September 6, 2010

When Esther Neufeld, a radio producer with HCJB World Radio's German Language Service in Quito, Ecuador, recently visited German-speaking listeners in Argentina she hoped to bring encouragement to others. To her pleasant surprise she was the one who returned home feeling encouraged.

"I was blessed myself by listening to how the message of Jesus they had heard through the radio blessed and changed their lives and their families," said Neufeld, who grew up in a German-speaking Mennonite colony in Paraguay. "And I was able to watch how they were passing on what they had learned to their neighbors, to their relatives, to other people and members of their church and their community."

For one listener, an injury during his youth resulted in his listening to shortwave radio during his recovery. As a result, he discovered German-language programming aired from Radio Station HCJB in Quito. This eventually led to the young man's decision to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. In the ensuing years, several other family members put faith in Jesus as well.

The listener, now in his late 40s, recounted to Neufeld how chronic pain in his leg prompted him to reply to an HCJB program on primary medical care for people in remote areas. His letter was answered by German missionary Dr. Eckehart Wolff who advised that the metal plate which had been placed in his leg must be surgically removed. When that was done, the infection around the plate diminished, and the man's leg began improving.

During her trip in April, Neufeld became the listener while her hosts in north-central Argentina's Misiones province told their stories, plying her with good meals and often giving her donations for the radio ministry.

A farmer described how he dealt with God after being diagnosed with cancer on his nose. "I was desperate," he told Neufeld. "I was not ready to die. So I made a commitment to the Lord. I told Him that if He healed my body, I would start supporting the station with a monthly donation." He continues to contribute today. All donations are used to help cover the costs of postage when staff members respond to German-speaking listeners.

Another donor saw his giving differently. Surprised by his donation, Neufeld said, "I felt uncomfortable even accepting it, seeing that there were many needs that they could meet with this money. I said I'd pray for God's blessing on him, but he replied, 'We're not negotiating with the Lord -- that we give to the mission in order to be blessed! Instead, the blessings include seeing relatives coming to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We have difficulties making payments, but there is a joy in our hearts that nobody can take away!'" (HCJB World Radio)