Christian-Muslim Team Leads Nigeria

On May 5, 2010, Nigerian President, Umaru Yar’Adua, died. Ironically, this made the nation the most stable it had been in months. For more than 10 years, the political scene in Nigeria was one of uncertainty. Religious riots between Christians and Muslims marked these years. During those years, it is estimated that 10,000+ deaths occurred.

The new president and Christian, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, was sworn in on May 6. On May 17, both houses of Nigeria’s Parliament confirmed the appointment of Namadi Sambo, a Muslim politician. Today, a Christian-Muslim team leads the volatile country of Nigeria.

Last year (2009), The Tide developed a program in the Hausa language, which is spoken/understood by almost 40 million Nigerians. According to Don Shenk, “We pray that the new leadership in Nigeria will help open doors for The Tide’s work in that country. Amazing transformation is taking place in the lives of Nigerians as they listen to our radio programs and learn the true character of God and nature of Jesus.”

Islamic influence extends into Nigeria from northern Africa, making the north primarily Muslim. However, Christianity has taken root in the south, from where President Jonathan hails.

Radio broadcasts and accompanying literature distributed by The Tide help to strengthen and build the Nigerian church. In addition, they encourage Nigerian Christians not only to mature in their faith but to also boldly continue to share their faith.

The Tide has spent the last 63 years reaching the unsaved in regions across the world through radio broadcasts and church plants that feature pastors preaching in each country’s own language. The Tide also supplies radios to villages in India and villages in Nigeria so that residents can listen to programs together and move toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.