In many different parts of the world, conversations about faith have become difficult with suspicion of, and between, people of faith. Within this context, some of Feba’s partners are producing radio programmes to provide an open door to explore faith issues in culturally appropriate ways, bringing understanding and hope to communities.

In Bangladesh, our partner is using short wave radio programmes to support believers and explore the Christian faith with listeners in rural areas of the country, as well as demonstrating faith in action by addressing health and social issues.

Visits to listeners and listeners’ conferences in different locations also provide an opportunity to answer questions and have more in-depth discussions about faith.

Feba’s partners are producing radio programmes to provide an open door to explore faith matters 

Our partner tells us: “We gain the confidence of our listeners through providing trustworthy content concerning faith and practical issues, especially in the area of health, and this integral mission approach will lead to holistic community transformation.”

As listeners hear the programmes, values and behaviour can change as they become open to new ideas and approaches to life issues.

For example, our partner told us about a man who, “used to mix water with milk when he took his milk for sale in the local market. But after hearing ‘thought for the day’ in a programme, he stopped mixing in water.”

The programmes are produced in the majority language and use vocabulary that listeners are very familiar with. The format of the programmes is also very accessible to them including dramas and chanted stories which are very popular in the culture.

Phone numbers are given out during the programmes and listeners call to discuss further and ask questions. Although our partner receives positive and negative comments, as well as threats, most comments are from people curious to know about and discuss religious issues.

Listening to the radio is my hobby.

A listener tells his story:

“I have a collection of short wave radio receivers and used to listen to different radio programmes on-air. Listening to the radio is my hobby. One day I was tuning my radio for BBC News and suddenly I found a new Bangla station broadcasting drama in Bengali. It was very attractive and I stayed tuned to listen to this beautiful drama programme.”

This listener went on to have discussions with their friends and relatives about what they had heard. “I told them about Isa-Al-Mashi [Jesus] and what he has done for us. His name is recorded in our Holy Quran and he is an interesting person. . . We cannot read and write but I started to call people to help me so that they can read the Kitabul Mukaddos [Bible] and the Quran for me.”

For this listener, the radio programmes were just the beginning of a faith journey, exploring issues from different perspectives and comparing teachings, leading to a personal relationship with God and lasting transformation.