On Saturday the 5th of July the new TWR station in Benin was dedicated amidst hearts of joy and thanksgiving.  “I was impressed at the incredible amount of work and care the team here in Benin had accomplished in preparation of this momentous event.” says Flora Rittenhouse who attended the ceremony.

People began arriving on foot, on motorcycles and in cars throughout the morning.  There were chairs set up under several canopies totaling 500, but the crowds surrounding the chairs amounted to 1200 (a conservative estimate from Garth Kennedy).  When the representative to the President of Benin arrived, along with his entourage, it was like the entrance of a king, surrounded by security and splendour.

The programme included speeches from TWR President, Tom Lowell and TWR West Africa Director, Abdoulaye Sangho as well as representatives from the local community of Ndali, the Minister of Communications and Technology, the President of HAAC (Broadcast Licence Authority) and the Representative of the President of Benin.  The speeches included testimonies of God's faithfulness through many years of struggle to get TWR Benin on the air.

The highlight of the event was the dedication prayer and ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the doors to the new TWR Benin transmitter building.

The community spirit was evident in the welcome that was given to the entire village of Sirarou to come and be a part of the celebration.  While the dignitaries lunched in the room next to the transmitter, the crowds outside ate in designated areas surrounding the transmitter building.

Rittenhouse says, “‘victory’ is the best word I can put on the event - God's victory as the gospel is proclaimed from the African bush of northern Benin into West Africa.”

Published 07 July 2008