As sweet as a child’s first words to a mother, so sweet is the Living Word in the mother tongue. Words in the mother tongue are so sweet that people eagerly listen to radio programs in their own language. In Ghana, the SIM related Bible Church of Africa (BCA) has begun Gospel radio programs in three tribal languages on two local FM radio stations.

The listener response has been positive. One man said the programs in his mother tongue helped him to understand that the Gospel is for him, not only for the white man or those in other regions. Several others have said that they could really understand the message and that they appreciated the Ghanaian gospel music. Another listener confessed that he was not aware of the Kasem language New Testament until he heard the program.

Forging Connections with Local Churches

Pastor Thomas Abugah, mission director for BCA and director for the BCA radio ministries, is emphatic to point out that radio is not an end in itself, but a means to connect converts and seekers with the local church. Many telephone calls to the BCA attest to the fact that people are hearing the Word of God over the radio and desiring to locate and join local churches. Some callers have even invited BCA to send evangelists to their areas, Pastor Thomas said. He also pointed out that the telephone systems are limited and usage is expensive, estimating that the number of people listening far outnumbers those who call.

Striving for Regularly Scheduled Programs

The BCA radio programs are currently broadcast in Kasem, Twi and English in the Kumasi and Enchi areas of Ghana. These programs are broadcast free of charge but on an irregular basis, as the radio station’s service to religious groups. The stations also extend the same courtesy to the Muslim community.

Radio stations are willing to accept the programs and assign them a regular broadcast schedule for a fee. A timely, regular broadcast is important for the listeners to know when to tune in their program. Then they can diligently follow the presentations that help them make decisions for the Lord, or grow in their faith, Pastor Thomas said.

The BCA radio project has received great response; however, Pastor Abuga's leadership responsibilities in the BCA have increased. It is now too much of a burden for him to coordinate the radio ministry. Without a person to take on the radio broadcasts as his or her sole responsibility, this ministry won't grow to its full potential.

Pray

Will you pray for God to call someone to coordinate radio programming in the native languages of Northern Ghana? Please pray that the sweet words of life broadcast on the radio will continue to make an impact for eternity.

Go

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