me inside. 00:14:39.91\00:14:42.28 We sit down, and he begins to tell me his story. 00:14:42.31\00:14:44.78 A few months ago, 00:14:49.08\00:14:50.42 I was going through some hard things 00:14:50.45\00:14:51.95 and feeling like my life wasn't on the right path. 00:14:51.99\00:14:55.56 I felt that calling for something more, 00:14:55.59\00:14:58.36 something better, 00:14:58.39\00:14:59.96 but I didn't know what that was. 00:15:00.06\00:15:01.83 One day, as Eduardo was walking home from work, 00:15:09.64\00:15:12.67 he stepped into a bookstore. 00:15:12.71\00:15:16.31 He wasn't sure what he was looking for, 00:15:16.34\00:15:18.65 but he felt drawn inside for some reason. 00:15:18.68\00:15:21.15 As he searched the shelves, 00:15:29.16\00:15:31.06 his eyes landed on a certain book. 00:15:31.09\00:15:34.10 Somehow I knew this was what I have been searching for. 00:15:41.94\00:15:45.01 Eduardo started reading the gospels first. 00:15:50.05\00:15:52.58 And sometimes he'd find himself crying 00:15:52.61\00:15:54.82 because he felt God was speaking to him so clearly. 00:15:54.85\00:15:59.85 I came to realize 00:15:59.89\00:16:01.32 that the trials I was going through 00:16:01.36\00:16:03.32 were the means chosen by God, 00:16:03.36\00:16:05.59 to refine me and make me a better person. 00:16:05.63\00:16:09.23 It was so clear. 00:16:09.26\00:16:10.60 As Eduardo grew in his spiritual walk, 00:16:15.24\00:16:17.71 he decided to search 00:16:17.74\00:16:19.07 for Bible messages on the radio. 00:16:19.11\00:16:21.48 He started listening to the radio 00:16:21.51\00:16:22.98 on his commute to and from work each day. 00:16:23.01\00:16:26.05 He tried many stations, 00:16:26.08\00:16:27.72 but was always drawn back to one, 00:16:27.75\00:16:30.09 Nuevo Tiempo, 00:16:30.12\00:16:31.69 Adventist World Radio in Argentina. 00:16:31.72\00:16:35.49 I was so impressed by the music and biblical preaching 00:16:35.52\00:16:38.73 I found on Nuevo Tiempo. 00:16:38.76\00:16:40.73 There was the only station 00:16:40.76\00:16:42.20 that consistently filled my soul. 00:16:42.23\00:16:45.73 I felt the connection with the various presenters, 00:16:45.77\00:16:49.14 as if they were speaking directly to me. 00:16:49.17\00:16:51.57 It's like, I'm in the presence of God 00:16:51.61\00:16:53.51 when I'm listening. 00:16:53.54\00:16:56.01 One day Eduardo met another AWR listener 00:16:56.04\00:16:58.88 named Jorge Leandro. 00:16:58.91\00:17:00.58 They were on similar life journeys, 00:17:00.62\00:17:02.62 and their friendship grew as they encouraged one another 00:17:02.65\00:17:05.52 in their new found faith in radio station. 00:17:05.55\00:17:10.63 One day his friend Jorge called excitedly 00:17:10.66\00:17:12.73 to share how he had just texted Nuevo Tiempo, 00:17:12.76\00:17:15.86 and signed out for the Bible studies 00:17:15.90\00:17:17.40 they were offering. 00:17:17.43\00:17:18.77 He encouraged Eduardo to sign up too. 00:17:18.80\00:17:22.94 He wrote down the number and called right away. 00:17:22.97\00:17:26.71 Not only did Eduardo received free Bible studies in the mail, 00:17:26.74\00:17:30.11 but Nuevo Tiempo also arranged for a local lay church member 00:17:30.15\00:17:33.92 to study with him twice a week. 00:17:33.95\00:17:37.75 It is a beautiful thing 00:17:37.79\00:17:39.15 to find the true connection with God. 00:17:39.19\00:17:42.46 I thank Adventist World Radio 00:17:42.49\00:17:44.19 for helping to lead and guide me 00:17:44.23\00:17:46.70 in my new walk with God. 00:17:46.73\00:17:50.07 Thanks to your support of AWR, 00:17:50.10\00:17:52.10 Eduardo is now a faithful member 00:17:52.13\00:17:54.37 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 00:17:54.40\00:17:56.40 and serve as a deacon in his local congregation 00:17:56.44\00:17:59.14 in Villa Carlos Pas. 00:17:59.17\00:18:00.98 Through Adventist World Radio many others have been changed, 00:18:05.75\00:18:09.32 and transformed here in Argentina 00:18:09.35\00:18:11.75 and around the world. 