Rádio Novo Tempo: A Voice of Hope that Goes Beyond Borders

Created in the 19th century, radio was and continues to be the most dynamic medium that exists today, despite the new communication systems that emerged in the last century. As a result, February 13, 2011 was declared World Radio Day, a date promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in honor of a media outlet that daily sends information and varied programs to listeners.

This is a commitment that Rádio Novo Tempo shares, and it has been allowed, over the years, to carry quality programming focused on social responsibility, with an emphasis on family values, education, and biblical principles, thus transforming the lives of millions of people.

“Radio changed my life. It made me stay on my feet despite so much suffering,” says Cristian Cevallos, from Ecuador, to whom Rádio Novo Tempo gave hope at a critical moment, in which he was on the verge of taking his own life after the immense void he felt and the depression through which he was going as a result of his divorce, as well as the sadness that invaded him at the thought that he could not give his daughter a happy home.

“In the midst of my despair, I remembered the radio, looked for the station, and found it. When listening to the programs, I wrote down the WhatsApp number and contacted them. Since then, I have learned that everything has a purpose. I have been strengthened and grown spiritually. This is what keeps me at peace, happy, and calm, and all this thanks to the radio,” he reports.

Transformed Lives

A somewhat similar story is that of Mónica Giménez, from Argentina, who lost her sight due to diabetes. Alone, without help from her family, suffering violence from her partner, and trying to do everything possible not to neglect her young son, she hit rock bottom. Not knowing what it meant to pray, she desperately cried out to God for help in her anguish because she could no longer bear so much pain.

And in the darkest moment of her history, God was present in a wonderful way, through the waves of Rádio Novo Tempo, to say she was not alone and there is hope for her life. “In the midst of my despair, I found Rádio NT. Since then, I have felt accompanied, I have had the peace that I asked God for so much. I always say that Rádio NT is my daily co-pilot, which gives me strength to keep going,” says Mónica, moved emotionally.

Radio’s Growth 

Today, Novo Tempo has more than 180 radio stations spread across the eight countries of South America, with an unprecedented programming of 90 percent in Spanish and Portuguese, thus reaching a potential audience of more than 85 million people.

Over the years, technology has advanced and, with it, Rádio NT. Currently, it offers new content, such as podcasts and live broadcasts through different digital platforms.

The Voice of Hope

According to Tomás Parra, director of Rádio Novo Tempo, the radio's mission is to share hope in Christ Jesus through diverse programming. “We have a distinct programming that focuses precisely on the needs of our listeners, trying to meet the mental, physical, and spiritual areas. For that reason, we have programs about health, programs focused on well-being, but also programs that help us find a practical way to experience the Christian life,” he points out.

Radio NT also focuses on getting listeners into Bible study. “In 2021, 17,000 people requested free Bible courses, and we have the desire to reach more than 20,000 people in 2022,” Parra says.

These study guides have valuable content, so they are free for those who request them yet subsidized by Angels of Hope, which, through systematic donations, gives its heart and economic resources so this can be a reality, details Parra, who emphasizes that listeners can request studies through the WhatsApp numbers of Rádio NT in Spanish (+55 12 98 100 1460) and Portuguese (+55 12 982 444 449). 

Face-to-Face Meetings

Concerned with the integration of listeners and providing personalized attention, Rádio Novo Tempo offers “Espaços NT,” which are physical places like offices or other sites where it is possible to enjoy differentiated programs, such as educational lectures and didactic workshops, among others, which allow participants to feel part of the Novo Tempo family.

“We have over 420 'NT spaces' spread across South America, and that number will continue to grow. Therefore, I invite our friends to attend because they will be received with great joy,” highlights Parra. 

Every work has its reward; therefore, Rádio NT continues to work hard to reach more people. In 2021, almost 12,000 people gave their lives to Christ through baptism through the Novo Tempo Network, a joint effort between radio, TV and the web. And in 2022, the goal is to reach many other hearts.

Over the years, the public has been one of the pillars for Rádio Novo Tempo to continue growing. In this context, on World Radio Day, the director of this network thanks listeners for their preference.

“Thank you so much for allowing us to enter the privacy of your homes. I ask that you continue to follow faithfully as listeners and that, through your prayers, intercede for this great team that is spread throughout South America and that has the sole purpose of continuing to share hope so that the work of God continues to advance,” Parra concludes.

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s news site