AWR has always been a worldwide ministry, but that definition took on new meaning when we began offering all of our programs online several years ago. Since then, listeners have been able to continue hearing the voice of hope in their own language, even if they are living far, far from home. Sister Rabemahatsara, a native of Madagascar, found new hope in Christ through AWR’s French podcasts and shares her testimony here.
“I have been living in Brittany, France, for five years. I was an Adventist, but my faith wasn’t very strong. I looked for a church, but there were none in my area.
“I have suffered a lot in the past: I lost my mother, the only family
I had left; went through a divorce, disease … my life was falling
to pieces. I felt abandoned and lonely in this environment, far from
my country. I tried hard to make it on my own, but I had so much
sadness that day after day my health was getting worse.
“One day, I went online to try and find some comfort. I came
across the AWR website, which was in several languages. I started
listening to the programs out of curiosity, but then I burst into tears,
as for the first time in a year I felt at peace, no longer alone.
“Within days, AWR helped my faith in Jesus Christ grow. Every
time I felt sadness or pain, I would get up, pray, and listen to the
programs again and again. I could no longer start my day without
praying and listening to this program. At night, when I struggled to
fall asleep, I couldn’t wait for it to be 4 a.m. to pray with AWR and
learn from the Word of God.
“With my growing thirst, I felt inclined to once again look for
a church on the Internet. God answered my longing, and I found a church in Brest, which is still far, but for God, distance doesn’t
count. I was made welcome and felt at home in this church. The
members and Pastor Daniel were a blessing from God for my
daughter and me.
“I was baptized on June 13, and I can’t stop sharing my experience
with all my acquaintances—even those in Madagascar.
I talk about your programs and how there is nothing greater than
living with God and experiencing life with Him on a daily basis! I am
happy now, in spite of a few health issues, but God is with me and
His love is great. “Thank you to all those involved in this program
and for all you do for us!”
AWR’s French podcasts attract listeners from around the world;
producer and host Oscar Mihani has received feedback from people
in Canada, Africa, Japan, and more. The well-crafted programs feature
both spiritual and lifestyle topics, from family education to tips
for healthy habits, recipes, and more. Monthly interviews with other
Adventist entities introduce listeners to a broader range of church
activity. Out of AWR’s entire range of 100+ podcasts, the French
programs regularly place in the top three most-popular languages
with our listeners, alongside Mandarin and Arabic.
AWR’s ministry encompasses the entire spectrum of listeners’
spiritual journeys, from broadcast to baptism. We call this
“AWR360,” and we’re intentionally working together with other
ministries to finish the Lord’s work. Learn more at awr.org.
Shelley Nolan Freesland is Adventist World Radio Communication
director at the General Conference world headquarters.
