The need

The church in West Africa is in desperate need of sound biblical teaching as well as the means to reach the lost within this vast geographic area. Islam is gaining momentum as it sweeps south from the countries of North Africa toward the sub-Saharan region. According to Operation World (21st Century Edition), nearly half of West Africa’s total population of 241,7 million are Muslim.

Today, the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Togo all face domination of non-christian religions with prevailing animistic beliefs. Benin is the only West African country dominated by voodoo.

Most of these nations have numerous unreached people groups without an established presence of any indigenous evangelical church. In addition, 60,7% of the population in West Africa live in rural settings where FM radio does not reach.

The Vision

For almost ten years, Trans World Radio (TWR) has been investigating the possibility of a transmitting location in West Africa. In November 2002, a pastor in the small country of Benin spoke with the president of his nation about the possibility of a Christian broadcasting station within its borders.

The president, amazingly, pursued his request and personally invited TWR to submit an application for a license to broadcast. TWR accepted the offer and has actively pursued the opportunity to establish a radio station outlet, with the approval of its Board of Directors and the guidance of the Lord.

This highpowered medium wave (AM) station would allow TWR to reach West African nations, especially those with indigenous groups living in rural areas. The facility will also allow TWR to increase the number of languages broadcast to unreached people groups, as well as provide a relatively lowcost outlet to Christian broadcasters, ministries, missions and churches to air programs.

A license to broadcast using a medium wave signal was approved by the Benin government early in 2004, and TWR is moving ahead with building the transmitter facility to house a 100,000-watt medium wave transmitter and additional space for short wave transmitters planned for the future. (The short wave phase will be done in partnership with HCJB Christian Radio). God miraculously provided land free of charge to TWR and the goal is to be on the air by November 2005.

The challenge to fill the gap left by the destruction of radio station ELWA and reach millions in West Africa is one of the greatest opportunities for TWR on the continent.

People Groups to be reached

• Dagbani
• Djerma
• Fulfilde-Gurma
• Fulfilde-Kano
• Gourma
• Hausa
• Jula
• Kanuri Manga
• Moore
• Songhai
• Soninke
• Tamajeq

The Opportunity

The total cost of the Benin Transmitter Project is $1,404,728.

Trans World Radio is pleased to report receipt of a matching gift commitment that will result in the first $500,000 given to this project matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Please prayerfully consider how God might use you to help make this critical project a reality.

Measureable Outcomes

The transmitter site will:

• help minister effectively to the Muslims who live in the coverage area (9 people groups)
• ensure that all the people of Benin will be able hear the Gospel daily as we promised the president of Benin
• make the operation cost effective and affordable so that the local West African church can put programming on the transmitter
• help strengthen the local church through the broadcasts
• provide a new strong TWR radio presence on medium wave (AM)
• create a bridgehead for expanded ministry to West Africa on short wave

Yes, I would like to make this project a reality!