Last year, donors to the Danish European Mission ensured that a new Christiann radio station could be opened in Turkey and contributes now also allows Christian radio broadcasts to be transmitted over Syria. I don't meet the head of Radio Shema, Soner Tufan, in Turkey - but of all the places in Haderslev where he visits NoreaMedia Missionwhich also collaborates with Christian radiostation.
Elegantly dressed, as Turks typically are, and engaged, he talks about, How radio and internet can be used to share the gospelt - not only in Syria, but also Turkey. EA country where 40 missionaries and their families, if any, were kicked out of the country in 2019 alone, and one South Korean missionary suffered martyrdom, but at the same time many Turks seek answers in the Christian faith.
Why start a new radio station i Midyat?
– The reason is that we had a desire to not only To send Christianradio in Turkish, but also in Arabic, Kurdish and Assyrian. Most Assyrians in Turkey live in Midyat and are orthodox Christians. BeforeIt goal is not for them to switch to a Protestant church, but that They must experience God's love by accepting Jesus as their personal savior.
A minority of Assyrians have fled Islamic State, and we feel a responsibility to reach them. They have had a very hard time like Yazidiswho has also fled Islamic State and speaks Arabic.
The radio broadcasts also reaches into northern Syria. Why is this important?
– Although there is a limit In the middle of that region, We send toin southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria, it's important to send to Syria as well, as many travel back and forth acrossThe limit. They need to hear the truth from God's word. As far as we know, there are no Christian FM–radio stationis in Syria. This war-torn region desperately needs bridge to hear the hope in the gospel.
What types of programs does Radio Shema broadcast?
– In all the programs, the gospel is presented. One program is pastoral, which is very relevant for Yazidiswhere some of their women were raped by Islamic State fighters. They need healing. We know some of them personally and try to help them. We find that counseling leads to healing of the inner wounds, womenno suffered as a result of the abuse.
For example, a woman was raped 20–30 timesgot pregnant and didn't want to have the baby. How does a woman like her deal with giving birth to a child with sperm from an ISIS fighter? We are has programs about, How these women can love their children - how they can forgive. It's a kind of first aid for them. In the production of these broadcasts on sensitive topics, we must listen to God, And he must give wisdom.
Have you received any reactions to the programs?
– Yes, you can, have so far We received an inquiry from Syria, and more listeners on the Turkish side has narrated, that they are happy with the broadcasts. The Assyrian Orthodox Metropolitanis also Happy for ourIt Work.
