Clarence Jones: Mr. Radio

Christian Heroes: Then & Now #28

by Janet Benge, Geoff Benge

Although born into a devout Christian family, Clarence Jones wasn't interested in religion. In fact, it was this Midwesterner's ear for music that led him to play tromboe at Chicago's Moody Church, where he gave his life to Christ and volunteered for mission work. His work began in Chicago, where he helped pioneer Christian radio broadcasts. Led to Ecuador, Clarence cofounded Radio HCJB and the World Radio Missionary Fellowship (1900-1986).

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Religion, Childrens, Faith

200 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

About the author

Janet and Geoff Benge are a husband and wife writing team with twenty years of writing experience. They are best known for the books in the two series Christian Heroes: Then & Now series and Heroes of History. Janet is a former elementary school teacher. Geoff holds a degree in history. Together they have a passion to make history come alive for a new generation. Originally from New Zealand, the Benges make their home in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Reviews

[Daniel Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarence Jones and his wife went to South America to establish a radio station for Christian broadcasts. The only country that would allow them to set up was Ecuador. They built their station at 9300 feet above sea level, which was against expert advice. It was successful and by 1939 they had a 10,000 watt broadcaster. It was able to reach around the world. Not an exciting book but an important achievement. Jones crossed paths with Nate Smith in Ecuador.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was less interesting than the other Christian Heros we have read for two reasons. 1. We enjoy the personal stories of how a ministry impacts individuals, and Clarence Jones had some of that but mostly the impacts were less relational since his primary impact was over the radio. 2. We didn't enjoy all the information about radio transmitters, which there was much of.
This one was a bit of a slog.

[Tim Schwamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story about the impact radio had on evangelism for the first 3/4 of the 1900s! I'm always amazed (although I shouldn't be!) at how God can work in such mighty ways through ordinary people. One thing I took away, though, that ties to that is that we can't sit back -- "we must pray and plan for progress."

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really interesting biography about the man that started Christian radio broadcasting around the world. It really was a revolutionary idea. Several other missionaries were mentioned as he had a hand in their work as well.

[Cynthia Sieloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible life lived in and through God’s might.

I am so I inspired by this God-breathed series of uplifting books that testify to how God can change the world using Christians who follow His call on their lives.

[Chandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our family appreciates the idea of missions and evangelism looking as varied as the various interests and gifts the Lord has given us, so we really enjoyed this story of a somewhat different type of evangelism and mission, via radio.

[Lydia 📚🎨🎵 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book about Clarence Jones who started a radio station called HCJB in Ecuador. People said he was crazy for trying something like that just because Ecuador wasn’t the place to do it especially in the mountain area but he did it.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great missionary story about having faith. Highly recommend .

[Tawnda Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story and how God brought radio to the world.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story on how God used radio to reach the world.

[Robert Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story and very cool to understand how much radio had evolved over the decades, and ultimately how God used Jones to do that. All glory be to God.

[Emilka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Niesamowite. Ale wiele się zmieniło od czasów 20 wieku i początków radia. To co mamy teraz w zestawieniu z tym co było kiedyś - jest nieprawdopodobne.

[Al Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid biography on this pioneering radio missionary in Ecuador.

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith to follow God when others don't believe something is possible. Because he believed God, he saw wonderful fruit for God.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Born 1901 in Idaho. Started the first broadcast in Ecuador and used it to tell people about Jesus. Died 1959 in Florida.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These people in Janet Benge's books inspire me and also make me think that I certainly have done nothing for humanity or the Gospel of Jesus. Clarence started HCJB radio in Ecuador. What a visionary. So many stories of truly unusual provisions during his entire life. He was a trombone played in the Salvation Army. He was able to set up a radio transformer in the 1930s in Ecuador with the blessing of the government because he brought news, culture, music as well as the Good News.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book discusses the life of Clarence Jones, who is best known for starting and creating the first Christian radio program in South America. Intriguing life!

The audiobook narrator was read by Tim Gregory.

[Lisa Cline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the easy to read nature of this series of books. The life of Mr. Jones was a fascinating one and proof of the amazing things God can do through His children who are willing to go where He sends them.

[Leigh Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I enjoyed the book very much, and I love his passion for HCBC. I have never heard of interpreting scripture like he did, though. Still wonderful!