We’ve Come a Long Way
By Donna Jones
The international ministry of Insight for Living has come a long ways in the past 30 years. Since the ministry’s inception in 1979, we have been committed to the vision of proclaiming the Word of God around the world; early on, we began to see some tangible evidence of our heartbeat for missions.
In 1985, the year I began serving as Cynthia Swindoll’s assistant, Insight for Living was broadcast in only one language: English. But even then—six years after its founding—the ministry was expanding beyond the borders of the United States. Our Canadian ministry had opened its doors, and we had started broadcasting the Insight for Living program internationally to Europe, the Philippines, and Central America. With hearts, feet, and hands for the Lord, as well as a commitment to furthering the vision of communicating biblical truth to a desperate and needy world, Insight for Living had begun its missionary work around the globe.
I’ll never forget the day I became aware of just how far the international ministry had come. In December 2000, Insight for Living hosted a reception in downtown Dallas to commemorate the relocation of the ministry from Southern California to the Dallas metroplex. At the reception, international students from Chuck Swindoll’s alma mater, Dallas Theological Seminary, were introduced. Student after student, many donning the attire of their native countries, spoke of how they had come to faith in Christ through the ministry of Chuck Swindoll and Insight for Living in their home country. They shared how they were now attending the seminary to receive the necessary training to return and minister to their fellow countrymen and women. I will never forget that overwhelming experience. I carry that memory with me as I fulfill my daily duties as vice president of Living Bridge Media. What a blessing to know that the work of my team as we craft the English broadcast of Insight for Living is being multiplied (with great fruit!) around the world.
What’s more, at the writing of this article, two of my colleagues who work on the Insight for Living broadcast production staff are traveling to Russia to assist our pastor there in setting up his own recording studio, so that he can more effectively and efficiently prepare the Russian-language version of the Insight for Living broadcast. What an incredible time to be in mission work, as we see firsthand how technology helps to build up the saints throughout the world!
These are rewarding yet challenging times in radio broadcasting. We’ve come a long way in 30 years, but there’s still much more to do. With your financial partnership with us, we all will continue to fulfill our roles in missionary work across the globe. Take a moment to thank God for how lives have been eternally impacted for Christ and how YOU have participated in accomplishing great things for His kingdom. We could not do it without you. Please pray for my team as we produce the daily Insight for Living radio program, work to build relationships with our U.S. radio stations, and partner with our international pastors to impact “the remotest part of the earth” for the glory of Christ.
Copyright © 2009 by Insight for Living.
About the author
Donna Jones
Donna Jones serves as vice president of Living Bridge Media at Insight for Living Ministries. She coordinates the broadcast schedule with Cynthia Swindoll and leads a talented team of audio and video editors who provide listeners with the Word of God as presented by Chuck and the creative Insight for Living team.
