Worship Connexion: Music and Encouragement in a Time of Fear

On June 28, 2021, Worship ConneXion aired for the first time on TWR Africa and the New Life Africa Satellite Network (NLASN), with the aim of connecting listeners to each other and to God throughout the continent.

Hosts Unathi Sithole and Thulani Mdletshe emphasised the theme of connection during this time where circumstances have deprived many people of community with others. By asking listeners how they want the show to look like and what they would like to be communicated, Sithole and Mdletshe showed that they want to walk alongside, encourage, and support them as best they can. 

 “We want this to be something that blesses your heart, encourages you, and…pushes you to study the Bible and know the Lord,” Sithole told her listeners. “Let’s walk together in this way that Christ has prepared for us.”

The programme began with a devotion based on Ecclesiastes 3, by Berni Dymet, founder of Christianityworks, that was fitting for the time and the season we as a country, and as Africa, are experiencing.

“Sometimes we find ourselves in a season of life we don’t like,” he said, “We fight to change it as if from summer to winter. Yet God invariably leads us into these seasons. They are God’s idea; they always have been.”

"Since there is a season for everything, we must accept that our current situation, no matter how arduous, is part of the Lord’s good and perfect plan for us, and the sooner we begin to accept and realise that, the sooner we may be able to enjoy the season we are in," he said.

The show, running from 13:00 to 15:00 CAT, also highlighted a plethora of music artists ranging from well-known international groups such as Maverick City, to local South African singer-songwriter Loyiso Bala. Callers reported that they were satisfied with this global music choice.

This music, according to one listener, “helps us understand the message of the gospel, and it is through understanding God and his love for us that we are able to better love other people.”

The hosts also spoke of the message of salvation based on John 3:16, taking a few minutes to explain humanity’s sin nature but the abounding love that awaits believers in Christ Jesus. They also provided contact details should a listener be interested in following Jesus.

Through the Worship ConneXion programme, aired every weekday, TWR Africa and NLASN strives to unify the continent for Christ, the hosts said.

“I want to hear the voices. I want to hear the different accents. I want people to get to know each other on the show, from different parts of Africa,” Mdletshe said.