North Africa (MNN) ― Narrowing their focus has translated to action for Trans World Radio.
TWR's John Summerville says they're working on a transmitter modification project, where the signal that's coming from southern France will be changed.
Summerville explains, "Through this transmitter modification, we can clarify the signal that's already going out into Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. But we can also send that signal much deeper to be able to reach people who have never heard the Gospel before." The new signal has the potential of reaching 15 million new people.
The problem: many of these people have never had the Gospel in their own language before. That's complicated by the fact that much of the projected audience doesn't read. Rather than re-invent the wheel, Trans World Radio will use the tools they already have.
They're currently broadcasting in Arabic and four different Berber dialects, but in order to reach more people, they would need some way of throwing the signal further.
The solution: change the configuration and the reach of their radio signal from an omni-directional, semi-circular one, to a directional one.
The importance of this project was confirmed by a Moroccan man Summerville met who had come to know Christ through a radio broadcast. "For ten years, that man had no fellowship with other Christians, and it was only through radio that he had fellowship. Radio can go places missionaries often can't."
That's why TWR has delivered radio/CD players to Morocco and Algeria, along with a CD of TWR programming. If broadcast signals are weak, listeners can still hear the programs. In addition, several hundred pre-fixed radios are being readied for distribution throughout North Africa. The team is also raising roughtly $200,000 USD to fund the changeover.
Despite ministry challenges, Summerville says, "We know through anecdotal evidence that churches are being planted; we know that people are coming to know Christ. They contact us in many different ways, and when they do, they're telling us, ‘Please give us more programs so that we can hear what God has for us.'"
As producers focus their radio program content towards women, youth, oral-speakers, and the general public, pray for their wisdom and safety. Many will take on increased prayer ministry responsibilities, as well as financial investment. Click here for details on how you can give.
