From the very beginning of recorded history, God’s plan has always been to ‘bless the nations’ (Genesis12:3). Blessing implies need, and need speaks of trouble or inadequacy. The world is always inadequate and in trouble when it turns it’s back on its Creator and King.
The story of creation and humanity is the story of our God who begins and initiates good things. But people break and corrupt what God has made. Today we are in the midst of the story where we await the return of Christ our Saviour, who has redeemed all of creation and fixed all that was broken by human sin. Yet he is still to return finally for judgement and the resurrection of the rest of creation (including humanity).
“Our troubles are temporary. Joy is permanent!”
In this present age between Christ’s resurrection and his final reappearance, it is our privilege to tell the world that our troubles are temporary! The brokenness and pain of this age is passing, and perfect healing and wellbeing is available and near. Joy is permanent!
Together with churches across New Zealand, the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) is boldly announcing the rescue plan of God, from all our troubles. Jesus Christ is Lord and King and has triumphed over our adversaries by suffering on our behalf and destroying the devil.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he (Christ) too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15)
This is the Good News we announce together. The power of evil is broken. With Jesus Christ, people are free from the enslavement of fear and death. While our troubles still cause sorrow and tears today, joy is just around the corner for all those who will humble themselves and cry out to our Saviour.
Sara’s Story
Let me tell you about one of our listeners I met recently.
Sara sells iced tea in Southern Thailand, and she also tells her customers to find Jesus on the radio.
“Many tears were shed as she felt the loss and wondered about eternity.”
In a season of great loss in her family, Buddhist Sara grieved the passing of several family members. Many tears were shed as she felt the loss and wondered about eternity. She had no idea, in the spirit world, where her loved ones were. Her heart was broken and her religion offered very little solace.
In her prayers Sara cried out for certainty, and in a merciful answer, the Lord caused Sara to find a radio station in her city that plays FEBC programmes daily. In her own dialect and speaking about the assurance of salvation that only Jesus Christ gives people, Sara heard the good news.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
Sara reached out to FEBC Thailand. She contacted the number on the radio and began a friendship with Christian broadcasters who know about loss and trouble, as well as rescue and salvation.
Sara enrolled in our Bible Discovery course, and slowly but surely, gave her life to Christ. She now proudly plays FEBC at her tea stall and tells customers to listen carefully if they want to know what really happens when we pass away!
Sara still misses her loved ones, but her tears have turned to joy as she now knows her own life has been lifted out of the depths and spared from the pit (Psalm 30:1-3), and a day is coming when every tear will be wiped away. (Revelation 21:3-4)
A World of trouble. A kingdom coming.
“Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.” (Psalm 54:4,7)
The Psalmist knows the routine. People get in trouble. God rescues. Perhaps more today than ever, the suffering of the world seems vivid and complex. Race, gender, and class inequality divide societies and limit opportunities for the marginalised.
Conflict and instability are forcing millions to flee their homes. Distrust, corruption, and polarisation are weakening societies and hindering collective problem-solving. Food insecurity, economic disparity, and ideological extremism are all causing social unrest and sending many people into despair.
Without the divine compassion and rescue of the LORD our God, the world is in a world of trouble! (Psalm 30:4-5)
The full and undisputed Kingdom of God is near, and together our mission is to see the trouble and announce the kingdom. In over 155 languages and via 260 radio stations, plus everywhere online, FEBC and our partner churches are telling the world that Jesus Christ is Lord and God, and he loves and saves all who turn to him. From Siberia to Mozambique people like Sara are moving from tears to joy. We must press on and not lose heart. It is worth it; the morning is coming!
Until the morning. Until all have heard.
Matt Perry, Executive Director, FEBC New Zealand.
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