Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM in Bor town and the national nongovernmental organization ChangeLink Network launched a program Saturday to distribute audio Bibles and broadcast biblical messages, an initiative aimed at fostering peace among communities in Jonglei state.
The event, held under the theme “We are ambassadors for Christ,” brought together about 50 members from the Nuer, Anyuak and Dinka communities. Organizers distributed 35 radio sets and eight Talking Bible devices to participants.
Tigwog Agwet, the station’s chief executive officer, said the program uses media to promote peacebuilding by broadcasting messages of peace, unity and reconciliation.
“These audio Bibles are in local languages spoken here in the state — that’s Anyuak, Dinka and Nuer — preaching the Gospel to our communities,” he said. “Those who got the solar-powered radio sets should use them to follow our news, regular programs and words of God as they air on our frequency.”
Agwet added that the event fostered interaction among the ethnic groups, with people expressing happiness at being brought together to exchange cultures.
Simon Manyok Deng, the gubernatorial advisor on human rights affairs, praised the event as a positive step and urged that the program be expanded across the state.
“Everyone cannot read or write because they did not go to school or are visually impaired. So having the audio Bible broadcast on radio will cultivate a spirit of peace and reconciliation,” Deng said. “Our message is that all our nine counties should benefit. I also appeal that more radio sets and Talking Bibles be brought to be distributed to the visually impaired because they need the Bible the most.”
A representative of the listeners, Sarah James Lem, thanked the organizations for the radio sets, which she said would boost listenership.
“Radio is important because it promotes an informed society,” Lem said. “As a preacher on the radio, I am happy that we have audio Bibles to be aired on radio to amplify our voices.”
Opiw Gilo, the executive director of ChangeLink Network, said the group is committed to working with churches and local radio stations across the country to build peace through broadcast Gospel initiatives.