Widespread access to radio allows this medium to continue as an important outreach strategy for Lutheran Hour Ministries globally. That's why recent increased funding designated for additional proclamation programs around the world led Lutheran Hour Ministries to invest in a new radio program in Kenya following a 15-year hiatus.
The new program, called That's It!, launched about a year ago to dramatize common struggles and offer a biblical perspective in resolving conflict. This program is unique in the region by using actors to modernize parables in vernacular languages. The plot follows a familiar path with characters discussing a societal issue such as witchcraft or polygamy. Each week one of the characters follows traditional practices until the damage of his or her behaviors are pointed out by another character. The plot then deepens until the person finally exclaims, "That's it! I get it now!"
The scripts are easily adaptable to other languages, which has led to airing broadcasts in the vernacular language of Dholuo, the primary language of the Luo tribe and one of the largest vernacular languages in Kenya. About 3.5 million people currently listen to the Luo station, Ramogi.
Royal Media, the company used to produce and air LHM's programming, owns 13 radio stations and two television stations throughout the country, each in a unique vernacular language of Kenya. Royal Media shared insights about what makes LHM's program attractive and unique in Kenya:
• It is the only Christian program utilizing drama and not relying on sermons or hymns;
• It is the only Christian program that airs during prime listening time, not on a Sunday morning;
• The cast members are all Luo and engage the audience directly;
• It is the only program utilizing comedy to truly capture the attention of the audience.