Radio is a powerful method of communication in South Sudan. Let's go there to see how Salvation FM is sharing the gospel with the city of Juba.
Throughout the Middle East and North Africa, loudspeakers are commonly seen mounted on top of mosques and minarets. The speakers are used 5 times per day in a call to prayer, sometimes beginning as early as 4 a.m.
An Adventist pastor in South Sudan employed a similar idea to broadcast a call of preparation for Jesus’ soon coming. The pastor mounted speakers on the trees around his house and played music and programs that soon attracted curious listeners. From this creative beginning, the Adventist church acquired a radio license and now broadcasts programs in Juba, the capital. The radio station is named Salvation FM.
The ingenious creators of this station now operate inside a shipping container. It’s nicely decorated, painted with the station logo on the outside, and covered with a roof to keep out the rain. The transmitter and studio are powered by fuel generators as the city can’t yet provide enough electricity.
In this city, Salvation FM has won the hearts and attention of a large audience. One avid listener is Thomas. He was recently baptized and now works as a talk show presenter at the station.
Thomas was reached by this very channel. One day, as he searched for the news, he landed on Salvation FM. Gospel music was playing and the song caught Thomas’ attention. He kept on listening, consistently for next 3 days. He didn’t dare turn off the radio. At the time, Thomas knew his life needed to change and he began to notice that his thoughts were improving as he listened to Salvation FM.
Then a special program came on and the pastor opened the phone lines for people to call in. Thomas quickly called and connected with the radio staff. Later, he received training to become a talk show host. Now, Thomas spends his afternoons coaching young listeners to live better lives full of hope.
“I have never lived a good life before. I am not surprised for this. The life in South Sudan leads you to these conditions.”
“My program’s title and audience is the Youth of This Time. , I chose youth programs so I can help shape their lives in the right direction.”
“For us in South Sudan, there are a lot of people in need who want to hear the word of God. I ask you to pray for our youth. Their life is consumed with secular things. Please pray that they will come to a knowledge of the living God.”
The country of South Sudan is still in a frail situation. Let’s pray for the people of this country and also for Seventh-day Adventists living and working in the region.
AdventistMission.org
