Joy! (by Thom)

In 2004 I made my first trip to Africa. The radio station I worked for in Ohio sent me and 7 other men to Burkina Faso to help build a radio station in the remote town of Tougan. When we went we knew the mission was having a hard time getting a license to operate the station but on faith we helped build it. Upon returning to the US we got sporadic updates on the many problems that kept coming up regarding the licensing process. There were governmental obstacles as well as social barriers that kept the license from being granted. It seemed at times that this was never going to get done. Each time I thought that, though, I'd get an update about how the people in Burkina were praying for this to happen and I was encouraged to keep praying myself. It's been more than 3 years now since the station was complete and ready for operation but unable to do so because of the license issue. However, last night I got great news! A missionary in Burkina Instant Messaged me to let me know that they are planning on going on the air in October! They are also planning a dedication ceremony for late January next year. Amanda and I are going to try our hardest to get there for that ceremony. I can't even begin to express how excited I am that after this long process the station is finally going to begin operations.
I believe that the Enemy didn't want this station to begin airing the Gospel of Christ but I also believe that the Lord heard the prayers of His people in Burkina Faso and answered them. There are so many parts to this story that I can't share in this space but I want you to know that God is good, all the time. I believe that this station, named "Good News Radio" (translated from the local language), will play an important role in bringing more people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! Please keep the radio station in your prayers as they get closer to their official start. I'll do my best to update everyone of the progress here.

Edit: For more information about the C&MA's radio ministries, click here.