Written by: M’bimba Dembelé
Article source: JOY! Magazine
KanuYah FM fights the good fight by broadcasting the pure Gospel, as internal factions and external pressure threatens to tear the country apart.
The situation in Mali is extremely serious, even if our army is fully prepared to continue with another war. Not long ago, a French warship transported thousands of mercenaries and arms to Dakar, in neighbouring Senegal, to attack Mali. Everyday our soldiers are killing or taking many mercenaries captive from Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Niger.
A nation at war
Mali has been at war for ten years, both against the enemy within – fighting for the independence of its northern regions, as well as radical jihadists who have been fighting to turn the country into an Islamic republic.
Economic and geopolitical considerations, under the veil of jihad, could be the cause for more bloodshed as the coalition of Western and West African countries – led by the former colonial power, France – prepare to send NATO troops to attack Mali from their bases in Ivory Coast, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal.
Therefore, after its victory over the jihadists – who were almost everywhere in the country – Mali is now infested with thousands of mercenaries, while thousands more are waiting to be sent from each of the above-mentioned neighbouring countries to start an all-out war.
M’bimba Dembele, the Director of KanuYah FM Solo
A Christian voice of hope
KanuYah FM Sollo operates against the backdrop of this difficult geopolitical conflict in the town of Manantali, Southwestern Mali. By God’s grace, it has achieved incredibly more than could be expected of any radio station in such a chaotic environment, especially in the field of evangelism. Of all people amid the destruction and man-made disaster, the first victims of Islamic terror are always Christians, then other non-Muslims.
The power of evangelism
Following the commissioning of the equipment sent by Dr Jurie Vermeulen, director of FEBA South Africa, KanuYah FM Sollo made the intensification of radio evangelism its top priority. At the time five powerful jihadist groups were threatening to forcibly turn Mali into an Islamic republic. Meanwhile, Muslim men and boys in Manantali were vigorously training to join Jihad, and veiled Muslim women were parading the town’s highways and byways daily.
Within weeks of broadcasting the Gospel, the impact was so strong that although the men continued their training, the women stopped parading the streets and the new campaign of mosque-building in the area, funded by rich Muslim countries, also stopped.
Bringing new light
Most listeners said that the station led them to discover the truth about Jesus and the love and grace of the Christian God. They came to terms with the fact that they had been wrong concerning salvation, forgiveness, and true love for one’s neighbour before they started listening to our programmes. They had been taught that to be deserving of heaven, they had to leave their wives and children behind in order to go and kill in God’s name. But now they have learnt from God Himself that they should never kill (Exo 20:13).
Manantali dam within close proximity of our station KanuYah FM that is situated in the village of Solo.
Sharing biblical hope
Despite all the security and economic challenges, as well as the devastating effects of Covid-19, the morale of the Mali people remains high. They now have the strength to face difficulties, like the loss of their loved ones in war zones. Refugees who are coming from areas where the terror was rife have been able to overcome the trauma and no longer fear the threat of imminent war.
A changed nation
Listeners openly say that the change of heart – coupled with heartfelt repentance and prayer – has spared the region unnecessary bloodshed and insecurity, and many refugees from other parts of Mali have come with their families, particularly from the Minyanka ethnic group. National and International ministries are also heavily reliant on our radio station for church planting, as we help listeners connect with them and prepare hearts to be open to receive the message.
Please pray for Mali
Now that we have a truly democratic regime, albeit a military one, KanuYah FM Sollo’s management intends to apply for permission to use a more powerful transmitter. If the authorities approve this, FEBA South Africa has agreed to fund it. Such a transmitter will allow KanuYah FM Sollo to have an impact throughout Mali and beyond. Please pray for the return of peace in Mali as this country braces for war yet again, and pray that KanuYah FM Sollo can continue to evangelise more effectively.
Partner With Feba
If you feel led to join forces with FEBA, you are invited to partner with the organisation. Please visit their website: febaradio.co.za or call 012 335 5708
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
Date published: 26/09/2022
M’bimba Dembelé – FEBA’s radio station manager partner in Mali.
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
