There was joy and jubilation at the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Headquarters, on 6 March, when the long-awaited AWR online radio station powered by SIDmedia was launched at a colourful event. More than 150 people attended this prestigious event from both SID, SIDmedia, and other invited guests.
The AWR powered by SIDmedia has been on the cards for a long time, and this launch was a true testimony that indeed, dreams do come true. Dressed in their African regalia, the guests made sure this was a day to remember. The guest of honour, Mr. Immanuel Ogwal, AWR Africa Regional director and Uganda native, applauded the historic launch, calling it a game changer in evangelism.
Ogwal was one of the first guests to be interviewed live by Sibongile Lugube, one of our presenters and producers. Ogwal said, “The launch of this radio station will complement the church’s strategic plan of ‘I will Go,’ as the church intensifies the spreading of the gospel using all forms of media platforms.” Radio is indeed one of those platforms that can reach some of the most remote areas in our division, the so-called unentered areas, aka the 10/40 window.
Dr. Solomon Maphosa, president of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, commended the media ministry, saying this was the best news and music to his ears, as the church embraces media evangelism as a tool of spreading the gospel. Maphosa, who is so passionate about radio ministry, said, “It gives me great pleasure to be part and parcel of this new vehicle for evangelism. I have worked in radio before, so I know the power of radio. Radio can reach places where some of us as pastors cannot go.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Dr. Hopeson Bonya, SIDmedia board chairperson, applauded the work being done by SIDmedia in using technology to share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bonya said, “The work being done by SIDmedia is very commendable. As leaders, we want to promote media evangelism in all its forms so that we can finish the work ahead of us.”
Pastor Gideon Reyneke, SID executive secretary, did the honours by cutting the ribbon at the new, magnificent SIDmedia studios. Taking to the airwaves, Sipho Kaleni, AWR SIDmedia station manager, could not hide his excitement as he harvested the first fruits during his drive-time show, entitled “Maranatha Drive.” Just like the motto for AWR, “From broadcast to baptism,” sister Grace Maoka, who tuned into AWR SIDmedia on the second day of its live broadcast, phoned in to say she wanted to give her life to Jesus.
The first Sabbath of the AWR launch saw SIDmedia taking the radio to the people by visiting the Mooikloof Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pretoria. During the live broadcast of ACTIVATION, eight more souls decided to choose Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. The first fruits from Maranatha Drive and Mooikloof Church are a sure sign that God’s hand is at play, and we give Him all the praise and glory for all this wonderful work as the church intensifies its strategic plan of “I Will Go!” The slogan for AWR says it all.
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