There was joy and jubilation at the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division Head Quarters, on the 6th of 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 the 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 that this was the day to remember. The guest of Honour, Mr. Immanuel Ogwal from Uganda, who is also the AWR Africa Regional Director, applauded the historic launch calling it a game changer in evangelism.
Mr. Immanuel Ogwal was one of the first guests to be interviewed live by Sibongile Lugube one of our presenter/producers. Mr 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 or 10/40 window.
The President of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, Dr Solomon Maphosa 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. Dr 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, SIDmedia Board Chairman, Dr Hopeson Bonya applauded the work being done by SIDmedia in using technology to share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dr 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.”
The SID Executive Secretary, Pastor Gideon Reyneke did the honors by cutting the ribbon at the new magnificent SIDmedia studios. Taking to the airwaves, the AWR SIDmedia station manager Sipho Kaleni could not hide his excitement as he harvested the first fruits during his drive time show entitled “Maranatha drive.” Just as 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 to say she want to give her life to Jesus.
The first Sabbath of the AWR launch, saw SIDmedia taking the radio to the people, by visiting Mooikloof SDA church in Pretoria. During this live broadcast ACTIVATION, eight more souls decided to choose Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. The first fruits from Maranatha drive and Mooikloof SDA church, is 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, From Broadcast to Baptism.
Article: Noel Sibanda
Photography: Manelisi Vala & Noel Sibanda
