It’s not easy being a Christian in Kyrgyzstan.
It’s even harder when you’re among some of the first believers in your country. In a nation where the predominant religion is Islam, with 80% of its citizens are Muslims, you can feel alone. Where there aren’t many churches, Christian resources or Christian leaders, you can feel insecure. And where the government monitors and restricts religious activity, you can feel persecuted.
This is why it’s so important for Christian messages to be broadcast in Kyrgyzstan – people need to hear the good news of Jesus, and followers need guidance and encouragement for living out their faith.
As one man in Kyrgyzstan said:
“I enjoy listening to Radio OK in Kyrgyzstan. I wish there would be more programs like the Guidelines for Living devotionals. I understand that Radio OK is an FM station here in a traditionally Muslim country. We are a small group, however, we also need good materials to grow in Bible knowledge.”
He is a listener of Radio OK, our partner radio station in Kyrgyzstan that broadcasts Christian content including our “Guidelines for Living” devotionals. The need is clear – the small group of Christians that exist in Kyrgyzstan are hungry for resources to help them grow in their faith.
In 2012, Guidelines partnered with FEBC to build the very first Christian radio station in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. There was a lot of resistance and many obstacles, but when it finally launched, we were able to reach 1.5 million people – a quarter of the country’s population.
Since then we’ve invested in helping build 3 more radio stations throughout Kyrgyzstan that share the message of Jesus, reaching a total of 2.5 million people – almost half of the country. But we’re not stopping there.
We have a goal to help build another 2-3 stations in major cities in Kyrgyzstan which would enable us to cover 100% of the population with the truth and love of God. It’s an ambitious goal, but our God is a big God.
However, it’s not just about the numbers. We want people to be genuinely transformed by the saving power of Jesus. So we continue to produce quality devotionals that address the real heart-felt needs of people, show them how to live a life that honors God, and most importantly, shares with them the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus alone.
Another listener of Radio OK had this to say:
“Radio OK has become my best friend. I grew up as an orphan with no understanding of a father’s love. I have had friends throughout my life, however, nothing like my attachment to your broadcast now. I have listened also to other stations. However, on your station there are people with pure hearts. You have become my family.”
In a country where people are desperately seeking love, we have become family to them by introducing the love of Jesus.
Will you join us in declaring His love to the rest of Kyrgyzstan? You can invest in sharing the message of Jesus through radio in countries all over the world that have no Christian voice.