In addition to the humanitarian work of the Little Samaritan Mission in the Republic of Moldova since 1991 and the Christian radio network in Moldova since 1994, in 2001 LSM expanded its radio network into Romania. By 2005 LSM Radio Romania had expanded to a network of 26 radio stations. Due to economic conditions here in the United States where 95% of LSM funding comes from, LSM Romania became unsustainable. LSM was unable to continue to cover the $48,000 / month expenses that the radio network required. During this time unfavorable euro / dollar exchange rates added further stress to the situation.
At that time the founder and president of the organization, Florin PindicBlaj, in consultation with the board of directors and LSM leadership of LSM began to offer to churches and business men here in the United States the opportunity to purchase LSM radio Romania and continue to operate it as a Christian radio network. No one came forward with a concrete offer. During this period of time, Voice of Hope (VOH) who also has a Radio network in Romania came forward to purchase LSM radio Romania from LSM
Mr. Pindicblaj at this time went on the air live and informed the public of the dire financial situation and pleaded with the listening audience to make one last effort to find an evangelical group willing to make the purchase. He made it very clear that no contract had yet been signed. He then waited for one month and no viable offers came to the table although he met with several individuals in the hopes that they were seriously interested. LSM was left with no choice but to go through with the one offer that was made, that of Voice of Hope.
In tough economic times businesses and non profit organizations alike are forced to cut programs and departments in order to cut costs. These decisions are never easy but in order to maintain LSM radio Moldova along with various humanitarian projects that are ongoing in the Republic of Moldova for thousands of children, families, and individuals, a tough decision had to be made. The sale was a simple open market transaction approved by the National Audio Visual Council (CAN), the government agency responsible for regulating television and radio licenses.
LSM will continue its radio ministry and humanitarian activity in the Republic of Moldova.
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