Trans World Radio in Benin active on medium wave

Extending The Reach of God's Word
Trans World Radio reaching the unreached from new transmitting site in West Africa

Cary, NC, February 5, 2008-Following years of prayer, groundwork and intense spiritual warfare, international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) is now airing the good news of Jesus Christ into spiritually needy West Africa. Broadcasts in 14 languages began February 1 from a powerful 100,000-watt AM transmitter located in the country of Benin, the birthplace of voodoo.

The new broadcasting outlet marks TWR's 14th major international transmitting site, and it fortifies the Mission's 33-year-old evangelical outreach in Africa. The facility has the potential to reach some 63 million people, many of whom belong to another major world religion. "We need to pray for those who are going to hear the gospel perhaps for the very first time," says TWR-Africa Director of Operations Ray Alary. "Pray that they will be receptive, and that their hearts will be changed for the Lord Jesus Christ."

According to Operation World (21st Century Edition), most West African nations have numerous unreached people groups without an established indigenous evangelical church. Radio, then, is one of the most relevant and cost-effective ways to share Christ's love with people in this vast region. TWR's broadcasts to West Africa provide messages of hope and salvation not evidenced on a large scale since a civil war resulted in the destruction of Radio ELWA in 1990. The Benin station broadcasts evangelical and discipleship programs produced by pastors, Christian organizations and church leaders in West Africa. Furthermore, broadcasts are airing for children, nonreaders and those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Broadcasts from Benin include the following diverse languages and dialects: Bariba, Dendi, Ditammari, English, Fon, French, Hausa, Ifè, Kanuri, Lukpa, Pulaar, Songhai, Twi and Yoruba. To read more about TWR's ministry from Benin, visit http://www.twrafrica.org
(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

TWR-Benin set for February 1 launch on medium wave

Trans World Radio’s new transmitting station in Benin will broadcast for the first time on 1 February 1. TWR hopes the station will be automated within three months. They will be broadcasting programs from local churches and ministries.

With at least 15 languages reaching into 9 countries, they will be able to reach areas that are difficult to reach, such as northern Nigeria. The potential listening audience is 63 million.

Though the date is approaching for the first broadcast, there are still needs. “We are looking for at least one more staff member. We’ve got a builder there and an engineer there right now. We really need some support there for them. It’s a tough place to be. We are a pioneering missionary there,” said Alary. They are 35 miles out of town, and the nearest town has no electricity.”

The station, at Parakou, will broadcast on mediumwave 1566 kHz with a power of 100 kW.
(Source: Mission Network News/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

TWR Benin update

Progress continues on Trans World Radio’s new broadcasting facility in Benin, West Africa. TWR received the title deed for the land, and a commissioning service of the Nautel transmitter is scheduled this month. TWR missionaries and other workers have been working to prepare for initial transmissions, which are scheduled to begin early this year.

Despite many challenges along the way, including health concerns for missionaries and delays in receiving needed equipment, much has been accomplished to ready the site for broadcasting. Recent updates included installing the air conditioning, changing out guy-wires and installing two generators, among many other duties. Still needed is preparing the system to transfer radio programmes, which is being worked on in the coming weeks.
(Source: Mission Network News/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)