A voice in the darkness

In the UK, most of us can’t imagine a world without information at our fingertips with constant access to the internet. But what happens if this is taken away?  

Millions living in Spain and Portugal this week have found out the answer, with major power cuts causing chaos and disruption.  

However, for one household an old radio provided a voice in the darkness.  

Speaking to the BBC, Madrid based couple Siegfried and Christine explained how a wind-up radio provided information when internet and phone coverage couldn’t, allowing them to tune into Spanish radio stations for news and updates; "If it wasn't for the radio, we'd struggle to find out what's happening.”**

From isolation to connection  

In rural Nepal, where our partner Afno FM works, living without electricity isn’t a one-off event but the norm. Remote communities are often isolated, and life can be hard. Vijay, Afno FM’s Coordinator, shares more.  

“Unlike cities and towns, places in remote rural parts of Nepal are not hustling and bustling with life. Life is a lot more about labouring to meet basic needs for survival."

As most village homes are several kilometres away from each other, it can be isolating and weigh heavily on those who long for more connection. This is when a simple object like a radio player can become an extraordinary companion, offering a person entertainment, joy and conversation. Vijay, Afno FM Coordinator 

This was true for 76 year old listener Madur*, who recalls when Afno FM first began broadcasting in 2008, and has remained an avid listener since. Madur makes ropes to provide income for his family, and also to ensure he can afford batteries to keep his radio in use.  

Madur making the ropes he sells to buy batteries for his radio which sits on the counter next to him as he works

The station’s content, broadcast in his heart language, has generated a deep sense of belonging, peace and comfort. When Madur spoke with the Afno FM team he shared “the radio is my life’s companion, dearly beloved to me.”  

A voice of hope  

After suffering with ill health Madur put his faith in Jesus and experienced miraculous healing. He has listened to the radio every day for the past 17 years and shared that Afno FM’s devotional programmes have helped him to grow and deepen his relationship with Christ.  

While a radio provided a temporary voice of comfort for a couple in Madrid this week, our partners’ broadcasts are sharing the hope of Jesus that lasts for eternity.  

For many others in Nepal’s remote corners, where roads lead into silence and evenings settle without the glow of city lights, radio is more than sound—it is presence, connection, and the comfort of knowing someone, somewhere, is speaking just for them. Vijay, Afno FM Coordinator 

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