|TOP|Christians living in Constanta, a key port city on the Black Sea border of Romania, can now enjoy Christian radio broadcasts in their native tongue thanks to a joint initiative of HCJB World Radio, the Romanian Missionary Society (RMS) and local Christians, reports Assist News.

The new radio station is part of the Radio Voice of the Gospel, a nationwide network of eight Christian FM stations, with equipment and funding for construction and locally purchased materials provided by HCJB World Radio and RMS.

The station was launched at a special ceremony last month attended by the director of the Romanian wing of HCJB World Radio, Steve Hunter, as well as the managers of most of the other seven network stations, and local pastors and supporters, reports HCJB News Service.

|AD|The opening broadcasts were followed by a three-hour dedication service at the Second Baptist Church in Constanta where the studios are located.

RVG had failed in its last attempt to gain a license to broadcast in the city until three years ago when it finally succeeded in adding the eighth station to its network, following the hard work of a local advisory committee to foster local support and find the location for the studios.

Plans are also underway, according to HCJB News Service, to place RVG programmes on Europe’s digital direct-broadcast satellite radio system, which will be subscription-free.

“For the first time since its inception, RVG will have, by means of the satellite, the technical facility to carry simultaneous programming on all eight stations – something that has not been possible until now,” explained Steven Hunter.

“The highest quality programmes from each of the stations will then be carried on the network. In addition, individual stations will broadcast local programmes, weather and news,” he said.