Feba’s ministry in Zimbabwe has been experiencing years of difficult times. Under significant hardship and limited opportunities in media, the ministry struggles to provide a relevant and engaging content that impacts people living in the country. The economic conditions have led to a significant exodus of people from the country, leaving behind the disadvantaged to struggle and the committed who seek to make a difference.
In recent months, Feba Zimbabwe has had to face some difficult financial challenges. With 25% of the population considered Christian and 50% practising a mixture of Christianity and indigenous beliefs, the ministry was focused primarily on broadcasts to those who would call themselves Christian. The only avenue available was through the national broadcaster, who insisted on raising air-time rates so high that continuing to use their service was no longer viable. Cutbacks in funding in 2010 resulted in laying off all staff except the national director. Feba Zimbabwe found itself on the verge of closing its doors, but the leadership remains committed to re-focusing its ministry.
Kurai Mazonga, Feba Zimbabwe's national director, is seeking creative ways to share Christ with the people of Zimbabwe
Since the beginning of 2011, amid a variety of administrative challenges, Kurai Madzonga, the national director and only remaining employee, took some initial steps to continue ministry to the people inside and outside of Zimbabwe. With the help of another funding partner and Harare area pastors, Feba Zimbabwe launched a 5 minute devotional program on the national network at a reduced cost. The programs are prepared at Feba House, the studio facility in Harare. There are also other interested parties using the recording facility for special projects, providing some additional income. With the help of a local web developer, Feba Zimbabwe is also posting content on a new website and its own Facebook page. A number of people, both in Zimbabwe and in other countries, have found this site and are accessing content locally produced at Feba Zimbabwe.
There is still much work to be done. The ministry is still trying to identify its primary audiences in the country, searching for those people groups who have not yet heard or been impacted by the gospel. Together with the local board, Kurai is also drafting a more comprehensive and focused strategy for renewing Feba Zimbabwe’s ministry in partnership with other churches and ministries active in the country.
There is even greater pressure on the ministry in the coming weeks as it is once again time to prepare budgets for the next fiscal year of operation. Not only must Feba Zimbabwe provide information regarding their expected expenses, but also a backdrop and context illustrating how these funds will help shape and equip the ministry to more effectively reach the more isolated and disadvantaged who have not yet responded to Jesus. Please pray for Kurai and the board as they work through this process in the coming weeks. The deadline for submission of these budget requests is June 30. Also pray that God will give me wisdom and discernment as I work with them through this process.
Filed under: Feba Radio, General, Zimbabwe Tagged: | Facebook, media, partnership, Zimbabwe
