Feba’s Gaweylon (Good News) short wave programme producers spend time in the run-up to Christmas producing special programmes for broadcasts to Tibetan Buddhist communities in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, as well as appropriate literature to offer and CDs.

Airing from 24-26 December, programmes feature the prophecy of the coming Saviour, events before and after his birth, a feature on Santa Claus, the story of Jesus’ whole life from birth to resurrection and Christian songs.

Christmas touches the Tibetan Buddhist communities in varying degrees, and the celebration of Christ’s birth prompts non-Christians to be inquisitive.

Last year, a monk from a monastery in south India wrote: “I like your programme very much, especially about the life and teachings of Jesus. Please send me literature and a CD about his life.”

Another monk from a different monastery in the same area also wrote to Gaweylon staff: “Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. Thank you for your good programme that encourages us. We are learning new things.”

Parties and dancing
Anil Alfred, Director Gaweylon, says: “The Tibetan Buddhist community doesn’t celebrate Christmas, and many of their schools are open. But it’s an official holiday in India, and in many cities Christmas is celebrated with parties and dancing – which attracts non-Christians.

“Sales in shops and decorated streets attract people. Sometimes believers of other faiths attend our special church services in Dehradun, and we ask non-Christian friends to church to hear about the Saviour and the real meaning of Christmas. We also invite them to tea and refreshments. Others just come to greet us, and some listeners send us Christmas cards.”

The Gaweylon production and follow-up team pray that where non-believers are curious about Christ’s birth, their hearts may be open to receive the Christmas gift of the Gospel.