Misunderstanding Leads to Temporary Closure of Partner Station in Congo

December 11, 2009

Misunderstanding Leads to Temporary Closure of Partner Station in Congo

December 11, 2009

Dec. 11, 2009
Sources: HCJB Global, Believers Express Service Inc.

Radio Kahuzi, HCJB Global's partner ministry in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, was forced to go off the air for eight days in mid-November following a misunderstanding about paying a communications tax and questions about the content of the programming.

On Monday, Nov. 9, the right to continue broadcasting was challenged by a local government official after 17 years of airing Christian programming and news updates.

"Under a threat to confiscate the broadcasting equipment and arrest our journalist, Pastor Gregoire, we shut down the station on Nov. 19 and didn't go back on the air until permission was granted on Thanksgiving Day," explained Station Manager Richard McDonald who serves as a missionary with his wife, Kathy.

Radio Kahuzi, a ministry of U.S.-based Believers Express Service Inc. (BESI) since 1992, operates on FM and is within hearing range of some 500,000 people in the Bukavu area near the border with Rwanda. It also broadcasts on shortwave, reaching the region and beyond.

"The Lord was gracious to us in all of this, allowing us to make contact with many that we would never have met or contacted," McDonald said. "The chaplain of the provincial governor's staff and police requested a Swahili Bible, and we were contacted by many in all walks of life who expressed their gratitude to God for Radio Kahuzi."

Government and military leaders as well as judges from some territories also expressed concern when the station was off the air, saying their "only source of news and programming had been cut off," he added.

Radio Kahuzi is continuing with a full schedule of Christian programming and "hopefully soon" will resume news and reports from Voice of America, helping keep people informed in a country that has been wracked by civil war for more than a decade.

Before these events began, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) President Frank Wright announced that Radio Kahuzi will receive the 2010 NRB Media Award for International Impact. The presentation will take place at the international luncheon during the NRB's 67th annual convention in Nashville on Monday, March 1.

"We do not want to make claims for ourselves and prefer to have the applause of the Lord Himself," McDonald said.

Radio Kahuzi was one of the first stations to be established through HCJB Global's radio planting ministry.

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.

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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.