| ROSHAN*, A PASTOR FROM A COUNTRY in the Indian subcontinent, was abducted, blindfolded, and whisked away late one night. He struggled with his captors as they led him down a steep staircase, convinced he’d been hijacked by terrorists.
When his blindfold was removed, he was unprepared for the scene before him: 100-150 new believers gathered in the basement of a large building, waiting to hear the Word of God.
Once Roshan recovered from his shock, he talked to them about Jesus and the gift of salvation. Unfortunately, these young Christians would not be able to share their faith with their friends and family, because mentioning the Good News is hazardous in this country. There’s also little chance for Christians to attend a worship service or enjoy the fellowship of other believers.
But there is a way for them to continue growing spiritually…through radio, and this is why ministries like Feba Radio, FEBC’s sister organization, are so critical in spreading Christ’s love in this part of the world.
Strategic Value of Radio
Millions of people live in this area, and most are either shepherds or farmers, scattered across a region known for its vast desert landscapes. Radio is one of the few ways to receive outside information. Ministry partners report that many shepherds balance a radio on one shoulder and an axe on the other while tending their flock!
Since tribal people living here rely heavily on radio, FEBC is partnering with Feba to launch a new 15 minute weekly broadcast in their native language. Considered a "seed sowing" program, it will help listeners learn more about Jesus and God’s plan for their lives. Broadcasters will also discuss family issues and offer biblical solutions.
Follow-up Develops Relationships
Radio programs, however, are just the first step in trying to reach these people for Christ. To develop a continuing relationship with our listeners, we encourage them to write to us, share personal concerns, and request free resources, such as Christian books, Bibles, and scriptural verses printed on calendars, stickers, and bookmarks.
An Audience Relations Department--consisting of specially trained counselors--follow up with listeners who contact our station. They correspond through letters, offering godly advice when people write to them with concerns. In this way, the correspondents gradually cultivate what they call penfriendship with listeners and a sense of trust develops between them.
This, in turn, encourages listeners to continue to tune into broadcasts that lead them to God and His unconditional love. Listeners eager to know more are invited to a deeper exploration of the Word of God through an annual listeners’ camp.
Unexpected Benefit of Radio
Sadiq* and his wife also live in this remote area. They began listening to a Feba program and liked the music and kind voice of the broadcaster. They learned a lot about family issues, agriculture, and health care… but they never expected to learn about the saving grace of Jesus.
Earlier this year Sadiq and his wife contacted Feba. "We’ve been listening to your broadcasts for years," they explained, “including your Bible study program. We’ve committed our lives to Jesus and we want to be baptized, but there’s no church anywhere around us.”
So the Feba director contacted friends in the area and made arrangements for Sadiq and his wife to be baptized in a church 150 miles away. Since they don’t have the freedom to join a local worship group, they’ll mature in their faith by listening to Feba Radio.
To protect our staff and listeners, actual names of people and countries can not be used.
 to support these broadcasts to the Indian subcontinent
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