FaithTalk Fall 2012 by SalemMediaGroup

FALL 2012 I A PUBLICATION OF SALEM COMMUNICATIONS

WTBN SALUTES

ATTORNEY

JOE PIPPEN 26 YEARS IN BROADCASTING Page 8

THE SALVATION ARMY Doing the Most Good in Our Community Page 18

SAY YOUR “PEACE” How to Share Your Convictions with Family & Friends Page 26

Dear Friends, od is so good - so much has happened since our last issue! Our community successfully hosted one of the largest influxes of visitors ever with the Republican National Convention. I humbly served on the committee for convention prayer coverage and was inspired to see believers gathered together in prayer at the Tampa Bay Times Forum during the convention proceedings. There were prayer warriors committed to pray every 15 minutes during the event and with only 2 arrested during the entire week, I know God heard and answered those prayers. After praying and searching for many years for just the right radio signal, we welcomed a new addition to the Salem Tampa Sarasota family of radio stations with the purchase of AM 760 WLCC. Formerly called ‘La Ley’ (The Law), we converted the format to Hispanic Christian Talk – Radio Luz – which means ‘The Light’; so it went from

The Law to The Light! What perfect comparison for what we as Christians do when we trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. I am grateful to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and the many Hispanic pastors and friends that were on hand to help ‘throw the switch’ to illuminate its large 22 county coverage area with the teaching and truth of God’s Word in Spanish. I am so grateful for our pastors and teachers on all our radio stations and encourage you to let them know you’re listening. They don’t know you’re out there unless you do, so please, won’t you take a moment this week to send a note of encouragement to them for their faithfulness? They love to hear from you! You can easily find their contact information online at www.bayword. com or call us and we’ll be glad to provide it to you. I’d like to give a personal ‘Thank You’ to our very faithful and generous listeners that have contributed to our ministry donor drives for Food For the

Poor, Angel Tree, Feed the Children and our local ministry partners like the Salvation Army and Metropolitan Ministries. They do much with so little to spread the Gospel of Christ. I’d also like to invite the ladies in our area to sign up for our Women in Ministry Appreciation Luncheon coming in the Spring. A ministry icon, June Hunt, will be our featured speaker and we’ll have a grand time together with a spirit of fellowship and inspiration. This past year over 400 pastors wives and women in ministry came together to experience a truly inspired teaching by Dr. Lois Evans and enjoy a delicious lunch and lots of prizes. Now, we have a very special issue in the pages ahead. This issue of FaithTalk is filled with stories about people who give back to the community like our dear friend Attorney Joe Pippen who had serious challenges as a youngster but overcame them and found his faith in God and has since been giving back to our community through his time, talent and treasure. Many Blessings,

BARBARA J. YODER GENERAL MANAGER Tampa Bay’s Christian Talk WTBN AM 570 & 910 Tel. (813) 639-1903 barb@salemtampa.com

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CASEY MYRICK

cmyrick@salemtampa.com

RACHEL KNIPFER

rachelsarasota@salemtampa.com

RENE DE LA ROSA

(Radio Luz)

rened@salemtampa.com

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8 11 12 15 16 18

WTBN Salutes Veteran Broadcaster Attorney Joe Pippen...

Florida Family Policy Council: The Future of Marriage...

22 24 26 28 32 36 39

Word of Life Blesses Pastors & Their Families with the Sights & Sounds of Christmas

WTBN Program Updates WTBN Programming Schedule Pastors Corner/Women in Ministry Christian Schools Resource Guide The Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good in Our Community

Bridging the Language Barrier with Radio Luz Say Your Peace: How to Share Your Convictions with Family & Friends

18 26

As I Have Loved You Training Debt-Free Children Get Your Garden to Grow Christmas Gift Guide

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WTBN Salutes Veteran Broadcaster

