“We listen to your programme every night…many have given their lives to Jesus through this process.”
Abdi*, Ethiopia Media Project listener
What we’re doing in Ethiopia
For Gurage and Amharic speakers, animism – the belief that places, objects, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence or soul – and witchcraft practices are common. Many are closed to the gospel, illiteracy rates are high and oral communication is central to daily life. This makes audio media a powerful tool to reach them with the love of Jesus.
Our partner is broadcasting 30-minute gospel programmes seven days a week in both languages. The radio shows cover relevant spiritual, health, family, social, and environmental issues from a Biblical perspective. As well as shortwave radio, SD cards with Christian content are distributed to influential people in the communities who can share the audio with others.
Abdi’s story
Abdi* called the team from a local prison and shared his powerful testimony: “We listen to your programme every night. Many of us here are imprisoned for various reasons. Some are filled with regret, others feel hopeless because of their imprisonment, and some have even wished for death. For the majority of us, hope is scarce. When your radio programme airs, we gather around the few radios available and listen to all the messages and songs together. After the programme, we discuss what we have heard. Those with a better understanding of God’s word explain the messages to the rest of us. Remarkably, many have given their lives to Jesus through this process. Your work is incredible, and we praise God for the amazing impact.”
*Name changed for security reasons
What we’re doing in Mali
A landlocked country within West Africa, Mali’s security situation remains marked by armed conflict and abductions of property and people. Jihadist violence affects much of the country, with many regions under strict Islamic law. Christian presence in these areas is banned, making proclaiming the gospel openly almost impossible.
Alongside this many Malians are struggling with the impacts of natural disasters, limited access to basic social services, rising inflation and food insecurity.
Into this challenging landscape Radio T records programmes in four local languages, broadcasting weekly across the central and northern regions of the country on more than 30 local FM stations. The content includes scripture readings and explanations, practical lifestyle teaching and content on health and development. Some of these stations have been targeted by extremists for boldly sharing gospel programmes within Muslim communities.
The team regularly visit the radio stations and are always looking for more stations to air content on. They also work with the local pastors to help disciple new believers. Alongside this the team distributes SD cards loaded with the content from the broadcasts.
“When I listen to the Radio T’s programmes, I feel like I am joining a great spiritual family.”
Youssouf*, Radio T listener
Youssouf’s story
Youssouf is a Christian, but where he lives there are no churches. He can’t talk openly about his faith, leaving him feeling isolated and discouraged. However, things changed when he found Radio T’s radio programmes. Hearing Bible teaching and worship in his own language strengthened his faith, and reminded him that he was not alone.
“When I listen to the Radio T’s programmes, I feel like I am joining a great spiritual family. Even alone in my village, I feel strengthened and encouraged to continue with the Lord.”
*Name changed for security reasons
What we’re doing in Mozambique
Cabo Delgado, in northern Mozambique, has been shaped by decades of conflict and economic hardship, leaving deep challenges for its communities. In the coastal city of Pemba — where most people are Muslim and some also follow traditional animist beliefs — many are searching for stability, hope, and meaning.
Through their FM station Radio Wimbe are helping listeners to restore their relationships with God, their neighbours and the world around them.
The team shares the good news of Jesus with the Makonde, Mwani and Makua ethnic groups over the radio, in Bible studies and through follow up visits. Many of these people will be hearing gospel programmes on Radio Wimbe in their own heart language for the first time.
Sabiana’s story
Sabiana is a 36-year-old mother living in Cabo Delgado. She was finding life difficult, with a struggling business and ill health that led her to pay for the services of a local healer with no success. One day she started listening to Radio Wimbe at her neighbour’s house.
The programme was talking about the word of God and the freedom that can be found in Christ. Her heart was struck by the words, and she realised that only God has the solutions to her struggles. Praise God that Sabiana has now given her life to Jesus and is committed to growing in faith and her knowledge of the Bible.
What we’re doing in Northeast Africa
In Northeast Africa, Christians are persecuted and sharing the gospel is extremely challenging. We work with several partners in the region as they broadcast God’s message of hope and salvation.
Philemon’s story
Philemon*, is a young man in his 20s who recently got in touch with the Friend in a Wilderness (FiAW) team through their online messaging app. He shared that he was suffering from severe stress and had developed mental health challenges. Though he was previously a believer, Philemon’s faith had weakened, and he had become disconnected from the church and Christian fellowship. However, since he began listening to FiAW’s messages about God’s love and mental health awareness, his mental health has improved. Praise the Lord!
*Name changed for security reasons
What we’re doing in West Africa
With a passion for people to know Jesus, The Good Shepherd project is reaching a nomadic people group in West Africa in their own language. Growing insecurity and the presence of jihadist groups means life in this nation is increasingly hard.
The team are broadcasting 15-minute programmes twice a week on eight local radio stations, sharing the hope of the gospel to listeners who are experiencing fear and uncertainty.
Two pastors and a producer also travel to meet communities, building relationships and sharing their faith. Alongside these in-person visits, WhatsApp Bible study groups are helping nurture new believers.
