Partners Prepare to Launch Shortwave Station in Papua New Guinea

May 31, 2005

Partners Prepare to Launch Shortwave Station in Papua New Guinea

May 31, 2005

May 31, 2005

The first test broadcasts from a new shortwave radio station that covers Papua New Guinea with Christian programs went out on Friday, May 20, through a partnership involving Atlanta-based Life Radio Ministries, Inc., EBM International of Summerfield, Fla., HCJB World Radio and local believers.

The milestone culminates three years of planning as the partners established the nation's first Christian Broadcasting Network with a single FM station in the capital city of Port Moresby in January 2002. It was recently rated as the city's leading radio station.

"At 3:43 p.m. May 20 the first test programming from the shortwave station at Wantok Radio Light in Port Moresby was beamed to the nation of Papua New Guinea on 7120 kHz," said HCJB World Radio engineer Curt Bender of Elkhart, Ind., in an email report. "This initial broadcast was heard by an enthusiastic crowd of men and boys who had helped us build the station and get it operational. The programs aired for about 20 minutes, and then we patched in a station identification, telling listeners in Papua New Guinea about the station."

After three hours of inspection and testing, communication officials in Papua New Guinea approved the shortwave installation. One test remains, but Wantok Radio Light has been granted approval to continue with regular broadcasts.

"Praise God for this approval," said Bender who worked with Mike Axman and Don Hastings of the HCJB World Radio Engineering Center in Elkhart along with seconded missionaries David and Patti Olson to install the shortwave station. A live nationwide broadcast to dedicate both the shortwave station and the FM network is set for Kaupena on Saturday, June 11.

"We have been deeply impressed with the sincere desire of the Christians in Papua New Guinea to see Wantok Radio Light grow and be used of God to reach the lost for Christ," Bender said. "Many people have sacrificed much to make this happen, both in Papua New Guinea and in the U.S. Many prayers have been lifted up for the success of this project, and now it is at hand."

The 1,000-watt shortwave station will make the signal available to the nation's entire population of nearly 5 million. Music and Bible teaching programs will air in English (the official language) and in Pidgin.

Life Radio Ministries President Joe Emert said the Christian broadcasts have plenty of local support. "At a recent radio-sponsored luncheon for pastors in Port Moresby I was told by our leadership there that such a mixed group of evangelical pastors rarely came together for fellowship prior to the birth of the FM station," he said. "Now many churches and pastors are working together to bring Christian radio to all of Papua New Guinea. They gather almost daily for prayer at the radio station studios. I look for that same spirit of revival nationwide as the shortwave is launched."

Recently the husband of a staff member came to Christ after hearing a radio drama on the local station. "The station is also having an impact for Christ at the highest levels of government with financial support coming from the prime minister, the deputy prime minister and a number of parliament members," Emert said.

In early June, Emert and Doug Doran of Life Radio Ministries will assist Olson with the installation of four additional FM repeaters in the cities of Ialibu, Goroka, Lae and Rabaul. The national license issued by the Papua New Guinea government approves up to 30 repeaters.

The shortwave broadcasts will originate from the Wantok Radio Light studios in Port Moresby. The official commissioning ceremony for the shortwave station will be held at Kaupena. This is the same location in the highlands where, 50 years ago, a missionary school and church was established by veteran missionary G.T. Bustin, founder of EBM International and Christian radio station 4VEH in Haiti.

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

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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.