In 2008, Ballymena Presbytery entered into a partnership with the Evangelical Christian Church in Timor (GMIT), the second largest Protestant Church in Indonesia, with almost 900 ministers in 1,937 congregations, serving around 1.4 million members, spread across 42 islands! With the population spread over a vast geographical area and so many islands, GMIT uses a Radio Broadcasting Station to effectively get information to people in an efficient way, as well as being a means of spreading the gospel and discipling Christians. As resources and programming are currently limited, GMIT aim to develop a purpose-built studio complete with broadcasting and production equipment that can reach a wider audience with quality programming. As a Presbytery, we are financially supporting them to realise this aim which has a total estimated cost of £35,000.
The project has been broken down into 3 phases: phase 1 is to construct the sound-proof studio and support area; phase 2 is to erect the necessary broadcasting equipment (including for example a 40m high antenna); phase 3 is to equip the studio with up-to-date technology. We are thankful to all of the congregations who have contributed to date, contributions which have so far totalled over £24,000.
Below are the most recent photos showing progress of the studio construction. The studio is being constructed behind the synod office of GMIT.