A Christian radio ministry in exile broadcasts to the Horn of Africa.

Several years ago radio programme producers facing persecution in their home state fled to a neighbouring country for their own safety.

For security reasons we cannot name the ministry, the country or the producers.

But although the two producers are far from home, the radio ministry in their native language is a success. Many listeners are still in country and tune in from prison cells.

The producers say that through hardship or prison, there are often no Bibles. Yet despite harsh conditions, people often still have a radio. 

The short wave programmes listened to in secret are welcomed, and described as ‘daily spiritual food’ and the listeners’ ‘underground pastor’.

Through God’s blessing, the producers receive assistance from volunteers. With this help they broadcast the daily 30-minute programmes. 

Family programmes discussing health or money are popular one day each week. Another day, programmes examine God’s message in two ways. The first half looks at specific Bible readings, moving on to translated extracts from a book by a renowned Christian author. The book looks at building supportive and sustainable communities through love, Christian commitment and fellowship.

Producers are finding that these messages are timely and impact their people groups worldwide, particularly those who have left their home country.

Youth programmes concentrate on young people’s issues. The producers demonstrate how the Gospel can be relevant to moral and cultural issues, helping young people to grow and mature in God’s wisdom.

The producers say: “Also our programmes reach soldiers who are scattered all over the bush, countrywide, without a Gospel to read.”

A series of appropriate programmes on HIV and AIDS have thrown light on the condition, and producers compile content through a Christian worldview. 

Listeners report back that community fear of an HIV-positive person is lessening and that patients and their loved ones turn to the broadcasts for advice and encouragement.

As a woman who is HIV-positive testified: “I feel that I have benefitted from the programme and also that many are listening and learning from it.”

The producers say: “Since the start of church persecution we have used the broadcasts for family worship programmes, prayer time and a means of transforming lives. 

“Young people are absorbing the youth programme teachings and HIV/AIDS programmes, helping them to maintain a balance and stay close to the Lord.

“Parents say that our broadcasts have relieved them of anxiety and ‘given confidence to our children.’”