Attorney Joe Pippen celebrating 26 years of giving back to the community by Casey Myrick

you’ve ever tuned into WTBN on a Saturday morning, then you’re probably familiar with the phrase “Good Morning, you’re on Ask An Attorney, how can I help you with your legal question?” That’s the voice of Attorney Joe Pippen offering listeners FREE legal advice LIVE on the air. Listeners call in with questions ranging anywhere

from information about wills, trusts, and estate planning to minor traffic violations and neighbor disputes. Pippen has been offering a listening ear and solid legal advice on the radio for over twenty-six years including all eleven years WTBN AM 570 & 910 have been on the airwaves in this area. It all started as a weekly column in a small local newspaper. Pippen wanted a way

to give back to the community using his knowledge of Florida Law so he began writing a community service column where readers would write in with their legal questions and he would then answer a few of them in each issue. After about six months of writing the newspaper column, Pippen decided that he could reach more people with his FREE legal advice by turning his column into a book

Joseph & Beverly Pippen

Visit attypip.com Scan with Smartphone

when chett War t i D H. of Paul ners o r s e i d r mman Ex P th Co roup of i w n a g 0. ippe n 201 ke to Joe P i o p s n Pippe 8

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Attorney Joseph F. Pippen is a noted speaker and lecturer on motivational and personal dynamic subjects as well as management and legal topics. He provides weekly seminars whom anyone can attend for no cost. His weekly column, “Ask an Attorney,” appeared in several local newspapers, and he has hosted a continuous weekly radio call-in show entitled Ask an Attorney since 1985, where you can get YOUR legal questions answered live on the air! CALL 1-877-969-8600. EMAIL joe@attypip.com. Tune in to “Ask An Attorney” on WTBN every Saturday at 9 am.

“Pippen’s personal investment in people’s lives and his yearning to use the talents he’s been given stems from his deep desire to be a good steward of what the Lord Jesus Christ has blessed him with.”

called “Ask An Attorney All About Florida Law.” After the book was published, Pippen began getting requests from radio personalities to join them on their shows to talk about the book and help answer some legal questions from their listeners. He became so popular as a guest that the radio station asked him to do his own show. From there the “Ask An Attorney” radio show was born. When he’s not answering questions on the radio or working at his law practice which consists of sixteen different offices around the state of Florida, Pippen can be found answer-

ing questions online at the renowned Avoo.com website offering people around the world FREE legal advice from our country’s top rated lawyers. Pippen’s personal investment in people’s lives and his yearning to use the talents he’s been given stems from his deep desire to be a good steward of what the Lord Jesus Christ has blessed him with. At an early age Pippen suffered from a severe stammering problem that made him work even harder to get to be where he is today. God saw him through some seriously dark days as a young school age boy and he only wants to glorify Him with the voice He’s given him today.

Joe Pippen not only helps answer legal questions on the radio and internet but that service also extends to churches and non-profit organizations as well. For the past few decades he has frequently given seminars in local churches to help Christians better understand the estate planning process and why it is never too early to begin thinking about God-centered financial planning. In fact, his efforts in this area were just one of the many reasons Landmark Baptist College in Florida awarded him with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree last year. FT

Joe is still married to his high school sweetheart. Joe was born in Richmond, Virginia where he and his family attended a Methodist Church for much of his young life. It was at that church that he was baptized as a teenager and committed his life to Christ. Joe began using his talents for the Lord at an early age often playing the piano in the opening Sunday School ceremonies each week. He was often accused in jest of playing Rock of Ages a little “too fast and hard” for the congregation to keep up with. It was there in High School that he met his high school sweetheart, Beverly, to whom he is still married to today. Joe graduated from Virginia Tech in 1969 with a degree in economics and even served in the National Guard while attending the University of Baltimore Law School in the early 1970’s. He retired from the National Guard as a Captain after eleven years of service. Joe and Beverly have two sons, Trey and Troy, and two grandsons, Austin and Trevor. They currently attend Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, FL. He daily remembers his life verse which is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Joe with his Pastor Ken Whitten of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Florida.

