IN 2008, WE SHARED SEVERAL MINISTRY opportunities we felt God was leading us to, such as:

• new broadcasts to far east Russia
• increasing our broadcasts to ethnic minorities in China and Myanmar
• sustaining and enhancing Indonesian minority language broadcasts
• launching a new radio station in Makassar, Indonesia
• creating special Chinese programming for the Olympics in Beijing

Here's a brief update on some of those projects, made possible through your prayers and support.

New Russian Broadcasts

When FEBC began broadcasting the Good News to far east Russia in June 2008, local pastors were thrilled!

Reverend Volkov, who became a Christian years ago by listening to FEBC’s shortwave programs, had this to say: "Thousands of people are dying without knowing Christ, and we must tell them about God’s plan for their lives. FEBC's [new broadcasts to Russia] are a great tool to help us bring people into our churches.”

One of the people whose life was changed is Maria, who wrote:

My friend told me about FEBC radio, and I began to listen. Eventually my entire family joined me, and we noticed that our lives were being transformed by the Holy Spirit. Now my husband and I don’t argue as often, and our children have more respect for us. Recently we went to church and repented of our sins. All my family accepted Christ because of FEBC.

We thank God for the broadcasts that brought peace and love to our home. We have problems, of course, but they seem so insignificant when you compare them to the love of God that now fills our home!

Ethnic Broadcasts to China and Myanmar

In the 60+ years that FEBC has been broadcasting the Good News, we have witnessed major growth in Christianity among minority groups in Asia. FEBC's programs are often the only way they learn about Jesus. And His love, conveyed by the kind, gentle voice of our indigenous broadcasters, gives ethnic groups real hope in the midst of the persecution and discrimination they often face.

In China alone, FEBC is broadcasting daily to five major ethnic groups, with a potential listening audience of more than 50 million. While many of the areas where they live are geographically or politically inaccessible radio waves are not hampered by these barriers.

FEBC also broadcasts daily to 16 ethnic groups in Myanmar. When the May 2008 cyclone killed hundreds of thousands, the junta-run government offered little or no help to survivors.

FEBC personnel quietly slipped under the radar to offer assistance and distribute much-needed radios. People were thrilled, such as this survivor from the Irrawaddy Delta:

Many relief organizations came to help us, but this is the first time we received a radio. Actually I'd rather have a radio, as it helps us hear crucial weather forecasts and important warnings. The programs also helped in the healing process following the grief and destruction from the cyclone.

Minority Language Groups in Indonesia

FEBC currently offers 30 hours of shortwave broadcasts per week to minority groups in Indonesia, and they are making an incredible impact on listeners, such as Mr. Sukamil who wrote:

I've been listening to FEBC's Sasaknese language broadcasts for several years now, and I've learned there's only one way to the Truth. I'm so grateful someone extended a hand to teach me about spiritual things.

FEBC also operates four local FM stations in Indonesia - the largest Muslim-populated nation in the world - where we broadcast in five minority languages, reaching an estimated 15 million people.

A New Station in Makassar

FEBC is about to launch a fifth FM station in Makassar, Indonesia, where our potential listening audience numbers 1.4 million. This new station will allow FEBC to broadcast 24 hours a day to a largely Muslim population. As soon as the current rainy season concludes, the radio tower will be erected and broadcasting can begin.

Radio's Effectiveness During the Olympics

Last year, in preparation for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, FEBC introduced special programming to our Chinese audience to discuss athletics and the challenge of competitive sports, with occasional conversations about spiritual struggles. Discussions also centered on athleticism, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Once the Olympics began, FEBC broadcasters were on the ground in Beijing, interviewing listeners throughout China, as well as Olympic participants, some of whom shared their Christian faith. Rather than depict sports from a purely athletic point of view, FEBC broadcasters compared it to the daily struggle for growth in ordinary life, which listeners seemed to enjoy.

FEBC saw a surge in our listening audience when these special broadcasts aired, which was an excellent indicator of the success of our program.

Thank you for helping FEBC share the message of Christ with so many people who are hard to reach due to geographic, political, or religious restrictions. Because hearts are being mended and lives are being changed!

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