Our South Europe region (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus) has a high percentage of media consumption spread across various platforms. As a result, we are developing a multichannel strategy to reach different audiences based on their location and preferences. Our goal is to create a culturally sensitive and contextually relevant approach to evangelisation through media in Southern Europe. We strive to address the underlying reasons for the decline of Christianity in the region and bring about a spiritual awakening.
Established in 1994, CRC (Centro di Radiodiffusione Cristiana ETS), TWR’s Italian partner, received numerous stories of changed lives in 2023 through their faithful work on radio and digital platforms. A key achievement was the finalisation of the first European video version of the 5-minute Thru the Bible (TTB) programme, available now on YouTube in Italian.
Spain is a country where Christianity once thrived and held significant political influence. Yet today, secularism prevails and an increasing number of people identify as atheist or agnostic.
Despite this, TWR’s Spanish partner, Canal de Vida, with a radio ministry called Radio Encuentro, spreads the Gospel through radio as well as partnerships with national broadcasters such as Radio Intereconomia and Radio Solidaria. They have also expanded their digital presence, notably through platforms such as Escuelabiblica.com, a Bible study website with millions of yearly visitors.
They have also maintained their collaboration with RTM Brazil on the production and distribution of Ruta 66 (Mission 66).
Our partner Radio Colombe remains a robust ally in France, notably due to their significant contributions in 2023 towards the translation and production of several CCM programmes such as Thru the Bible (TTB), Grace to You and Love Worth Finding. Following a period of transition marked by the departure of key personnel in 2022, Radio Colombe successfully welcomed a new director, Romain Viallard, who has extensive experience in the radio industry. Lastly, an impressive achievement worth noting is the remarkable 57% increase in Radio Colombe‘s audience engagement compared to 2022.
Another exciting development in France is the expansion of our partnership with the broader Phare FM network, to which Radio Colombe belongs. Phare FM is French-speaking Christian radio network of stations that broadcasts across France, Belgium and Switzerland and has an impressive reach to nearly 20 million people. TWR and Phare FM‘s initial joint project I focussed on the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, scheduled for the summer of 2024.
TWR Hellas, our partner in Greece, assists the evangelical church in Greece by making Christian radio programmes available through a network of radio stations spread across the Greek territory. They produce, distribute, promote and engage with listeners of TTB long and short versions on FM platforms, while managing their online ministry through the Discover Life website.
RTM Portugal, our ministry partner in Portugal, is involved in various media-related ministries. TTB is a flagship programme of Portugal known as O som do livro (The sound of the Book) and broadcast across Portugal through seven radio stations and distributed on major digital platforms.
Rubino, director of TWR Portugal, shared the following story:
“Rita was witch in Southern Portugal and everyone in town knew about her. One day she tuned in to O som do livro. She had been immersed in the world of the occult but was now hearing a new and different message.
She also sought help from the village priest, but stopped meeting with him after a month because she was learning so much more from the daily 30-minute radio programme. Then the day came when Rita yielded to Christ and became a new creation!
She dumped her occultists books and paraphernalia and is now a member of a local church. One day she met Rubino and fell at his feet weeping when she found out who he was. That is how grateful she was for the radio programme that changed her life.”
The Women of Hope ministry also experienced tremendous growth in 2023, not only in their digital communication channels but also on their team. God has indeed raised up several women with a heart of service and compassion to dedicate their time to this ministry.
