Aug. 21, 2009

Joint Effort to Give 1,000+ Cambodians Access to Christian Broadcasts

More than 1,050 Cambodians will have access to Christian broadcasts-many for the first time-as a result of a joint project involving HCJB Global and Denver radio station KPOF AM 91.

By 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, KPOF staff had arrived at the HCJB Global Ministry Service Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for a live broadcast to raise funds to send fixed-tuned, solar-powered SonSet® radios to Cambodia. Less than 12 hours later, listeners had pledged enough to buy 770 radios.

Continuing to give throughout the following week, KPOF listeners surpassed the station's goal of 1,000 radios which are tuned to receive broadcasts from a local Christian station.

"I'm never disappointed when we can accomplish something for the Lord! It's an investment in lives that will allow people to hear the gospel," said KPOF General Manger Jack Pelon. "We have 1,050 radios going out that weren't accounted for just a couple of weeks ago."

In addition to the live broadcast, HCJB Global offered an open house, free picnic lunch and door prizes, according to Sarah Finley, coordinator of the mission's "Beyond the Call" radio program.
 
"As the KPOF staff talked about the 'Turn the Radios On' campaign on the air, you could tell they were speaking from their heart," Finley added. "They had a desire and passion to see as many radios as they could be sent to the needy people in Cambodia. One KPOF staff member teared up on-air as she talked of the great need."

KPOF personnel said they were blessed by more than 30 HCJB Global staff members who volunteered at the event. "We also had many of our staff, including Ron Cline and President Wayne Pederson, do on-air interviews," Finley said. Three times during the day, the staff spent about 10 minutes praying live on the air.

Some listeners called to share their personal stories on the air. "One woman from Cambodia called in to donate three radios-one for each family member still living in Cambodia who didn't know Christ," Finley related. "We are so thankful to the KPOF staff for partnering with us and making the day a great success for God's kingdom!"

"I feel that radio is the most efficient way to get the gospel to people," added Pelon, who was previously involved in HCJB Global's efforts to help launch a network of stations with a partner in Estonia. "Radio is noninvasive, nonthreatening and personal. People who may never darken the door of a church can listen in the privacy of their own environment, such as their home or car, without facing any peer pressure."