A MINISTRY MAGAZINE OF FAITH BROADCASTING, INC.
Montgomery WLBF, Andalusia WSTF and Dothan WDYF
Volume 38 . Issue 1
JANUARY-MARCH 2021
RESTORING HOPE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Pictured is Faith Radio’s Montgomery Tower FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
1
Standing at over 550 feet tall, the Faith Radio tower pictured on the front cover broadcasts a message of gospel hope throughout the River Region.
Similar towers allow that message to reach the Wiregrass and the Florida Panhandle. Those radio signals are only part of an arsenal of technology that allows Faith Radio to truly have a “global reach with a personal touch.” We leverage a vast array of technologies to share the good news of Jesus throughout the world. Whether via the internet, our Faith Radio app, or our radio partner in Haiti, there is almost no part of the world that is beyond our reach. As this new year starts, do something new yourself! Download our app and start one of the online Bible reading plans. Tune in regularly to one of our many Bible study programs that can help deepen your faith. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or give to help support our ministry, as we are entirely listener funded. Whatever you do, take advantage of the many ways you can connect with Faith Radio through technology. You will be blessed! 2
favorites
Here are some featured songs played on Faith Radio throughout our local music-oriented programs:
Jeremy Camp
Out of My Hands Citizen Way
Love Has Won Natalie Grant
Face to Face I Am They
Faithful God Jaime Jamgochian
Beautiful Story Evvie McKinney
Look No Further Rend Collective
My Advocate Rhett Walker
Good to Me Selah
Hello Grace Micah Tyler
New Today FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
programmer quotes ought to be living as if Jesus died “ We yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.” “Y ou may be in a place right now in which you
– Adrian Rogers
feel particularly vulnerable, particularly weak and particularly defenseless. This is the only place where true strength can be found. Confess your weakness to God and ask for His grace to become sufficient for you.
”
– David Jeremiah
You have told us in Scripture that our “ Lord, unity lets others know we are Your followers.
May this become manifest in my life and in the lives of my family members, fellow church members and believers all across our nation and around the world. In Christ’s name I pray.
”
– Tony Evans
unleashed words can be every bit as “ Our damaging and destructive as any other kind of aggressive outburst.”
- Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
wants good for your life even more than “ God you do. Will you trust him?”
– Rick Warren
we could see our lives from God’s “ Ifperspective, many of us would be forced to
admit that our lives are cluttered with all sorts of things that keep us from moving forward and receiving the abundant life he promises. We need to simplify our lives, eliminating the things that bog us down and keep us from doing what God says are priorities.
”
– Randy Carlson
A 501(c)(3) Ministry. Contributions from listeners are tax deductible.
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Mark Williams............. President Glenn Cook........ Vice-President Laurie Peterson.......... Secretary John Lucas................. Treasurer John Albritton, Jr..........Director Shan Stallings...............Director Mike Murphy..................Director Deanne Jones...............Director FAITH RADIO STAFF: Russell Dean General Manager Bob Crittenden Director of Special Projects Billy Irvin Director of Ministry Relations Wiely Boswell Chief Engineer Jeremy Smith Operations Manager Kim Sauce Ministry Relations Assistant Beth Garland Bookkeeper Kelly Treadwell Editor, Host of “FaithSongs” Kim Hendrix Host of “Shine” CONTACT US: Main Office Numbers (334) 271-8900 or (800) 239-8900 Fax Number (334) 260-8962 Comment Line (334) 271-8988 Mailing Address P.O. Box 210789 Montgomery, AL 36121 Website www.faithradio.org E-mail Address mail@faithradio.org
day is filled with decisions, and every “ Each choice is an opportunity to ask the Lord what He would have you do.”
