How do you build a radio tower in a remote area of Mozambique? Use a 100-foot-tall tree trunk, of course!
From its beginning, Radio Chiunjota in 
northern Mozambique has been built with ingenuity and creativity. Programmes are produced out of a suitcase, and the studio itself is constructed from hand-made mud bricks and concrete made with manually broken gravel. The fact that the station runs on limited solar power, backed up by a diesel generator, does not discourage radio workers from their dreams of building wind generators and placing another tower on a nearby mountain.
Not only is the construction of Radio Chiunjota unique, its name promises something special. Chiunjota in chiYao, the language of the Yao people, means, 'water which kills thirst'. The heart and desire of Radio Chiunjota is that those who thirst for water will find the Living Water of God’s Word.
Erecting the Tower
SIM missionaries Normande and Henriette Saindon, one of several partners in the radio ministry, explain:
'Because of our remote setting—about two hours by car over rough roads to the nearest big town—building a studio has been a challenge.
'Erecting the mast was a feat! We located the 100-foot blue gum tree in the forest, chopped it down, trimmed it, and hauled it to the radio site. After hours of further preparation, we started to pull it up. Tension cables on one side pulled too strongly and the mast came crashing down. With further alterations on the next try with cables, a tractor, sheer determination, and maybe foolish courage, the mast went up. After securing the mast in the upright position, one of our engineers climbed to the top to see the view from above. He imagined the future and saw the Yao people gathering around a radio to hear stories of Life.'
There is a small group of about 15 believers in the village, and several are already a part of the radio effort. Some were involved in the construction and preparation, and others are helping to translate and develop programmes. Missionaries with radio experience from partner ministries have provided valuable assistance, training, and support.
Working in Partnership
The radio station is registered with the government under the Reformed Church of Mozambique (IRM), who initiated the ministry. Other partners in the ministry include SIM along with Trans World Radio, Radio Africa Network, and FEBA Radio. The IRM will help with the management of the radio ministry and provide announcers and programmers, as well as evangelists, to follow up those who respond to the broadcasts. Community development programmes, along with Gospel presentations, will be broadcast in Portuguese and chiYao.
