How a community radio station in Indonesia is changing lives, one call at a time.
Have you ever phoned in to a radio station to take part in a competition or give your opinion on a discussion? Or maybe someone on the programme spoke of a particular need that you were able to help with?
In the mountains of a South Asian country, Christian radio station Community FM* loves hearing from its listeners. And they aim to demonstrate the gospel by broadcasting stories of people who are in need, giving their listeners the opportunity to help. Here are three stories of what God has done, as told by our local partners.
SET FREE
“For 21 years, Rajan* was considered mentally ill and was tied to a wooden post.
After we shared his painful story on the radio, he was able to receive treatment. Through several years of medical care and counselling, he gradually recovered physically and was finally freed from being restrained.
He began listening regularly to our radio station, and we continued to pray for him. Now, he has come to believe in the Lord Jesus and regularly attends church. He has to walk more than two hours to reach the church. His wife, who is now 77 years old, has also come to faith.”
VISITING A FAITHFUL LISTENER
"I recently had the opportunity to visit one of our special listeners. She has been living with a spinal disability for the past 11 years and is a regular listener to our radio station.
Confined to a bed inside her home 24 hours a day, she is often left alone when family members go to work and school. During those moments, Community FM becomes her faithful companion, keeping her company and helping her pass the time.
To meet her, I travelled more than two hours by motorbike to reach her village. When we arrived, nobody recognised the name 'Sarita'. But when we described her as 'the disabled woman who calls the radio station every day', everyone immediately knew who we meant and directed us to her home.
While talking with her, we noticed that she was listening to Community FM on a small mobile phone. The first thing we did was present her with a solar-powered radio as a gift. Receiving this radio brought her immense joy. Our visit from the radio station was a pleasant surprise she had never imagined.
She listens every day and regularly participates in live broadcasts. With great pride, she showed us the jewellery, certificates, and other prizes she had won through our programmes.
This visit reminded us that community radio can provide not only entertainment, but also companionship, happiness, and hope for people who might otherwise feel isolated."
NEW HOME - TANISHA’S STORY
“About 10 years ago, Tanisha* called our radio station to request the broadcast of her mother’s story, as her family was in a very difficult financial situation. At that time, she had never even heard the name of Jesus. After her mother’s story was presented, many people offered support, and their family was able to build a house.
Due to poverty, Tanisha was married at the age of 13. Because of early childbirth and poor health, she became seriously ill. Despite seeking treatment from traditional healers, she did not recover. Later, when someone told her that she could be healed through faith and prayer, she was reminded of what she had heard on the radio and came to know Jesus through it.
Although she had a strong desire to listen to the radio, she could not afford one and had to rely on her mobile phone. At times, she could not even charge it, making it difficult to listen or make calls. When we learned about her situation, we gifted her a solar radio, and she is very happy.”
KEEP HOPE ON THE AIR
Local Christian radio reaches people where they are - in their homes, villages, and communities. Your prayers and support help to make these conversations possible. Will you pray for the thousands of listeners who are tuning in today, and for the radio teams faithfully answering their calls?
