15,000 Text Messages per Month Sent to Partner Network in Papua New Guinea

September 17, 2011

15,000 Text Messages per Month Sent to Partner Network in Papua New Guinea

September 17, 2011

(Sept. 16, 2011 - by Marla Bender and Ralph Kurtenbach) As Wantok Radio Light (WRL) prepares to add two new stations to its growing network in Papua New Guinea this month, listener response is escalating.

The network's evening announcer whose program airs on more than a dozen stations received 3,000 text messages per month last year. This year the number has jumped to 15,000 messages a month. Many respondents requested information on finding a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Local residents are eager to hear
the first shortwave broadcasts
from Wantok Radio Light in 2005.

The partner ministry began 10 years ago in the capital city of Port Moresby through a cooperative effort. The U.S.-based HCJB Global Technology Center assisted Evangelical Bible Mission and Papua New Guinea Bible Church.

WRL developed an ambitious plan to establish 30 FM stations throughout the country. This year WRL hopes to take a giant step toward this goal by planting 10 additional repeaters, bringing the total to 23.

So far, repeater stations have been established in more than a dozen locations nationwide. Christian programming from the main station in Port Moresby is sent via satellite. All of the repeaters download that programming from the satellite and rebroadcast it.

Installing the satellite dish for the
repeater in Buka, Papua New Guinea.

Later this month, Alan Good from the Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., will return to PNG for more engineering work. His initial task will be to repair five transmitters. One will be used to get a current station back on the air, and four will be available for new installations, including two while he is there.

Good assisted with WRL's initial installation in 2002 and installed six more stations while living with his wife in PNG from 2005 to 2007.

"Something special is happening over the airwaves of PNG," said Pawa Warena who directs Wantok Radio Light, adding that he dreams of nationwide coverage.

Engineer Alan Good (center) with a pair
of local radio workers in Buka.

"We are asking God to increase the number of souls being saved from three to five a day to 10 every day," Warena added, expressing a sense of urgency. "God is faithful, but we also need to increase the number of stations so that many more can be saved."

Source: HCJB Global

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.