HCJB Global Launches Search for New Head

By Eric Young, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, August 23, 2007

One of the most popular and far-reaching international radio ministries in the world has launched a global search to find a new president.

The Board of Trustees of Colo.-based HCJB Global has established a four-man presidential search team that has already begun the process of looking for a successor to HCJB Global President David J. Johnson, the ministry announced Wednesday.

News of Johnson's plan to step down in September 2008 came after his more than six years of success and major accomplishments as HCJB's leader. During his tenure as president, Johnson developed a new vision for the international missions, launched a new brand, expanded healthcare into a global ministry, established key partnerships around the world, and defined HCJB Global as a discipleship-focused organization with a major emphasis on empowering local believers.

"Dave Johnson's strength has been as a builder," said Dr. Ron Cline, who will be retiring as chairman of HCJB Global's board after 25 years at the helm. "Through his leadership, we have defined a new vision to be the 'voice and hands' of Jesus. We have expanded healthcare globally, strengthened our regional offices and positioned ourselves for effective ministry in the future.

"We owe him a great deal of gratitude," Cline added in a public statement. "We wish and pray for him the very best as he continues to share his dedication, skills and expertise throughout the Christian world."

This year is proving to be a year of big changes for HCJB Global, which started off 2007 with a new name. According to Johnson, the former name, HCJB World Radio, did not accurately portray the organization's vision.

Although it began as a small operation missionary radio broadcast from Quito, Ecuador, in 1931, the organization has since then expanded to include an international medical outreach arm and radio planting ministry – which, after the name change this year, came to be known as HCJB Global Hands and HCJB Global Voice, respectively.

Through its media and healthcare ministries, HCJB airs the gospel in more than 120 languages and dialects; provides healthcare services; and trains local believers in more than 100 countries as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters, and healthcare providers.

Last year marked the organization's 75th anniversary and also witnessed the launch of the new names and logos.

Johnson had called the anniversary "a wonderful milestone of reflecting on God's faithfulness and a legacy of a number of generations that have been faithful in impacting the world through radio in so many languages."

He also said the organization is "absolutely confident that God wants to continue using us in the future."

"The key is realizing that all that has been accomplished has been done in the power of Christ—working through people," Johnson said.

David J. Johnson, 53, joined HCJB Global in 1994, initially serving as director of the International Radio Group (1994-96) and then director of international operations (1996-97) before being named executive director in September 1997.

He became the president of HCJB Global in September 2001.