Mission Radio.org
Why Mission Radio? During 9-11, the tsunami of 2004, and Hurricane Katrina, commercial power, telephone, cell phone coverage, and Internet connectivity were compromised, creating communications breakdowns hampering search and rescue, and preventing the dissemination health and welfare information. Ham radio was the only means of communications and lauded as the hero of these major disasters as well as other major disasters worldwide.
Commercial systems will remain vulnerable for the foreseeable future and many missionaries worldwide depend on these vulnerable systems for critical communications. Although SAT phones would be "nice to have" equipment for missionaries, ham radio remains the world's only independent communication backup system which most likely will be the only means to communicate during a major disaster or attack. SAT phones, cell phones, telephones and the internet are not reliable during disasters.
The primary objective for Mission Radio.org is provide communication solutions and support for missionaries deployed around the globe.
Why start in Haiti? Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and the highest AIDS/HIV as well. During a June 2006 DXpedition / mission trip to OMS International's 4VEH Christian radio station, it was noted that backup communication capabilities do not exist anymore. Ham radio is a thing of the past due to reliance on cell phones and satellite internet communication. With a major disaster such as a hurricane or political uprising, many missionaries in Haiti could be left without the ability to communicate to family and associates in the US.
Many older missionaries will agree, ham radio needs to be an integral part of missionary organizations worldwide for emergency communications as well as morale and welfare. Missionaries on the air provides a positive global awareness and promotion of Christian missions.
Our first strategic objective for Haiti is to provide a 2m repeater station for local communication in the Cape Haitian area and an HF base station for 4VEH. Even with cell phones, daily communication between local missionary compounds is difficult. A 2m repeater would allow missionaries to reliably communicate daily as well as during emergency situations. If you'd like to support this endeavor, please contact us.
Mission Radio -- Training, Continuing Education & Equipment while promoting international good will to spread the gospel. |