00:18:11.79\00:18:13.49 It is through your prayers and generous support 00:18:13.52\00:18:16.02 that all of this is made possible. 00:18:16.06\00:18:18.39 As Christians, our family is much larger 00:18:23.30\00:18:25.90 than our immediate biological family. 00:18:25.93\00:18:28.07 In fact, we have brothers and sisters 00:18:28.10\00:18:29.57 that live in more than 200 countries 00:18:29.60\00:18:31.34 all around the world. 00:18:31.44\00:18:35.31 We want to remember them in our estate plan. 00:18:35.34\00:18:38.28 We can help you with that process. 00:18:38.31\00:18:39.88 Just call 800-337-4279 toll free 00:18:39.91\00:18:44.42 or log on to awr.org. 00:18:44.52\00:18:47.29 Join me as I travel 00:18:52.29\00:18:53.80 to one of the largest urban centers on the planet 00:18:53.83\00:18:56.73 to see how God can set a nation on fire 00:18:56.77\00:18:59.83 for sharing the gospel in their own country. 00:18:59.87\00:19:02.44 Consisting of nearly 7,000 islands 00:19:08.81\00:19:11.38 and home to the largest city on earth, 00:19:11.41\00:19:13.85 Japan is a nation full of rich history and culture. 00:19:13.88\00:19:18.95 As I explore the city, 00:19:25.66\00:19:27.10 I am amazed by not only its huge population 00:19:27.13\00:19:30.40 but also its affluence. 00:19:30.43\00:19:33.23 Of this nation's 127 million people, 00:19:33.27\00:19:36.64 an estimated 91% of the population 00:19:36.67\00:19:39.27 considers themselves Shinto or Buddhist 00:19:39.31\00:19:42.18 even if they rarely visit the temple. 00:19:42.21\00:19:43.95 As little as 2% claim some form of Christianity 00:19:48.12\00:19:51.79 and among them, 00:19:51.89\00:19:53.22 the Seventh-day Adventist Church 00:19:53.25\00:19:54.59 has a membership of only 14,000. 00:19:54.62\00:19:57.13 And the sobering reality is that as of late, 00:20:00.86\00:20:03.97 this number has been declining, not growing. 00:20:04.00\00:20:08.10 So what can be done to help turn these statistics around? 00:20:08.14\00:20:11.77 God had a plan for this country. 00:20:11.81\00:20:14.04 Surprisingly the solution lies 00:20:14.08\00:20:16.34 in an unlikely series of events in the Philippines. 00:20:16.38\00:20:19.31 The big question is, how can we train, equip, 00:20:26.25\00:20:29.42 and excite Japanese pastors to preach evangelistic series 00:20:29.46\00:20:33.23 in their own country next year? 00:20:33.26\00:20:35.43 The answer is here, in the Philippines, 00:20:35.46\00:20:38.50 "The Mindoro for Christ event." 00:20:38.60\00:20:41.00 Adventist World Radio's goal was to ignite both Japan 00:20:41.04\00:20:44.07 and the Philippines at the same time 00:20:44.11\00:20:46.44 with the fire of evangelism. 00:20:46.47\00:20:48.31 Could this be done simultaneously? 00:20:48.34\00:20:50.81 Most thought it wouldn't work. 00:20:50.85\00:20:52.91 But Adventist World Radio, AWR moved forward in faith. 00:20:52.95\00:20:56.18 This island is one of the most promising 00:21:05.63\00:21:07.76 in all of the Philippines. 00:21:07.76\00:21:11.03 Oriental Mindoro is home to over 800,000 people, 00:21:11.07\00:21:15.54 most of whom make their living by fishing along the cost 00:21:15.57\00:21:19.07 or farming in the rice fields. 00:21:19.11\00:21:22.01 The mountains are full 00:21:22.04\00:21:23.38 of countless unreached villages. 00:21:23.41\00:21:25.68 But that is all about to change 00:21:25.71\00:21:28.15 because of what God is about to do 00:21:28.18\00:21:30.52 through Adventist World Radio. 00:21:30.55\00:21:34.69 Three months ago, AWR started broadcasting 00:21:34.79\00:21:38.56 that we were gonna be holding evangelistic series, 00:21:38.59\00:21:40.96 Mindoro for Christ. 00:21:40.96\00:21:42.30 The people that came to do those evangelistic series 00:21:42.33\00:21:45.90 were mostly Japanese pastors. 