Story number 2 for 25 Jun 2001

(Turkmenistan)–Christian radio is now reaching into the lives of the Islamic culture of Turkmenistan thanks to a partnership with Back to the Bible and HCJB World Radio. Dave Hansen is Back to the Bible’s vice president of international ministries. Hansen says while they’ve produced programming for countries closed to the Gospel before, the Turkmen broadcast was different. “10-years ago there were about five known believers, so it was really hard to find someone who could produce some radio programs. Without some growth of the church it’s pretty hard to come along a radio ministry. Since that time, today there are about 500 believers.” Hansen believes the challenges will continue, especially with discipling new Christians. “Because of it being such a close country, as far as the Gospel is concerned, it isn’t that you can set up a follow up center. We’re kind of relying heavily on Turkmen believers who go into the country to help us understand the effectiveness of our ministry.”