– Charles Stanley
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
3
REACHING OTHERS THROUGH by Bob Crittenden, Director of Special Projects
TECHNOLOGY Throughout the past few years, we have seen God expand Faith Radio’s use of technology to communicate His message. We have upgraded equipment at several of our facilities, and just over two years ago, installed an automation system that enhances Faith Radio’s 24/7 broadcasting. The expansion of Faith Radio content now includes on-air broadcasting on eight U.S. facilities and a radio station in Haiti, live streaming online at Faith Radio. org, through the Faith Radio app, as well as the capability to be heard through smart speakers by saying “Play WLBF.” In addition, content from The Meeting House and Morning Praise can be heard through our website, our app, and a variety of podcast platforms, including the recent addition of Amazon Music to the lineup, which consists of Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and TuneIn.
Faith Radio is fulfilling our slogan of “global reach with a personal touch.” Online listening is tracked by Christian Netcast, our streaming service. Since September, the top countries listening to Faith Radio outside the United States are India, Ukraine, the U.K., and the Philippines. Christian Netcast analytics has shown listeners tuning in through the Faith Radio app in other countries, including Haiti, Canada, Ivory Coast, and Mexico. Those that have resided in Montgomery and travel to other places in the world, including our military, can access Faith Radio through these wonderful forms of technology. God has provided these amazing technologies through the gracious support of our listeners and generous donors. We are grateful that your support has enabled us to carry the message of Christ to the farthest corners of the world. Our Faith Radio social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) continue to receive interactions from our followers. Many people who need the spiritual encouragement of God’s Word are on social media, so we keep a daily presence there. We strive to shine biblical truth and let everyone know they are loved by God.
fil 4
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
listener testimony As our world has experienced this unique season of isolation and social distancing, our ministry work at Faith Radio has been as busy and fruitful as ever. Our decades of experience using FM radio frequencies, combined with a powerful, worldwide Christian presence on the internet and social media platforms, made us ready to share the Good News without gathering people together. We were a voice of hope reaching people in their deepest periods of isolation. Over the years, many of our listeners have tuned in from a lonely place, such as a nursing home, hospital room, jail cell, or even driving alone in their car. Often, those moments of solitude can be special times to pray and communicate with the Lord while seeking His will and guidance. Faith Radio is there for just that moment, and our listeners have expressed gratitude for God’s provision for our ministry to help them feel His presence during this most stressful time. We have recently heard from many of our listeners who have been encouraged by Faith Radio.
“ Faith Radio is a light shining in darkness. I, like many of your ‘unknown’ listeners, am grateful for the FAITHFULNESS and labor that goes into every broadcast.” “ God is working through your ministry. You bring me joy, especially when I am in my car. The uplifting music, powerful messages, and times of prayer have grown my faith...God is so good and working through y’all to help keep our minds on things above.” “ Your prayer and support as I have navigated these days following the loss of my husband will not be forgotten. Thank you for encouraging me and sharing that I am not alone. God is with me!” “ You have meant more to me lately than ever before. I have been trying to stay in and not get this virus. It can be so lonely, but when I turn on Faith Radio, you are there like a dear friend, pointing me to look up, and praise God from whom all blessings flow! Thank you!” “ You have blessed me in my kitchen as I listen to your station and prepare meals for my family… and so often, it’s something I need to hear for myself or my family.” “ I write from my jail cell to tell y’all how listening to Faith Radio has brought me closer and closer to God. I’m going to be released soon. God has used this radio station to turn my life into serving Him every day.” “ Every time I tune in, I get something I need to hear! You bless my soul!”
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
5
faces
We were thankful to be part of a great night of prayer for our nation, as Frazer UMC hosted Awaken, providing live stream and Frazer TV coverage of our community praying together.
The Elmore County Baptist Association took an idea shared on Faith Radio from Dothan where churches provided a special day of appreciation for all first responders and law enforcement, tangibly showing the love of Christ by serving them meals. 6
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
Our friends at Baptist Hospice hosted a Blood Drive to honor our Veterans and shared the importance of giving blood to save lives in our community.
We are always honored to be part of a church celebration, and Pastor Baxter Morris of First Baptist Ripley Street Montgomery invited us to share for their 154th Anniversary! Jennifer Rash of TAB Media visited with Barbara Kay Edwards, Ray McKenzie, and Billy Irvin as they enjoyed sharing ministry updates about God at work through mass media outlets.
