Pedro's mind was mad up, but he could not tell anyone of his secret decision. He closed the shutters on his banana stall, shuffling off to home. Climbing the stairs he dragged his sandalled feet, so differently from flipping along the street, his back carrying branches of bananas suspended at each end. This was the end for Pedro: his business had been slack; Juliana had rejected his offer of marriage. Life was meaningless, empty, futile, purposeless, hopeless, and without prospect. Pedro anticipated only disappointment, delusion and death.

He opened the door into his tiny room, with its bare floor, rough table and ricketty chair. In the corner was a cupboard, on top of which the gas jet where he cooked his meagre meals of corn. It would serve his purpose today.

Pedro carefully closed the door, picking up the gas jet, and testing the tap. No-one must hear the noise if he accidentally kicked over the chair or pushed it aside. He took the gas ring from the rough food cupboard; and lifted the tiny transistor, the size of two match boxes, from his pocket. Pedro's sole pleasure came from the music of this miniature, cheap transistor. It would serve his purpose well.

While the sun shone in the blue sky, yet inside all was dark for Pedro. He fingered the tap on the gas jet, planning to turn it on. However, he flicked the switch of the transistor. Suicide was the only way out for him, presuming the sound of the radio would drown out any noise he should make. He did not want to be rescued or resuscitated. But Pedro reckoned without God.

As Pedro turned up the volume of the transistor, a voice challenged him, 'You are not ready to die yet.' He was stunned. How true. But who knew of his secret? Who talked like that in his Portuguese? He let the gas jet go, turning the volume down, and listening. The pleasant, commanding voice belonged to a Christian station, Trans World Radio, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, an island of the north coast of South America.

Pedro listened intently, hearing for the first time of God's love, the sacrifice of His own unique, sinless and beloved Son. There was hope after all; Pedro heard. He eagerly listened, noting the address of the station for help and counsel. They soon sent helpful letters and a New Testament. As Pedro avidly studied the scriptures, he received the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, surrendering his life to his new Lord.

Pedro changed. From a sullen, heart-broken, hopeless fellow, he now was bright, cheerful, faithful and loving his fellow man. He was quiet naturally, but now had hope, having lost all dread for the future. He recognised that his sullenness and coldness with people had ruined his business. Now he loved and showed concern for individuals, always cheerful and joyful, attracting buyers to his stall. His business flourished and prospered.
Indebted to the Lord for the broadcast that changed his own life and brought salvation to him, he gave to the radio station to make Christ known. As his business increased, so did his support for the gospel radio.

God is still working miracles today, and many 'Pedros' will be converted to Christ as we prayerfully support Christian radio around the world.

TOLD BY MISS RUTH STOKES, REPRESENTING TRANS WORLD RADIO, MONACO