“I listen to your programme Advancement in Farming and like it because my main occupation is farming. I want to know which type of disease occurs in what crops and what is the remedy.” This programme, produced by Feba India, seeks to help the farming community. It provides information on issues such as soil treatment and fertilizers, types of seeds and harvest, and animal husbandry. They also broadcast information on government policies and facilities, and cover new technologies and machinery.
A staff member says: "People have formed listeners’ groups and listen to the programmes … and also they began a movement in the community to inform others of the message they got from the radio. Especially when programmes are in their heart language, they feel one of them is talking about their needs and then they trust easily.”
Discussing daily issues
A listener in Iraq asks: “Please pray that God would give me peace and security.” Iraq is just one place where the people are facing significant daily challenges, as our contact reports: “There are several difficulties facing the people of Iraq. For example, the electricity supply, lack of water, filthy streets, sewers breaking up and flooding the streets, no security, no peace and prices going up all the time…”
Feba’s team in Iraq, broadcasting on FM and short wave, are serving communities through discussing daily issues on air and asking questions of those in authority. The situation in Iraq is not easily solved, as our team member says: “There isn’t a simple solution to any of these problems… The radio is … a way for people to express their anger and comfort one another.” Through our programmes the people are encouraged not to give up hope but to trust in God, and to keep asking difficult questions until solutions can be found.
Programmes for every area of life
Feba’s programmes awaken people’s spirits to thoughts of God and the possibility of a personal relationship with him. They provide Bible teaching and encouragement for those who decide to follow Jesus.
But it’s bigger than that.
Programmes also inform and educate people, enabling them to help themselves and make positive life changes. Community-centred radio particularly provides an opportunity for self- expression, giving the marginalised and oppressed a real voice. And in the midst of life’s struggles, Feba’s programmes minister to people’s emotions by bringing joy and relief through entertainment and humour.
All of these things together bring life-changing hope to individuals and communities, and we are so grateful for your partnership. Make a donation today!
This is an excerpt from the August edition of the HOPE, Feba’s bi-monthly newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with our ministry to the hard-to-reach and including listeners’ stories filled with the joy and pain of living in hard places. Have you received a copy? If not please request one today (UK and ROI only).
You can also download a PDF version of the Prayer Diary.