Bari

Background

In the 1950s, Bari speaking refugees poured into Uganda from Sudan. Many stayed, forming a small community isolated from the general Ugandan population. They achieved citizenship in the 1980’s, and since then have begun to assimilate into wider Ugandan society. But they still face discrimination.

Words of Hope offers the world’s only Christian radio broadcast in the Bari language. Several churches have emerged in Ugandan towns, including the capitol, Kampala. As reported by our director there, “Many Christians now attend church services as a result of the challenges they get from Words of Hope.”

Ministry Updates

"Our main purpose is to build and strengthen the church through radio. This we do by making radio programs of teaching, evangelism, discipleship, interactive talk show, and many other types of programs for the communities we serve. The church is growing and many people are growing spiritually. This is realized by the many phone calls and text messages that come in from the listeners far and wide. It is exciting to get frequent feedback from listeners of encouraging testimonies, people coming in seeking for counseling and prayer. Seeing the church interested in the programs and the radio ministry encourages us. The dominancy of Muslims in the economic system of our country creates a panic in the Christian community. The resurgence of witchcraft in the society and the prevalence of prosperity gospel preachers has a negative impact to the gospel. However, the freedom for preaching of the gospel we have in our country gives us a potential opportunity to reach our society with the urgency before the doors are closed." [Program Coordinator Joshua Ssali]

Listener Responses

Most of you are probably wondering what I am doing here [at a church meeting]. I want you to know that I’ve surrendered my life to Jesus this past week, and the Bari broadcasts are the main reason why. The messages have really changed my heart.

I am very grateful for this radio broadcast because it is in my own language Bari. With this I am able to teach my children. I can bring them to listen to the Word of God. It has given us pride because it is in our own language. Thank you so much.