Participants:
Series Code: AWR
Program Code: AWR360005S
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00:02 Adventist World Radio is serving millions of people
00:05 all over this world. 00:07 Travel with me as I visit the remote mountain villages 00:11 of Nepal, the vast plains of Africa, 00:14 through the bustling cities of Japan, 00:17 and the beautiful country of Argentina. 00:20 Discover how lives are being transformed 00:23 by the everlasting gospel. 00:26 This is AWR360°. 00:46 Sandwiched in between two giants India and China 00:50 lies a land that is distinct in culture, 00:52 from its crowded streets with peaceful mountains, 00:56 this is a country that is teeming with color 00:58 and full of exotic flavors, 01:00 yet it is filled with hopeless, poverty stricken people. 01:08 Steeped in superstition, 01:10 81% of this population is Hindu, 01:13 9% Buddhist, 5% Muslim, 01:17 with sadly only 1% Christian. 01:20 God is at work though, 01:22 and light is beginning to pierce the darkness. 01:24 We are in Nepal, and this is AWR360A°. 01:38 I have come to Nepal to see for myself 01:41 how God is working in the lives of the Nepali people 01:44 through Adventist World Radio. 01:47 Today, we are in search of the remote mountain village 01:49 of [inaudible], 01:51 home to the Chepang people. 01:54 The past 10 hours, we have traveled by Jeep 01:58 on treacherously steep and windy roads. 02:01 At the town of Manahari, we leave the jeep for a bus. 02:04 This bus takes us up a flooded riverbed. 02:10 It is a strange feeling 02:11 to see water rushing by outside my bus seat window. 02:17 The bus takes us as far as it is able to go. 02:20 And now we must walk. 02:22 For over two hours, we trek, 02:27 crossing streams 02:28 and hiking through terrace fields of corn, 02:31 higher and still higher we climb. 02:38 Finally, we reach the village of [inaudible]. 02:41 It was with a feeling of amazement and relief 02:44 that I catch my first glimpses of these precious people 02:48 that I have heard so much about 02:50 and come so far to find. 02:54 They lead simple yet rigorous, isolated lives, 02:58 cooking basic meals over open fires, 03:01 living in thatched huts, 03:02 and daily working in fields carved into the mountainside 03:06 because many cannot read or write. 03:09 The radio is their primary window 03:11 to the outside world. 03:15 One day, I turned my radio to a station 03:17 I had never heard before 03:19 called Ashako Bani or Voice of Hope. 03:22 I listened closely as health, family life, 03:25 and the Christian faith were being discussed. 03:27 As the program ended, 03:29 I quickly took down AWR's contact information. 03:32 Surendra and the pastor at the AWR studio 03:36 began talking on a regular basis, 03:38 sometimes several times a day. 03:40 Surendra began to share 03:42 what he was learning on the radio 03:43 with his fellow villagers and family, 03:45 particularly his father, 03:47 the community's spiritual leader. 03:50 I was once the witch doctor for our village, 03:53 but I realized its limitations when my two sons died. 03:58 I tried everything in my power to heal them 04:01 with my witchcraft. 04:03 Pralad became depressed and discouraged until one day, 04:07 a man visited their village and taught him about Jesus. 04:11 Ever since then, he has been seeking truth from God's Word. 04:17 I am so grateful to be out 04:18 from under the spells of witchcraft 04:20 and be freed by Bible truth. 04:23 I thank God every day 04:24 that my son introduced me to Adventist World Radio. 04:40 It has changed my spiritual walk 04:43 to become a Seventh-day Adventist. 04:46 Through Adventist World Radio, God transforms. 04:50 He not only changes the village spiritually, 04:52 God improves all aspects of one's life. 04:57 When we listen to the radio, 04:59 we not only learn about the Bible, 05:01 we also learn about health, cleanliness, 05:04 and family life principles. 05:05 This has been a great blessing to us. 05:08 I now realize that my body is a temple of God. 05:12 He wants me to keep my body clean inside and out 05:15 as well as my home and surroundings. 05:20 Adventist World Radio 05:21 not only provides the gospel message 05:23 but the local staff also supplies basic food items 05:26 during particularly difficult times. 05:28 Like the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015. 05:34 Most importantly, today, 05:36 due to your generous donations to AWR's broadcasts, 05:40 there is a growing community of believers 05:42 who are eager to be baptized 05:44 and are preparing for Jesus' soon coming. 