We knew when we came that our work would be primarily on the radio. Little did we know just what all that would entail (as we’re learning is pretty much always true in the life of a missionary). Let me set it up for you.
Our radio tower in Tonj has been broadcasting pre-recorded (static) programming for the last couple of years. Every Village Radio programming included the Chronological Bible Stories and dialogue, local songs, health and hygiene training, and teacher training. All of the material was recorded and compiled in Kampala, then sent up to Tonj on an iPod. Someone from In Deed in Truth (our partner organization, with whom we’re living right now) was charged with pressing PLAY on the iPod every evening at 7 and again every morning at 8, and the radio would broadcast for one hour in Dinka.
In the short time we have been there, we’ve already had several people stop and tell us that they love the radio and ask where they can get more hand-held radio to share with their families and friends (more will be available soon). We have been greatly encouraged by this, because the programming is only going to get better!
On June 15th, we will have what is called a soft launch, meaning that radio programming will go from just one hour of the current pre-recorded material to FIVE HOURS of new material every evening (4 hours in Dinka and 1 hour in Luo)! The content and programming will be all new and Every Village Radio will launch as Döör FM (döör means “peace” in Dinka).
I wrote about our 7-week radio training in Kampala, and three of those guys who were in training are now the ones here in Tonj getting this whole thing started. David, Albino, and Marko serve as our hosts, journalists, and producers (each person wears many hats), and are right now in the process of writing, gathering, translating, recording, and editing all of this new material to be broadcast beginning June 15th. At the soft launch, the material will still all be pre-recorded and compiled ahead of time, but it will include entirely new programming, such as Bible teaching, children’s programming (stories, skits, songs, etc.), community development (community health education, new teacher training, agriculture, etc.), current events, prayer time, and of course, local music. It also includes jingles, talkovers, interviews, dramas, and various transitions and sound effects.
On July 9th (ROSS Independence Day), we will have a hard launch, when all radio broadcasting goes completely LIVE! By that time, our three radio guys will have had time to practice compiling all of the radio programming and will be ready to take on their new roles as live, on-air hosts. The programming will only continue to grow and improve as the team gains experience and feedback from the community.
Between June 15th and July 9th, we will be running a huge promotional campaign for Döör FM throughout the greater Tonj area. We want to built a LOT of hype and anticipation so that by the time we’re live, everyone in Tonj is excited and eager for the new launch.
We are really excited about the impact that the radio has already had in the community, as well as the potential for impact with the new programming and live broadcasting. We are also really thrilled that not only are is our radio team showing great initiative and motivation, but each one of them has expressed a deep passion for the people of Tonj to really know God’s Word and to live by it. We see in them a deep faithfulness and pray that the Lord will use them in mightier ways than our little brains can fathom.
So, where, exactly, do Blaise and I fit into all of this? Part 2 will be up soon!