Listeners to Christian radio responded with enthusiasm and sacrificial giving to radio sharathons staged by HCJB World Radio and partner stations in Ecuador and Papua New Guinea in December. Listeners gave what they could even though poverty runs high in both countries.

A "bouncy castle" inflatable trampoline appeared on the grounds of Radio Station HCJB in Quito, Ecuador in early December as a listener named "Marcelo" said God's nudging prompted him to offer its use after hearing that sharathon organizers had included a kid's area. Telephone calls, visits, financial contributions and in-kind donations poured in during "Misión Compartida" (Spanish for "Sharing the Mission").

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, listeners to Wantok Radio Light, a partner station in Papua New Guinea, pledged more than 1.2 million kina (about US$400,000) to operate stations across that Asian country.

"This is more than twice what they pledged last year," wrote Dave and Patti Olson of the mid-November event. "Many listeners called in to say how much they want families and friends to be able to hear Christian radio."

A woman who sells blocks of ice had been saving for a vacation, but instead felt led by God to donate it. The Olsons wrote that, "now her 'cold cash' will be used to warm the hearts of listener with teaching and encouragement from the Bible. What a blessing!"

Wantok Radio Light began in 2003 with a single FM station, serving the capital city of Port Moresby. In 2005, the network expanded so it now airs Christian programming on five additional FM stations plus a shortwave transmitter reaching remote areas of Papua New Guinea. At least 25 additional FM stations are planned.

There are more than 700 tribal languages in this small country, and tribal fighting is still common. But the theme of this year's sharathon was, "One church, many congregations." The nationwide events for the sharathon also helped unite Christians from many different churches.

A small boy brought a few kina to Wantok Radio Light because, as he announced, "God wants everyone to love Jesus so they won't go to hell!"

Many listeners in Ecuador also gave from what little they had, telling stories that touched people's hearts, said Misión Compartida coordinator Anabelle Villacís. "A man came and said, 'I have nothing to donate.' He took off his jacket and left that," she said. "These are heartbreaking things. At the moment you want to say, 'Don't do it.'"

But volunteers and staff received donations large and small alike, finding in people's stories a renewed appreciation for the mission's role in Latin America as evangelist, teacher, pastor and friend to radio listeners. This year's theme was, "Together making God's glory known."

Curt Cole, vice president of international ministries, said it was "exciting to once again see the hearts of the Ecuadorian people as they partner with the ministry. This is also a testament to the radio staff and their commitment to quality Christian programming that helps build the church in Latin America."

Offering Bible meditations, music, news and more, the station represented spiritual sustenance to a donor who spoke with Villacís. He'd met with racial prejudices in local churches, and so radio programs encouraged and discipled him in those times of rejection.

Another listener spoke of foolishly abandoning his relationship with Jesus, but he came back to the Lord after listening to the programming on Radio Station HCJB -- the call letters which in Spanish mean, "Today Christ Jesus Blesses."

In addition to cash, listeners gave many in-kind donations such as leather goods, clothing, a requinto (guitar tuned in A), a pig, a rabbit and even a rooster that crowed loudly every few minutes! After three days, listeners had pledged more than $95,000 to help defray operating expenses in broadcasting the gospel to Latin America.

The marathon live broadcasts aired on local AM and FM with special programming also on the station's international shortwave frequencies to Latin America. Hosts and guests featured came from various cultures and countries: Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, U.S. and Ecuador.

Amid the buzz of activities, people also entered the quiet of the prayer room where they would find chaplains from Hospital Vozandes-Quito and other volunteers anxious to take both praises and personal needs to God's throne of grace. (Hospital Vozandes-Quito is part of HCJB World Radio's Healthcare Division.)

Other needs were met by fellow listeners such as the dentist who offered free care to a child who couldn't accompany his mother to the station because his teeth were severely infected.

"I would say half the volunteers cried during Misión Compartida," Villacís said, "because it's difficult to hear these testimonies that make them see a reality far from their own-of hunger, of poverty, but also of hearts so generous it urges them toward a greater devotion."

In Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil, listeners pledged more than $69,000 toward the expenses of Radio Station HCJB-2.

Source: HCJB World Radio