Ten cities in 5 years!

More than 40% of CR website users are aged 15-24

The most amazing thing happened to us at the end of last year.

Out of the blue a listener emailed us to ask, 'what piece of equipment are you most praying for?' We answered: 'a new server to run our radio playout system', and he promptly replied 'it's on the way!'

This was great, but more amazing still was the technical spec of the server he sent. You see we'd been using a server that had been full for several years, to the point we had to keep deleting audio to get new stuff on! But now this new server was a staggering 30 times the size!

Psalm 18:16,19 states "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters......He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

We aren't sure how we will use all the 'spaciousness' in this new server, but one thing we do know: after nearly 7 years of standing in currents of challenge a sense of change is coming to Cross Rhythms and an impending increase in opportunities. It is as if the Master is saying "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.'" Matthew 25: 19, 21

10 CITIES IN 5 YEARS REACHING PEOPLE WITH CROSS RHYTHMS RADIO! 3 UP ALREADY, 7 TO COME!

Since 2002 we have pioneered FM Christian radio that engages with people outside our church walls. We have laid the foundations for a new model of broadcasting, one that is relevant to non-Christians and stands up in the marketplace. One that will be a vital voice for the changing UK church. On March 29th, in collaboration this model was reproduced when Cross Rhythms Plymouth 96.3FM launched. Then, this winter, Cross Rhythms Teesside launches, and we are in discussions with groups in 5 other areas too. We are truly going from a 'few things' to 'the many'!

Here is further evidence:

• The last 7 years has been a real test of faith for our financial survival. There have been crucial moments when miraculous provision and inspired wisdom alone has carried us through. Under the grace of God we have worked on a very tight rein and laboured hard to build up income streams. Yet in August 06, for the first time in many years, our monthly operational cashflow came to break even! We are beginning to be 'drawn out of deep waters'!
• Another expansion is occurring with our syndicated programmes. For 8 years we have produced great music and youth radio shows but haven't syndicated them to other stations. Now that's changed and since January nine new programmes are available to any station around the world: programmes like Audacious, RockNations, Theshowwithnoname and others. Our goal is 300 programmes on stations worldwide.
• It continues to amaze us how the Lord has given our website such favour. More than 180,000 different people use it every month of which more than 40% are aged 15-24! We are seeing thousands of lives impacted through our prayer rooms, Life Files (weekly Bible studies) and articles and we are now building a network of mature people to pray and respond to those who open up their hearts through the site.
• In addition we have been asked to coordinate short term local radio stations across the UK to support Hope 2008. Radio Hope will be run by Cross Rhythms along the lines of our community radio model and these stations will support Hope 2008 as it mobilises 'The whole of the church, for the whole of the year to the whole of the nation'. Already we have 11 promising enquiries.


From the top of the nation, to the nation, for a Christian media voice in the nation
• And finally, this year we take on our first ever fundraising adventure - The Cross Rhythms Ben Nevis Challenge! Yep, at this key moment in time for Christian Radio we are climbing to the top of the nation to raise money to support us in developing the Cross Rhythms model of Community Radio in the nation. On September 15th, the day of the climb, there will be a special live radio programme on Cross Rhythms as we link up with Christian leaders and radio visionaries across the country and, hopefully, link up with a live broadcast from the summit of Ben Nevis. From the top of the nation, to the nation, for a Christian media voice in the nation!

So these are the media opportunities set before us. After nearly 7 years of intensive training and solid foundation laying, the next level is being laid out before us: the 'many things'. To deliver it will require an expansion of ability at Cross Rhythms: a 'spacious place'! It will require a level of equipping and resourcing beyond our measure today. It will require us to do the following:

• Strengthen the Cross Rhythms operation with much needed employees (courageous disciples in media) plus equipment to support a growing national vision


• Set up a training academy in our building to equip young people for Christian media


• Provide support to 10 other groups to establish FM Christian community radio in their city


• Continue developing the CR website to engage the hearts and minds of more and more young people

This is a moment in time. I hope you are encouraged at how Cross Rhythms is pioneering into the future. But now as someone who is interested in this ministry, would you prayerfully consider if you would like to stand with us? Join with us to help to establish this SPACIOUS PLACE today - an expansive ability for Cross Rhythms to respond strongly to the opportunities ahead!

If you feel inspired to invest into Cross Rhythms at the beginning of this new season then please visit our donations page to make a one off contribution or if you would be willing to make a small regular gift each month of £10 then visit our Friends page.

Thank you for your sincere consideration.