A MINISTRY MAGAZINE OF FAITH BROADCASTING, INC. Montgomery WLBF, Andalusia WSTF and Dothan WDYF
Volume 36 . Issue 1
JANUARY-MARCH 2019
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ave you resolved to make 2019 a year of great spiritual growth? Statistics show that only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions are actually kept. But, as believers, when it comes to growing spiritually, we have a special gift that helps us beat these odds. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to grow by increasingly conforming to the image of Christ. That spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically – we must actively exercise our spiritual muscles. One of the chief ways we do that is by regularly practicing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading the Word, and worship. At Faith Radio, we want to help you in those efforts. That’s why we added a Bible and Bible reading plan to our app and why we carefully select Christ-honoring programming and music that teaches, encourages, and uplifts. We want to help you grow in 2019 and beyond and hope that you will connect with us and tap into the many resources we offer. This year, don’t settle for stagnant spirituality, but rather strive for Spirit-filled, supernatural growth!
favorites
Here are some featured albums and songs played on Faith Radio throughout our local music-oriented programs: The Afters THE BEGINNING AND EVERYTHING AFTER Well Done Pat Barrett PAT BARRETT The Way Brad + Rebekah SOUND OF HEAVEN I Am Found Carrollton EVERYTHING OR NOTHING Rebuilder Casting Crowns ONLY JESUS Only Jesus
Crowder I KNOW A GHOST Red Letters
Finding Faith FINDING FAITH Good Hands
Mosaic MSC UNKNOWN Tremble 2
Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
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A 501(c)(3) Ministry. Contributions from listeners are tax deductible.
Executive Board of Directors: Mark Williams.............. President Glenn Cook...........Vice-President Shan Stallings.................Secretary John Lucas.................... Treasurer John Albritton, Jr............Director Mike Murphy..................Director Deanne Jones..................Director Laurie Peterson................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
PROGRAMMER “QUOTES” “The path to peace is paved with prayer. Less consternation, more supplication. Fewer anxious thoughts, more prayer-filled thoughts. As you pray, the peace of God will guard your heart and mind.” – Max Lucado
“The Bible makes it clear that prayer is intended as the line of connection from the heart of the praying person directly to the heart of God.” – Ravi Zacharias
“The prayer offered to God in the morning during your quiet time is the key that unlocks the door of the day. Any athlete knows that it is the start that ensures a good finish.” – Adrian Rogers
“Prayer is the spontaneous response of the believing heart to God. Those truly transformed by Jesus Christ find themselves lost in wonder and joy of communion with Him. Prayer is as natural for the Christian as breathing.” – John F. MacArthur, Jr.
“Prayer is life’s greatest time saver.” – Charles Stanley
“Prayer is the way you defeat the devil, reach the lost, restore a backslider, strengthen the saints, send missionaries out, cure the sick, accomplish the impossible, and know the will of God.” – David Jeremiah
“Prayer is not the pregame; it is the game. It is not the preparation for battle; it is the war.” – Tony Evans
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UPCOMING EVENTS n The Collingsworth Family in Concert January 17 Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts in Montgomery n The Crabb Family in Concert January 31 Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery n Confident Parenting Conference with Jim Burns February 8-9 hosted by area churches n FamilyLife Weekend to Remember February 15-17 Embassy Suites in Montgomery FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.FAITHRADIO.ORG OR CALL (800) 239-8900.
