Far East Broadcasting Company used its own funds to establish a microenterprise project, providing pigs for needy families. (Photo courtesy of FEBC)
Indonesia (MNN) ― The Hindu population of Bali, Indonesia was not pleased with the founding of a Christian radio station in the area. However, the station soon found a novel way to reach out to the community via pigs.
Pigs play a crucial role in the Hindu diet and religious ceremonies. In 2004, the staff of Far East Broadcasting Company used its own funds to establish a microenterprise project, providing pigs for needy families. Outside donors noticed the project and also contributed.
A business raising pigs not only feeds a family, but it helps the family become self-sufficient by paying for basic needs like educational expenses. Each family extends the project by passing on piglets to another family in need. So far, 91 families have participated.
The radio station has now gained the trust of the community and has a much better relationship with it. It follows the government's requirement to provide only secular broadcasting between 8:00 in the morning and 6:00 in the evening, when its programming offers biblically-based advice for families. At night, YASKI explicitly shares the Good News of Jesus Christ and His Word.
YASKI stands for Yayasan Siaran Kristen Indonesia, which means "Indonesian Christian Broadcasting Foundation." Founded in May 2002, it is one of five stations FEBC operates in Indonesia. In Muslim areas, FEBC helps needy families by providing ducks and vegetable seeds. It partners with local churches to spread the news about its broadcasts.
About 86 percent of Indonesia's population is Muslim, 5.7 percent is Protestant, and 1.8 percent is Hindu. You can support FEBC's work in the country.
