Looking west from Mankayane toward the mountain where the tower is located

While nearly everyone in the U.S. was sleeping, we were busy here in Swaziland topping out the FM tower on the 4,550 foot mountain top about 5 miles (8 miles by road) west of Mankayane.  The job was finished by about 11 am. Thanks for praying!

From the top of the tower it is possible to see long distances in every direction, which is what is needed for ideal FM radio coverage.  This project is being done to assist VOC (Voice of the Church) to expand their ministry.  Electricity is ‘supposed’ to be connected next week and VOC hopes to have the transmitter on the air by the end of June.

One of four low level crossings — obviously they would be impassable after rains.

This FM network in Swaziland was initially set up by TWR in the mid-1990s and consists of five FM stations located throughout Swaziland.  The FM network has been turned over to national Christians to operate.  They raise the funds to cover their own expenses.  TWR still assists occasionally, in cases where special equipment, such as for erecting towers (called ‘masts’ here), is needed.

We arrived back in Manzini about 1pm and were given the rest of the afternoon off.  Virginia was in town helping sort through the hostessing items that are stored at the office.  She also had a couple of other appointments.  I caught a ride home to Singing Pines with Graham and his wife.  I was able to get into ‘our’ house, but realized that Virginia had the keys to all the inside

The top section going into place.  The job is ‘almost’ finished except for lowering the gin pole, tidying up all the guy point connections and packing up all the equipment, which actually took a lot longer than raising the section.  The primary purpose of the tower is to be able to mount the FM antenna on the tower so it is above tree level.

security gates.  I had access to only the kitchen, dining and living rooms, so I ate my lunch, then reclined on the couch, promptly falling asleep.  Its been a busy two days full of physical and mental exercise!

This is the view from the ground near the base of the tower.  The view from the top of the tower is even more spectacular and in all directions.  The FM signal will be able reach at least everywhere that can be seen and probably an even greater area.