The impact of media programmes in evangelising Sunni Islam in West Africa

[摘要] English: It is a big challenge to present Jesus through the impact of media programs to Muslims ingeneral and Hausa Sunni Muslims of West Africa in particular. The goal of this project is todesign a strategy for using media in the cross-cultural context to accomplish mission amongHausa Sunni Muslims of West Africa.The dissertation presents an analysis of mission challenges on the reaction of Muslims whenthey hear the gospel message in their context. This analysis focuses firstly on the premise thatmission is from God. God as first missionary reached out to people in the garden and later tothem who believe in Him and accept His plan through ages, and then to share this initiative.The study traces the development of that mission from creation to the present time. It showsthat through history each people group needs a special strategy in a cross-cultural context toaccept and adapt the gospel message in their life without yielding to syncretism.The project examines, secondly, the history of Sunni Muslims from the foundation of thereligion to the present time, as well as their key doctrines and worldview. It also establishessome determinant factors, as culture and worldview, for an effective communication, that caninfluence positively the conversion of Sunni to the true gospel.Historical, social context and cultural analyses of Hausa Sunni Muslims were thenundertaken and the influence of media is ascertained in the project. After exploring thecontextual and audience analysis of Hausa Sunni Muslims, this study suggests that a bridgebe built by using the Qur'an, especially the first chapter called Al fatiha (opening), whenpresenting the message. This strategy can break many existing barriers and can provideopportunities to facilitate the gospel penetration and expansion among this people group.The result of this study can be used by any church member who has the desire to preach theGospel through media among Hausa Sunni Muslims or wherever it can be useful. Such workcan be established by well-trained teamwork composed by volunteer members, full of theHoly Spirit and totally engaged for mission.These strategies can maintain Hausa Sunni Muslims in the church despite persecution.

[发布机构] University of the Free State