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“ | T h a s b e e n amazing to realize the high volume I o f non-Christian ‘sinner contact’ mail received ■ since going on TV,” explained Richard De Haan, speaker on the relatively new communica tions ministry o f Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan. “ It seems that through this important medium we’re able to reach people who don’t at tend church regularly.” DAY OF DISCOVERY went on the air in Octo ber, 1968. The program is now released on a select ed network o f television outlets throughout the United States. Surveys indicate an immediate re ception o f the program not only among Christian people, but also with those who are not ordinarily thought to be church-oriented. “We try to make each telecast appealing to all ages,” DeHaan commented. “With music arranged and conducted by a man like Dick Anthony, we know we can’t m iss!” As Executive Producer, An thony invites a special guest each week to be fea tured with the regular 20-voice Discovery Singers and Orchestra. His wife Dotti is also heard in harp selections. Although the Radio Bible Class headquarters remain in Grand Rapids, the DAY OF DISCOV ERY telecasts are produced before a live audience in one o f Florida’s newest municipal auditoriums, the Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg, seating more than 2,200. The program is prepared in co-operation with the local CBS affiliate in Tampa. Three-color cameras, a completely equipped video-tape sound truck, and related electrical gear are necessary to assure a smooth production. Cypress Gardens, the Kapok Tree, and Sunken Gardens are a few o f the scenic locations fo r a number o f recent productions. It was more than 30 years ago that Richard De Haan’s father, Dr. M. R. DeHaan, began the RA DIO BIBLE CLASS. Although he was interested in seeing the Gospel extended through the means o f TV, he realized his own limitations in strength. “ Looking back now,” Richard observes, “ I can see how wise he was. Television is most exacting and physically demanding.” The RADIO BIBLE CLASS is heard on hun dreds o f stations each Sunday, and the television program serves as a vital supplement in outreach, appealing to a completely different audience.
The most important aspect o f the telecast (as well as the radio programs) is the teaching o f the Bible. As Richard points out, “ Everyone is our target. We have found from experience that basic Bible teaching provides the proper framework for true evangelism. The challenges are certainly great!” Expansion into additional areas o f release is anticipated in the future. Results already experi enced include such survey reports as a 51 per cent share o f the total audience for some o f the major markets. Station logs are available from the or ganization’s Grand Rapids office. One o f the amazing aspects o f the work is the fact that appeals for financial support are never made on the air. “ It’s not that we don’t have needs,” Richard DeHaan declared, “ but we have felt through the years that if we feed the people with the Word o f God, and they are blessed there by, they will naturally want to share the message with others.” DAY OF DISCOVERY, while having been on the air less than a year, has made a solid impact on the television field. More than 60 people are in volved in each production, amounting to hundreds o f hours o f work in music, lighting, scripts, record ing, editing, and other related areas. “ Most o f all, we appreciate the prayerful interest o f friends,” Richard DeHaan was quick to point out.
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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