Missionary radio expands in Brazil

Brazil (MNN/TWR) — Reaffirming a longstanding commitment to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ throughout South America, international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) on November 21st formally dedicated a new 50,000-watt shortwave transmitter in the southern city of Santa Maria, Brazil. The new broadcasting outlet marks TWR’s 14th major international transmitting site, and it fortified the Mission’s nearly 35-year-old evangelical outreach in Brazil.

Spearheaded by Radio Trans Mundial-Brazil (RTM-Brazil), TWR’s largest partner organization in the Americas region, the latest outlet will allow 24-hour-a-day broadcasts in Portuguese to penetrate at least two-thirds of the country. The world’s fifth largest nation in terms of geographical area, Brazil boasts a population of nearly 175 million.

Local government officials, church leaders and TWR President Dr. David Tucker joined the RTM-Brazil staff to celebrate the opportunity God has provided for even more listeners to hear God’s Word proclaimed over the air. “We’re excited about the potential to reach millions more people for Christ in Brazil,” says Tom Corcoran, international director for TWR-Americas, who also attended the dedication.

Already, responses are coming in from listeners around the country. “We are getting reports that the signal is reaching well up into the Amazon,” says Corcoran. “Hopefully in the near future we will add tribal languages like Baniua, Makuxi and Ticuna, and even Spanish, especially since the signal reaches into countries like Bolivia and Paraguay.

The new “off-the-shelf” transmitter will help TWR ‘upgrade’ when needed. “This transmitter has the ability to be converted to digital if we ever desire to go that route.”

RTM-Brazil originated in 1970 and is flourishing today, broadcasting Portuguese programs 24 hours a day via satellite to local AM and FM radio stations throughout Brazil.