There is a paradox in football, arguably the most team-oriented sport in existence. Even focusing specifically on defense, the 11 players (traditionally, four linemen, three linebackers, two safeties, and two cornerbacks) will experience success only when they operate in tandem like a well-oiled machine. However, the best way to achieve that harmony is for each player to focus solely on his assignment, remaining functionally oblivious to what the other ten are doing. 

Several paradoxes mark the Christian faith. For instance, Jesus sometimes employed natural resources to perform His supernatural wonders, like when He used a young boy’s lunch to feed thousands. The North American Division’s five media ministries exhibit a striking paradox: unity built through personal vision, and spiritual impact through tangible, earthly tools. 

The ministries have carved out their own legacy, occasionally joining forces. Each has embraced the use of modern technology to augment its mission. Individually and collectively, they have accomplished impressive feats extending Christ’s invitation to life eternal across the globe. 

Though it dons the longest, greyest beard of the five, La Voz de la Esperanza, founded in 1942 by Dr. Braulio Pérez Marcio, has adapted well to the current media landscape. Asserting its presence on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, La Voz is filling a valuable niche by trumpeting the everlasting gospel to Spanish-speaking audiences throughout Central and South America and beyond.

Erica Miranda, Bible School coordinator for La Voz, underscored the inspiring response to their study lessons. “A few months ago, we had about 20,000 people graduating from the Bible School in southern Mexico,” she shared. Recent baptism numbers are pending, but in general, La Voz has played a key role in thousands of people sealing their decisions for God.

Roy Ice, speaker/director for Faith for Today, spoke with palpable vigor, sharing what God has accomplished through this 75-year ministry. Faith for Today takes its world scope to a deeper level by delving into the secular world.

“We’ve leaned completely into a life-coaching format. It actually advanced us to be the #1 life-coaching show on broadcast television,” said Ice, speaking of Lifestyle, their cornerstone program. “We interview celebrities, professional athletes, authors, and experts to help people have a story to understand you’re not the only one going through [various challenges].” People are encouraged by seeing highly revered public figures experiencing the same human struggles yet finding victory by adopting healthy practices.

Ice emphasized Faith for Today’s aspiration to execute Christ’s ministry model: mingling with people, desiring their well-being, ministering to their needs, earning their trust, then inviting them to discipleship.

The late Walter Arties founded Breath of Life Ministries in 1974, recognizing the undeniable need to establish a beacon of heavenly light for the African American community. Amalia Dugal, manager and treasurer for Breath of Life (and Arties’ niece), discussed how current speaker and director Debleaire Snell has an immense passion for evangelism altogether and youth specifically.*

“We now have a children's ministry which we’ve never had before in the history of Breath of Life, which we’re quite excited about,” Dugal said as she highlighted Evie’s Treehouse and its content creator, Danita Jones.

According to Dugal, Breath of Life has a hearty social media presence, occupying platforms such as Spotify, Apple TV, and Instagram. Live events make up a component of the ministry as well, Snell having recently conducted a revival series in St. Louis, Missouri.An

“Our founder [in 1992], Paul Moore, was the one that had the vision to start [a radio ministry] in Yakima, Washington,” said John Geli, director of LifeTalk Radio. “It was quite interesting. There were individuals who wanted to receive the programming there, but they lived in another state. … As a result, Paul said, ‘Hey, we got to get ourselves on the satellite.’”

Today, satellite is one of the many conduits for LifeTalk’s life-giving programming. According to Geli, they broadcast through over 250 radio affiliates in the US, Australia, England, Belize, and elsewhere. He also mentioned they employ devices such as Alexa, Google Home, and Roku.

Like Ice, Geli conveyed LifeTalk’s dedication to emulating Christ’s method. “People are struggling to pay their bills right now. They're struggling to deal with challenges,” he stated. “Some are having hardships in their marriages, and so they need counseling. Some of the families are breaking up and need something to help them to stay together.” Geli referenced New Life Live, America’s #1 Christian counseling program.

Jesus 101 “exists to introduce people to the real Jesus of the gospel, and to equip them to share His love with others.” Manager Casey Tom shared one of the ways they use technology to achieve this mission statement.L

“One of the things our Bible studies often have are QR codes,” Tom said. “So, while you're going through the Bible study, whether you’re using it in a church setting or a small group or individual study, you can scan the QR code, and it’ll take you straight to the program that's tied directly to the lesson.”

Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, speaker/director for Jesus 101, hosts pillar programs such as Fear Not! and Indestructible Love. The ministry is the youngest of the five, recently celebrating its “sweet 16th birthday,” according to Tom.

These media ministries are emblems of God’s tenacious, resourceful efforts to reach His children in any and every fold and bestow to them comprehensive healing: body, mind, heart, and soul.

*Read more about Breath of Life Ministries’ recent 50-year anniversary celebration here.

~John Simon is a freelance writer based in Berrien Springs, Michigan.