Click above video to play.

Another post precipitated by hard disk housekeeping... I found this recent video of the last official recording PBA's Rev. Akira Hatori. Rev. Hatori has been with PBA nearly since its beginning, serving as chairman and main radio pastor for decades. Over the years, other men have also come on board to make programs, and run PBA -- but it was Rev. Hatori who worked tirelessly travelling around Japan, building a network of churches that would reach out to their cities, towns and villages with gospel radio, and then TV. PBA is a successful ministry because it works with over 2,000 churches around the country, connecting broadcast listeners to local congregations. He is a man of prayer, and I believe has been anointed by the Lord. People respond to his preaching more than any other minister I know.

Rev. Hatori has been trying to retire for years, but the staff has begged him to stay on. But finally, it was time. I'm glad that as he was headed into the studio for the last time, the head of our radio department came running to get me -- "Tim, we have to get this on tape!" Hadn't thought that far ahead myself!

Also have some photos of Rev. Hatori and the TEAM missionaries from PBA's early days here.