00:21:45.93\00:21:49.17 And most of them 00:21:49.20\00:21:50.54 had never preached a series before. 00:21:50.57\00:21:52.84 It was almost to be a field school of evangelism 00:21:52.87\00:21:57.28 for Maranatha Japan, 2018. 00:21:57.31\00:22:01.28 Well, in doing this, laymen got involved, 00:22:01.32\00:22:04.42 and began broadcasting every day nine radio stations, 00:22:04.45\00:22:09.52 four people each, so 36 laymen. 00:22:09.56\00:22:13.09 These are local lay people 00:22:13.13\00:22:15.20 who have an interest in sharing Jesus. 00:22:15.30\00:22:17.97 They volunteered their time, they go into the studios 00:22:18.07\00:22:20.80 and they talk for two hours. 00:22:20.84\00:22:23.27 These laymen began broadcasting. 00:22:23.30\00:22:25.41 But after three weeks 00:22:25.51\00:22:27.24 of not having a single response, 00:22:27.28\00:22:29.31 they became discouraged. 00:22:29.34\00:22:31.15 They began to doubt the effectiveness of the radio. 00:22:31.18\00:22:34.35 They wondered if anyone was even listening. 00:22:34.38\00:22:36.48 There was no response from the listeners 00:22:36.52\00:22:38.79 and they wondered, "Is this even working?" 00:22:38.82\00:22:44.23 He decided to have a Bible question of the day. 00:22:44.26\00:22:47.66 The question of the day, 00:22:47.66\00:22:49.00 I think is the most brilliant idea. 00:22:49.03\00:22:50.67 The day before they would have a sermon 00:22:50.70\00:22:52.33 like on the state of the dead, 00:22:52.37\00:22:53.70 what happens to you when you die? 00:22:53.74\00:22:55.10 The next day 00:22:55.14\00:22:56.47 then that would be the question of the day. 00:22:56.50\00:22:57.84 Where you go when you die? 00:22:57.87\00:22:59.21 And the first five people who would call in, 00:22:59.24\00:23:00.64 we'll give a special gift. 00:23:00.68\00:23:02.01 Either cell phone with recorded programs on it, 00:23:02.04\00:23:05.35 a little radio, a Steps to Christ. 00:23:05.38\00:23:08.52 As the listeners called him 00:23:08.55\00:23:09.88 and they have contact with them, 00:23:09.92\00:23:11.89 they would actually go to those villages 00:23:11.92\00:23:14.22 and meet those people personally. 00:23:14.26\00:23:19.13 This is dedication. 00:23:19.16\00:23:21.06 This is people that are not being paid to do this, 00:23:21.10\00:23:23.83 but people that love the Lord 00:23:23.87\00:23:25.97 and are doing whatever they can to draw someone to Christ. 00:23:26.00\00:23:30.37 One day while here in Mindoro 00:23:40.72\00:23:42.28 we've visited the six day store. 00:23:42.32\00:23:44.75 It's run by two Adventist ladies. 00:23:44.85\00:23:46.79 They are open six days a week, they are closed on Sabbath. 00:23:46.82\00:23:49.82 This mother, daughter duo decided 00:23:49.86\00:23:52.89 to take their little radio, 00:23:52.93\00:23:54.36 set it out in front of their store. 00:23:54.36\00:23:56.23 And it wasn't long 00:23:56.26\00:23:57.60 before people from the mountains 00:23:57.63\00:24:00.14 started coming down. 00:24:00.17\00:24:01.54 I know there were some 00:24:01.57\00:24:02.97 that were walking one hour everyday 00:24:03.00\00:24:06.64 to come down just to listen to the radio. 00:24:06.68\00:24:10.41 The music started coming on, 00:24:10.45\00:24:12.68 and all of a sudden 00:24:12.71\00:24:14.05 everybody is clapping and wondered, 00:24:14.08\00:24:17.22 did someone prompt them to clap just because we're there? 00:24:17.25\00:24:20.72 But no, they clapped every single day 00:24:20.76\00:24:24.16 when that music comes on, 00:24:24.19\00:24:25.59 because they're so excited about the broadcast. 00:24:25.63\00:24:28.93 The year was 1977. 00:24:34.50\00:24:36.04 We were missionaries in this island, the Congo 00:24:36.07\00:24:37.77 living on the mission station in the Kasai. 00:24:37.81\00:24:40.14 I was on safari in Dekese. 