A typical day for Pao was worshipping idols, getting drunk, and beating his wife. That was, until he heard a message on the radio. Even though Pao’s radio had many stations, finding a program in his Hmong language was unusual. 

The FEBC broadcaster that day told the story of Moses and the first Passover. Pao was intrigued by God’s provision to protect His people from the Angel of Death sent to destroy Egypt’s firstborn. The broadcaster also explained God’s plan to deliver His people out of slavery.

As part of an ethnic minority, Pao struggled with persecution and injustice, so the Israelites’ story of deliverance resonated with him. He knew what he heard was true. And he believed that God could be his deliverer! He even tried to find a lamb to offer to the Lord, as the Israelites had done. Finding no lambs, he bought a goat instead, but it died on the long journey back to his village. With nothing to offer God, Pao offered his own life instead.

DRAMATIC CHANGE

This decision had a dramatic effect on Pao. He stopped drinking, beating his wife, and worshipping idols. As a result of his remarkable transformation, the whole village decided to believe in God.

During this time in the early 1990s, many Hmong were turning to Christ, and persecution against them escalated. Many had to move to different villages to make a living. Unafraid, Pao traveled from village to village, sharing the gospel of Jesus. Pao never attended school, but he learned to read the Bible. He also attended an extension course to learn how to witness to others.

USED BY GOD

Since becoming a Christian, he has brought more than 50 Hmong to Jesus, and Pao currently oversees five churches that have 400 to 500 believers in each. Yes, God has accomplished much through Pao because of his faith and obedience, and many others have felt the impact of his decision to follow Christ. We’re grateful God reached Pao through FEBC’s Hmong broadcasts… broadcasts that changed his life.

This is the power of radio. This is the power of ethnic broadcasts. Most of all, it is the power of God working through FEBC to change lives!