05:51 So far, we have 31 families, 05:54 including 17 families from our own small village 05:57 who are preparing for baptism 05:59 into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 06:08 As we begin our descent down the mountain, 06:10 I cannot help but think of Nepal's 29 million people 06:14 scattered among the hills 06:15 and valleys of this beautiful land. 06:18 There are only 5,000 Adventists in Nepal, 06:21 but there are countless others 06:22 who are longing to know more about Jesus 06:25 if they only have the chance. 06:29 Jesus is coming soon. 06:30 And the doors of opportunity are open today 06:33 that soon may close. 06:35 Now is the time to be involved in spreading the gospel 06:38 like never before. 06:42 Will you continue helping us to spread this gospel message 06:45 to countries like Nepal? 06:47 Thank you for your prayers and support. 06:55 Come with me to the continent of Africa. 06:58 As I'm tracing the stories of those been reached 07:01 through the broadcasts of Adventist World Radio. 07:07 Welcome to Zambia, a land of smiling faces, 07:10 impressive waterfalls, 07:12 wide expanses, and wild animals. 07:15 I'm here to document the work of Adventist World Radio 07:18 and how the Lord is using our broadcasts 07:20 to touch the lives of people here. 07:22 Hi, I'm Cami, and this is AWR360°. 07:33 Today, we are traveling out of town on bumpy dirt roads 07:37 to find Debby and hear his story. 07:41 Debby lives in a mud hut 07:43 surrounded by fields and gardens. 07:46 Several of his children and grandchildren live nearby, 07:49 adding joy to his days. 07:54 It is very peaceful here. 07:56 And Debby tells us with a grin 07:59 that this is his favorite place to be. 08:02 After showing us his beloved radio, 08:05 Debby begins to tell his story. 08:12 I attended a Catholic school growing up 08:15 and soon became a devout Catholic. 08:20 Time passed, Debby married, 08:22 and 10 children were born to them. 08:26 After years in the Catholic Church, 08:28 Debby began questioning some of the foundational doctrines 08:31 he had been taught. 08:33 As he began to study the Bible for himself, 08:36 Debby saw in the Ten Commandments, 08:38 that God forbids the worship of idols. 08:41 This in other beliefs caused Debby 08:43 to question his Catholic faith, 08:45 and before long, he left the church. 08:50 In search of truth, 08:52 Debby joined one denomination after another, 08:54 always leaving with unanswered questions, 08:57 unsatisfied with the interpretations 08:59 of scripture he found. 09:02 One day, while listening to the radio, 09:05 Debby stumbled across in AWR broadcast. 09:08 He listened eagerly as a Bible based message was preached. 09:14 Maybe this was what he was looking for. 09:22 I was so intrigued 09:24 with the Adventist World Radio program. 09:26 And every day, after listening, 09:28 I would go to my Bible and study for myself 09:31 to see if what I heard was true. 09:38 As Debby continued listening and studying, 09:40 he came to understand new truth, 09:43 and his many questions were finally being answered. 09:49 To his surprise, Debby learned that the day of worship 09:51 was changed by the Catholic Church 09:53 from Saturday to Sunday, 09:55 and that the seventh day Sabbath was created 09:57 as memorial of creation 09:59 and kept holy by Jesus and His disciples 10:02 as an example for us. 10:04 The law of God wasn't changed after all. 10:08 Debby soon found a local Seventh-day Adventist Church 10:10 and began attending regularly with his children. 10:13 After years of searching 10:15 and visiting so many different churches, 10:17 Debby finally felt at home. 10:21 Before long, Debby and seven of his children were baptized 10:24 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 10:26 They happily attend church together every Sabbath 10:29 and Debby is now a deacon serving his church faithfully. 10:34 Having finally found Bible truth, 10:36 Debby loves to share with others 10:37 what he has learned. 10:40 He hopes that one day soon his wife, other children, 10:43 and many friends will join him in the faith. 10:49 Debby shared with us that one of his favorite verses 10:51 is John 8:32, 10:53 which reads, "You shall know the truth 10:57 and the truth will set you free." 11:01 I am so thankful for the work of Adventist World Radio 11:05 and for the Bible messages that lead me to the truth 11:08 and set me free. 11:12 Will you join us in spreading the gospel message 11:15 filled with peace and hope to countries like Zambia? 