Indian radio
broadcasts Gospel

Silverio Moreno, Director of the Alpha & Omega Christian radio station in Juarez says his station not only broadcasts in three languages, but it also works with all 12 of the area’s diverse churches. Juarez, Formosa, Argentina. Photo: UBS/Larry Jerden (ARG01DJ-42.JPG)

JUAREZ, Formosa, Argentina — Not all the Indians in the far northeast corner of Argentina can read. But almost all of them can listen to the radio.

This simple fact inspired the local Anglican Bishop to realise that sharing God’s Word over the airwaves had great potential. That inspiration took the form of Alpha & Omega Radio, 91.7 FM, a small local Christian station. With only a 600-watt transmitter, it does not reach very far, but station director Silverio Moreno says it is touching many lives.

“The radio station has been only here since 1996,” he says. “And our normal range is only about 10 kms (6.2 miles), but depending on the weather and time of day, sometimes we reach as far as 100 kms (62 miles). That gives us a potential audience of about 20,000 people, and we get a lot of good feedback.”

Letters

In response to programming that includes Christian music, preaching and Bible readings, the station is receiving many thank-you letters.

“People write in response to specific programmes,” Mr Moreno says, “and many of them say our broadcasts are a blessing to them.”

It also helps that programmes include offerings in Spanish, Wichí and Toba. Not only does the small station try to reach a diverse language and cultural community, but also one that reflects a broad spectrum of Christians.

“There are 12 churches in the community,” Mr Moreno explains. “And while the Radio Commission that oversees the station is from the Anglican Church, and the station was started by Anglicans, it is used by all denominations, including a Roman Catholic priest. Our goal is to work with all the churches in the area, including the Catholics.

Radio important

“There’s a great need for people in this area to have the Gospel,” he adds. “That is the most important thing. We believe that radio is a very important way to minister. That was the main reason the station was built.”

Among those who have been sharing the Gospel over the airways is Toba Bible translator Hilario Tenaiquin. He has given two 15-minute devotional programmes in Toba, and has been interviewed about the Toba Bible translation. But like the director, he would like to do more if the resources are available.

Among the station’s most valuable assets are volunteers like technician Carlos Morino.

Meet listeners

“Students work here,” Mr Morino explains, “and all the help is from volunteers. We just want to help the different language groups in any way we can. My wish is to meet the listeners and learn what they use and what they do.”

Mr Morino makes use of the station’s 200 Christian music tapes, 30 CDs and a suite of production equipment from England. The Bible Society is willing to provide tapes and other resources, as well.

“Today, many young people say they are helped a lot by Christian radio because it helps them to grow in the faith,” he says, “so we want to use it more to teach.”

He calls the station ‘a natural’, “because the Indians wanted a radio station and we wanted to communicate.”

It faces competition from three secular stations which have more resources.
“But a lot of people want to hear us, because we are in the Wichí language,” Mr Moreno insists. (WR 380/12 - 10.03)