Behind the Scenes
How Turning Point is reaching the world from Columbus to Mexico
Choosing a language
Since we began broadcasting in foreign languages (reaching hundreds of millions of people in their own language), we’ve averaged nearly one new language a year. We are intentional about strategically reaching different continents, broadcasting through different mediums, and even reaching people in urban versus rural settings.
When determining our next language expansion, our decision is largely influenced by three key factors:
- A particular language’s reach.
- The quantity and quality of reliable Christian resources available in that language.
- God-arranged opportunities or partnerships that align with our mission.
Choosing a translator
After selecting a language, the initial phase is to identify a suitable translation partner. We take the translation of Dr. Jeremiah’s English content very seriously. James 3:1 mentions that those who teach are judged more strictly, and we are very careful not to lead anyone astray with the translations being produced.
Some translation partners are recommended to us by trusted sources. Others approach us out of a desire God has placed in their hearts. Regardless of where they come from, we vet every potential translation partner on their translation skills and theological alignment. This ensures that the translator we select is grammatically proficient in the language, can adapt examples for local countries and cultures, and produces translations that align with Turning Point’s theological beliefs.
Assembling a team
Did you know that for any given Turning Point TV broadcast you see, we produce more than 43 different versions of that program? Each broadcast version varies by length, contact information, and broadcast stipulations.
To produce these multiple versions for each language, we rely on the help of foreign production partners.
After undergoing a thorough vetting process, each foreign language production team works closely with us to make certain that the programs meet Turning Point's standards of quality and professionalism.
Choosing the message
Turning Point has produced more than 2,000 unique English messages from more than 155 different series since we began back in 1982.
When we start a new foreign language, each year we schedule either 52 programs (one per week) for television or 260 programs (one per weekday) for radio. This means we broadcast, on average, six series each year on television or twelve on radio.
Depending on the region and dominant local religion, we will tailor our content to reach our target audience most effectively.
For example, in predominantly Muslim regions, we will often first air series such as The God You May Not Know and The Jesus You May Not Know to dispel misperceptions people may have about Jesus. Or in Russia, we carefully select content that does not reference the U.S. or the West, as this is viewed as off-putting and may cause viewers to stop watching. Every year, Easter and Christmas content is scheduled, including Why the Nativity? when available in that language. Local broadcast laws and holidays also influence the content we air.
Choosing a delivery method
Once the foreign language programs have been translated and produced, they are then sent out for broadcast on radio and/or television as well as distributed digitally.
Our goal is for every program produced to air on both a traditional broadcast medium, namely radio or television, as well as a digital platform where the content can be consumed at the convenience of the listener or viewer.
Even as the influence of digital platforms rises, we regularly receive testimonies from individuals who “just happened” to hear the program on radio or see it on television…many of whom committed their lives to Christ!
Staying the course
Our International team consists of slightly more than a dozen incredibly hard-working individuals with a passion to reach the world with the Gospel. From those in their 20s to those in their 80s, our staff comes from many backgrounds, countries, and cultures, and speaks more than ten different languages.
Even with the unbelievable support received from all the other departments at Turning Point, there remains a need for additional assistance in fulfilling the mission God has entrusted us. We also need abundant wisdom and God’s guidance to successfully reach people for Christ in new languages and innovative approaches.
With more than 7,000 languages spoken globally, Turning Point’s presence in 16 languages signifies the beginning of our vast outreach endeavor. When combined, the languages that Turning Point currently broadcasts in has the potential to reach 63% of the world!
As we continue to expand our radio, television, and digital outreach in various languages, we invite you to witness the impact firsthand. We want you to be a part of it all!
Each opportunity realized, whether in the past, present, or future, is a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness, coupled with your invaluable support.
As Matthew 9:37 reminds us, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Together, we press forward in our collective pursuit of spreading hope, love, truth, and salvation to all corners of the globe.
