“Come along with me.”  The invite came from out of the blue. When I’d asked the Reach Beyond missionary to speak at our church’s annual conference, I had no idea that it would lead to this. Three weeks later, I was on a plane for Eastern Europe. It was an amazing trip! I loved spending time with the team from what was then HCJB Global but is now Reach Beyond. Their faith in Christ and passion for the Gospel was infectious. Throughout our two-week trip, we met some fascinating Jesus followers, many of whom had experienced profound persecution because of their faith in Christ. Over and over again, I heard how God had used the radio broadcasts from Voice of the Andes to transform lives and provide a beacon of hope during the darkest of times.

When I returned from the trip and shared what I’d seen and felt with our church family, our people got excited about partnering with Reach Beyond.  As part of our capital campaign to build a new sanctuary, we decided to tithe whatever was pledged to fund radio broadcasts to some of the worlds’ least reached people groups. It was an amazing ride!

A year or so later, I again heard the words, “Come along with me.” This time, the invite led to a Quito visit. It was an action packed week: touring the hospital, wandering among the towers at Pifo, and preaching at the English Fellowship Church. Wherever I went, I was deeply impressed by the generous and hospitable spirit of the amazing team of missionaries and staff associated with HCJB in Ecuador.

Interestingly, during one of those early exposure trips with Reach Beyond, I off handedly remarked to the president at the time, “Someday, I want your job.”

Over the years, Reach Beyond has broadened its’ reach. Good things have happened. Great things.  Hundreds of Christian radio stations have been planted.  Thousands of patients have been served through our medical and community development outreaches. Millions have heard the good news of Jesus. Countless lives have been transformed through the proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel. It’s great to be the voice and hands of Jesus together!

I feel truly blessed to be able to serve Reach Beyond at this point in it’s remarkable history.  It’s a great privilege to stand on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before me!

Before long, I hope and expect that many of my pastor friends will hear me say the words that helped to change the direction of my life and ministry:  “Come along with me.”  

Today's blog was written by Steve Harling the new President of Reach Beyond! 

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