When Henry Francis Lyte felt compelled to show his gratitude to the Lord, he dipped into the words of Psalm 103 and wrote the lines, 'Praise my soul, the King of heaven, to His feet thy tribute bring'. As we at Let The Bible Speak pass the conclusion of another year of blessin, we have much reason to 'Praise Him for His grace and favour'. As you read this article, we ask you to 'Praise with us the God of grace.'

As the end of the year passes there is a natural tendency to take a moment to stop and reflect on the events that have now entered into God's eternity.

And so as we cast our mind's eye back on this calendar year we can praise God for the increase and blessing that He has bestowed on the radio ministry of LTBS.

Northern Ireland

In 2008 we made a break through into Northern Ireland when we effectively negotiated for air time on five local radio stations : 5FM, 6FM, 7FM, Q97, Q101

However during the summer months issues arose in relation to punctuality of transmissions simultaneous broadcasting of music, programmes being aired on the wrong station and some programmes not being transmitted at all.

A meeting with the Chief Executive of Northern Media Group (N M G) was convened to ensure that the commitments given to us in our contract would be honoured. We can report that there has been successful resolution of these issues, with the Chief Executive promising that none of these difficulties would reoccur and financial compensation was made to LTBS.

It is with great joy that we can inform you of one listener a gentleman, who has been tuning in for many months, who was convicted of his need of salvation and came to trust in Christ. His wife then began attending services in one of our congregations and she also found the Saviour.

The Lord overuled in all things for His own glory and we rejoice that he was pleased to do. God is continuing to bless the ministry and we are thankfull for the audience that tunes in each Sunday morning at 9:15 am.

Our contract with NMG expires at the end of December 2009 and we will have to negotiate for a new contract to allow programmes to continue in 2010. Please pray that God will guide in this matter and we will be able to continue speading the Word of God over the airwaves in Northern Ireland.

Bristol

Another opening in the UK for LTBS broadcasts came in February 2009. Rev Wesley Graham was initially offered a half hour slot on Bristol Community Radio a station which also broadcasts on the Internet and has an estimated audience of 20,000 listening online. Two months later the station offered a one hour slot. To find programme content for a thirty minute opening is demanding both on time and effort. Filling up a one hour space presents an even greater challenge; a tremendous opportunity to reach souls week by week with the Gospel of saving grace.

IRAN, AFGHANISTAN

Programmes going into Iran and Afghanistan quickly followed the commencement of our Bristol broadcasts. On 19th April 2009 the first LTBS programme in Farsi was broadcast in shortwave radio and the Internet. The fifteen minute programme airs each Sunday evening at 7pm ( local time) on Bible Voice Radio, 11.895 khz.

Pooyan Mershahi is the translator and preacher. The programmes are also uploaded on Sermonaudio which has dedicated a Persian page. Requests for the free literature in Farsi ( A New Beginning, The Gospel Of John ) have come from listeners in Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and many other countries. Some listeners have emailed to say that they have professed faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for them that they may grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In countries where literature is banned and it is not safe for booklets to be mailed the digital files are emailed to those with internet facilities. May the Lord have a great harvest of souls in these troubled nations where tyranny reigns. (Truth for Youth Magazine Dec 2009)