We are thankful for His Vessel Ministry that disciples many prayer warriors and hosts prayer events for our community.
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
7
Thankful Technology U
FOR YOU
by Billy Irvin, Director of Ministry Relations God continually provides for us to serve our community with the life-saving Good News of the Gospel all day, every day commercial-free. Our network of stations is loaded with technology, and it takes over $2,400 per day for Faith Radio to operate. From satellite dishes, electricity, personnel, and broadcast transmitters to dozens of computers and blinking red lights on our towers, Faith Radio uses technology to touch people locally and around the world. We have heard from many listeners who have affirmed our work, including a family that teaches on a military base in Japan and several listeners who tuned in from local hospital rooms where they were alone without family members allowed to be present. Our broadcast has been sharing the “faith over fear” message that God is always with you. God blessed us in 2020 to have a new $15,000 power generator for our studio offices in Montgomery and a new $40,000 transmitter in Andalusia (that was damaged in 2018 and 2019 by lightning). We were also able to add a new Radio Data System (“RDS”) in Montgomery, Dothan, and Andalusia that allows the name of the programs and songs to be displayed on your radio! These new technical upgrades have sustained our ministry. As you can imagine with technology, the needs for new upgrades and replacement of failing technology is continual. Thank you for praying for us and for prayerfully considering an extra gift to our technology fund/ capital campaign.
8
Now Playing shows on car radio displays
DID YOU KNOW?
Much of our radio transmitter equipment requires year-round air-conditioning to keep them cool, even in the cold winter months! We have over a dozen air-conditioning units of various sizes that must be maintained each year, and our power bill is over $5,500 per month.
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
UR SUPPORT OF
Upgrades
New Power Generator at our Studios in Montgomery
A FEW OF OUR TECHNOLOGY NEEDS FOR 2021
15,000 Power Generator for Andalusia 15,000 Power Generator for Dothan $ 40,000 Transmitter for Dothan $ 15,000 Tower Light Replacement $ 15,000 Computer / Broadcast $ $
Technology Replacement
Transmitter Site
New Transmitter In Andalusia
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
9
programmer spotlight
PROGRAMMER UPDATES... A number of Faith Radio programmers were involved in prayer efforts during the final few months of 2020. Greg Laurie was one of the participating prayer leaders for the Washington Prayer March, led by Franklin Graham, which featured thousands walking to seven sites throughout the nation’s capital in September. Franklin Graham’s sister, Anne Graham Lotz, was a leader in “The Return,” which was a call to revival and spiritual awakening, that same day. Carter Conlon of Times Square Church, who was also part of “The Return,” led a prayer meeting in Plymouth, Massachusetts in early October, commemorating the landing of the Pilgrims at that site 400 years ago. Revive Our Hearts with Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, celebrated its 5000th episode in late October. Meanwhile, her husband, Robert, has struggled with skin cancer and has experienced some positive results from his treatment. Luis Palau, after three years of cancer treatments, continues to receive chemotherapy regularly, but his condition has been reported to be “stable,” with no new growth. He participated in his ministry’s virtual “Night of Hope” event several months ago.
