Programs Produced by Chin Hakha Pastors in Australia Touch Persecuted Believers

November 8, 2013

Programs Produced by Chin Hakha Pastors in Australia Touch Persecuted Believers

November 8, 2013

Pastor Japheth Lian at HCJB Global-Australia's studios in Melbourne.

(Nov. 8, 2013 - by Beth Patton) The world calls them the Hill People because of the rolling landscape of Chin state in northwestern Myanmar (Burma) where they live. The Chin Hakha people were once traditional animists, but a majority has now embraced Christianity, two centuries after it was introduced to the country.

Because they are seen as a threat, tens of thousands of Chin Hakha people had to flee their homes and live as refugees in other countries, including Australia and as far afield as Venezuela.

Persecuted for their beliefs, the Chin people who remain in Myanmar face the challenge to remain strong in their Christian faith. Nationwide, there are an estimated 1 million internally displaced persons, mostly people from Christian areas, according to Operation World.

In Melbourne, Australia, a team of Chin refugees is making a connection to encourage their people still living in the largely undeveloped, impoverished area of Myanmar. One way they have found to reach them and connect them with the gospel is through radio, in partnership with HCJB Global-Australia.

Rev. Japheth Lian (left) and Pastor Mang Hre look on as Brent Weeks explains studio operations.

Three pastors living in Australia produce a program called Duhdim Nun (Abundant Life) in the Chin Hakha language. HCJB Global-Australia broadcasts the program from its international broadcast facility in Kununurra twice a week, both in the morning and evening.

One of the presenters, Rev. Japheth Lian, said team members love the challenge of radio. "It keeps us quite busy preparing the programs and we are becoming more professional. We love the radio business, the challenge and the responsibility of producing good programs for the kingdom of God and for the listeners."

"To know that people are listening to your program and are being changed by it is the life-blood that keeps a presenter going," added Peter Penford, publicity and promotions manager at HCJB Global-Australia. "That's why responses from listeners, like this one recently received, thrill their hearts."

Christian Chin Hakha families in Myanmar. Photo credit: www.merlin.org.uk

"Hello, I am from a rural area of Chin state," wrote a listener in Myanmar. "Thank you for this station that broadcasts the gospel. It's a time of blessing when I listen to the sermon."

Another response came from a listener in Venezuela. "I enjoy very much listening to shortwave radio," he stated. "I have to tell you this is my prime hobby because I like to learn about other people's cultures, manners, music and news. You can imagine my surprise when I found your radio station on my dial. It never crossed my mind that I would be able to receive such a strong signal from this part of the world."

Radio is proving to be a wonderful way to bless the Hill People of Myanmar, no matter where they live.

Sources: HCJB Global-Australia, Operation World

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

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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.

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