(March 16, 2012 - by Harold Goerzen) Within an hour's drive of HCJB Global-Canada's radio studios in Cambridge, Ontario, live people representing more than 130 ethnic groups-many originating in countries where there is little or no Christian influence.

Brian Mullins

"We wanted to utilize this incredible resource to reach the world," said Brian Mullins, director of media in Canada. In response, the Canadian World Office launched a website on Feb. 1 (www.ethnoradio.com) where people can share how they came to faith in Christ in their own language.

"We've been recording testimonies in our studios, and we are also using portable recorders to gather testimonies from those who can't travel to Cambridge," added Mullins who is spearheading the project. "But we also realize that our global partners have much to offer from their corners of the world."

How can you help? "We are looking for personal testimonies, five to six minutes in length, that clearly describe their conversion experience-their life before Christ, how they found Christ, and how their life has changed since finding Christ," he explained. "In our area we've already recorded testimonies in Urdu, Farsi, Spanish, Arabic and Dinka to name a few."

Audio and video testimonies are placed on each language page along with links to Christian online radio broadcasts or other resources. "Testimonies are recorded in our new studios in Cambridge, on mobile recorders in the field, in the studios of our global partners, or directly via the Internet," Mullins related.

Stories submitted online must be in mp3 format along with the author's name, language and country of origin. A photo is preferred but not required. The website also includes a map of the world complete with information boxes for 185 preloaded countries, ready for content in the language specific to each country.

Brian Mullins (right) recording a testimony at the studios in Cambridge, Ontario.

Mullins said making the website a reality took almost a year of development, "most of which involved creating a site that was easy to navigate without a knowledge of English, and also would be playable on every platform (Mac, PC, BlackBerry, Android, etc.)."

"We also needed a ministry partner that was well connected to the ethnic groups that live in the area," he said. That partner is the Tyndale Intercultural Ministry Centre at Tyndale University in Toronto which vet the testimonies for accuracy.

"We are also linking to English as a second language programs, and we're pursuing partnerships with the JESUS Film, the Bible League of Canada and www.iamsecond.com," Mullins continued.

Brian Mullins with pastors from Malawi

The new outreach will benefit "all who are looking for real-life stories of a life-change in their own languages. Also, churches that are seeking to reach specific ethnic groups can sponsor a page and we will locate testimonies in those languages," he said, adding that the website has a strong evangelistic potential, especially with its emphasis on changed-life stories.

"I believe that there is something compelling about hearing people share their stories, especially if they are sharing them and you are hearing them in your heart language," Mullins related. "I'm optimistic because of the enthusiasm of our partners. Last fall, for example, we had three pastors from Malawi in our studios who were so excited to send their testimonies back to Malawi."

Source: HCJB Global