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The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) is an evangelical denomination with a major emphasis on world evangelization. It maintains a "big tent" stance in reference to many doctrinal matters, encouraging believers of diverse backgrounds and theological traditions to unite in an alliance to know and exalt Jesus Christ and to complete His Great Commission.
The vision for radio began over 30 years ago through Jim Sawatsky, a Canadian missionary serving with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Zaire. His involvement in the musical group Sango Malamu confirmed the need to produce and distribute indigenous Christian music across the continent. With the proliferation of such quality music and already established Biblical seminaries preparing pastors for teaching and preaching, the path had been set for radio. Years later this vision of establishing radio stations throughout Francophone Africa is becoming a reality.
The Christian and Missionary Alliance has endeavored to make the most of this valuable tool. In 2001 the initiative "Radio for Africa, Give the Winds a Mighty Voice" began, followed by the appointment of a radio professional to live in country and to assist in construction and maintenance of over 20 newly or to be established local FM radio stations throughout Central and Western Africa. These stations are fulfilling a threefold purpose:
• Evangelize the lost and unreached people
• Build up and encourage the local body of Christ in their faith and practice
• Promote development through agriculture, health and hygiene, and AIDS awareness
Radio has played a vital ministry role in Africa in the past few years. The popularity of radio in America in years past is now shared in Africa. In an aural society where traditions, customs and culture are passed down from generation to generation in words, and where the illiteracy rate in some countries is over 80% local FM radio could not have found a better suited home. Electricity for televisions is yet too expensive for most households but nearly everyone or every family in Africa owns at least one radio. A group of men sitting around a radio listening intently to a specific program in their own language is not at all uncommon. A little more dangerous, but just as ordinary to see, is someone riding a bike with one hand and holding a radio to their ear with the other.
Recently in the country of Burkina Faso, two young men received Christ and were baptized. Because they are not yet able to read, radio has become their source for growing in Christ. Radio is an effective aide in discipling new believers that are not yet able to read and write.
Please join with us in praying and supporting the exciting ministry of radio.
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