When Eric Ponce, Latino missioner at First United Methodist Church, Ypsilanti, Mich., asked God, “How can I serve you (by) reaching the world?” he received a far-reaching answer. Born from his prayer to God and nurtured by the support of members from First United Methodist Church in Adrian, Mich., Radio UMC went on the air in January 2014.
“Radio UMC is a contemporary Christian Internet radio station,” Ponce says, “that has reached more than 20,000 unique listeners in 180 countries. Technology is evolving so rapidly; what (better) way to reach the world but by using it? Anyone can access Radio UMC from a computer (www.radioumc.com), mobile device, iPad, Smart Television or mobile app.”
Drawing listeners ranging from teens to adults in their late 60s, Ponce hopes to reach everyone who loves Christian music and who wants an uplifting experience and closer connection to God. Says Ponce, “Radio UMC has a great vision to help churches around the world.”
One example of this vision is providing geo-targeted ads to listeners based on their location. Such technology would allow Radio UMC to send messages from local churches to listeners via mobile devices based on their current GPS location. “This could be a great tool to show new listeners where they can find the nearest United Methodist church and find a new place to worship,” says Ponce.
However, lack of funding has postponed this part of the vision. Currently, Ponce funds Radio UMC himself.
While funding limits some functions of Radio UMC, Ponce is optimistic about the station’s ability to reach out over the Internet, spread the gospel globally and touch the world.
To learn more about Radio UMC, contact Eric Ponce at 734-657-8567 or e-mail contact@radioumc.com.
Cindy Solomon
How is your church using technology in ministry or mission? Send your story to interpreter@umcom.org for possible use in a future issue or on Interpreter OnLine, www.interpretermagazine.org.