‘Messages of Hope’ are broadcast across more than 1200 radio frequencies in Australia and NZ, and are solely funded by donations.
By: Joanne Chamberlain
On 2 September 1945, The Lutheran Hour was first broadcast on Australian radio. The founder of the International Lutheran Hour, Dr Walter A. Maier, was heard on 36 stations in all capital cities and many large rural centres around Australia. Records show that 106 people responded by mail to that first program and 45 pounds was received in donations.
To celebrate its 80th year, Lutheran Media has launched a history book ‘Lutheran media ministry in Australia and New Zealand: 80 years of blessings’. The book captures fascinating stories from past directors, staff and volunteers. It’s inspiring to read of the humble beginnings of Lutheran media ministry in Australia - which included an initial ban from radio due to anti-German sentiments during WW2 - and to view the development of their mission.
Lutheran Media, through their brand Messages of hope, share stories of people who are facing life’s challenges such as grief, loneliness, addiction, pain, depression and anxiety. With weekly podcasts, booklets offers, videos and more, found on their websites, on radio and across multiple social media platforms, Lutheran Media offers messages of the hope that is found in Jesus, which transforms lives. All this occurs thanks to a small and passionate team of staff and volunteers.
Their video ‘Dementia – this is our story’ has now reached over 1 million views and continues to inspire people to share their heartbreaking and hope-filled stories of dementia and caring for loved ones.
Lutheran Media’s manager, Tania Nelson, shared in the 80th anniversary book, 'As I serve in Lutheran Media I am inspired and encouraged by the words of St Paul: I [Paul] planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
'I am thankful to God, who makes the messages of hope seeds - that are watered by our faithful supporters - to grow. To God be the glory!'
You can learn more about Lutheran Media here:
www.lutheranmedia.org.au
www.messagesofhope.org.au