A New FM Site for Andahuaylas

10 May 2016

In April, Diospi Suyana purchased land for their latest FM license (103.7 – see my previous post) – a transmission site above the city of Andahuaylas.  This is a 100²m lot of land adjacent two existing TV/FM broadcast towers.

Andahuaylas is estimated to have a population of 63,654 in 2015, making it the largest city in the Apurímac region.

The below photos below best describe the transmission site acquisition.

Existing TV and FM broadcast towers above the city of Andahuaylas.

The city of Andahuaylas in the valley.

There is a lot more to do now including a significant infrastructure build (e.g. tower, building, power, program link etc.) but this land purchase is off to a good start.

I just need to get there now!

Chris

A Diospi Suyana Broadcast Transmission Update

9 May 2016

An adaptation from the Diospi Suyana website Media News of 23 April 2016 and 3 May 2016:

A Sr. Hugo Orosco showed up at Diospi Suyana Hospital on 29 March and he brought a surprising offer with him: an FM license (normally difficult to obtain in Peru).  On 21 April, Dr John signed a declaration of intent for the purchase.

As soon as the transmission equipment is installed, a program for the district of Curahuasi can be transmitted.

Dr. John and Sr. Hugo Orosco Vivanco, Director of “Red Nacional de Radio y Television”

 The “Gifted” FM 103.7MHz License

This brings the Diospi Suyana Media Centre radio licenses to two, plus one TV license to service Curahuasi.   300,000 people live in the coverage area of these three licenses.   There is more to follow in due course.

By June 2016 it is hoped the entire Diospi Suyana broadcast team should be in place, comprising approximately 10 broadcast workers (as of 3 May, this stands at 5 workers).  In the meantime the studios must be set up and the transmission of the signals from Curahuasi to the city of Andahuaylas (74km line of sight) solved.

However there is a 4.6km (height above sea level) mountain in the direct path.  But a two hop microwave link using existing transmission sites would be the best outcome if possible.  It would initially avoid the higher cost of satellite and the cost and unreliability of a public internet system.  However satellite will be the inevitable final solution to service a wider Peru transmission network.

“Content is king” as the saying goes in the broadcast industry and so is well appreciated by Diospi Suyana that the best equipment is of no use without compelling and professional programming.

The Diospi Suyana hospital school stand for absolute quality.  It is our hope, that our Media Centre can reach a similar standard.  This won’t happen overnight, but this goal is envisaged within about five years.

Chris

Jake - 1 MONTH TIL I GET TAKEN TO PERU!

1 May 2016

Jake's latest “DeJake” video blog instalment: 1 MONTH TIL I GET TAKEN TO PERU, for your viewing pleasure! ☺

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GSz_o2AxjU

DeJake "social presence" logo

We really appreciate Jake’s honesty, openness and perception about his future – thanks Jake!  In fact Sandi and I could not have summed up better ourselves how we are feeling about our forthcoming 3 year term in Peru.

Chris (a proud Dad right now)

Tickets Booked!

11 April 2016

The moment has arrived!  We have now booked tickets to depart Australia on Tuesday 31 May 2016.  Qantas had a half price special from Sydney to Lima which was just too good to pass up, so Lifesource and Pioneers agreed we should book them.

This is despite our support level currently being at 53% with 4 weeks to go!

As I have kept saying all along, this is a faith walk for us and a conviction that God is opening this door for us.  I could not help but find it ironic that today’s Bible Gateway verse was one of my favourites - Hebrews 11:6 which states;

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I have envisioned Moses standing at the Red Sea with some 2 million+ Israelites and the Egyptian army in hot pursuit to take the people back into slavery.  Moses would have been tested to the last at that point as he stood on the shore.  Some of the similarities are somewhat ironic for me – Red Sea viz. Pacific Ocean, awaiting passage as time runs out with a large audience of onlookers.

However moving forward in time our family of merely 10 and a God who is willing and able to act the same today as he did 3,162 years ago with Moses – no problem!

I met a new friend at a Pioneers’ prayer meeting recently who in follow up directed me to the revelation that Moses had in that moment in time, which in Exodus 14 it reads;

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

So that is my conviction.  Having done all we can do, we will stand still and wait for the promised passage.  Amen.

Chris