Radio ELWA is a Christian radio station operating from Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. It presently broadcasts on FM 94.5 and SW 4760 kHZ (60 meters), with a transmission power of 1000 watts (1 kilo watt).
Introduction
Following the massive destruction of the ELWA Radio Station in 1990 as a result of the crisis in Liberia, we want to thank the Lord so much for enabling us to gradually put the pieces back together, and particularly, that we can now once again begin to enjoy God’s Word’s by means of radio.
History
The History of Radio ELWA goes back to the vision and challenge of SIM that all may hear the propagation of the tenets of the Christian faith by means of broadcasting. In 1952, the Government of Liberia granted a permit for broadcasting. A frequency was assigned and the call letters “ELWA” (Eternal Love Winning Africa) were designated for what was soon to be Africa’s first Christian radio station. Committed to the challenge, on January 18, 1954, Radio ELWA aired its first program with the hope that millions would be blessed spiritually.
ELWA Radio continued in its commitment until July 1990 when the station was silenced due to the civil war in Liberia. In 1992, SIM with its compassionate concern and commitment to reaching the un-reached and helping to mend broken and shattered lives by means of broadcasting, took the challenge to resurrect ELWA Radio.
Unfortunately, however, ELWA Radio was again silenced and, like other institutions, suffered greatly during the renewed fighting in 1996. Following the 1996 crisis, national staff regrouped and purposed to start this ministry. SIM for the second time made a commitment to help rebuild ELWA Radio on the condition that the vision, initiative and management remain on the hands of the nationals.
Purpose Statement
To minister to and encourage believers as well as to witness to the unsaved and unreached with the gospel message by spoken word, drama and music. To educate, rekindle hope and help to mend broken and shattered lives by means of radio through Christian programming.
Programs
Our current schedule of roughly eight hours of English broadcast per day and one and one-half hours of Liberian Language broadcast in Grebo, Kru, Gola, Bassa, Kpelle, Kissi, Dan, Krahn and Loma, is supported almost entirely by local funds. Roughly seventy-five percent of ELWA Radio’s income to date has resulted in charges from public service announcements, requests, donations, and local program producers, and from pastors and churches who sign up for air time to broadcast their programs.
ELWA Radio would echo thanks to a fellow partner in the major change in 2003. HCJB International provided most of the resources for short-wave broadcasts from a unique transmitter and antenna, which they developed and installed. We thank God for the opportunity to once again reach all of Liberia and surrounding countries with the life changing Gospel of Christ.
Finances
ELWA Radio, which the Lord has used to touch so many lives through its transforming programs, continues to face financial challenges. However, we are grateful to God for the manner in which few Liberians have come along side us to assist through benefit concerts and some donations for the smooth operation of the station. We are still trying to identify additional sources of income both local and abroad. Efforts are currently being made to get Liberian churches involved, including individuals and groups, to support ELWA Radio.
Vision
With the coming of the short wave on 60 meters, there is a need to include other Liberian languages not on the air, such as Mandingo, Bandi and Vai. We look forward with ELWA Radio to the future. The growth of the vernacular broadcasting, the amplification of the FM signal, and the need for local provision of power all entail technical, financial and administrative challenges. More important is remaining true to God’s Word and changing lives toward Him.
This expansion bring in another facet of need. There is now the need for a building the accommodate the growing staff. We are looking forward to having a new studio and office building, where the staff will work closely together.
Challenges
One of our primary goals has been to provide leadership to other communicators, striving to be a mentor and visionary that equips called men and women to effectively communicate the unchanging gospel in our changing world.
We are faced with several challenges:
A. Lack of equipment and tools for executing programs and points effectively.
B. Inadequate funding to meet our budget.
C. The absence of resource materials, especially Christian books, videos, and audio tapes that address contemporary communication strategies.
D. The uncertainties in ministering in a volatile environment. ELWA Radio needs your continued support.
Radio ELWA in recent times
“ELWA Radio Admist War” at http://sim.org/country.asp?fun=6&cid=29&mid=&pgid=&SID=126
Contact information:
Mr. Moses Nyantee, Manager
E-mail: moses.nyantee@elwaministries.org
E-mail: radio.staff@elwaministries.org
Phone: 011-231 6-515511