Feba undertakes integral mission as radio programme content addresses physical and spiritual issues from a Christian perspective.
Evangelism or aid? We believe that Christian mission must do both. Meeting people’s needs in the here and now is clearly taught in the Bible; at the same time we must never lose sight of its message of eternal salvation. Through programmes and audience follow-up, Feba is addressing physical as well as spiritual needs, as Patricia Napier explains.
Grain in HandRoshan once led a hand-to-mouth existence like many of his countrymen in Pakistan. He longed to have his own shop – but this seemed a distant dream. Then he tuned in to Feba’s Urdu magazine programme Zindagi Kai Sung (Along with Life) which was featuring tips on how to start a business on a modest income. Roshan listened eagerly and put the advice into practice. Later he wrote joyfully: “Now I am a successful garments shopkeeper and earning enough for my needs!”
We’re delighted that Roshan has escaped from poverty and has a happier life. Now our hope is that he’ll keep listening to Feba and allow God to meet his spiritual needs too.
The sacred/secular divide is a false one.
‘Integral Mission’
Over the past century, the pendulum in mission has swung between evangelism and practical aid. Today many missions embrace a concept known as ‘integral mission’ – a marriage of the two. Jon Hargreaves, Feba’s International Director, is passionately concerned about addressing physical as well as spiritual needs. “It’s got to be both and not either/or,” he says emphatically. “The sacred/secular divide is a false one. Integral mission means ministering to needy people in Jesus’ name.”
Woman making Matting
Tips on Farming
Unlike aid agencies, who may be forbidden by host counties to evangelise, radio is in the happy position of being able to put the concept into practice. One practical issue we address is the need to make a living.For some, radio’s the only way to acquire fresh knowledge In south India, blind listeners can hear about God’s love and also discover how to turn their craftwork skills into viable businesses. In southern Africa, programmes for a rural people regularly include tips on farming. With drought affecting large parts of the world, effective farming can make the difference between eating and going hungry; and for some, radio is the only way to acquire fresh knowledge. Anton Meyer, Co-ordinator of Feba’s ministry to these people explains: “Even if they were able to read, books containing the information needed are few and far between.”
Man working on engraving
Part of a Process
In India, programmes about farming stand alone without any obvious Christian context. “The Gospel must always be central to our vision,” explains Jon Hargreaves, “but practical programmes are part of the process.” Anurag Joab, Programme Development Officer in Delhi, believers that making the process work depends on effective follow-up. Listeners to the Hindi programme Krishi Pragati (Advances in Farming) often contact the producers to thank them for their advice. “Then we send them a programme guide and light Christian literature,” says Anurag, “and many of them start listening to other programmes.”