Leading the Way radio ministries said they would continue their dual language program that airs the gospel message in English as well as the native language, despite critics’ concerns that the listeners will not accept a program in English.
"We tried it, and the stations that broadcast the message received overwhelming response," said Leading the Way’s Michael Youssef. "English has moved from being the gate-keeper of the elite to being the ladder up for the messes. Without it they can not participate in the business world."
The dual-broadcasts, transmitted over radio waves internationally in English and one of seven translations that is edited into the program, serve two purposes: First is to hear the gospel message, the second is to learn the English language.
"It has a dual purpose," said Youssef. "One, that the listener would come to faith in Jesus Christ, but two that they would have an understanding and a knowledge of the English Language.”
According to Youssef, the dual language program draws people who would otherwise not listen. Their goal therefore is to reach 2/3 of the world’s population: 3.9 billion, by 2009.
"We would like to be reaching 3.9 billion people by the year 2009 in the dual language format."