The image of the church planter is changing from a missionary wearing a pith helmet with a Bible under his arm to that of a simple radio. SIM's partner church, Union des Eglises Evangéliques du Benin (UEEB) in Benin, West Africa, broadcasts the gospel in 14 languages with encouraging results in changed lives and churches planted.

Cell phones have invaded the entire world, even into the jungles of West Africa. The producer of the Fon language radio programs, Pastor Patrice, notes with satisfaction that his listeners can call him from almost anywhere on his cell phone. Callers tell about whole families listening to the radio programs. One listener visited Pastor Patrice with a group of friends to ask him to come to their village to start a UEEB church.

In the Ife speaking areas of Benin, the Lord has used radio broadcasts to start two evangelistic outreach posts. Ife Radio Pastor Houedjissi Francois reported that in the town of Tchetti some listeners had started a new church. Later, the chief of Tchetti gave them a piece of land for the church.

One listener of the Ditamari language programs, N'Tcha Pascal, said he had become a follower of Jesus through the radio messages. Beforehand, he was always afraid of the spirits of his deceased parents. Only when he began to listen to the radio broadcasts did he realize that God was stronger then all of them. Pascal testifies that he is the head of a household of 12 people. He has two wives and eight living children. Both of his wives have lost some children. All of Pascal's family members are now Christians and enjoy the spiritual food the radio programs provide.

SIM and the UEEB churches are encouraged with the planting and strengthening of the church in Benin through the radio. If you would like to give, please contact your nearest SIM office and refer to Project BJ 80710.