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.
