Special Easter messages are flowing through the short wave signals all across Africa this week, crossing over difficult country borders and into regions where Easter may not be celebrated openly.
North eastern Africa
The team will be broadcasting live in Arabic from a regional station. Mekonen, Media Coordinator for Northeast Africa, says: “As usual, we expect many phone calls from Muslim listeners on the issue of Trinity.” The programme will discuss the agony of Christ (Luke 22) and the resurrection of Christ (Luke 24).
Radio Chiuanjota FM, Mozambique
On Good Friday they will have a special time of sharing testimonies (pre-recorded) of local believers. “This is a request of our men themselves,” says Normand Saindon, Station Manager. “We find that many Yawo people identify Christianity with foreigners. It is important for them to see and hear some of their own speak about their own lives and the difference that Christ has made in their personal and family lives.” Please pray especially for these testimonies, that they will be wise in what they say, and that many will hear and be touched in this predominantly Muslim area.
Normand continues: “During Easter time we play excerpts of sound tracks of the Jesus Film on radio and then talk about it. This is in ciYawo and Portuguese, on Friday and Sunday, for about one hour.”
“Outreach will go on beyond the radio. The little church here in Chiconono will also show the Jesus Film on Friday and Sunday, as we do every year. Many people come to listen and look! Pray with us for hearts to open to the message of love of our Saviour.”
Horn of Africa
“Some of our partner groups have special Easter programmes,” says Dawit, Horn of Africa Coordinator. “One group is teaching from Ephesians 2 – topics on reconciliation, about reconciling with God, with themselves, with other people, in church, in a family and in the country. Please pray that the programmes touch the hearts of people and bring real reconciliation in their lives.”
He continues: “Another group has programmes on the work of Christ and his crucifixion. They are focusing on what Christ has done on the cross and explain Easter from that perspective. They also have song selection, in which listeners choose songs for their friends and relatives.”
Mozambique
“All week we plan to address Passover as a central issue, with a total of 21 hours airtime in the Shangaan/Tsonga and Portuguese languages, on topics such as "Following Passover events" and "Looking at the Scriptures and the Resurrection,” says Narciso, Programming and Research Director, Feba Mozambique.
“We have special programmes including interviews, an interactive transmission on Good Friday and letting great church leaders in Maputo explain the season. Please pray that these plans go smoothly, as churches are really busy during this season,” Narciso adds: “The Sena and Makonde language teams are also presenting special programmes on Passover.”