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Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
by Billy Irvin, Director of Ministry Relations
We are most thankful for those of you who pray for our ministry. We often say, if there is only one thing you can do for our ministry work, PRAY! As we talk about prayer in this issue of our magazine, we wanted to share the comments from a few of our faithful prayer warriors and invite you to pray for our ministry. How can you pray for us? There are four ways: 1. Thank God for this ministry. 2. Pray we reach many lives each day. 3. Pray we are always speaking the truth with love. 4. Pray Pray for the cheerful and giving hearts of God’s people to support this ministry. Below are some comments from our listeners: “My prayer would be a prayer of Thanksgiving, thanking God for using this ministry to prove His faithfulness. He has so generously equipped you all to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, generation after generation (Hebrews 13:21). Faith Radio continuously demonstrates the love of God through community. The ministry so generously invests eternal treasure into each and every listener. I pray God continues to bless this station and listening Mary and her daughter praying. families.” - Mary Pettway “I need to hear the true gospel of Jesus Christ daily. Being able to turn on my radio and hear wonderful sermons and teachings throughout the week is not only a comfort to me but to my husband as well while he is traveling. Faith Radio is a great travel companion! I pray it will continue to be a light not only in this city but surrounding areas of Alabama as well. I pray for Faith Radio on a regular basis.” - Laura Smoot “Our radios are always set on Faith Radio! No matter what time of day we listen, there is always a great program on. We are so thankful for your ministry, and we pray each day that WLBF touches someone to learn God is always Laura Smoot’s Bible and prayer list. there for us!!” - Nancy Dyer
LISTENER TESTIMONY - God at work through Faith Radio.
WAYS TO PRAY FOR FAITH RADIO
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faces..................... We enjoyed being part of the celebration and ribbon cutting for Mercy House in downtown Montgomery. This is a great place to meet needs and share God’s love with the homeless. We are thankful for Ken Austin’s leadership and friendship with our ministry.
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O tech broad an s par
We are blessed with many volunteers that help our ministry in many ways. Our Christmas Cross building team, led by Clay Phillips, assembled over 200 crosses this year! 6
Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
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Child Evangelism Fellowship had a great night of fun and awareness about their Good News Clubs. Billy Irvin was emcee of the event that included comedian Andrew Stanley from Atlanta.
Our ministry has been blessed with some much needed technology upgrades to provide the best programming and broadcasts of God’s Word. Our staff participated in training and planning for implementation of our new broadcast software. We still have opportunities for listeners to participate in contributing toward our technology fund.
We are known for our Faith Radio balloons at the Pike Road Arts and Crafts event, and our team saw big smiles as we shared with hundreds about our ministry work.
As we have prayed for those affected by Hurricane Michael, we have also shared with our listeners the ministry needs and work by many disaster relief teams. Billy Irvin went to the Lighthouse Church in Panama City to experience and report about disaster relief work.
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Strengthen Your Pra T
he beginning of a new year is a great time to do a spiritual check-up and recommit yourself to the consistent practice of spiritual disciplines. One important spiritual discipline in the life of a believer is prayer. We at Faith Radio want to help you evaluate and recalibrate your prayer life to make 2019 a year of powerful and effective prayer. Start by coming up with a time to pray. The Bible calls us to pray without ceasing. While we should have a time set aside specifically for prayer during our day, we should strive to be in a constant state of prayer as we live every moment of our day in light of God’s presence in our lives. We can also take advantage of the “empty” moments throughout the day, such as time spent in the car, showering, cooking, or waiting for an appointment.
Wondering what to pray about? The ACTS model of prayer with a pattern of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication is a great way to bring structure to your prayer life. Here also are 10 “P’s” to focus on in your prayers during 2019: 8
Personal Bible Study. 2 Timothy 2:15 We can pray for God to give us the motivation to spend time with Him, so that we might know Him better.
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Passionate Spiritual Growth. 2 Peter 3:18 As we study, pray, and fellowship with God, He will create in us a passion to know Him and to follow Him wholeheartedly.
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People To Come to Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 We have been brought into a relationship with Christ, and God does not intend for us to keep that to ourselves. We can pray specifically for those who need to know Him.
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Production of Fruit to God’s Glory. John 15:7-8 Our external obedience is an expression of the internal work that He will do in our hearts. We can pray to see God work through us.
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Practicing Unity of the Church. 1 Peter 3:8 The Church, the body of Christ, is effective as we are focused on Christ and unified with one another. We have a variety of backgrounds and gifts, but our diversity does not have to be divisive.
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Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
Prayer Life
by Bob Crittenden, Director of Special Projects and host of The Meeting House
Precedent to be Followed. 1 Peter 2:21 We can pray that we would model the behavior and character of our Savior, who has set us an example and empowered us to follow Him.
Proficiency of Church Leadership. 1 Timothy 5:17 We are under spiritual authority and we can be encouraged to pray for pastors and church leaders, that they would lead their congregations effectively.
