How Far Would You Travel to Hear Good News?

A few months ago, Kyaw Noah* visited one of our ministry offices in Southeast Asia for the first time. “I’m so glad to finally meet you,” he said. “I’ve been listening to you on the radio since 2003. It’s the only source of spiritual encouragement my family receives, especially your Bible messages. We listen every day.”

 A year earlier, Kyaw Noah had committed his life to the Lord, but there was much about the Bible he didn’t understand. Listening to the radio all those years helped him develop his faith. Now he eagerly shares the gospel with his neighbours who follow other traditions. Wherever he goes, Kyaw introduces FEBC programs to people he meets.

Giving Radios giving life

Three weeks later Kyaw Noah visited the office again. “I’m concerned about the people who live in my district who don’t know the Lord. They have no way of hearing the gospel because most of them have no radios.” He explained. He told the staff about one village that owns only one radio and every night between 8.00pm and 9.00pm people flock to listen to the broadcasts. Before he left the office that day he was given five radios and asked to distribute them.

Seven weeks later, when Kyaw visited the office again, he brought more than 20 letters he had collected from listeners in his district. He later delivered follow-up responses, since the postal service in the area was not very reliable. He also told staff he had distributed the radios, mentioning two in particular that were given to Saw Ae* and Moe Pine*.

Radios are Precious Commodities

Saw Ae and Moe Pine had never owned a radio. They used to visit a mutual friend’s home to hear the broadcasts. For Saw Ae this was not a major problem, because he lived in the same village. Moe Pine, however, lived more than 48 kms away. But this didn’t prevent him from visiting his friend whenever possible to listen to FEBC. Both men now have their own radios, thanks to the generosity of FEBC donors who support the Give a Radio Project.

 But this is just the beginning of the ministry’s impact in this district. Kyaw Noah continues to help FEBC introduce broadcasts to people there, as well as collect letters from listeners. And when funds become available, more radios will be distributed.

 Giving a radio is a small investment…with a big return, often impacting numerous people in one family or village. We know this because we hear from people, like this woman from Indonesia who told us: “I cried when I received your radio. Now my family is so happy and can listen to Christian programs whenever we want.”

                                                                                                                  * not real names