A father figure is important in the development of a young child’s life, not just for physical and mental growth, but also for spiritual growth. The nation of Nigeria recognizes this, and UNICEF in the African country recently recommended four weeks of paid paternity leave so fathers could be a part of the very important early childhood years in a young boy or girl’s life. The Tide® broadcasts Gospel programming in Nigeria and also aims to reach listeners at an early age so they can spend a lifetime with Jesus as their Savior.
“Just as we rely on our Heavenly Father for spiritual guidance, we pray that children around the globe will be able to develop a better understanding of God’s Word from a young age,” said The Tide Director Don Shenk. “Though Nigerians speak more than 470 different languages, we trust that The Tide gospel radio programming airing in villages throughout the country will bring Nigerians closer to God’s offer of salvation.”
The Tide began broadcasting in Nigeria in the Efik language in 2009, and since then has been steadily adding programs in more languages, currently broadcasting in 11 different Nigerian languages. This growth has enabled The Tide programs to potentially be heard by millions who do not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
An important aspect of The Tide in Nigeria is the Radios for Nigeria project. Although the country is rich in agricultural land, mineral resources and oil reserves, a third of the population lives below the poverty line and are too poor to purchase a radio. As generous donors here in the U.S. give toward the Radios for Nigeria project, The Tide places radios in villages throughout the nation. Just $40 will purchase a radio, through which extended families or groups of villagers can hear the Gospel message in their own language and respond positively to God’s offer of salvation.
Read more about The Tide ministry’s presence in Nigeria here.