Written by: FEBA South Africa
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Widely known for its violence, human trafficking, abuse, child marriage, and Hinduism, India is home to over 1,34 billion people and has the largest number of unreached people globally. India is the seventh largest country in the world by surface area, with the second largest population (after China). The Indian population is 80% Hindu and 15% Muslim, thereby holding the title of the third-largest Muslim population in the world (after Indonesia and Pakistan). Furthermore, there are 1652 languages and dialects spoken in this diverse country. Despite the discouraging statistics and brutal Christian persecution, FEBA India is reaching thousands of people daily who are giving their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The impact of radio ministry
Radio ministry in India originated in the 1950s, with an in-country presence taking place in 1960 in Delhi with a partnership between the Evangelical Radio Fellowship of India (ERFI) and the Far East Broadcasting Association (FEBA). In 1956, the first broadcasts in two languages were beamed to India from FEBC Philippines. In 1964, FEBA India established their headquarters in Bangalore where they trained local personnel in radio production. This has expanded into various forms of broadcasting over the years.
A Siddhi girl. The Siddhi ethnic group in India originates from Southeast Africa.
Curated content
FEBA India’s broadcasts are specifically designed for their unique audience. The programmes are aired via medium wave (AM) stations, traditional shortwave broadcasts, and internet streaming. The radio station broadcasts in seven different languages: English, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Bengali. The programme presenters regularly follow up with listeners and help those who want to know more about Christ.
The high demand for hope
FEBA India receives an estimated 1200 to 1500 listener responses every month. The high demand has resulted in the ministry organising regular conferences in different regions of India to meet listeners in person. As a result of these conferences, FEBA India has become deeply aware of the remote villages where Christian persecution is at an all-time high. One of these villages is the hidden Siddhi community.
Following up for Jesus
The Siddhis, a distinctive community in a southern Indian state, are descendants of Africans from Southeast Africa. They were brought to India as slaves, but when slavery was abolished, many fled into the jungles and became farmers. Even though they have assimilated into Indian culture, they are often viewed as outsiders and are marginalised. Nonetheless, God has not forgotten about the Siddhis. Since December 1999, FEBA has been able to share the Good News with them through listening devices in a local language. A team regularly visits and collaborates with a local pastor for follow-up work.
A flood in India
FEBA INDIA’S NEW PLATFORMS:
1. The Gospel Project: The Gospel Project is designed to deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the vast and diverse population of India using a small audio device capable of reading a micro-SD card on which the programmes are pre-loaded. This project is mostly used among minority language groups and remote villages where access to the internet and technology is limited or not available at all.
2. Internet radio (FEBA Online): With digital media becoming more dominant in our daily lives and reshaping the world as we know it, FEBA India uses the various platforms available such as blogs, business networks, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, local chat apps, and even gaming platforms to share the Good News of Christ. There are more than 460 million active internet users and India is the second largest online market. Using this to their advantage, FEBA India targets the youth and young adults with tailor-made audio, video, and textual content that will encourage them to learn more about the Lord. The content focuses on biblical values and principles as well as social and emotional health.
3. Disaster Response: FEBA India has training and experience in disaster response broadcasting (FRR). The team works in partnership with other agencies to bring hope and practical help to victims, using portable equipment and distributing wind-up radios. The wind-up radios are used to keep the affected people updated on any new developments and available resources and shelter.
A disaster response training team putting up a transmitter
A testimony of God’s goodness
God has been performing miracles in the Siddhi community. People who previously struggled with alcoholism have been delivered, and many families have experienced transformative change. One such example is *Ratnama, who suffered a severe injury to her leg and hip after falling while carrying two pots of water on her head. Despite seeking treatment from various doctors, Ratnama was in excruciating pain and was unable to perform even basic tasks. Her emotional and mental health deteriorated as well. However, after the FEBA team and the local pastor prayed for her and gave her a listening device, Ratnama began listening to the messages. She gradually regained strength in her legs and experienced God’s healing touch every day. When the team visited Ratnama again, they found that she had been completely healed. Ratnama joyfully exclaimed that she could dance, jump, and do all her work – crediting her miraculous healing to Jesus.
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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
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Date published: 20/06/2023
Feature image: Women from India
*Name changed for security purposes.
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