Amidst Mass Attacks Against Believers, Gospel Gains Ground in Nigeria
News of violence against Christians has made frightening and disturbing headlines lately, but there are also many other challenges Nigerians face in their everyday lives.
The Tide® (thetide.org) global radio ministry has been broadcasting programming in Nigeria for nearly 10 years. Through 11 different languages, the people of Nigeria can learn more about Christ and give their lives over to Him.
“With more than 470 different languages spoken in Nigeria, the opportunity to share the gospel in this highly populated country is incredible,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “Many Nigerians don’t currently have the opportunity to hear about Jesus in their own language. These people face many serious and grave challenges, from extreme poverty and economic hardship to violence and conflicts between ethnic groups. Despite all that faces these precious people, what is true will always be true—and that is the message of the gospel.”
In 2009, The Tide ministry began broadcasting in Nigeria in the Efik language, and since then, has added programming in 10 more languages. These programs have the potential to be heard by millions of people who do not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
An important aspect of The Tide ministry in Nigeria is the “Radios for Nigeria” project. Although the country is rich in agricultural land, mineral resources and oil reserves, a third of the population lives below the poverty line and are too poor to buy a radio. As people give toward this project, The Tide ministry places radios in villages throughout Nigeria. Most of these radios are being given to village leaders or the heads of extended families.
Through these radios many people are now hearing the gospel message in their own language and responding positively to God’s offer of salvation. And the gospel radio programs in Nigeria are making a difference in many lives, despite the difficulties its people experience.
“If it was not for your Efik radio program, I would not be a Christian now,” said one Nigerian listener. “I started listening to the program when I was seeking answers and found them in your ministry and preaching of various messages. Your programs make the word come alive as it should. A year ago, I surrendered to Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His gospel.”
The Tide ministry currently offers audio programming in 25 heart languages spoken by millions of people in multiple regions of Albania, Bhutan, India, Kosovo, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand and Zimbabwe, making it possible for multiple people groups to hear the gospel in the languages they were born to speak.
