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Formerly one of South America’s richest and robust countries, Bolivia now suffers from significant problems like drug abuse, poverty and an unstable government. As a result, more than 80 percent of Bolivian children live in extreme poverty. Some 80,000 children under the age of 14 are addicted to drugs, and as many as 100,000 are forced to work in cities just to survive.

In the summer of 2004, Montrose Broadcasting, in Montrose, Penn., raised funds for TWR to construct a radio station in San Julian, Bolivia. “Our listeners responded to our invitation to help purchase equipment for the station in just a few short weeks [during] a time when giving is traditionally low,” Montrose President Larry Souder said. “Many of them thanked us for giving them the opportunity to participate in the project.”

Thousands of lives were touched, and one listener was so grateful he rode a bicycle to the San Julian station to thank the staff in person. “I used to be a drunk,” he said, “but I’ve been listening to your programs, and I’ve asked Jesus to come into my heart. He’s changed me and He’s changed our home!”

In light of many similar stories, TWR-Bolivia, which currently airs programs over 101 local radio stations, sought to build a new station in the city of Trinidad, located 370 miles from Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. Considered the gateway to the Beni—the large Amazon plains in Bolivia—Trinidad is one of the only places in the country with 24-hour-a-day access to electricity, which is essential for consistent transmissions.

Trinidad is home to approximately 120,000 physically and spiritually needy people, and to reach them, TWR and Montrose are partnering once again. “The team at Montrose Broadcasting has such a tremendous heart for reaching people in Bolivia,” says John Summerville, director of radio station partnerships for TWR. “The love of Christ shines through everything they do because they are so passionate and committed to excellence.”