11:18 Please pray for the work of Adventist World Radio 11:20 and consider contributing today. 11:25 Follow me as I travel to hear the story 11:28 of one specific couple living in Romania, 11:31 whose lives were impacted 11:33 by the work of Adventist World Radio. 11:42 It all started one day at work. 11:45 As I was switching lines at the train yard, 11:47 I saw a co-worker listening to the radio on his cell phone. 11:51 I reached for my phone and began searching too. 11:54 That was when I found Adventist World Radio 11:57 and became a faithful listener. 12:01 I heard preaching from the Bible, 12:03 learned about the Sabbath and many other new things. 12:07 A strong desire for truth from God's Word 12:09 was born in my soul. 12:10 And my prayer became I want to know more God. 12:14 Peace began to fill my heart, 12:17 but my home was in turmoil. 12:21 My wife and two daughters were confused 12:23 since I had taught my family the Pentecostal faith 12:26 that was now bringing home new and contradicting truths. 12:29 My wife refused to even visit an Adventist Church with me. 12:33 So I went alone that first Sabbath, 12:36 I was welcomed so warmly and felt genuine Christian love 12:39 unlike I had ever experienced before. 12:43 Eventually, my family agreed to let the pastor visit 12:45 and help answer their questions. 12:48 As soon as he arrived, the questions began to flow. 12:52 Before long, our whole family began baptismal classes. 12:56 And in May of 2015, my wife and I, 12:58 along with our oldest daughter, were baptized 13:01 into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 13:03 A few days ago, 13:04 our younger daughter was finally baptized. 13:06 We are praising God. 13:11 Since being baptized, 13:12 I had become very active in our local church, 13:15 even preaching occasionally. 13:17 I continue to spread the Word about Adventist World Radio. 13:21 My wife says I can't keep quiet about it, 13:23 and it's probably true. 13:25 Thanks to the work of AWR. 13:27 We are now a united family 13:29 waiting for the soon return of Christ our Lord. 13:39 I grew up in Indiana, 13:40 and I've been a farmer all my life. 13:43 My father every time we'd play in a field, 13:46 when we got through, 13:48 we'd always kneel down and pray 13:49 that we've done our part now the Lord would do His, 13:52 and He always come through. 13:58 After praying about it, 14:00 my wife and I decided to do a gift annuity 14:02 through Adventist World Radio. 14:05 It goes to people that normally is not gonna hear. 14:09 And that's what our 14:11 three angels' message is all about 14:13 to every nation, kindred, and the people. 14:17 When you're farmering, 14:19 you don't have a retirement plan. 14:21 It was a good way to supplement our retirement. 14:24 It's been a blessing to us. 14:26 And I know, it's gonna be a blessing 14:28 to those others around the world. 14:36 I'm headed to one of the largest urban centers 14:39 on the planet, 14:40 to see how God can set a nation on fire 14:43 for sharing the gospel in their own country. 14:53 Consisting of nearly 7,000 islands 14:56 and home to the largest city on earth, 14:58 Japan is a nation 15:01 full of rich history and culture. 15:10 As I explore this city, 15:12 I am amazed by not only its huge population 15:15 but also its affluence. 15:18 Of this nation's 127 million people, 15:21 an estimated 91% of the population 15:24 considers themselves Shinto or Buddhist, 15:27 even if they rarely visit the temple. 15:33 As little as 2% claim some form of Christianity, 15:36 and among them, 15:38 the Seventh-day Adventist Church 15:39 has a membership of only 14,000. 15:45 And the sobering reality is, that as of late, 15:49 this number has been declining, not growing. 15:53 AWR is committed to using our resources 15:56 to help bring revival to Japan 15:58 and it is stories like Pastor Obara's 16:00 that give us great courage and hope along the way. 16:05 My father Esau grew up in the northern part of Japan. 16:09 His family were farmers, 16:10 but my dad got tired of the country life 16:13 and moved to Tokyo when he was 20. 16:15 He got a good-paying job 16:17 but unfortunately spent all his money 16:19 on cigarettes and alcohol. 16:22 Smoking and drinking took its toll on Esau's body 16:27 and soon he found himself sick and in the hospital. 16:31 There was nothing to do but lay in bed 16:33 and listen to the radio. 16:38 My father loved listening to Japanese pop music, 16:41 but one day, when he was tuning his radio, 16:43 he heard a different kind of music. 