An update from Cross Rhythms CEO Jonathan Bellamy

At a time of financial uncertainty around the world, paradoxically doors of amazing opportunity are now opening to Cross Rhythms to stretch into a season of expansion!

Since 1983 Cross Rhythms has been impacting youth and the wider community with a Christian message through media. We have established three Cross Rhythms FM radio stations in UK cities; our radio shows go to more than 50 stations worldwide and the Cross Rhythms website is one of the most popular UK youth sites, reaching more than 700,000 people each year.

Here's some wonderful news I heard last week from one of our shows: 'This Sunday just gone a lady came to church for the first time after listening to the Audacious Radio Show, and gave her life to Jesus'.

Cross Rhythms is already touching the lives of thousands of young people every day, but now, at a time when many are facing a season of reducing, God is calling Cross Rhythms to go boldly forward into a season of expansion. Let me explain.

A local school in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM

In June the staggering news that 11 leaders in Bethlehem wanted Cross Rhythms to set up a radio station to reach the young Arab generation in their wonderful city, opened up a whole new horizon for this ministry.

For two years we have pioneered a weekly radio show in Bethlehem, and it is from this basis the opportunity for a radio station has emerged. We are encouraged that our unique model of radio is able to engage young people whatever their cultural background. Here is recent feedback from our presenter in Bethlehem:

'I was doing the show this morning when Nabeel had someone sitting in with him. The guy didn't know who I was but realised that I do the show. He said he is a huge fan and he loves the music.'

Bethlehem lives with ongoing threat of war; there is 50% unemployment; 48% are under 18; young people are indoctrinated into hatred; there is little hope, and a typical wage for a young person is £5 per day. Despite all this a huge number of young people have Smartphones; and over 70% of Palestinians have access to the internet!

Through a strong, relevant website our vision is to engage with this unique community of young people, and so positively influence the values and mindset of the emerging young Palestinian generation.

Already several highly respected Arab Christian leaders have joined a board of reference and are advising us: a station name has been agreed; a comprehensive equipment list has been prepared; and a base for studios has also been found. It can house a reception, two studios, a production area, meeting room, manager's office and a bedroom. It is ideal!

Great progress already! And once the equipment and property have been financially secured, our goal is to install and set up the base in early 2012. What an opportunity! And what a privilege!

DJ Mark Kittikhun

THAILAND

Young Muslims in Bethlehem is one thing. How about young Buddhists? In three short months Cross Rhythms Thailand has been born!

Yep, a conversation with a CEO at Thai National Radio, just north of Bangkok, became the launch, in August, of a six month trial for the very first Cross Rhythms Thailand radio show! And the CEO has stated she might pitch it to the national network, the equivalent of the BBC! Wow, what influence!