Discover the Journey

Close to the Listener

Explore the captivating world of radio broadcasting across Asia during days of enormous change in broadcasting, and where stories unfold and cultures connect. Discover, too, the work of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), broadcasting in Asia since 1947

Follow the Adventures

Chapter 1 - Beyond India

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Lao National Radio in Vientiane
Royal Palace in Luang Prabang in 1969
English class at the Lao church 1969
Chris and Brian with Hmong girls at LNR Luang Prabang
Bristol Freighter of the Nez Zealand Air Force NZ5912 at Wattay airport

Chapter 2 - On a Mission

Yang Nyia in control room of studio at LBTC in Vientiane
Minstrels at Lao Youth Conference at LBTC in 1973
Frank with English class
Laos C&MA team in 1974
Khmu refugee lady with baby 1974
Shaking hands with the King at the That Luang Fair in 1969

Chapter 3 - Year of Drama

Hennie and Frank get engaged in 1974
Our Wedding Group
Pai and Chong Lee in Refugee Camp in Pua 1975
Hennie and Frank with baby Malcolm at Manorom Hospital, Thailand, in May 1975
Frank in Nongkhai getting suitcases of clothes from Kheum and Big Sister, with Mac & Helen Sawyer
Hennie's mother, Wubbegiena, holding baby Malcolm in Eindhoven July 1975

Chapter 4 - Land of the Free

Wheaton College in autumn of 1976
Meeting Yang Nyia with his wife Ka and baby at Chicago O'Hare 1976
Chanthalom and Phoxay with their 3 children visit us in Wheaton
Hennie takes Malcolm out for a walk as we get settled in Wheaton, October 1975
Hennie's mother, Wubbegiena, holding baby Malcolm in Eindhoven July 1975
Frank and Big Sister Khao at FEBC offices in Whittier December 1976

Chapter 5 - Under the California Sun

FEBC Lao Team
Chong Lee relaxing for lunch in Hill, Idaho
FEBC leadership - Rip Carlson and Dr Bob Bowman 1979
Hmong Pastors conference at Rolling J Ranch 1978
Chong Lee with Hmong refugees in Spokane, Washington
Our first home in La Habra
Proud brothers Malcolm and Eduard with Anita
Our family - complete
Frank and Chong Lee

Chapter 6 - In the Philippines

Paul, Anita and Eduard getting used to their new home
A 6am start on the school bus for Malcolm and Eduard
Anne Norris interviews Vietnamese refugee in camp
Dr Bob Bowman at the 40th anniversary
Malcolm and Nairda recording the Kidz Connexion programme

Chapter 7 - Priority: China

Chinese children
FEBC Hong Kong entrance plaque
A Chinese fisherman in Hong Kong
Dr Jim Engel looking into China in 1974
At Dr Sun Yat Sen's birthplace
Bible students from China at 50th celebration in Hong Kong

Chapter 8 - Ministry Development

First RICE Consultation in Cambridge 1985
The World Christian Encyclopedia of 1983
Table of world populations - by language
FEBC DigiCon Workshop in 1996
World by Radio delegates meet in Arusha
World by Radio meeting in Arusha, Tanzania in 2002

Chapter 9 - New Frontiers

Lausanne Occasional Paper # 26 - Radio in Mission 1986
FEBC's Voice of Friendship station KGEI in San Francisco logo
Ross James training with FEBCambodia staff in 1995
Radio Programming Roles handbook by Frank Gray and Ross James (1997)
Example of the Gray Matrix
RICEFields Journal for Christian communicators in late 1980s

Chapter 10 - Broadcasting in Times of Turmoil

Election posters on wall opposite FEBC entrance
Processo Marcelo and Efren Pallorina manage a phone-in program during the elections
Pastor Marcelo meets soldiers at front gate
Frank and Anne Norris read the overseas English morning news
Helen Saldana holds newspaper headline
Crowds throng Malacanang Palace following departure of the Marcos family

About the Book

‘Close to the Listener’ offers a vivid narrative of the author’s broadcasting journey across Asia. From the tumultuous days in Laos during the Vietnam War to the transformative years in the Philippines, the book captures the essence of radio’s role in connecting people and cultures. Through the lens of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), it highlights the pivotal changes in international broadcasting during the 1990s, reflecting on the profound impact of political shifts on media and communication.

What Our Readers Say

Dr Graham Mytton, former head of BBC's IBAR

“Frank Gray has written an absorbing account that depicts the enormous changes that were taking place during these critical years.”

Sheila Walker, Christian minister, author and proof-reader who got engaged...

’Though Frank’s story will of course have extra appeal for those involved in the world of radio and missions, its weaving of ministry with family, social and political context gives a fascinating glimpse into the irrepressible working of God’s Holy Spirit amidst and despite our turbulent and challenging times.’

Ian Bowley, former OMF missionary to Laos

Frank Gray has written an absorbing account of his work in broadcasting, beginning in Laos, leading on to California and the Philippines, working with the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC).
He writes that “how to employ media – and radio in particular – in the mission of the Church has been my consuming interest.” Radio served and supported the church in China during its times of great difficulty and later contributed to its amazing growth.
A very readable book and a fascinating story.

Discover the Story Behind the Airwaves

Embark on a journey through the transformative years of broadcasting in Asia. Purchase your copy today and delve into the captivating world of radio. Stay updated with the author’s latest insights and upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter.