Written by: Eva Pretorious
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Even though the radio station only started broadcasting six months ago, there has been a great response to its broadcasts in the Muslim country.
Pastor Thomassin Gotingar, the station manager at FEBA’s new radio station in Chad, ministers to his listeners with great enthusiasm and boldness. During his daily programme, which he also broadcasts live on Facebook, he announces the following in French: “There is no other way to be saved, except through Jesus Christ.” The sincerity in his voice is similar to that with which Paul urged the church in Corinth not to put their trust in worldly wisdom (1 Cor 3:18-20). Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Thomassin makes every effort to lead the people of Chad to Christ.
Broadcasters that counsel listeners and pray with them
The radio station was officially established in February 2020 and can reach up to 300 000 people within a radius of 50-70 km. The station is operated from a rented office in a local television studio. Once the broadcasts end, the presenters can then counsel those in need, or pray with listeners that call in.
FEBA’s goal with the radio station is to preach the Gospel and to unite the Body of Christ.
Great response from listeners
Even though the radio station has been broadcasting for only six
months, FEBA is already amazed by the huge response to its broadcasts in the Muslim country.
• “Please pray for me, I have lost my faith and I am struggling to pray.”
• “I am deeply in debt and I want to ask for forgiveness.”
• “I have been unable to pray for the past six months. Can you please help me?”
• “I want to give my life to the Lord Jesus and I want to serve Him, please pray for me.”
Two local presenters of Radio Shahada 105.9FM
These are just a few of the messages the station has received over the past few weeks.
Spiritual Review of Chad
Chad is currently home to more than eight million Muslims, accounting for about 52% of the total population. Islam is an established religion in most of the major cities and is found especially in areas where most of the Arab population live. Due to Islam’s appeal, a large number of ethnic groups have joined the Islamic faith. Nevertheless, various traditional practices and tribal religions are still practiced in certain areas.
The other part of the population practice animism or form part of the different Christian denominations.
Christians in the city
Christians in Chad who come from a diversified background are superficial, easily diverted from their faith, and do not hesitate to accept syncretism. The practices of the occult and other religious fetishes are quite common, and those who participate in ancestral worship are a constant threat to those who aspire to a life of authentic devotion to Christ. People who attest to the Christian faith form part of either the Catholic or Protestant church and are largely nominal. Nominal Christians will self-identify with the faith, but do not go beyond attending church or identifying with a certain denomination. Christ has no baring in their lives and religion is primarily a social construct.
FEBA’s goal with the radio station in Chad is not only to preach the Gospel to the unreached people in and around N’Djamena, but to also unite the Body of Christ.
Radio Shahada 105.9FM
Thomassin passionately addresses various Biblical topics with much conviction. He ranges from the power of the crucifixion to how to be liberated from all that can bind you in your life and faith. FEBA’s station in Chad, Radio Shahada 105.9FM, broadcasts every Sunday in French, Arabic, Ngambai, Mbai, Gouley, Kim, Nantchere, and Daye. The station receives approximately 100 messages per week from its listeners. Some of them want to know how to invite Christ into their lives, while others ask for prayer for wisdom.
Open hearts is a good sign
No station in Chad’s history has ever encouraged interaction between broadcasters and listeners. Because of the culture, it is deemed inappropriate for people to open up to the announcers, as the community views them as outsiders and strangers. FEBA’s team at Radio Shahada is pushing the boundaries in Chad and it is already bearing fruit.
The station is still new and needs resources to expand its reach so that more people in the country can hear about Christ and accept Him as their Saviour. If you feel led in your heart to be part of this project that leads thousands to Jesus, please contact us on 012 335 5708, or visit our website at febaradio.co.za
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Date published: 07/08/2020
Feature image: The station manager, pastor Thomassin Gottingar, in the middle. He is accompanied by local pastors during the inauguration of the radio station.
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