God’s Word, in nine local languages, reaches out more often than ever…
“One day I was busy editing some audio files in my office,” said Vernacular Media Specialist Jo Clifford. “A colleague knocked on my door to introduce two guests. They were staff members from a radio station here in Mbeya.
“They had heard that we produce radio programmes, and came to ask if we might be interested in broadcasting with them. But this is not a Christian station — so I was quite surprised, as our programme content is mainly mother tongue Scripture.
“First, I asked them how much it would cost. They conferred with the manager of the station, and came back with an offer: three programmes weekly, for the same price as other radio stations in the area have been broadcasting for us just once each week.
“Next, I wondered if they really wanted to broadcast our programmes. So I sent sample programmes to the station manager. He called me back within the hour. He was very excited, because the programmes which I had sent happened to be in his own mother tongue.
“He then added to his offer: if we have any new products, such as Scripture books or audio CDs, he will personally advertise them on his own programme every Saturday morning.
“We now have a contract for one year, to broadcast mother tongue Scripture in all the languages of Mbeya Region — on a secular radio station which reaches about three million people!”
This story was written for SIL Tanzania by:
Kenny Grindall (Communications Coordinator)
SIL International is a global partner among academic and professional organisations which offer language development services. SIL works alongside speakers of more than 1,700 languages in over 100 countries. Active in Tanzania since 1989, the organization makes its services available to all without regard to religious belief, political ideology, gender, race or ethnolinguistic background.
