Contact: Tim Rickel, World Gospel Mission, 765-671-7283

MEDIA ADVISORY, Jan. 19 /Christian Newswire/ -- With internet services and cell phone coverage still spotty in Haiti following last Tuesday's earthquake, radio has become the main medium for getting news. Radio Lumière, Haiti's largest Protestant radio station, has been able to again begin broadcasting, including Voice of America in Creole.

"Having Voice of American in Creole up again is a big improvement for many here who have been unable to get as much news as we are in the US," said Paul Shingledecker, World Gospel Mission's regional director for the US and Caribbean. Formerly a missionary in Haiti for 23 years, Shingledecker has been in Haiti since January 16, working to get Radio Lumière functional.

"It's just another indication of the importance of keeping Radio Lumière on the air and strong," he said.

Radio staff are still unable to get streaming content running on their website The Haitian-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Hainet reported that half their relays in Port-au-Prince are down.

"Getting the streaming broadcast working is a major priority for Radio Lumière right now. We want to help people stay connected to what is going on in Haiti," said Tim Rickel, vice president of Communication.

Until the main station building can be inspected by an engineer and declared safe, all programming and production is taking place outdoors in a makeshift studio. According to Shingledecker, "Once people begin to get food and water and the hunt for survivors is over, a big need will be for civil engineers who know concrete and can help people evaluate their homes and buildings."

World Gospel Mission, a Marion, Indiana-based interdenominational missionary organization, will be partnering with other non-profit organizations to help rebuild and restore in Haiti. Please visit WGM's website to join these relief efforts through the Crisis Relief Fund or to help repair Radio Lumière. For more information, please contact Tim Rickel at 765-671-7283.

About World Gospel Mission
World Gospel Mission disciples believers to become missions-active Christians. As an interdenominational missionary organization, WGM partners with individuals, small groups, college groups, and churches to intentionally address the physical and spiritual needs of individuals and communities. Learn more here.