China (MNN) — China is going all
out in its opulent display of the Olympic Games.
Gregg Harris with
Far East Broadcasting Company says the enthusiasm carries over to what their team is doing
through especially themed programs. FEBC
currently airs more than 40 hours a day of special programs related to the
Olympics.
Harris explains that "these
programs for the Olympics are really designed to sort of draw listeners into
the larger FEBC program so that they can first hear these programs that are
very interesting to them–they're not specifically evangelistic. But then
[we hope] they'll want to stay tuned and listen to the evangelistic programs. We sure hope they find Christ like so many
thousands already have."
The team is working around Surmounting
Summits, which concerns not only the challenges of athletes, but also
spiritual struggles.
Among the programs is a radio
drama, Pure Gold. It's the biography of missionary Eric
Liddell, the 1924 Olympic champion of the 400-meter dash. Another program, Never Mediocre, will
be aired live from FEBC transmitters in the Philippines. Christian athletes such as Chinese tennis
champion Michael Cheng are among the featured guests.
Harris says the government has
forbidden foreign evangelism during the Games. FEBC did send a team to Beijing, and the security measures designed to
protect both athletes and tourists will make their work challenging.
However, he notes: "We
have always maintained a very positive relationship with the government. That's
what allows us to broadcast so many hours a day of Christian programming
without being jammed. We really try to comply with the government regulations
so that we can have the long-term opportunity to broadcast the Gospel to
China."
FEBC has also created a special
section on their popular Liangyou Web site to attract Chinese students and web-surfers in mainland China.
Producing and airing these
broadcasts in the midst of millions of spectators is a colossal undertaking. The effort could use both prayer and funding.
Please pray that God will use
these broadcasts to strengthen believers throughout China and draw many listeners
to Himself. Pray too for the staff, for health and strength as they work long
hours to cover the events.
