Thousands of residents in two remote island communities off the coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) now have their own radio stations as a result of a cooperative effort involving HCJB Global Voice, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) and local radio partners.

The two stations, which went on the air in Kimbe and Buka earlier this month, are repeaters of Wantok Radio Light, a Christian network based in the capital city of Port Moresby operated by the PNG Christian Broadcasting Network in partnership with EBM International, Life Radio Ministries (USA), HCJB Global Voice and local churches. This gives the network a total of 12 repeaters with more than 18 others in the planning stages. The goal is to cover the entire nation with gospel broadcasts.

Former HCJB Global President Ron Cline, now serving as the mission's global ambassador, will be on hand to help dedicate the stations early next week along with representatives from the NRB, EBM and Wantok.

"These stations were made possible because of the NRB Convention in Orlando, Fla., last February," Cline said. The NRB, which named Wantok Radio Light as the "International Ministry of the Year," took a special offering for the ministry, raising enough funds to launch one of the two stations. "A donor then matched that offering, paying for the second station," he explained.

NRB Board Chairman Ron Harris, one of two representatives from the organization attending the dedications along with President Frank Wright, said he's excited to be involved.

"This is really an indication of a new heart at the NRB where we are looking to reach around the world," Harris explained. "We understand that as God has blessed us, we have the opportunity and obligation to be a part of what God is doing internationally, coming alongside these organizations that are so faithful."

Harris will officiate at the dedication of the station in Kimbe on Sunday, Sept. 23, and Wright will do the same in Buka two days later. EBM President Gerald Bustin, formerly a missionary in PNG, will preach while Wantok Radio Light Director Pawa Warena will oversee the events.

Also representing HCJB Global at the dedications will be Dennis Adams, executive director of the Asia Pacific Region; Dave Pasechnik, director of the South Pacific sub-region; and engineer Alan Good who is stationed in PNG.

Toward the end of their stay, team members will meet with high-level government officials and visit the U.S. ambassador to PNG. In addition, they will take part in a corporate fund-raiser for Wantok Radio Light in Port Moresby. More than 400 people have been invited to the event, among them 21 newly elected Christian members of parliament, including the deputy prime minister and other dignitaries.

The new stations will play a key role in the communities, improving communications and presenting a positive Christian message. Even though PNG is officially Christian, many members of the younger generation attend public schools and have little exposure to the gospel, unlike their parents who typically attended schools started by missionaries. All of the broadcasts are produced locally with programs in Pidgin and English.

Kimbe lies on a picturesque bay in West New Britain province, fringed by a pristine rainforest at the base of a string of volcanoes-some still active. The province has a population of 184,500.

Buka is in the North Solomons, a province of PNG with two main islands and atolls that are known for their picturesque beaches and bays which French explorers discovered almost 200 years ago. The province has a population of 170,160.

"The people are excited," Cline added. "Hundreds-maybe thousands-of people will come to these dedications. They will take place in the town centers because there won't be enough room at the stations. I'm thrilled to be a part of the actual dedication. I was there for the dedication of the main FM station in Port Moresby in 2002." A shortwave transmitter was added in 2005.

Those traveling to PNG are also carrying 65 fixed-tuned, solar-powered SonSet radios for distribution to local residents.

HCJB Global is looking at potential opportunities to partner with Lifewind and Community Health Evangelism to offer medical ministries in combination with the radio outreach. Source: HCJB Global