Peace With God and With Each Other. Romans 12:16-18 We can provide an example of peace to all people, praying for the Church to demonstrate God’s peace in turbulent times.
Power of God Expressed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 God’s power is available, and we can ask for it to be released through each of us and through the Church, that God might be lifted up.
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Policies and Leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord, but we have a role in civic matters. Pray that policies be enacted that are consistent with Scripture and for leaders to seek Godly wisdom.
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PROGRAMMER SPOTLIGHT
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wo speakers who are heard regularly on Faith Radio have faced significant health challenges within the past year. We ask the Faith Radio family to be in prayer for them and their families. Anne Graham Lotz was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery in September. Updates on her condition are posted on her website. Following surgery, she was told that there was a trace of cancer in her lymph nodes. In October, she began 18 weeks of chemotherapy and anticipated a total of a year of treatments. She writes, “As I looked ahead at the calendar, I could almost audibly hear the ‘click’ of the Divine pruning shears.... I’m confident that the Gardener knows exactly what He’s doing. I’m more expectant than ever of bearing much eternal fruit. For His glory.” Luis Palau had received a diagnosis in early 2018 that he had Stage 4 lung cancer. Shortly thereafter, he began treatment. As of this fall, there had been signs of progress, and it was announced on his website that he would continue with immunotherapy. He was feeling well enough to fly to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in early September for one of his ministry’s evangelistic festivals.
The Faith Radio app has many features to connect you to us. Use the app to start your year off strong! Access our schedule and find a new programmer to offer you encouragement. View our interactive Bible reading plan to daily engage with God’s word. Download the Faith Radio app to explore many ways our app can help you grow in your faith this year!
LISTEN LIVE TO
FAITH RADIO
Download from our Website FaithRadio.org 10
Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
The Meeting House Offers Encouragement in Prayer by Bob Crittenden, host of The Meeting House Our communication with God – consistent and meaningful, two-way fellowship with Him – is so vital to our spiritual growth. The Meeting House is a place where I want to encourage believers to meet with God. Through conversation and songs of worship, we can enter into His presence and discover more of who He is and what He wants to do in our lives. Faith Radio is devoted to sharing the word about a variety of events across our area, several of which are specifically focused on prayer. Each October, we spotlight the River Region Prayer Walk, which is a time where believers from across our area come together in prayer for our city, state, country, and world. The National Day of Prayer, held each May, involves a variety of local and national activities, and Faith Radio personalities are in the middle of it all. We participate in many of the local events, and I Faith Radio and The Meeting House provide regularly feature interviews with National Day coverage of the National Day of Prayer each of Prayer leadership on The Meeting House. year. Pictured above is Bob with participants Believers are called to consistently pray at the Alabama State Capitol. for our leadership, and this year’s mid-term elections in November were a good reminder of that. Leading up to the elections, The Meeting House guests Jason Yates of My Faith Votes and Jim Bolthouse of the Presidential Prayer Team shared about the importance of praying for the selection of our leaders. I have had other guests on The Meeting House recently who have discussed books they have authored dealing with the subject of prayer. Jan Karon, author of the Mitford series, was on the show to discuss her book, Bathed in Prayer: Father Tim’s Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections from the Mitford Series. Also, Elisa Morgan, the former head of Carter Conlon, Senior Pastor MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International, of Times Square Church in talked about her book The Prayer Coin: Daring New York City and heard on It’s Time to Pray, spoke to Pray with Honest Abandon. In it, she unpacks with Bob at NRB. the powerful message of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and how we can apply it in our prayer lives. On The Meeting House on Faith Radio, it’s my desire to help you keep your eyes focused on Christ as you look to God in prayer.