16:46 It was strange music and it drew him in 16:48 and he wanted to hear more. 16:52 After being released from the hospital, 16:54 Esau continued listening to this new station 16:58 and soon he heard 16:59 about an upcoming evangelistic meeting 17:01 at a nearby Adventist church. 17:04 My father faithfully attended those meetings, 17:07 and at the end of that series, 17:09 my father made a decision to be baptized. 17:13 But his new commitment to Jesus would force Esau 17:16 to make some significant sacrifices. 17:20 Japanese highly value work, 17:22 and taking Sabbath off was not an option. 17:25 Either my father could keep the Sabbath 17:27 or keep his job but not both. 17:30 He chose the Sabbath, 17:32 but sadly, this brought shame 17:34 and embarrassment to his family. 17:36 They could not understand his new diet, way of life, 17:40 and why he would quit his job. 17:43 Esau stuck to his new convictions 17:45 in the face of adversity though, 17:47 and the Lord honored him for it. 17:51 Soon Esau has offered a job as a janitor 17:54 at the Adventist hospital, which he gladly accepted, 17:57 after further training, 17:59 Esau went from janitor 18:01 to working in the physical therapy department, 18:03 a job he thoroughly enjoyed until his retirement. 18:08 My father loved to tell people about Jesus 18:11 and through his influence 18:13 led more than 20 different patients to Christ 18:15 during his years working at the hospital. 18:18 He had a positive influence on many lives including my own. 18:24 If it wasn't for my dad and the Lord 18:26 working through Adventist World Radio, 18:28 I definitely would not be a pastor 18:31 or especially a conference president 18:33 here in Japan today. 18:39 Isn't it amazing how the Lord works? 18:42 He took Obara's father who was a young drunkard 18:45 and through the Holy Spirit and AWR, 18:48 now his son is helping to lead the work here in Japan. 18:53 A few months ago, 18:54 Pastor Obara preached his very first evangelistic series 18:58 in partnership with AWR 19:00 on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. 19:03 He joined in baptizing over 1,400 precious souls. 19:08 Because of this experience, 19:10 Obara along with many other pastors and laymen 19:13 are excited to see 19:14 how God will impact Japan. 19:19 The spirit of revival has been sparked, 19:22 and now more than ever before, 19:24 Japan is ready 19:25 for the final push of evangelism 19:27 before Jesus comes. 19:29 Will you join us in this mission? 19:31 There are two things you can do. 19:33 First, pray. 19:35 Pray for the work here in Japan 19:37 and other difficult to reach places. 19:39 And second, visit awr.org 19:42 where you can help expand the reach of AWR's broadcast 19:45 by your generous donations. 19:48 Will you join us in continuing this spark of revival 19:52 here in Japan and around the world? 19:55 Thank you for your prayers and support. 20:07 As Christians, our family is much larger 20:10 than our immediate biological family. 20:12 In fact, we have brothers and sisters 20:13 that live in more than 200 countries 20:15 all around the world. 20:19 We want to remember them in our estate plan. 20:22 We can help you with that process. 20:24 Just log on to awr.org. 20:34 Journey with me 20:36 as I travel halfway around the world 20:38 to explore how God is working through Adventist World Radio 20:41 to advance His kingdom. 20:46 When we landed in beautiful Argentina 20:48 to film specific people's testimonies 20:52 on how Adventist World Radio had changed 20:54 and impacted their lives, 20:56 we had no idea how God was about surprises 20:59 on our very first Sabbath there. 21:01 I love God surprises. 21:04 Upon arriving in Cordoba, 21:06 Argentina's second largest city, 21:09 we were excited to meet up with the local broadcasters 21:12 and see firsthand the work of AWR's Nuevo Tiempo. 21:16 We learned that there are Nuevo Tiempo Churches 21:19 scattered across this city. 21:21 The contact information for six local churches 21:23 is given on the radio broadcast 21:25 and people are encouraged to visit. 21:28 This has proven effective 21:30 and many listeners show up each Sabbath. 21:33 This Nuevo Tiempo Church has seen dramatic growth 21:36 in its two-year existence. 21:38 Over 60 people crowd in each Sabbath morning, 21:41 the majority of whom initially came to church 21:44 from hearing about it on the radio. 21:49 Members actively follow up with Bible studies 21:52 and baptisms follow. 