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES Faith Radio is pleased to launch the hour-long program, Understanding the Times, with host Jan Markell, Saturday mornings at 10:30. The purpose of the discussionbased program, according to its Mission Statement, “is to help people understand the times according to the Bible, contend for the faith in Jesus Christ, and help the Church stand against deception as watchmen on the wall in these last days.” The program is an outreach of Olive Tree Ministries, which was founded by Jan Markell in 1982. She was saved under the ministry of a Jewish evangelist when she was a child. She is the author of eight books and has produced more than a dozen DVD’s. Each week, Jan and her guests discuss current events from a Biblical perspective, and how these events, as well as current ideologies, impact the Church. Because of the implications, Bible prophecy is a regular component of the program. You can learn more at www. olivetreeviews.org. We invite you to tune in Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. for Understanding the Times on Faith Radio. 10
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
CHANGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE PROVIDES NEW OPPORTUNITIES: Faith Radio and The Meeting House Expand Reach by Bob Crittenden, host of The Meeting House
Lwanda. Audio The COVID-19 pandemic has yielded more entrants into the realm of using digital is offered technology to communicate. Churches and through our website ministries all around the world have been and app and video excerpts are on the streaming worship services and special Faith Radio YouTube channel, which is events, and meetings that were once accessible through our website. in-person have now been transformed Video content from in-person into boxes on a screen through video conversations at events such as the conference calls. National Religious Broadcasters convention Fortunately, Faith Radio was welland the Christian Product Expo are available positioned going into the pandemic. We on Meeting House TV. The show airs on have been a 24/7 radio ministry and have Frazer Christian Television, which is available been generating audio and video content on UHF channel 33 in the Montgomery that can be accessed through computers, television, smartphones... At the National Religious and even radios! Broadcasters Convention in The video conference Nashville, Bob spoke with Mark revolution has even Hancock of Trail Life USA, in a impacted The Meeting conversation aired on Faith Radio House program. In 2019, and heard recently on the Meeting I had the opportunity to House television program on Frazer Christian record interviews live at Television. A video excerpt is also available through the Getty Music Worship the Faith Radio YouTube channel. Conference, Sing!, in area, as well as on cable through Spectrum, Nashville. This year, the conference WOW, Brighthouse, and AT&T U-verse. became a virtual event, Sing! Global, and Show times include: Wednesday & Friday I was able to connect via video call with mornings at 9:30, Saturdays at 8am, and various speakers from the conference, Sunday nights at 9:00. Plus, the program including a recap with Keith and Kristyn can be seen on Frazer video channels, Getty (from their Northern Ireland home), including Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Jonathan Rea, the choir leader for the We are grateful for God’s goodness to conference, from his home in the U.K., allow Faith Radio to serve listeners and violinist David Kim of the Philadelphia viewers through new forms of technology. Orchestra, and, from Kenya, Christian Kevin Sorbo (in the U.S.) and John Lennox (in the U.K.) previewed a film, Against the Tide, that focuses on the life and work of Professor Lennox, in which the duo traveled to a variety of key sites in order to tell a story consistent with Biblical truth. Audio of the conversation aired on The Meeting House and is available through the Faith Radio website, Faith Radio app, and a variety of podcast platforms. Video is available through the YouTube channel. FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
11
Who Knew?
YEAR-IN-REVIEW: by Russell Dean, General Manager
Who knew that when we declared 2020 to be a year of prayer back in January, prayer would be so desperately needed in so many ways throughout the year? We have always encouraged our listeners to pray and have said that we, in turn, would be praying for our listeners. We even place a link on our webpage, www.faithradio.org, through which prayer requests can be submitted. Yet, who knew what was ahead? In our January issue of the Faith Radio Ministry Magazine, we highlighted programs to encourage prayer: Pause To Pray, It’s Time To Pray, and Stand In The Gap Minute. We encouraged our listeners to participate in prayer initiatives such as Awaken and the monthly OUR Montgomery Prayer Walk. Holy Week before Easter has typically been a time when local 12
pastors have gathered so we could pray for their needs before Easter services. This year we prayed, but it was a virtual event. Though we were apart, we were together in spirit, coming before the throne of God. At the height of the COVID pandemic, Ribbons of Hope was a prayer event brought about specifically to pray for health care workers and government leaders. The National Day of Prayer was another event affected by COVID. Many of the gatherings had to be altered, with some choosing a virtual option where many were blessed. It was around this time we introduced the phrase “faith over fear.” The positive response caused us to produce “faith over fear” t-shirts to help communicate the message that Jesus is still in control. In spite of it all, we knew! A few events were still able to meet
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
despite COVID. These included: Gridiron Men’s Conference, Weekend To Remember, Fresh Grounded Faith, and the National Religious Broadcasters meeting. The Faith Radio Golf Tournament was a great day for golfers and volunteers alike. Likewise, we celebrated with church members across the listening area with a thankfulness for our pastors and staff during October. Joy surrounded two other celebrations. First, because of our generous donors, we were finally able to purchase a power generator for our main broadcast studio in Montgomery. Second, we celebrated the 70th birthday of our broadcast partner in Haiti, 4VEH. Faith Radio provides an English language broadcast for those who want to listen in Haiti. Under the circumstances, it has been a great year for Faith Radio. It is the blessing of God and the generosity of our listeners. To God Be the Glory! Who knew?
