FEBC Reaching Vietnam Through Broadcasts

With programs in 23 Vietnamese languages, the ministry of the Far East Broadcasting Company has far-reaching impact.

By Kenneth Chan, Thursday, December 30, 2004

For more than 50 years, the Far East Broadcasting Company has been airing Christian programming in Vietnam. With programs in 23 Vietnamese languages, the ministry of FEBC has far-reaching impact.

"We listen to your program every day...because of it I have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ," one Hmong listener in Vietnam wrote to FEBC. "The local lords do not allow us to worship [God] and want us to go back to evil spirit worship. Please pray their hearts will be changed and that believers here will be able to worship freely."

Founded in 1945, the non-denominational, international Christian radio network broadcasts the gospel in more than 150 languages from 32 transmitters located throughout the world. Its programs reach areas in which two-thirds of the world's population live and receive in excess of 750,000 listener responses annually.

In Vietnam, Christians and pastors record culturally-relevant programs not only for non-Christian listeners but also for believers. According to Mission Network News (MNN), broadcasts focus on a variety of themes, such as worship, evangelism, discipleship, doctrinal teaching, and life issues. FEBC also provides Bible correspondence courses and other printed materials to listeners.

However, since the government controls all media, it's crucial that church leaders help get the word out, MNN reported. With government restrictions on religion, radio is a key player in the gospel going out.

According to the World Evangelical Alliance, it is estimated that out of Vietnam's population of 80 million, about 8.6% are Christians.