Hausa

Background

Niger is 98% Islamic and is ranked among the world’s poorest countries. The Sahara desert is advancing southward and now covers more than two-thirds of the country; only the southwest and a narrow strip along the Nigerian border in the south are savannah grasslands. “This Muslim land is open for the gospel, and Muslims are more receptive than ever before, yet response has been small and church growth slow. Islam is strong and well-organized. The spiritual effects of folk Islam and demonic oppression are a major hindrance to people coming to Christ.” [Operation World]

Ministry Updates

According to the 2008 research field study conducted by the Media Research Institute, the most widely used mode of communication is radio to reach the more than 13 million people in this predominately Muslim country. An overwhelming majority of the population has ownership or at least access to radios within their household and listens to radio faithfully. From the survey results, the respondents’ favorite radio programs discuss news and religion. The vast majority also look to radio as a source of information or advice for living a happy and useful life. The Words of Hope programs are reaching a significant audience. Over 63% of respondents had heard the Hausa program, “New Life for All.” Of these, 73.5% thought the program was “good” or “excellent.” This is a great result for a program that is still quite new, especially from Muslim listeners. The majority of radio listeners tune into radio programs within their own homes which allows them privacy to listen to programs that they wouldn’t necessarily listen to in public. “People appreciate our transmissions,” shares Pastor Sani Nomaou, “but the conversions are difficult because of fear.”

Listener Responses

The number of our listeners has increased because of the quality of our broadcasts and the subjects treated, and also the openings of transmissions [in new areas].We have received testimonies from missionaries and pastors who rejoice greatly for these programs that are broadcast in their areas. They have shared testimonies of several imams who listen to our programs and who appreciate them. We have recorded three conversions at Zinder, Maradi and Dosso. Certainly there are others who aren't able to contact us.