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
13
gifts in memory and in honor of... A memorial gift is a meaningful way to honor someone at the time of death by recognizing that person’s Christian faith and testimony. Similarly, an honorarium is a tangible way of honoring a living person’s testimony. We are thankful for individuals listed below who choose to honor friends and loved ones through a gift that extends the message of Christ through Faith Radio’s ministry. Gifts made as of November 20, 2020. IN MEMORY
Brother Beaird Lee Ann & Danny Clements, Montgomery Jerry, Glenda & John Beasley Beth & Pat Ramsey, Montgomery Margaret Beck Rhon & Deanne Jones, Montgomery Wayman Beck Mark & Kellie Kelley, Elba Adam “Philip” Brooks Jennifer Brooks, Wetumpka Patricia Burak Nita F. Hall, Eclectic June Reid Carter Tom & Leslie Wells, Montgomery Terri Dantzler Allen & Gina Stephenson, Greenville Gene L. Douglass Ellen Smith Hughes, Montgomery Lauren Gregory Easter Charles & Julianne Ward, Dothan Coleman Fountain P.J. McClung, Andalusia Ted Gilreath Scott Gilreath, Montgomery Greg & Rebekah Pittman, Pike Road David, Michael & Raymond Cohen, Montgomery Billie Lynne Jenno & Mary Clark Bowers, Hixson, TN Mildred Hart Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Bobby Lord Hawkins Barbara Elleng P. Bazor, Montgomery
14
Valerie Hines Frank & Stacey Stakely, Montgomery Kriss Hinton Holmes Baptist Church, Ariton John W. Howard, III Mrs. Ann S. Howard, Prattville Dr. W. Thomas James Joyce & Charles Lee, Montgomery Jerry A. Mack Linda Mack, Opp Andrew & Betty McDaniel Their Children & Grandchildren & Great Grands Cason McDermott Mickey J. McDermott, Montgomery Robert McKay Elaine McKay, Montgomery Dr. Bruce D. Mills Patsy F. Mills, Deatsville Rudy Morgan Larry & Charlotte Jones, Cecil Don Napper Charles & Patsy Matthews, Elba Adam Nix Kellie Weaver Kelley, Elba Emery Odum Barry & Pam Carroll, Auburn Luverne Owens Frank & Linda Plaster, Wetumpka Clint and Libby Plaster, Wetumpka Ben & Donna Plaster, Wetumpka Geraldine Hadden Penn Ed & Joan Johnson, Prattville Hamer Phillips Bonnie Williams, Madison Rudolph J. Phillips Janett M. Phillips, Tuskegee
Glenn & Jane Ramsey Beth & Pat Ramsey, Montgomery Mark Raughton Lou Ann Raughton, Montgomery Paul Robertson Bill & Ida Ellen Ficken, Montgomery Rev. Danny W. Rogers, Sr. Mrs. Joy M. Rogers, Elmore Betty Ann Russell Lee Ann & Danny Clements, Montgomery Judy Scott Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Billye Seay Rhon & Deanne Jones, Montgomery Stan Sherlin Scott & Lynn Gilreath, Montgomery Ann Simpson Anonymous Carmen Smith Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Bobby Smitherman Joe & Pat Watkins, Montgomery Jimmy Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. Charles Knight, Deatsville John H. Tatum, Jr. Mirenda Tatum, Montgomery James Taylor Jean Williams, Montgomery Mary Frances Taylor Neal & Jennifer Dansby, Red Level J.C. & Bobby Tew Lynn & Annabel Zorn, Florala Lou Ellen Thompson Larry & Ellen Spann, Opp
IN HONOR
