Almaty, Kazakhstan — Mega City Media Campaign (2006)
In February–March 2006, the Mega City Media Campaign ran in Almaty as a seven-week prime-time television media campaign in partnership with local churches. Programs aired nightly on commercial channels, sharing the message, “God gives you the power to change,” and inviting viewers to take a next step.
Prior to the campaign, television executives were wary of how programs with strong Christian content would affect ratings on their channels. By week seven, the channels reported a sharp rise in viewership to previously unseen levels, attributing the rise to the campaign. Television executives were bewildered over the unexpected rise. The campaign programs quickly became the highlight of the broadcast schedule.
Response flowed through a 24/7 call centre with 10 phone lines and trained counsellors who offered consultation, prayer, and a free Power to Change book. Across the campaign, 72 prime-time broadcasts reached 13.5 million people, and 4,100+ calls were registered and shared with churches for follow-up.
Call Center Support and Church Follow-Up Events
The call centre was designed to be a safe, immediate next step for anyone responding—staffed by trained counsellors who could listen carefully, offer prayer, and guide callers toward practical next steps. Calls were recorded so each conversation could be handled with care and continuity, and so people could be connected with local support rather than left on their own after a single phone call.
Churches then carried the response forward through personal follow-up—calling people back, arranging visits, and gathering leaders and teams to coordinate care. As people were welcomed into community, pastors reported churches growing and new believers joining congregations, and in some places new home fellowships began forming as a direct result of the campaign. Follow-up meetings and home visits created space for deeper conversation, prayer, and ongoing encouragement as people took practical next steps.
A Midnight Call
Calls to the ministry varied widely. One midnight call involved a 43-year-old Afghan veteran preparing for suicide after his wife had run off and left him with their four children. Concerned by his unusual appearance—wearing white linen clothes, a shaved beard and hair—his neighbour persuaded him to call the ministry line. He called, and two counsellors were dispatched to his home. After a lengthy conversation, he knelt in prayer to receive the Lord as his Saviour—his life saved from certain death that night.
Call Centre Counsellor
Kazakhstan