John Fugler says this affects the Trans World Radio (TWR) Africa Broadcast Center in Johannesburg. “Our generators have to kick in. That’s happening more and more. And it’s becoming more expensive to service those generators with the fuel costs rising. They’re getting older. It seems like we are running them constantly.”

Solar power

That’s why TWR plans to install solar panels for the facility. Pray they will get the funding they need.

It’s an urgent situation as the blackouts get worse. Fugler says, “We have a major site in Bonaire where solar panels have been installed. We continue to work on that project to get that up to speed. This is becoming more and more common for us.”

“One of the programs that we do air daily is called Worship Connection out of South Africa. That is picked up by stations throughout the continent. That’s a live show, so we definitely need power.”

Most of the production for TWR programs in Africa happens in Johannesburg. Fugler says, “We have other centers throughout the continent that produce programs. But the central place where it emanates from is our Africa Broadcast Center. We have studios there, we have support staff, we have administrative staff, and we have folks who follow up with listeners. So a lot is happening there all the time.”

Ask God to sustain their work and provide electricity.

Header photo courtesy of TWR on Facebook. 

Worship Connection, produced in South Africa, can be heard throughout most of the African continent. It features African Christian music as well as commentary and interaction with listeners. The show aims to reach people who are curious about Christianity and also to encourage believers.

But North American listeners can benefit from this show as well. Sithole says, “Music is important to us, as the Body of Christ worldwide. I think ultimately, we want to also bring the African flavor, the African sound to the show. We’re hoping that we can educate our North American listeners, who perhaps may not be familiar with some of our African songs, our African worship music, and Gospel music.”

Want to listen to Worship Connection? Visit twrafrica.org/listen.

Header photo courtesy of TWR Africa on Facebook. 

Unathi Sithole, a host on the program, says, “When you look at TWR and what our mission is, and New Life Africa Satellite Network, and what their mission is, we found that was very complimentary in the very foundation of what we’re trying to do, which is to share Christ in Africa.”

Worship Connection

TWR will change the name of the show to Worship Connection. Sithole says a listener from Malawi suggested the new title. “He said Worship Connection sounds great, and it resonates well since through worship we connect with God. We find peace and hope. Another reason that this name would be perfect for the program is that we get to hear the Word of God expressed through different topics from the presenters. And the listeners get an opportunity to engage in those topics while worshiping and connecting with God and with each other.”

The show will feature a wide variety of African Christian music, as well as interaction with listeners. Sithole says, “You can imagine it as just a couple of friends sitting around a table, having a conversation about life’s experiences and how we can relate what we’re going through to the Gospel of Jesus.”

(Header photo courtesy of Trans World Radio on Facebook)