00:24:40.18\00:24:42.21 I was at the village of a Kokaloca 00:24:42.24\00:24:44.18 and went to Kirklees Way. 00:24:44.21\00:24:45.68 The next morning when I woke up, 00:24:45.71\00:24:47.35 a lady knocking my door, her name is Bertha. 00:24:47.38\00:24:49.45 She said, "Pastor will you baptize me?" 00:24:49.48\00:24:51.22 I said, "Sure, Bertha, I'll baptize you. 00:24:51.25\00:24:53.29 But why would you walk 20 miles all night long to be baptized?" 00:24:53.32\00:24:57.99 She says something I'd never forget. 00:24:58.03\00:24:59.46 She said, "Pastor McKay, 00:24:59.49\00:25:01.06 I'm so sick and tired of this old world. 00:25:01.10\00:25:03.83 I wanna go home and see Jesus." 00:25:03.87\00:25:05.83 I thought, I would never see 00:25:05.87\00:25:07.20 that kind of a desire to be baptized, 00:25:07.24\00:25:09.17 that excitement again in my ministry, in my life. 00:25:09.20\00:25:12.14 But it happened. It has happened. 00:25:12.17\00:25:13.54 Right now, here in the Philippines 00:25:13.58\00:25:15.41 a group of people, 25 of them 00:25:15.51\00:25:17.85 walked out of the mountains, 00:25:17.88\00:25:19.21 across jungles, and rivers, and streams to be baptized. 00:25:19.25\00:25:23.92 Twelve of them were baptized. It was so exciting. 00:25:23.95\00:25:25.99 They walked not 20 miles,... 48 miles. 00:25:26.02\00:25:31.03 It was truly unbelievable to baptize these people. 00:25:31.06\00:25:34.63 They have so much excitement and desire to see Jesus. 00:25:34.66\00:25:37.23 We are experiencing 00:25:43.64\00:25:45.01 the outpouring of Holy Spirit here on this island. 00:25:45.04\00:25:47.54 We knew we would have success here. 00:26:08.80\00:26:10.70 But we never imagined we would have the success 00:26:10.73\00:26:14.00 that we are having here today. 00:26:14.04\00:26:17.64 Some of these Japanese pastors, their entire life, 00:26:17.67\00:26:21.01 they baptized one or may be two people a year. 00:26:21.04\00:26:24.68 And to be here, 00:26:24.71\00:26:26.05 and all of a sudden have this mass baptism, 00:26:26.08\00:26:27.92 where they're baptizing 25, 30 people, 00:26:27.95\00:26:30.82 it will change their lives forever. 00:26:30.85\00:26:33.02 And they're gonna take that fire 00:26:33.05\00:26:34.76 and they're gonna go back to Japan. 00:26:34.79\00:26:37.96 To see that person come up out of the water 00:26:37.99\00:26:41.30 with such joy on their face, 00:26:41.33\00:26:43.70 there's nothing like that. 00:26:43.73\00:26:45.83 And you times that by 1400, 00:26:45.87\00:26:49.00 that's what the Sabbath was like. 00:26:49.10\00:26:50.64 As a result of AWR's ministry in Mindoro, 00:26:57.25\00:27:00.62 today we're baptizing more than a 1,400 people. 00:27:00.65\00:27:05.99 I thought before that, 00:27:06.02\00:27:07.36 radio would not work here in Mindoro. 00:27:07.39\00:27:09.99 Now I believe that God is still working radio 00:27:10.03\00:27:14.36 to reach people 00:27:14.40\00:27:15.76 and to prepare people for His kingdom. 00:27:15.80\00:27:17.37 Thank you so much for your support 00:27:35.88\00:27:37.42 of Adventist World Radio, 00:27:37.45\00:27:38.85 whose Bible programs penetrate all countries, 00:27:38.89\00:27:42.12 and through all walls, know no borders. 00:27:42.16\00:27:45.29 Thank you for your prayers, 00:27:45.33\00:27:46.66 and for your support which make all this possible. 00:27:46.70\00:27:48.93 May God bless you. 00:27:49.03\00:27:50.37 These miracles are not 00:27:50.40\00:27:51.90 from our grandparents' old mission story books. 00:27:51.93\00:27:54.30 No, this is happening now. 00:27:54.34\00:27:57.14 We are reaching the final chapters 00:27:57.17\00:27:59.24 in earth's history. 00:27:59.27\00:28:00.68 And God's Spirit is being poured out 00:28:00.71\00:28:02.64 all over this world. 00:28:02.68\00:28:04.68 It's time to take our listeners from broadcast to baptism. 00:28:04.71\00:28:09.08 This is AWR360A°. 00:28:09.12\00:28:11.85