Reaching Muslims through Lifeword Community Radio

In 2003 after years on the run, a prominent Muslim soldier, Emir Hashim (not his real name), surrendered himself, his band of renegades and his firearms to the government (country withheld for security purposes), all for enough money to live peacefully in an area that is a Muslim stronghold. Prior to the surrender, they were made to understand that life would always be hard for him and his group if they didn’t take advantage of this “government reconciliation program.”

By 2007 it became obvious that the government would not keep their promise of livelihood-support money. So Hashim went back to his former headquarters planning to gather firearms, soldiers and resources to resume his life as a wanted man and Muslim leader.

Plotting his next move, he returned to his secluded hut, but mosquitoes kept him from sleeping. Searching in a trash heap for something to burn so they would go away, he found an old book with no cover and was about to throw it into the fire when he felt something stop him. Without realizing it was a Bible, he read the Old Testament, then the New Testament and the story of Jesus in the Gospels. With conviction from the Holy Spirit, he surrendered his life to Isa Almasih (“Jesus Christ” to Muslims).

For eight years after his conversion, he searched for understanding of God and Scripture, associating himself with pastors and missionaries from various Christian denominations. However, his experience with them was more destructive than beneficial; they used him to raise funds intended for his livelihood which he never received. He had every right to be discouraged but somehow never turned away from God.

A year ago Bro. Hashim met a missionary working with Muslims. At great risk to himself, this missionary had settled in the town to penetrate this Muslim area with the gospel. Through the power of God, he crossed paths with Hashim, who had decided to work alone and attend church planting classes. As their association grew, Hashim was again challenged to continue his Muslim work.

In November 2015 at a BMA association meeting, Hashim shared his powerful testimony, challenging attendees to help him reach Muslims in his area with the gospel. After the meeting, a local pastor told him about Lifeword Community Radio and how it could effectively reach his Muslim brothers and sisters. Hashim became very excited, believing that, given the danger of his work, it would be the best way to reach them. Passionately, Hashim told his new friend that he would willingly give his life for such a work.

This pastor said of Hashim, “God has opened the door for us to reach Muslims with Christ’s saving power. He is the modern Apostle Paul sent by God to us. We couldn’t penetrate the gospel to the Muslim world without this converted brother. For years Christian groups have worked to reach Muslims without substantial results. God has given him to lead us to them. We might not have another opportunity as this. God has gifted us with LPFM technology (Lifeword Community Radio) and preparing me and my trained leaders and Emir for a great harvest of souls in this Muslim area.”

Hashim returned to the area with a great excitement for his ministry and several media tools (a used video projector, DVD players and films produced in the dialect) given to him by area pastors. Hashim thanked them for the gifts and said they he would use them for house-to-house and group evangelistic meetings with Muslims.

Lifeword is currently working with Hashim to determine the type of broadcast to best reach this volatile area. Local Lifeword trainers and leaders are surveying the area, and plans are being made to possibly use a combination of traditional broadcasting and strategically-placed Lifeword Community Radio equipment in “more favorable” Muslim areas. Please pray for this ground-breaking effort and a harvest of souls.