Radio Ministry Brings Hope in the Midst of Covid-19 Panic

“I found it very strange that a Christian radio station could be received here in North Africa. I found it even stranger that this radio station broadcasts in my mother tongue Berber.”

Today, we are all looking for good news as we battle a dangerous pandemic. In North Africa, a young man named Ibrahim recently found the Good News of the Gospel when he heard the Bible in his native language through Call of Hope’s radio ministry!

Radio listeners are invited to send their questions to Frontline Workers, who personally respond to each letter, email and text received. Those who are seeking to know more about Christ can safely study the Bible using booklets provided by Call of Hope through correspondence courses. Be inspired by this testimony as Frontline Workers continue to press on and find new ways to reach Muslims for Christ!

Ibrahim's Story…

In North Africa, Muslims are learning about the hope that is found in Christ from Christian radio programs broadcast in their native language of Berber. Ibrahim, a devout Muslim found our radio program from one of his colleagues. Read his inspiring testimony in his own words:

"Recently, a friend at work told me that from time to time he listens to a Christian radio program in Berber. I found it very strange that a Christian radio station could be received here in North Africa. I found it even stranger that this radio station broadcasts in my mother tongue of Berber. I insulted my colleague and warned him not to be confused by the ‘nonsense of the unbelievers’. Yet secretly, I became curious. I had neither seen a Bible nor heard anything from Christians about their faith, and I found it particularly appealing that the program was in my mother tongue.

Back home, in my bedroom, I secretly listened to this station. But I was so hateful against all non-Muslims that I could hardly concentrate on the words of the speaker. When the address of the station was given, I immediately took a piece of paper and wrote a letter full of curses to the author. I quoted all the Qur’an verses and sayings of Muhammad known to me in which Christians are cursed and warned them to give up their ‘false faith’."

We Look Forward To Your Next Letter...

"A week after this, I received an answer, ‘Hello Ibrahim, thank you very much for your letter. We understand everything you wrote against us and our faith. None of this is new. For centuries, these defamations have been taught in the Islamic world. It’s perfectly normal that as a Muslim you are unable to think about us in any other way. We welcome you as a new listener to our radio program. If you have any questions or wishes, we look forward to your next letter.’

When I read this answer, I felt a deep shame for what I had written. I suddenly had respect for these people. I listened to the station for a month. After every program, I would have more than one question. I would send the station a new letter with several questions every three or four days. For each of my questions, I would get an answer that was personally written. Sometimes I had another tantrum and cursed the Christians again. The Christians from the radio station nevertheless remained calm and decent."

Ibrahim Finds Christ…

Unexpectedly, Ibrahim received a New Testament Bible in the mail form the Call of Hope team. While initially fearful of being caught with it, his curiosity got the better of him, and he started reading it every night. That’s when he came to read of the criminal crucified at Christ’s side, and without realizing it he prayed, 

"O Lord Jesus, I am a criminal, too, please forgive me my sins! You are the master of life and death. Please also tell me that I will be with you in paradise! Allow me, O Jesus, to come into your kingdom and stay there forever!"

Our Frontline Workers connect with people like Ibrahim on a daily basis, encouraging them in their faith walk. Interaction, however, is limited in many of these nations because of the threat against Christians and evangelism. That is why in areas like North Africa, Call of Hope offers 52 different radio programs, so that our Frontline Workers can minster to those interested, answering questions, all while maintaining a social distance.

Just as we have done for more than 100 years, Call of Hope is adapting to challenges and reaching Muslims with the Gospel in new and creative ways! Please stay safe during this trying time and please also keep our Frontline Workers around the globe in your daily prayers.