May 16 – On the Radio

Médias Ebène

Location: Based in Pontarlier, primarily reaching French-speaking Africa

Represented by Emmanuel Ziehli

Current context

We formed with the merging of Radio Réveil en France and Radios Ebène Développement. We engage in multiple activities related to media and technology in French-speaking regions. These activities include radio broadcasting, education and training in media-related skills and the repair/installation of FM radios in French-speaking Africa. We’ve created the Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF), bringing together more than 180 African Christian media outlets, all united in a desire to act through “integral radio,” advocating a holistic gospel via the media. FOMECAF covers 13 countries in French-speaking Africa, particularly hard- hit by the recent upsurge in violence. 

Médias Ébène concentrates its efforts in French-speaking regions worldwide. Notably, in Africa, we operate radio stations even in areas controlled by armed groups promoting intolerant Islamic ideologies. These stations survive by God’s grace and act as beacons of peace and peaceful coexistence, broadcasting the Gospel, whenever possible in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and North Cameroon, to name a few. Despite facing attacks and closures, there are many who stand strong, sometimes inexplicably. More generally, the worrying geopolitical situation in the sub-Saharan region and the persecution of Christians are major concerns. In 2023, 95% of Christians killed worldwide were in Africa.

We have made great strides in the media and new technologies, particularly in the integration of artificial intelligence into all of our media sector but our work is not intended to replace leaders, journalists and technicians in the African media. Our contributions support the existing media infrastructure, but with an emphasis on transferring knowledge and sending technical equipment to those in need. Our aim to reshape media is inline with the theme of “Regeneration.” 

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024

We organized 2 technical training seminars and 2 media seminars in Togo and Benin for 100 tech specialists. Around a dozen FOMECAF leaders met for a week. 

Projects in 2025

• Strengthening the Christian media network in French-speaking Africa
• Delivery of a large stock of technical equipment for media use
• Several holistic gospel trainings in regions affected by violence

Prayer requests

1. Pray for an end to violence, especially the persecution of Christians in Africa, and for the spreading of the Good News of the Kingdom of God via radio, including in jihadist zones. 

2. Pray for the unity of African media outlets to address violence, migration, and health issues, while also strengthening our ministry in France with youth involvement.

Further information

1. Médias Ebène on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/ebene 

2. Médias Ebène website: mediasebene.org

PHARE FM (“Lighthouse” FM radio ) 

Location: France 

Represented by Caroline Greder

Current context

PHARE FM is a family-oriented radio station that provides companionship to listeners seeking meaning, values, and hope. It offers a continuous stream of contemporary Christian music, along with short educational and/or spiritual programs, accessible via FM, DAB+, and the internet. Everything is presented in an accessible language and in a professional manner, within a context of a completely de-Christianized society. Parole du Jour (Word of the Day) is the French version of the daily meditations written by Bob and Debby Gass, distributed free of charge in booklet form and online. 

PHARE FM has operated since 1989 and has steadily expanded its broadcasting area from a small local station to a nationwide station with an audience reach of 20 million people. While initially the audience was mainly Christian, today, our program is deliberately aimed at all French people, especially families, in search of meaning and values, many of whom are far from the Church. PHARE FM can be seen as an evangelization or pre-evangelization tool which serves the French Church.

The theme “Regeneration” echoes our vision at PHARE FM: “Changing lives through the power of God’s Word.” Everything we do aims to provide love, faith and hope in order to bring about a profound transformation of hearts in search of meaning.

“Some time ago, I suffered severe burn-out. My situation seemed hopeless. I was totally exhausted and felt like it was just going to end. I even thought about suicide. But PHARE FM encouraged me and gave me the strength I lacked in those moments to hold on and not give up.” Marie-Laure

” I’m a drug addict and it is difficult for me to concentrate on praying. I’ve been listening to your radio for a year and a half now, and it’s true that every day is a breath of fresh air. It all started by chance. I was flipping through the channels when I heard the song “Dieu s’intéresse à vous” (God cares about you).” Philippe.

Actions taken and results achieved in 2024

In 2024, PHARE FM reached a historic audience of 2 million listeners, mainly in France, but also across 139 countries! During the 2024 Olympics in Paris, we organized a week of live broadcasts from Paris including interviews with Christian athletes, segments highlighting various evangelistic actions in the Paris region. We also distributed 30,000 Word of the Day brochures.

Projects in 2025

We will begin broadcasting in 5 new local zones (Evreux, Chartres, Laval, Belfort-Montbéliard, Montélimar) and in the whole of Alsace. Over the next 5 years, we hope to see the size of our audience approach that of other influential radio stations, enabling us to reach more French people with a thirst for God.

Prayer requests

Pray that PHARE FM will offer an ever more relevant and impactful program to lead the French towards God and help them find their way towards local churches full of life.

Further information

1. PHARE FM on the Impact France website: impactfrance.org/phare-media 

2. PHARE FM website: pharefm.com

3. Parole du Jour website: paroledujour.com