Building Community Through Media

In a world increasingly connected through digital platforms, the role of media ministry has never been more critical. For millions of people who live in remote areas or places with limited access to churches, media ministry offers a lifeline—a way to hear the gospel, grow in faith, and connect with other believers.

That’s why, for more than 85 years, the Christian Reformed Church has been sharing the gospel through its international media ministry, ReFrame Ministries (formerly known as Back to God Ministries or the Back to God Hour).

Through radio broadcasts, printed devotionals, YouTube programs, and online communities, ReFrame’s 10 language ministry teams bridge geographical, linguistic, and cultural gaps to share the transformative message of God’s love. These efforts not only bring spiritual nourishment to individuals, but also foster deeper connections among families and communities—often in regions where open worship is met with opposition. As the following stories from India and Indonesia show, media ministry is a vital tool for discipleship, offering hope and renewal even in the most challenging circumstances.

Ambatoli in India

Some members of the village of Ambatoli, located deep inside a dense Indian forest, greeted their guests with excitement, while others were fearful.

The visit from ReFrame staff in late 2024 came at the request of the village’s 13 Christians who had been meeting in a villager’s home to watch ReFrame’s Hindi ministry program on YouTube. The group wanted to hear more from the program producers. When they received that visit, it came with a special surprise.

While members of the small house church speak the Hindi language they were hearing on the radio, their heart language is Mundari. And as a result of their initial request, this meeting marked the official launch of a Mundari translation of the program they had been watching on YouTube: Jidan Daru, or Tree of Life.

“Around 50 people attended the meeting,” said ReFrame’s Hindi Ministry team leader*, “including members of the house church as well as believers from other churches who live in nearby villages.”

While in Ambatoli, the Hindi ministry team shared a biblical message similar to the content offered on the YouTube program and had a time of fellowship with the Christians and seekers who had gathered. They also shared additional resources to allow the villagers to continue accessing God’s Word online. These resources are especially requested because of a rise in opposition to in-person Christian gatherings.

“Many groups and committees have been formed to attack gospel work,” ReFrame’s Hindi ministry leader said. “Churches and mission workers are targeted, attacked, and falsely accused. Sometimes groups come and attack suddenly where people are gathered and doing worship and prayer in homes.”

In response, ReFrame’s Hindi ministry team has been conducting online discipleship groups on WhatsApp, a secure messaging app. The groups allow seekers to ask questions and access materials safely.

Yakobus in Indonesia

Yakobus once believed his spiritual strength surpassed that of the people who came to him for guidance.

As the leader of a prayer fellowship in Indonesia, Yakobus was diligent in his devotion to the Christian faith. Day after day, he prayed fervently for others, offering comfort and intercession to people in need. Other Christians in the area looked up to him, and he grew accustomed to being a spiritual anchor for his community.

But pride had quietly crept into Yakobus’ heart.

“I felt that my faith was greater than the faith of those who sought my help,” Yakobus admitted.

Then Yakobus joined a listener group established by YKB, a local partner of ReFrame Ministries. This group, led by a pastor named Meshak, gathers weekly to discuss God’s Word, guided by ReFrame radio broadcasts and YouTube programs created for communities where churches are scarce.

For Yakobus, the turning point came through the group’s reflections and discussions of God’s Word. These messages reached him in a way that sermons or prayers never had.

“We watch and hold the discussions every Friday in the community,” Yakobus said. “Through the reflections, I realized that I am nothing without God.”

The listener community—made possible by faithful supporters in the CRC—helped Yakobus see his prayer life differently. Today he understands that prayer is not a sign of superiority, but is an opportunity to connect with God and show care for others. This profound shift in perspective has humbled him, deepening his faith and his understanding of God’s grace.

This has had a ripple effect. For years, Yakobus’ dedication to church ministry created tension at home. His wife, overwhelmed by their household's financial pressures, often resented the time Yakobus spent serving others. They argued frequently, and their relationship suffered.

Yet as Yakobus and his wife joined the listener community together, their relationship dynamic began to change. The lessons and reflective questions discussed in the group provided a framework for meaningful conversations at home. They started to pray and meditate on Scripture as a family, setting aside time to grow in faith together.

"My wife now understands the importance of ministry," Yakobus explained with gratitude. "She no longer complains when I divide my time between work and service. Instead, she supports me wholeheartedly."

For Yakobus and his family, the impact of the listener community has been extraordinary, he said. Their faith has grown, their understanding of God’s Word has deepened, and their family relationships have strengthened.

“We are so grateful to God," Yakobus said. "Through this YKB community we have received incredible spiritual blessings—not just me, but my entire family.”

Why Media Ministry Matters

These stories are just two examples of how media ministry is helping to change lives across Indonesia, India, and the world. In areas where churches are few and far between, listener communities offer something invaluable: a space for believers to connect, grow in their faith, and support one another.

Through radio broadcasts, YouTube programs, and small community gatherings, people like Yakobus are discovering God’s grace in new ways. They’re learning that faith is not about pride or comparison, but about humility, love, and reliance on God.

Prayers and support for ReFrame Ministries allow local partners to create and distribute gospel-centered content that reaches even the most remote areas of Indonesia and India. It helps to establish listener communities where families are transformed, relationships are healed, and faith takes root.

“When you give to ReFrame Ministries, you’re doing more than funding a program,” added Joseph W. Curtis, ReFrame’s director of advancement. “You’re helping people like Yakobus and his family experience the life-changing power of God’s Word. You’re planting seeds of faith in communities where the gospel is desperately needed.”

* Names have been left out for security.