Written by: FEBA Radio SA
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In a small village in Ratanakiri – a remote province in northeast Cambodia – a woman lived with her 11-year-old daughter. The area was so isolated that only shortwave radio could reach it. Every day, the woman tuned in to FEBA Cambodia’s programmes.
One day, the girl developed a high fever. Her mother desperately carried her along a rough path to the nearest hospital, but before they arrived, the child stopped breathing. Villagers came to comfort the devastated mother. Remembering what she had heard on FEBA’s programmes, she prayed: “Lord, let Your will be done.”
Her daughter’s body was placed in a coffin, kept partially open and decorated with tribal ornaments. Mourners gathered. The mother prayed. Near sunset, a visiting pastor joined them and said, “Give everything to God.” Weeping, the mother knelt beside the coffin and cried out, “Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. If it is Your will, bring my daughter back!” In the stunned silence that followed, the girl suddenly moved. Her eyes slowly opened, and she sat up, looking around at the astonished villagers. Mourning turned to celebration. In the weeks that followed, many villagers went to church for the first time – eager to know more about the God who had raised a little girl from the dead.
Diligent hands
FEBA began broadcasting into Cambodia via shortwave in 1953, but it was only in 1995 that they were allowed to establish a station inside the country. They named it Krusa (“family”) FM. Over the past 30 years, the station has built a loyal audience across the country.
Earlier this year, Krusa FM transferred to a new, self-supporting tower, improving the clarity and reach of its broadcasts. In addition to radio and a growing social media presence, FEBA Cambodia also runs the OB (outside broadcasting) Van Mission – which takes the Gospel to the streets and does live broadcasts of Christian festivals and gatherings. Yet, the heart of their mission lies with the millions in the countryside.
The gift of light and hope
FEBA doesn’t just expect people to tune in – it helps make it possible. Krusa FM staff travel across the country, distributing solar-powered radios and lights to remote villages. In March, they visited 100 families across Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri – two of the most spiritually needy provinces. Believers welcomed the radios, saying: “Our church is so far, but now we can hear God’s Word at home every day.”
The team also distributes Bible audio boxes. “These devices are very helpful,” says FEBA Cambodia’s director, “especially in areas without electricity. Listeners use them to hear the Bible, stored in the device’s memory. They’re easy to use and charge with solar power. The panel is small and portable – people tie it to a cart, a tractor, or even hang it on a buffalo while working.”
These gifts change lives. An elderly listener shared, “I used to constantly worry about the darkness and would pray for light to come. Now, I no longer worry – I have a solar light that brightens my home. And a radio that plays songs to keep me company each day.”
Family matters
Family is also central to Krusa FM’s ministry. Many people don’t know how to build healthy relationships – at least 20% of women suffer abuse from an intimate partner, and that’s a conservative estimate.
This brokenness has deep roots. “Because of the Khmer Rouge, the whole meaning of family and love was distorted,” a staff member explains. “Families were torn apart. Every single family lost someone. That trauma still lingers in people’s hearts.”
To help, FEBA Cambodia partners with church leaders to hold family seminars in both urban and rural areas. Around 50 families attend each event, where they learn how to build strong households based on Biblical principles.
The Gospel is vital to healing from one’s past
Through its faithful and innovative ministry, FEBA Cambodia plays a powerful role in healing its people. Its slogan invites listeners to experience the transforming power of God’s Word: Receive help today; enjoy hope for the future.
In the shadow of the Khmer Rouge
Christianity first came to Cambodia in 1923, but it was not welcomed. Believers faced brutal persecution during Pol Pot’s regime, which wiped out 90% of the Christian population. Even today, less than 3% of Cambodians identify as Christian. Buddhism is the official religion and so deeply woven into the culture that it leaves little room for people to learn about Christ. Access remains a challenge. The legacy of the Khmer Rouge includes widespread poverty and poor literacy. Around 75% of Cambodians live in rural areas, where many homes have no electricity, patchy mobile reception, and no access to FM radio. Yet these obstacles have become opportunities for FEBA to carry out its mission.
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If you would like to make a donation towards this life-changing project, please visit our website febaradio.co.za or call 012 335 5708
This article is featured in the July issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 30/06/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from unsplash.com
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