Roger Rants Chapter 2

Some time ago I began what I suspected would be a series of…well, if not rants…then observations about a problem that had been bothering me. The evolution of our business has made it tough to provide free air time to non-profit agencies. But, as a Christian radio station, we can’t ignore our brothers and sisters in the ministry, either. So, I started this blog, hoping that occasionally someone with a need would come along that I could assist, if in no other way… than just to get the word out.

So, if I may, let me introduce you to World Mission. Based in Grand Rapids, but with a global vision, World Mission has as its stated mission, “to provide education about the Word of God along with missionary support and training to ‘unreached’ people groups..”
Their vision “is to distribute the Word of God in an audio format to every illiterate people group using The Treasure, a digital audio player specifically designed for use in remote locations.”

To help finance this vision, World Mission has set up a number of “Valueland/World Mission Thrift” stores. To find out if there’s a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store in your area simply log on to www.worldmission.cc. If there is a store near you…or even if there isn’t, I’d like to urge you to consider volunteering your services at the store. It’s a great way to keep busy, to meet people, and most importantly, to have a part in spreading the gospel to people who might not hear the Good News any other way.

So that’s it. Make yourself aware of the vision of World Mission. Buy stuff from their Valueland/World Mission Thrift stores. And, volunteer to help. But that’s not quite the end of the story. Let me put a slightly more personal touch on this one. Several years ago, World Mission, through their fine Executive Director, Greg Kelly, came to me with a proposition that changed my life. World Mission had just gotten the rights to an English language version of the New Testament, the sales of which were being used to finance earlier versions of audio scriptures in the languages of remote tribes and people groups all over the world. It was felt, however, that the English language version of what was then dubbed The Talking Bible, needed a fresh voice…and, praise God, the voice they chose was mine!

I’ve never known what it meant to be used by God as much as I did during those weeks when I was able to sit down and read, out loud, every word in the New Testament. The level of concentration, the vocal nuances, the phraseology, everything it took to “get it right” gave me a feeling of accomplishment unmatched in my long life. I’ve heard other people tell stories of how God’s Word “came alive” to them. I can suggest, that if you want the Bible to come alive to you, just pick it up and start reading out loud.

But, back to today. My experience with the people at World Mission has been life-changing. Your experience as a donor, as a shopper at a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store, or as a volunteer, will change your life as well. Won’t you consider how God would use you in partnership with World Mission?
Thanks for your time. I’m Roger Allan.