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2018 -YEAR IN R
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he time has arrived when we anxiously await 2019 and the things God has in store for this ministry. However, before we jump into the next year, let’s look back at the amazing things we witnessed in 2018. The first quarter of the year was packed with conferences and saw the rollout of our new app. Women’s conferences were held in Montgomery and Enterprise, while marriage conferences took place in Montgomery and Shocco Springs. The newly-designed Faith Radio app was introduced to our listeners. This application is packed with information and allows users to hear a live stream of Faith Radio, connect with us on social media, donate to the ministry, see our program schedule and upcoming events, and access a Bible and Bible reading plan. The months of April through July contained familiar events for the Faith Radio listening family. Our two Family Faith Nights with the Biscuits featured Matt Hybarger and Alisa Turner in May and June. The Faith Radio staff was spread throughout the listening area for the National Day of Prayer. We also promoted annual events such as: Gridiron Men’s Conference, Hope Heals Camps, and Pastor Prayer Time. One new event
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John Ed Mathison helps encourage pastors at our Pastor’s Prayer Time.
Jo Hancock includes us in her ministry work for National Day of Prayer.
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The Faith Radio staff enjoyed visiting with Alisa Turner before her pregame concert at the Montgomery Biscuits for Family Faith Night.
Am the yea John
We had a great time at the Faith Radio golf event. For the first time, we had a team from Valiant Cross. Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
N REVIEW
by Russell Dean, General Manager and host of Evening Praise
Dennis Swanberg lead many men at the Men’s Conference in Andalusia.
udes us ork for Prayer.
th the ght.
Tony Evans visits with Billy and Jeremy at the Gridiron Men’s conference
Among our hundreds of interviews throughout the year, we were overwhelmed with request to hear John Geiger’s “Reflections of a Dying Christian.”
vent. For the first
was Awaken, which was a community Easter worship event. The third quarter not only marks the entry into a time for football and fall weather, but the annual Faith Radio Golf Tournament. Held in September at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club in Montgomery, this favorite event is a great opportunity to fellowship with friends of the ministry. We thank the many sponsors, volunteers, and participants who supported the tournament and made it a success. Thank you! The fall also brought opportunities to assist others in their ministries, as we promoted events like En Fuego, River Region Judgment House, and Pastor-Staff Appreciation month. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, we encouraged our listeners to engage in the Christmas Cross distribution. Displaying a seven-foot wooden cross shares the reason for Christmas as well as participating in the ministry of Faith Radio with your generous gifts. The cooperative spirit continued with our support of the Live Nativity and the Montgomery Family Christmas with Chris Tomlin, both of which were presented by Baptist Health. What’s ahead for 2019? We can’t wait to see!
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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 19, 2018
Gifts In Memory of... Mr. Hilson Luther Adkins Lomax & Pat Robinette, Ariton Norma Hedrick Barnes Dr. & Mrs. Gene Brown, Montgomery Jim Barrs James & Heather Brock, Niceville, FL Rebecca Barton Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Martha Beaty Mark & Kellie Kelley, Elba John Bowman Paul & Katherine Johnson, Montgomery Adam “Philip” Brooks Mom Bobby J. Cartee Debra Cartee, Wetumpka Philip Matthew Carter Lori & Foch Smart, Wetumpka Velma Carter Billy & Gisele Echols, Wetumpka Jean Cobb Charles P. & Jean Russell, Montgomery Anne Renfroe, Titus Sue Rhodes, Goshen Leish Carr, Luverne Kay Goolsby, Luverne Jimmie & Dixie Barkley, Hope Hull Kay Spivey, Montgomery Norma Cobb Margaret Harbin, Denham Springs, LA Rev. Robert M. Couch Greg & Jan White, Andalusia 14
