New media as ministry

“An incredible new technology enables the transmission of text on a worldwide basis. It rapidly reduces production and distribution costs and for the first time allows large numbers of people to access text and pictures in their own homes.”

I wonder what that quote conjures up in your mind. Was it thoughts of the Internet? In fact, it was the invention of ‘movable type’ by Gutenberg - the printing press. It transformed education, learning, evangelism and communication. It laid the foundations for the Renaissance, the arts, sciences, and the world as we know it today.

The digital revolution is bringing about a similar huge change in evangelism, Christian discipleship and community, in ways that are only just beginning to be understood. While MECO says goodbye to literature distribution we welcome the arrival of electronic communication. In a non-reading, Internet connected, and visual society it is essential that we respond with an appropriate medium to all sections of the community.

A new recording studio in Egypt
About 12 months ago, MECO agreed to collaborate with an Egyptian initiative to construct a sound and video studio with the added capability to stream programs over the Internet. It needed much work to turn a disused apartment into a studio that would provide commercial quality production facilities. Tons of rubble had to be shifted, new walls constructed and soundproofed. Equipment is now installed and recording in progress. In addition, there is a 24-hour music program streamed on the web and three others will start before the end of this year. With a majority of the population in the Middle East under thirty, the programming will be aimed at the 16-30 age group. But these aren’t ordinary radio programs. Using the Internet, they are connected to chat rooms and forums to enable interaction with listeners.

During a recent visit to the studio, it was good to speak with online ‘counsellors’ who respond to the questions that the programs raise in the minds of Christians and Muslims alike. Young people are very keen to dialogue and especially if the people they interact with are faceless and remote from their situation.

All of this is possible because of the dedication of a small team of Egyptian volunteers who have given up their time to be trained and then be available on-line to those who want to have a conversation.

With the Internet available to so many, using it to encourage and strengthen believers and reach out to others, MECO is pleased to be partners in what is the media of today.