(January 7, 2011 - by Harold Goerzen) Hundreds of thousands of residents in a remote area of northeastern Ghana have the opportunity to hear local Christian broadcasts in their native tongue, thanks to HCJB Global's cooperative effort with Theovision International to plant a radio station in Saboba about three weeks ago.
"It brings joy to my soul every time we are able to help a local community," said Joseph Kebbie, the mission's training coordinator for the Sub-Saharan Africa region. "A teacher in the community of Saboba clearly told us of the difficulties they face in getting information because there is nothing like a radio station around them. He told me, 'It's like we are forgotten people, but today God has provided us with our own radio station. We thank HCJB Global for helping provide this station!'"
The broadcasts cover Saboba, a city of about 120,000, as well as the surrounding area, "and I was told that it could cover some parts of Togo," Kebbie said. Some 800,000 people are within hearing range of the station.
Radio Gaakii (gaakii means faith in the Konkomba language) is the third FM radio station launched by Theovision in the last year along with an online radio station based in Accra. Test transmissions began on Dec. 20, 2010, and the station expects to launch regular broadcasts 24 hours a day in February.
Kebbie, originally from Liberia, helped train the staff during the installation of the Saboba outlet. It broadcasts at 88.3 MHz on the FM dial, airing programs in four languages: Konkomba, Baasare, Twi and Hausa.
"There are Muslim and Animistic regions in the area," said Stephen Asare, son of Rev. Theo Asare who founded Theovision in 1989. "We believe this station will help us target these groups with the good news of Jesus Christ."
Asare, a Moody Bible Institute graduate who serves as media training and radio network manager for Theovision, said initial reaction to the broadcasts has been positive. "Local residents are so excited and can't wait for the station to be officially launched," he related. "This is evident through the test transmissions so far."
Kebbie added that partnerships are a key strategy in reaching the continent for Christ. "Working with likeminded ministries such as Theovision is very important in accomplishing what God wants us to do in Africa," he said. "Thousands, if not millions, can hear the gospel message of Christ in their local dialects or languages across the African continent via the community radio stations that we help plant."
HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson added that "community FM radio is extremely popular in Africa. It's the main means of information and entertainment for Africans. We're privileged to plant yet another community radio station in Ghana that will provide information about health, family, current events and, more importantly, the good news of Jesus. Music, teaching and interviews will share the gospel with those who tune in to their community station."
Source: HCJB Global
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9800
800.873.4859