Tim Adams William McCrary, Montgomery Fred & Lorali Bailey Ann S. Howard, Prattville Margaret Ann Batley Ann G. Renfroe, Titus Alan & Susan Brewer Randy & Lisa Helms, Pike Road Pastor T. Wyatt Broughton – Brewton Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Dorothy Underwood, Brewton Charlotte Brown David Brown, Montgomery
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
INVEST IN TECHNOLOGY Pastor Billy & Sharon Cardwell - Faith Assembly of God Annette, Robert & William Pate, Enterprise George & Evelyn Cook Clayton Spencer, Billingsley CrossRoads Community Church Staff Cary & Jo Ann Spiegel, Wetumpka Bro. Corey & Megan Dennis Geraldine Cole, Deatsville Henrietta DeRamus Linda H. White, Montgomery Brian E. Dozier Cathryn K. Dozier, Selma Faith Radio Staff Rev. Leonard & Carlyn Howell, Prattville Mae Irvin Fain, Montgomery First Baptist Church Staff Jennie Goodman, Bonifay Dr. & Mrs. Merle Friesen James & Julie Porath, Montgomery Pastor Houstin & Terri Gay Geraldine Cole, Deatsville Pat Gibson Linda H. White, Montgomery Jordan Horvath Jennie Goodman, Bonifay FL Billy Irvin Jimmy & Cathy Varner, Montgomery Deanne Jones Rowena Ward, Auburn Mary Bruce Killingsworth Gary & Becky Mullins, Wetumpka Pastor Teman & Darlana Knight Neal & Mary Hughes, Pike Road Maple Avenue Baptist Church Staff Jean Cotton, Chancellor Tanya McLemore Roger Teel, Montgomery Jan & Jesse Poage Bill & Margaret Poage, Millbrook Charles D. Simpson, Jr. Anonymous Joyce Spear Cecil C. Spear, Jr., Auburn Shan Stallings Kathi Rogers, Montgomery
by Billy Irvin, Director of Ministry Relations At Faith Radio, technology is one of the biggest ministry tools in our tool kit. It takes a lot of technology to keep our broadcast airing all day every day, and operating and updating that technology is expensive. Even the uplifting praise music you hear daily on Faith Radio requires paid music licensing fees! But in a world teeming with the constant clatter of media voices, we want Faith Radio to be a clear voice of calming, clarifying truth. Will you partner with us as we strive to broadcast God’s truth to the community? Doing ministry and reinvesting in our technology takes Kingdom fuel! Your financial gifts to this ministry will not only help power up generators but it will help power up a generation of new believers! Jemma T. Thornton Charles & Julie Sasscer, Cottondale Lou & Russ Vaughn Mary Helen & Ross Cotter, Enterprise
Dr. Kevin Wilburn, FBC Andalusia Neal & Jennifer Dansby, Red Level Jewel Wilkinson Roger Teel, Montgomery
Four ways TO GIVE
ONLINE faithradio.org
PHONE 800-239-8900 APP Download Faith Radio app MAIL FAITH RADIO,
FAITH RADIO’S MINISTRY MAGAZINE
P.O. Box 210789, Montgomery, AL 36121-0789
15
Address Service Requested
WLBF 89.1 Montgomery WSTF 91.5 Andalusia WDYF 90.3 Dothan • 91.9 FM Eufaula 94.1 FM Alexander City • 94.1 FM Sylacauga 96.9 FM Jemison/Thorsby • 92.1 FM Brewton P.O. Box 210789 • Montgomery, AL 36121-0789 381 Mendel Parkway • Montgomery, AL 36117-5741 www.faithradio.org
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 100 Montgomery, AL