Audio Scriptures open up God’s Word in Nigeria

NIGERIA — With literacy levels at 68 per cent of the adult population, there is still progress to be made in Africa’s most populous country. For those who cannot read, the Bible remains literally a ‘closed book’. This is why the Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) audio Scripture program remains an important element of the Bible Society of Nigeria’s ministry. And as the following testimonies show, FCBH is also proving very effective in bringing the Scriptures to people who, although able to read, do not have time to do so.

“People pay more attention during the Bible listening session than during Sunday services. Those among us who cannot read are benefiting immensely from the program. They are able to answer questions about the Bible which they could not answer before the program began.”
— Deacon O.O. Akinola, Salem African Baptist Church, Saki

“We run the FCBH program every Wednesday in my church. Before it was introduced, those who cannot read were not interested in studying the Bible, but now many of them are participating in Bible study programs.”
— Elder Richard Adewale Bolade, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Anu, A yobo

“God has been using the FCBH cassettes to bring people closer to his Word. Many lives have been changed. A non-Christian in our area who heard the Scriptures on cassette promised to buy a new cassette player for us to replace the one we are using.”
— Pastor Okejimi, Praying Band of Jesus Christ, Saki

“The FCBH program is a powerful tool for evangelism. We always use the public address system when we run the listening sessions in the church, so that people living around the church may hear the Word of God. The program has yielded good results.”
— Pastor E.O. Oladokun, Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Saki

“I bought the cassettes mainly because of the very attractive packaging. I am a very busy person and have little time to read. I began playing the cassette in my car. After some time, I fell in love with hearing the Bible on cassette and stopped listening to music altogether. Also, I found that, whenever I was faced with difficulties, the Bible passage I was listening to would bring me peace.
      “Last year, my wife suffered from an illness that the doctors could not treat. It was a big challenge to us. In the midst of our confusion, several Scriptures started pouring out from my heart like living water. I began to pray, asking God to forgive all my doubts and unbelief and to give me peace. God indeed gave me peace and healed my wife.
      “The Word of God on cassette has brought peace to my once storm-filled life. It has helped me to tune my life to the will of God.”
— Geoffrey Chima, Nitel, Uyo

This report refers to project 83375. (WR 408/12 - 01.02/07)