Nov. 6, 2009

Connecting with a Radio Audience in a Quake Zone of Indonesia
Source: HCJB Global (written by Harold Goerzen)
The confluence of a ready-made audience and a temporary Christian station could make an eternal impact after a devastating late-September earthquake in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

HCJB Global missionary Ty recently visited the Padang area which was especially hard hit by the 7.6-strength quake that wiped out entire communities on Sept. 30, killing an estimated 1,117 people, injuring at least 1,200 and affecting 1.2 million others.

As part of his visit, Ty handed out 20 solar-powered, fixed-tuned SonSet® radios to the local people in Padang. The receivers are tuned to pick up only signals from the temporary Christian station. The Indonesian local partner is applying for a permanent broadcasting license.

"The purpose of this trip was to provide training for a partner who established a temporary FM station in response to the disaster," Ty said. "The training was successful, and the equipment that we donated to the effort is being well used in the situation."

The station, which has a two-month permit, went on the air about two weeks after the quake struck. It is part of an effort by local believers to build a "lasting connection with this area in which there are very few Christians," Ty continued. Another partner station began broadcasting on a nearby island just two weeks before the quake hit. Both stations provide programming that features informative updates and inspirational music.

"On the ground, it's amazing," he explained. "Of five typical houses in a row, one is flattened, another is half collapsed and the other three are fine. People are busy cleaning up the fallen building materials from their homes and preparing to use the same bricks to rebuild."

Various aid organizations are assisting with distribution of food and improved temporary shelters for the homeless. "However, it looked like most medical needs had been met, and some medical teams were reporting that there wasn't much need for their help anymore," Ty added.

"But they were still reporting big crowds in areas where the village people had never even seen a doctor or dentist. Mostly, it appeared that people were busy trying to get back to their regular daily lives."