YEARS BEFORE POL POT'S BLOODY REGIME decimated 25% of the Cambodian population in the infamous "Killing Fields," Christian broadcasting was produced locally in the capital city of Phnom Penh. But when the country fell to the Communists in 1975, everything changed and a curtain of darkness descended.  Before it did, a young couple, Robledo and Samoeun, fled to Thailand where they married. Eventually they made their way to Manila where Samoeun enrolled in an English class. Her teacher, a missionary, introduced Samoeun to a Cambodian woman working for Far East Broadcasting Company. Through her, Samoeun learned what it meant to have a personal relationship with Christ.
During this time Samoeun grew in her faith, and in 1976 FEBC offered her a job as a broadcaster. Programs produced in Manila were aired by short wave to millions of Cambodians struggling under the leadership of a ruthless dictator. Burdened to do more for the people she left behind, Samouen moved back to Phnom Penh with her family in 1993. Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge were no longer in power, but the nation was still so devastated by the wholesale slaughter of its people that it lost any sense of hope. It was this hopelessness that Samoeun wanted to change - by introducing her people to Jesus.
Upon their arrival in Phnom Penh, Samoeun and Robledo established FEBCambodia's first studio. They continued to produce shortwave programs for listeners living in this predominantly Buddhist country. Nine years later, FEBCambodia established its first local station, Family-FM.
Rebuilding Lives
Radio is popular in Cambodia because many people are too poor to attend school. Since they cannot read or write, they gather information from the radio. Three hundred telephone calls a month and 300 letters, as well as personal visits to the studio attest to the fact that FEBCambodia, which broadcasts to 6.5 million people, is a great source of encouragement and hope to its listeners. "The family unit was so badly damaged [by Pol Pot's regime]," Samoeun explained, "that we are still working to rebuild lives 25 years later. Many suffered terribly during the war, and millions were killed. The emotional and physical needs are still very great. FEBCambodia ministers directly to them through radio, seminars, prayer crusades, medical outreach, and radio distribution.
the True Source of Hope
"Life has improved since we first arrived 12 years ago," she continued. "It's encouraging to see these changes. Sixty eight per cent of our population is below the age of 29. They never witnessed the horrors of the Khmer Rouge, which is why they have hope for the future. That's why our ministry in Cambodia is so important. We are here to share the One true hope with the old and young alike."
Unfortunately, Cambodia is a nation gripped by Buddhist traditions, woven into the fabric of people's lives for centuries. While the Cambodian government claims freedom of religion for its citizens, people are culturally committed to Buddhist rituals and holidays.
"It's difficult for an individual to convert to Christianity," Samoeun pointed out. "It's seen as a rejection of one's culture, and this often results in estrangement from family. That's why we work alongside churches to support new believers, oft entimes through outreach programs, like distributing rice, seedlings, Bibles, hymnals, bicycles, and clothing - things that people need for everyday survival and improvement. Listeners tell us that our daily broadcasts really encourage them to remain committed to their newfound faith," Samoeun added.
Ministry that Makes a Difference
Listener support is strong; it was most recently evident at the 3rd anniversary celebration of FEBCambodia's FM station this past March. Over 700 people attended the event, thrilled to be publicly celebrating the goodness of God without fear of persecution.
Other evidence of FEBCambodia's eff ectiveness is seen in listener letters such as this one from an ex-Khmer Rouge soldier: "I was young when I served in the army and no one cared about me. I had no choice. After the Khmer Rouge integrated with the government, life for me was hopeless. One day I turned on the radio and heard someone talk about God's love. It was FEBC. They said only Jesus can save and we cannot do anything to try and save our own life. When I went home I turned on FEBC again and I called my family to listen too. Those radio programs made me see that God is good and He died for me because I'm a sinner. In 2001 I decided to believe in Him. I still listen to God's voice through the program everyday. It helps me be strong in my commitment to Him."
This former soldier now attends a seminary extension program, worships God every Sunday with his wife and children, and leads a small group of Khmer Evangelical Christians. That's the power of radio...changing lives in Cambodia...by God's grace.
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