(May 16, 2014 - by Harold Goerzen)  The producers of some special Easter programming that aired across India were flabbergasted when they received a telephone call from a Buddhist priest in a remote corner of the country.

It was the first of nearly 6,000 calls and text messages that would arrive in the studios of Reach Beyond partner Genesis Media Training Association (GMTA) in Delhi as a result of the Hindi programs that aired nationwide April 18-20.

“We [work in] two villages of orthodox Buddhist believers,” the caller said, explaining that the area is so isolated that it becomes cut off from the outside world for up to six months at a time due to snowstorms and avalanches. “We have never seen a man suffer and die for sins as you showed in your program. We want to know more about this Jesus…. Please send us books to read. We want to follow Jesus if what you say is true.”

Less that 1 percent of India’s population is Buddhist, the vast majority of the population being Hindu (74 percent), according to Operation World. Muslims comprise 14 percent; Christian, 6 percent (2.2 percent evangelical); Sikhs (2 percent); and other, 3 percent.

Three 15-minute “Beyond Words” radio programs, called Aao Easter Manayein (Let’s Celebrate Easter), were carried on the All India Radio network’s FM stations, and two 30-minute television programs aired on a Hindu devotional channel—the Indian partner’s first foray into airing content on television. The radio programs were also sent to India via shortwave from Reach Beyond-Australia’s facility in Kununurra.

“I heard your program, ‘Beyond Words,’ for the first time,” said a respondent. “I listened to the whole program. I am a Muslim. The Quran says Jesus is coming back, too. What do you think is the time of His return? Please send me a New Testament. I want to read it. Thanks!”

The telephone did not stop ringing from Friday to Monday as partners Dolly and Christopher Kirubakaran and Dr. Jacob attended to live calls, praying for the sick and counseling people.

“I have a lung disease,” wrote a viewer. “I saw your program. I watch this channel every day. This is the first Christian program I have seen so well done by Indians! Please pray for me.”

Many of the calls came from distant towns and villages where there are no believers and little or no Christian background. Some respondents said they had never heard the name of Christ and understood the salvation message for the first time.

Even members of the TV crew who helped with the recording and editing of the Easter programs expressed an interest in the gospel despite belonging to Hindu families in Delhi.

“They asked question upon question about Jesus Christ, Christians and Christianity,” reported the Kirubakarans. “Even if we had not gotten a single response from viewers, sowing the seed in these young lives would have made the whole project worth it. Amazing are the ways God still reaches people.”

The radio and TV programs sparked a total of nearly 3,500 phone calls (up from 1,000 in 2013) and  2,500 text messages (nearly double last year’s total). The programs talked about Christ’s birth, life, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension as well as His appearances to the disciples and promised return.

These programs answered the kinds of questions being posed by the majority of people in India who are unfamiliar with Christianity. A listener responded, “I go to a temple, a mosque and a church. Now I know what the last supper is and what Christians believe. I like your program very much.”

At the end of each show, listeners were invited to participate by answering trivia questions. All of the respondents who gave correct answers are receiving copies of the Gospel of John.

“I am a university student,” said another caller. “I listen to your radio programs regularly. After graduation I want to do a Bible study course. Please give me information on institutions I can contact.”

New Testaments and Bible studies will also be sent upon request to those who want to learn more about Jesus’ life and Christian beliefs. Some 750 listeners—all non-Christians—requested New Testaments (up from 250 last year).

The two TV episodes invited each person to seek and learn more about Christ who died for them and made salvation possible. The content explained how God chose to die for sinners rather than kill the sinner. Jesus, who rose from the dead, ascended to heaven and has promised to come back for His followers.

“Beyond Words” has been an ongoing program that launched in 2009. Special Easter and Christmas broadcasts in India, however, date back more than a decade.

“We were watching your program and we want to know more about Jesus Christ,” said a respondent. “Please send us a New Testament in Punjabi.”

Sources: Reach Beyond, Operation World