Partner Radio Station in Madagascar Still Grateful for Help 5 Years Later

June 8, 2012

Partner Radio Station in Madagascar Still Grateful for Help 5 Years Later

June 8, 2012

(June 8, 2012 - by Harold Goerzen) The staff at Radio Andrea, one of HCJB Global's partner stations in Madagascar, "couldn't be more thankful" for the help the mission gave them in launching the outreach five years ago, says Lee Sonius, director of the Sub-Saharan Africa Region.

madagascar new tower with antenna mounted

Partner station in Madagascar

They were so grateful that the station, operated by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) Africa in Antsohihy, recently paid for Sonius' travel within the island nation off the East African coast.

"Since we gave them a 500-watt FM transmitter in 2007, you would think we gave them the world," he related. "That transmitter has not given them any trouble. The station is run completely by nationals. When the station launched there were some missionaries from South Africa involved, but no longer."

"It's a great station-the only Christian station in the city," Sonius continued. "I met with the staff, and they're doing a lot of healthcare and community development-type programming along with specific Christian outreach." Programs air in Malagasy and French about 15 hours a day.

Listeners in Madagascar

Sonius added that the broadcasts continue to have a "good impact on the community." He pointed to the station manager who was an itinerant pastor who used to ride his motorbike to various rural churches. "He's now full-time at the station," Sonius said. "Some of those places he used to visit are within listening distance of the station, so it's greatly multiplied his efforts."
During his visit, Lee Sonius had a Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) airplane and pilot at his disposal for three days. "We went all around the country, visiting five different towns," he related. "And yes, we saw lemurs!" Lemurs are monkey-like, bulbous-eyed primates endemic to Madagascar.

Studio at partner station in Madagascar

One of the places he visited was Antsiranana (formerly known as Diego-Suárez), a city on the northern tip of Madagascar where UCB was preparing to open a new partner station with HCJB Global's help.

"I went there and talked through some of the planning of the studio and acoustical treatment," Sonius explained. "I hope to be able to go back there at some point."

Regarding the religious climate in Madagascar, Sonius described the country as "heavily Roman Catholic but mixed with animism-very syncretistic."

Lee Sonius

There is also a growing Muslim influence in the country, but Sonius observed that the younger generations are especially open to the gospel and evangelical Christianity.

"One day we were eating at a restaurant in the capital, and we met with someone from another African mission that runs a big Christian school where you don't have to be a Christian to attend-many Muslims are enrolled."

"During one of the school's chapel services, a visiting speaker asked if a student could come up front and prove that Jesus exists. A kid, 16, raised his hand. The speaker thought, 'Oh no, he's a Muslim.' But the boy came up and said, 'I know that Jesus exists because he lives in my heart and he talks to me every day!'"

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.