On October 24, Etienne Kiemdé of Radio Evangile Développement (RED) presented the HCJB Global Technology Center with a plaque commemorating 20 years of partnership in Burkina Faso.
The radio network started with a single 10-watt FM transmitter in 1993 that reached only four miles, but God has blessed the work which has grown to eight more powerful stations with a ninth one awaiting government licensing. The network is now broadcasting in 22 different languages and has over two million daily listeners in this predominately Muslim country.
RED has two objectives — evangelization through radio and participation in the development of the country. As Etienne said, “This is the best way to reach some populations that are hardened against listening to the gospel. If you go there, and we say, ‘we are going to help you with your health,’ then we speak about Jesus, and they love it. We have received some grants from HCJB Global to drill wells. We see that where the wells are situated, the people are always happy and saying, ‘your God is true.’” In that way we, we are the voice of Jesus and the hands of Jesus, too. I think it’s what God requires from us — helping them to live on earth, but preparing them to live with Him forever.”
What an encouragement to us, and we hope to you, to hear how the Lord has blessed this ministry! We are all part of the body of Christ, working, giving and going to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Each dot (added with computer editing) on the plaque represents a radio station operated by Radio Evangile Développement. http://red-burkina.org