21:54 Everyone is involved 21:55 and the rains of joy and harmony 21:58 seldom felt in churches today. 22:01 We were warmly welcomed with smiles and kisses, 22:04 and we're thrilled to soon realize 22:06 there would be a baptism that day. 22:08 We watched as the vows were said 22:10 and two teenagers were lowered into the water. 22:14 When the young man arose 22:16 and with tears in his eyes began embracing 22:18 the other tearful church members, 22:20 we knew there must be a story behind this one. 22:27 So we invited Laotaro over to tell us more. 22:40 At 17 years of age, Laotaro lives at home 22:43 with his parents and younger brother. 22:45 Though the family consider themselves Catholic, 22:48 Laotaro does not remember Jesus ever been spoken of. 22:54 My life was a mess. 22:56 Boxing, parties, and dancing consumed me. 22:59 I wasn't happy though. 23:01 I felt bad about my life and myself, 23:04 and anger often raged in my heart, 23:06 which led to fighting with others. 23:10 Something happened though 23:12 that would change Laotaro's life forever. 23:16 Members of the Nuevo Tiempo Church 23:18 invited Laotaro and his mother to a small group 23:21 Bible study in their home. 23:24 I listened to the Bible study, 23:26 and I was fascinated 23:28 by the things they were sharing. 23:30 When they invited me to church, 23:32 I went and met other youth my age. 23:36 I felt peace inside and wanted to learn more. 23:43 But trials were about to befall this teenage boy. 23:59 If my father found me studying the Bible, 24:01 he would give me a bunch of chores to do. 24:05 He wasn't happy about me 24:06 attending the Adventist Church either 24:08 and try to keep me from going 24:10 by giving me a long list of work 24:12 that had to be done 24:13 in his mechanic shop on Sabbath. 24:17 In attempts to obey his earthly father 24:19 and his heavenly Father, 24:21 Laotaro would wake up extra early on Sabbath mornings 24:24 and work quickly 24:25 to accomplish everything on the list 24:27 so he could go to church. 24:32 Laotaro hated to break God's Sabbath. 24:34 While he worked, he would talk to God 24:36 and ask for his forgiveness. 24:41 While attending church and studying the Bible, 24:43 I was convicted about many things 24:46 and had lots to give up. 24:50 Boxing was my passion, 24:52 but I realized for the first time 24:53 that my body is a temple of God, 24:56 and that I was harming myself and others through fighting. 25:01 I also had to say no to parties and dancing. 25:04 My old friends don't understand and try even harder 25:07 to get me to join them 25:08 in doing drugs and other bad things, 25:11 but I have found a better life. 25:17 Laotaro has experienced a complete transformation. 25:21 Now instead of fighting with his parents and siblings, 25:24 he enjoys helping them at home, doing laundry, 25:27 washing dishes, cooking, 25:29 and playing with his little brother. 25:31 He also finds ways to help his neighbors 25:33 and others in need. 25:37 Laotaro is happy instead of angry now. 25:41 He longs to share Christ's love 25:42 and the testimony of his transformed life 25:45 with others. 25:47 Not only have I changed but my family is changing too. 25:51 My mother and brother are also doing Bible studies 25:54 and my father is softening as well. 25:57 Laotaro's father did not come to his baptism last Sabbath, 26:01 but he hopes and prays that one day soon 26:03 his whole family will attend church together. 26:10 My baptism was so special, I feel like a new person now. 26:15 I would like to say to other young people 26:17 that life is not all about sports, parties, 26:20 or dancing, there is something better. 26:23 True peace and happiness comes only from knowing 26:27 and following Jesus. 26:31 My heart was touched 26:32 as I listened to Laotaro's share, 26:34 and I had tears in my eyes 26:36 as he talked to the sacrifices he has made 26:39 simply to attend church each Sabbath. 26:43 I think about those I know back home, 26:45 I think about myself, what sacrifices do we make? 26:51 The story of Laotaro 26:52 has also given me a deeper understanding 26:54 of the work of Adventist World Radio. 26:57 It goes far beyond the one person 27:00 who listens and is later baptized 27:02 for that one person 27:03 goes on to share with other people 27:05 and the influence widens endlessly. 27:11 Thank you for supporting Adventist World Radio. 27:14 Your donations and prayers 27:16 literally change lives. 27:20 From broadcast to baptism, 27:22 to baptism to baptism, 27:25 this is AWR360°. |
Revised 2020-05-07