(March 1, 2013 - by Kirsten Privett) Contemporary Christian music abounds in Westernized countries, but not all parts of the world enjoy such abundance.

That could change in at least one country in Central Asia, however, as a local church recently partnered with HCJB Global to complete a studio dedicated to recording Christian music and radio programs in the country's national language. It will also be used to dub Christian films and animated features.

"Most importantly, it's in the hands of a local partner so then can be creative and produce what they know they need," said David, executive director of the mission's Europe/Eurasia Region.

In order to complete the project, HCJB Global's Russian director participated in the studio's planning and construction. In addition, the Swedish World Office helped with the sound quality design-all via long distance-so the necessary settings could be made to bring the facility to a "perfect recording possibility," David said.

As a pioneering endeavor for HCJB Global in this country, this could become a gateway for Christian media in this predominantly Muslim nation. "Potentially, we will be able to use it to create music and content for secular radio and to use it for dubbing Christian programs," he explained.

The local community of Christ-followers put the final touches on the studio, such as installing the carpet and setting up an Internet connection. One of the mission's friends designed it, and David recently received word that the "acoustic design and sound equipment have been installed and work well."

The local partners worked in conjunction with *Sergei who explained that "unfortunately, I have spent a lot of time with the studio construction this week and didn't have time to teach a local person who will work there." The man's identity was not disclosed, other than to say "he is a really smart young man … he works with our partner by dubbing Christian films and cartoons in the local language now."

"My goal is to prepare and enable people there and to help them when they need it," Sergei continued, adding that he plans to help train the new sound engineer via Skype.

In addition to the practical work of setting up the studio, Sergei prays for the project: "May the Lord show them how they can use this facility for God's kingdom."

"It's becoming more and more difficult for Christian media activity to take place in Central Asia" added David, who served as overseer of the studio project. "So it's important to establish it now why we still can."

*Pseudonym used for security reasons.

Source: HCJB Global