(Feb. 10, 2012 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) At 8:30 p.m. on a Friday in Quito, Ecuador, dozens of teens and young adults gather in a studio. After testing their microphones and making other preparations, they lounge on chairs or the edge of a small stage. Others sit at the grand piano as the group enjoys a relaxed party atmosphere that fills the large studio.

The "On Air" light flashes on at exactly at 9 p.m. and Jaime Fernando Ramos fairly shouts before the microphone, "The revolution begins in the heart! Hello from the international station, the Voice of the Andes! Let's begin Misión Revolución (mission revolution)!"

The studio audience reacts with cheers, whistles and applause. "Live and direct from the middle of the world-Quito, Ecuador, in South America to the center of your heart through the powerful love of God," intones Ramos enthusiastically.

Beginning with a selection of lively songs in pop and rock rhythms, he then billboards various events as the music continues in the background. Different activities offered by Christian congregations around Ecuador, such as youth camps or all-nighters, are featured.

Ramos, a 37-year-old communications specialist and comedian, calls his volunteer work with Misión Revolución "my way of thanking God for all He has done in my life." Ramos has spent nearly every Friday since 2000 hosting the show on Radio Station HCJB.

An eight-person volunteer team operates consoles and audio equipment, answers calls and messages, sets up the stage, tunes instruments for the musicians and  everything else goes into making the program.

"I get satisfaction from doing something behind the scenes, but still something that God knows helps many people," said Angie Vélez who channels cell phone text messages to the host. During each live program, Misión Revolución receives about 55 text messages (one every three minutes or so) and 10 telephone calls. Ramos puts several of the callers on the air each Friday.

"With only one call we can give encouragement and hope to people who communicate with us or make prayer requests," said another volunteer, Ortega.

Ramos, whose "day job" is on a popular televised political satire program, began at HCJB Global as a student in the Christian Center of Communications/Northwestern College in Quito. Following that, he's been employed or served as a volunteer at Radio Station HCJB since 1996. Finding joy in making people laugh, he says, "I use humor to try to get people to think, to evaluate things."

"A characteristic of Jaime's program is how talks to teens about tough topics like sexuality or addictions straight on, direct and in the language that young people understand," said Anabella Cabezas, director of media for HCJB Global's Latin America Region. "Addressing these themes, he presents Christ as the only solution to problems." She added that mothers of youth have called Ramos to offer opinions and thank him for the show.

Working from a script with topics of interest to both teens and parents, Ramos blends music, jokes and spontaneous dialogues with his studio audience. He makes smooth transitions to reflections based upon biblical references.

With more than a decade on the air, Misión Revolución has a slot that is highly prized by Christian organizations intent on reaching new generations with the gospel. New music artists also use the show as a venue to promote their music and invite people to concerts.

At a show's conclusion recently, Deyanira Coronel from a Quito neighborhood known as La Vicentina said, "I feel super cool because it is a good way to reach young people, particularly because it uses the music with which we identify."

Cabezas added that Misión Revolución achieves the mission's goal of reaching youth with the gospel and that other such initiatives and programs are planned.

"We try to show a different Jesus, who's not mystical, not religious," Ramos related. "A Jesus who can be your friend-a good friend-one who lights your way in what you like doing. You don't have to pretend. He takes you by the hand, and when you go the wrong way He's always there with 'Come over here.' It's really cool."

Sources: La Hora, HCJB Global
Photo credit: La Hora