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Radio Bible set to reach Côte d’Ivoire’s poorCÔTE D’IVOIRE — Everywhere in Abidjan, there is evidence of the impact on ordinary people of the political, social and economic problems that now burden this once prosperous and united country. These scenes of suffering caused by unemployment, inadequate education, civil conflict and HIV/AIDS are replicated across the country.
It is against this troubled background that the Bible Society of Côte d’Ivoire is developing an ambitious project to bring God’s Word to people in a format with which they are already familiar. The radio is a constant companion for many of Abidjan’s poorest residents: those who sell food or second-hand goods on the streets, for example, or who wash clothes in streams. With many young people dropping out of the education system and the literacy rate in French, the official language, at around only 45 per cent, it is the main source of information and entertainment for many. Key element
This is why the Bible Society has decided
to develop the Radio Bible project. Through 365 programmes in French,
each lasting 15 minutes, listeners will be able to hear the whole of
the New Testament and around one third of the Old Testament over the
course of a year. A key element of the Radio Bible initiative will be collaboration with Church leaders, according to General Secretary Jean Kouassi. “Times are so challenging that we need to co-operate,” he says. “My staff will commit themselves fully to see this project reach the intended audience and run smoothly. I realise it will ask a lot from my staff, but we are willing to do it because we believe in this program.” And there are promising signs that this
collaborative approach will bear fruit. At a recent meeting, Church
leaders were keen to voice their willingness to support the Bible Society.
“We have the same goal of reaching people with the Word,” said one, a Catholic bishop. “I will assist as far as possible to introduce this program to radio stations that co-operate with us.” The Rev Isaac Bodje of the Methodist Church agreed: “We must help people to hear, but also to understand, the Word. The Radio Bible is one way of introducing people to the Word of God.” Exciting project Another participant at this meeting was
Davyd Hepburn, Faith Fund Manager at the American
Bible Society. He, too, was filled with enthusiasm at the potential
for bringing the Scriptures to people through radio broadcasts.
“To be part of such an exciting project is wonderful,” he said. “The Radio Bible with its unique characteristics will definitely impact the lives of those listening to it on a regular basis.” Day and nightMr Hepburn also accompanied Bible Society staff on visits to several Christian radio stations which already broadcast locally. Using the latest equipment, they are able to broadcast throughout the day and night. Not surprisingly, they are proud of their achievements and made a very favourable impression on the visitors. “I am amazed by what I am seeing,” said Mr Hepburn. “Coming back to where I worked in the Seventies is such a blessing and to see how things have developed is a huge privilege.” “We will have to come up with an equally professional product,” added Bible Society Marketing Manager Pierre Seu. (WR 399/25 - 01/02.06) [5 photos] For an earlier article on the Radio Bible project, see World Report 380/2.
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