If Jesus is the only way to God, what about all the innocent people who have never heard about Christ? Would God really punish them for something that wasn’t their fault? So, what is the plight of those who are so isolated (geographically or culturally) that they have not heard the gospel message or been given any opportunity to respond? This is how it is for millions of people in West Africa, living without hope and having never heard of the living water promised by our Lord Jesus. It is like the wanderings of Israel in the desert, again, a dry, thirsty, and a barren land, but it also calls attention to God’s faithfulness to take them out of the desert and into an inhabited city, a place of blessing with food and water.

The passion to see Zulu ministry touching more lives through the Word of God, has motivated the TWR team in KwaZulu-Natal to produce more programmes that bring messages of hope to listeners.

Humble beginnings

A meeting held at Pinetown Baptist church in 1983 between former Director of Programmes, Andrew MacDonald and a committee of senior pastors from different denominations paved the way for the establishment of the TWR Zulu ministry in 1984. Reverend Ernest Mcambi was chosen by church leaders to be their delegate at TWR. “We started by recording 15 minute-programmes which were broadcast by TWR. The Zulu ministry grew over the years through the teachings of Thru the Bible (TTB) in Zulu, called Amazwi Okuphila, an expository teaching of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.” In 2012 the Lord called pastors Vusi and Busi Radebe to grow the ministry further.

Help us to understand the better way to God, and that in the end we may meet Christ.”

These are the words of a young Yao man, Abdi* in South East Africa searching for God. He responded to our broadcasts in his heart language (Yao) on Short Wave from our transmitter site in Swaziland.

The Yao population of Southern Malawi, Northern Mozambique and Southern Tanzania numbers 2 840 000** of which less than 2% are Christian. Abdi is just one of those 57 000 Christians.

TWR’s calling is “to reach the world for Christ” using mass media so that lasting fruit is produced. By listening to a programme on the radio, Internet, or mobile phone, people can privately explore the truths of the Bible and what it means to personally know Jesus.

Another Yao man, Shafiq*, asked us to pray with him so that his parents could come to salvation. Pray with us for his parents that they too may find salvation in Jesus via TWR’s radio programmes.

It’s Women’s month in South Africa! We honour our women in Trans World Radio (TWR) Women of Hope leadership and celebrate their achievements. Being a ministry that seeks to bring hope in Jesus to women, TWR Women of Hope has reached out to many around the world and across generations. Be encouraged and inspired as you read their stories of how they help other women to overcome many daunting challenges. 

Dr. Peggy Banks -Global TWR Women Ministry Director

As Jesus commissioned His disciples, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15, TWR Women of Hope Global Ministry Director, Dr. Peggy Banks travels around the world sharing her life testimony to bring a keen understanding and love of ministry to suffering women around the world. She has spoken at national conferences for women in the United States and has conducted cross-cultural leadership training for women in countries such as India, Tanzania, Senegal and Thailand.

Peggy says, “In seminary, God gave me a mission statement for my life. It is, to help hurting women around the world find hope and healing in Jesus. Being with women and working in ministry to women has been on my heart for years.” Each month, Peggy writes to inspire and encourage all who have joined with TWR Women of Hope in prayer.