“Lord, we have the funds raised to help plant TWO radio stations this year but the local partners in both locations are still a long way from being ready to get started. This is Africa… So many millions of people here still have not had an opportunity to hear and understand the gospel. We don't want to throw resources into projects that aren't ready to go. I don't know how you're going to do it Lord, but your will be done.”
This was Alex's prayer at the beginning of August, and just a few weeks later God wonderfully answered that prayer. Alex picks up the story…
"Not knowing what the meeting was about, I sat down at the impromptu gathering around a little square table, with the smell of Chai tea and roasted sweet potato wafting through the cafeteria, conversations between other conference delegates from 17 countries buzzed around us.
This is what the Africa by Radio Media conference was all about - connecting and collaborating to further God's Kingdom in Africa using media. Reach Beyond has had a hand in starting many of the media ministries represented at this East African conference.
I leaned in to catch everything said by the three softly spoken men around me – a Kenyan, a Swede and a Tanzanian:
“Our radio station is very well recognised by the government. They hold us to a high standard because they want us to be an example to other radio stations in the country.
They recently awarded us a license to start eight repeater radio stations along a section of our country where the Muslim populations are concentrated, but we have to get five of them on-air within 10 months from now!
I am so burdened by this project. I don't see how it can happen. We have no way to manage this under our own strength. Only God can make it become a reality.”
What an amazing opportunity! This radio station has such a good ministry track record in its region for evangelism, follow-up and long-term discipleship. These are people we know and trust. It shouldn't be difficult to get the equipment into the country and we have the people-power needed to make it happen.
As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that in order to help them meet this target, in 2024 Reach Beyond would need to supply the equipment and technical expertise to help them start... yes you guessed it... TWO radio stations!
Furthermore, this gives us time to start fundraising for the other stations which will have to be set up next year!
When plans don't come together as expected in this part of the world, you often hear a short derogatory phrase 'This is Africa…’ However, at times like this, I am reminded that the mantra really ought to be: 'This is God's Africa!’"
Make a donation to support our VOICE projects around the world.