Volunteers Help Raise High-Gain Antenna at Australia Site

September 24, 2010

Volunteers Help Raise High-Gain Antenna at Australia Site

September 24, 2010

Sept. 24, 2010

Volunteers Help Raise High-Gain Antenna at Australia Site

Source: HCJB Global (written by Ralph Kurtenbach)

A curtain rises in the outback of Australia, bringing to radio listeners across many nations an invitation to hear a message of one God, one Savior and one gospel-the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The curtain antennas used by shortwave radio broadcasters such as HCJB Global-Australia are less common than antennas that local broadcast outlets use to reach listeners or viewers.

Howard Jones, a volunteer at the mission's transmitter site, detailed the process in July of raising a curtain antenna between two 313-foot tall towers erected two years earlier at Kununurra, Western Australia.

In a recent newsletter he described how a team of volunteers followed the directives of HCJB Global engineer Steve Sutherland in assembling the front and rear elements of the antenna.

The front of the antenna consists of 16 dipoles* which transmit the signal," Jones said. "The back reflecting screen, consisting of 83 horizontal wires suspended by nine vertical wires, acts like a mirror and reflects the transmitted signal forward."

"Forward," as Jones put it, means that Christian programming will be beamed to the Indian subcontinent and farther east, all the way to Japan. HCJB Global-Australia has been building an audience by adding language services since the station first began airing programs in 2003.

Five years later, in 2008, Sutherland and a volunteer staff began constructing the infrastructure (footings, guy wire anchors, etc.) for erecting high-gain antennas which carry a more concentrated signal.

After assembling the antenna's front and rear elements on the ground, the volunteers watched as a two-tractor-powered pulley arrangement hoisted the antenna up into place a section at a time.

HCJB Global-Australia Director Dale Stagg said afterwards that "words can barely describe the overwhelming sensation you get when standing underneath this structure which, when completed, will enable us to transmit a far stronger and more consistent signal than we do now."

The site has two HC100 shortwave transmitters built by staff at the mission's HCJB Global Technology Center in Indiana with two more similar units on the way. Also on the way is one of the crew's big challenges: seasonal rains that soften the ground of the antenna fields. The rains usually come each December and January.

Programs go out in 21 languages, airing a total of 105 hours per week. Languages include English, Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Indonesian (Bahasa), Kuruk, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Marathi, Marwari, Telegu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Malay (Bahasa), Rawang, Min Nan Chinese Fujian, Eastern Panjabi and Hmar. The antenna arrays on the new site will increase the reach of these broadcasts.

*A dipole is an antenna approximately one-half wavelength long, split at its electrical center for connection to a transmission line, its radiation pattern having a maximum at right angles to the antenna.

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.