Carol Ann Dagostin Dr. & Mrs. Gene Brown, Montgomery Will Espy Ginger Espy Page, Montgomery Lucille Campbell Ethridge Gerry & Kim Miller, Prattville Patricia Farha Jan Beale, Equality Dr. & Mrs. Gene Brown, Montgomery Joyce & Charles Lee, Montgomery Ina Fuller Mike & Renee Sanford, Wetumpka Dr. Harris Reed Green Dorothy Hawthorne, Montgomery Dr. Walter Hubert Grimes Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Gene Herman Mike & Renee Sanford, Wetumpka Mr. Gilbert Jones Donna J. Armstead, Montgomery Betty Jordan Greg & Judy Crews, Montgomery Fay & Terry Jowers, Jr. Jane & Larry Jowers, Opp Fannie & Wayne Kelley Jane & Larry Jowers, Opp Allan Lamberth Nelda Whitehead, Prattville Rev. Ivo Livingston, Jr. D.J. Livingston, Montgomery Hugh Mobley Robert W. Kline, Wetumpka Nellie Jane Hudman Newman Connie J. Short, Clanton Annie Laura Peterson Mike & Renee Sanford, Wetumpka
Norma Jean Prater Sarah C. Portis, Montgomery Cathy Johnson Prescott W. Greg Jones, Dadeville Pearl Raines Gail & Phillip Jones, Andalusia Nancy Rost Paul Rost, Cincinnati, OH Coach Jack Schweers Mr. & Mrs. Don Stephens, Opelika Anne & Ronald Soriano Mr. & Mrs. Gary Soriano, Montgomery Louie Spear Sam & Sandra Carnes, Montgomery Lay Spears Vernon Roberts, Titus Beatrice Tatum Lanier & Nancy Tatum, Deatsville Evelyn Walker Nelda Whitehead, Prattville L. R. Walker Jr. Nelda Whitehead, Prattville Spearman Walker Annie Gibson, Union Springs Beth Azar Wall Mr. & Mrs. Don Stephens, Opelika W. E. Whitehead Nelda Whitehead, Prattville
Gifts In Honor of... George Cook Elnora Cook, Prattville Dwight Crigger Neal & Jennifer Dansby, Red Level Betty Dickey Ruth Hunt, Prattville
Faith Radio’s Ministry Magazine - January-March 2019
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Price Elmore Mr. & Mrs. Don Stephens, Opelika Faith Radio Family Carlyn Howell, Prattville Mae Irvin Fain, Montgomery Faith Radio Staff & Programs Geraldine Cole, Deatsville Cecilia Fike Mr. & Mrs. Don Stephens, Opelika Houstin & Terri Gay Geraldine Cole, Deatsville Janice Hamil Neal & Gwen Westbrook, Montgomery Bro. Matt Helms – Cross Baptist Church, Eufaula Agnes Hurst, Eufaula Billy & Camilla Irvin Inez Hall, Opp Mae Irvin Fain, Montgomery Will & Tara Jones Greg Jones, Dadeville Bill & Diane McCrary John & Ivy Ashworth, Montgomery Coralie McDavid Charlotte Brown, Montgomery Dr. Duncan & Mrs. Jeannie McRae & Families Donna & Bill Knox, Montgomery Sarah Morrison Mrs. Ann S. Howard, Prattville Walter & Cathy Norris William & Diane McCrary, Montgomery Jim & Cameron Perry Stephanie Gray, Opelika Susan & Jerry Piewitz Bill & Ellie Ficken, Montgomery Sue Rawls June Young, Andalusia Brenda Reid & Family Nelda Whitehead, Prattville Keith Waldrop Carol & John Coram, Eclectic Debi Watson & Family Nelda Whitehead, Prattville
Praying for Generosity in 2019 by Billy Irvin, Director of Ministry Relations A new year has begun, and at Faith Radio we can’t help but think about a new year of ministry. We are thankful to God for His provision for over three decades of ministry at Faith Radio. As we begin this new year, let’s pray and ask God to strengthen our generosity. In Romans 8:29, we learn that God wants to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines of the life of His Son. The goal of our lives should be to look like Jesus. An old adage reminds me, “You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.” To be like Jesus, we must learn to be generous. We should learn to be more and more generous every year. As we enter this new year, let’s pray that we can be more generous than ever before. I’ll remind you that your financial gifts to this ministry are being used to make an eternal difference. God is using Faith Radio to build up believers and build His Kingdom. Join us as we start off 2019! God will truly bless you in this new year as you bless others through your financial gifts.
FOUR WAYS TO GIVE GIVE ONLINE faithradio.org GIVE BY PHONE 800-239-8900 GIVE BY APP Download Faith Radio app GIVE BY MAIL: FAITH RADIO, P.O. Box 210789 Montgomery, AL 36121-0789
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Download from our Website FaithRadio.org
LISTEN LIVE TO FaithRadio!
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