Regional Spotlight
- In the birthplace of the church, Middle Eastern believers have maintained a Christian witness despite persecution and discrimination.
- Unemployment in North Africa averages nearly 25 percent among the available workforce; Algeria’s is the highest at nearly a third of the population. The situation is particularly acute among younger people and women.
- Nearly a third of the overall population in the Middle East is under the age of 15.
- Only about 6 percent of the people in the Middle East call themselves Christians (with the majority of them in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon). The percentage of evangelicals is far smaller.
Sources: Map and Graph: Labor: Unemployment Rate - http://www.nationmaster.com/; World Population Data Sheet 2003; Operation World, 21st Century Edition
Key Strategies
- Assist believers who live in hostile conditions in spreading the gospel
- Air discipleship broadcasts into the Persian-speaking world
- Offer chronological Bible story programs for oral societies in North Africa and the Middle East
- Expand outreach to children, youth and women with programming in new languages
Technology
For security reasons, specific locations can’t be identified. Programs are also beamed to the Middle East and North Africa via the Hotbird satellite.
| Wave | Transmitting Power/Amt | Target Country |
|---|---|---|
| AM | 600,000-watt/1 | Middle East |
| AM | 1-million-watt/1 | North Africa |
| SW | 100,000-watt/2 | Middle East |
| AM | 1-million-watt /1 | Central Asia & Hebrew broadcasts |
Languages & Dialects
Arabic, Arabic/English, Assyrian, Berber Kabyle, Egyptian, Farsi, Hebrew, Iraqi, Jordanian, Kurdish-Sorani, Lebanese, Moroccan, Qashqa’i, Rifi Berber, Sous, Sudanese, Tamazight, Tunisian and Turkish
Programs & Initiatives
- The "Oasis of Hope" partnership airs programming specifically for youth, nonliterates, women and men
- Ala’s Diary and its correlating Web site have attracted a large audience among young people
- Primarily for unbelievers, Arab Woman Today addresses social issues that Arab women face from a biblical viewpoint
- TWR’s Arabic programs are available online at arabicprograms.org
Listeners Respond
“In my village, people really don't care about me. Even my family despises me and they tell me that I am worthless. But you have taught me that I was so dear to God, and He has redeemed me by giving me His Son as a ransom to deliver me from all kinds of slavery. Nobody can despise me now, because I belong to Him.” –Algeria
“Until today I have sincerely followed God and the religion of my family and country. Do you think that I, a sincere seeker, am wrong and you are right? Is God challenging me? I would be grateful if you could honestly answer my questions and help me understand. I want to be free from the struggle I have inside me and live for God.” –Persian-speaking world
“I was from another religion, but I regularly listen to your program. I’m so thankful for your effort in clarifying the Word of God. I shared my Christian faith with many people, and now they ask me for a Bible! Your station preaches the living Word of God, which is full of miracles.” –Yemen
“After discovering your broadcast and getting to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I've felt the change in my whole life. You’re helping me to walk in the right direction.” –Iraq
“I have been listening to your programs for eight years, and am one of the fruits of your ministry. I shared at a women’s conference how the Lord delivered me and how I experienced growing in faith and knowledge through Trans World Radio.” –Syria
“We as a family are so glad for your program. It helped us to know more about our Holy Father. We pray for you, asking the Lord to minister to you.” –Egypt