Flashtraffic: Air Campaign

A new evangelical air campaign is also underway in Iraq. Trans World Radio announced on April 16 a series of special Arabic- and Farsi-language programs designed to spread the gospel among Muslims. The daily, 15-minute programs began airing in March. They're produced by Arab and Iranian Christians and broadcast by a massive 600,000-watt transmitter (the most powerful radio stations in the United States are limited to 100,000 watts). The programs are financed by the Middle East Reformed Fellowship and produced in partnership with two Christian broadcasting ministries, Words of Hope and the Back to God Hour.

"These broadcasts are intended to bring people in Iraq and the rest of the region hope and encouragement during these difficult times," says Lee DeYoung, vice president of broadcasting ministries for Words of Hope, based in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Does all this complicate the efforts of officials in Washington to rebuild Iraq in their image? It may. But Arab Christians note there are 700,000 Iraqi Christians in need of encouragement, and millions of Muslims who need Christ. It's a war of ideas, they say, and it's not just about capitalism and democracy.