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WTBN MORNINGS WITH BILL CARL 5:30 - 10 AM WEEKDAYS 12:00 am

2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 3:30 am 4:00 am 4:30 am 5:00 am 5:30 am 5:36 am 5:40 am 5:41 am 5:45 am 6:00 am 6:30 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am

Hope in the Night with June Hunt

Jay Sekulow Live Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey Joni and Friends with Joni Eareckson Tada Cal Thomas Commentary with Cal Thomas Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll Soldier’s Prayer with Bill Carl Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias Verse By Verse with Steve Kreloff Grace To You with John MacArthur Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery & John Fuller Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah In God’s Grace with Rev. Elbert Nasworthy Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul

WTBN MID-DAYS WITH CHRISTINA RUIZ

WTBN WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS

10:00 am

2:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm

10:30 am 11:00 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm

Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Jay Sekulow Live Faith In Practice with Dr. A.R. Bernard Friendship with God with Tom Cantor Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul

7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 am 9:00 pm 9: 30 pm 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 11:30 pm

Watchman on the Wall with Noah Hutchings Line of Fire with Dr. Michael Brown Drive Time with Bill Bunkley Jay Sekulow Live Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, & John Fuller Adventures in Odyssey with Whit & the Gang Bibleline with Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Faith in Practice with Dr. A.R. Bernard In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul Grace To You with John MacArthur

The WTBN Program Schedule is subject to change at any time. Please visit www.bayword.com for our most up-to-date programming information.

WTBN SATURDAYS 12:00 am 2:00 am 2:30 am 3:00 am 3:30 am 4:00 am 4:30 am 5:00 am 5:30 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 1:30 pm 2:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 9:00 pm 11:00 pm

Hope in the Night with June Hunt Jay Sekulow Weekend Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, Juli Slattery, and John Fuller Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In Touch Weekend with Dr. Charles Stanley Leading the Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Paws & Tales Grace to You with John MacArthur Renewing Your Mind with Dr. R.C. Sproul Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah Ask An Attorney with Joseph Pippen Not Alone Jene’s Tropicals with Jene Van Butsel Special Programming Healthline Radio with Dr. Bob Marshall Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Love First Christian Center with Dr. Jomo Cousins Special Programming Jay Sekulow Weekend The Universe Next Door with Dr. Tom Woodward Higher Praise with Pastor Stephen Nunn On the Set with Brue and Kamille Steve Brown Etc.

WTBN SUNDAYS 12:00 am 2:00 am 5:00 am 6:00 am 7:00 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Baldwin McCullough Live with Kevin Mcullough and Steven Baldwin Best of The Janet Mefferd Show Drive Time Weekend with Bill Bunkley Townhall Weekend Journal with Hugh Hewitt Family Life This Week with Dennis Rainey Verse by Verse with Pastor Steve Kreloff In God’s Grace with Rev. Elbert Nasworthy Road to Reality/Gospel For Asia with K.P. Yohannan Heart of Messiah with Rabbi Steve Weiler Moving Forward with Dr. Stephen Rummage Bibleline with Pastor Ralph “Yankee” Arnold Grace To You Weekend with John MacArthur The Christian Outlook with Frank Pastore Special Programming WTBN Ministry Spotlight with Bill Carl

4:00 pm 2:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm

Special Programming The World and Everything In It with Nick Eicher and Joseph Slife Best of Ask An Attorney with Attorney Joe Pippen Leading the Way Weekend with Dr. Michael Youssef Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church with Pastor Jeffrey Singletary Watchman on the Wall with Noah Hutchings Not Alone In Touch Weekend with Dr. Charles Stanley Best of The Janet Mefferd Show

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Want to be featured on the Christian Schools Resource Guide? Starting with the Fall 2012 edition, we are revamping our schools resource page for both print and online access. If you would like to ensure your school remains on this directory, please contact:

813-349-8249

Christina@salemtampa.com

to find out more information.

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CHANGE GOES IN...CHANGE GOES OUT... DOING THE MOST GOOD IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH YOUR HELP!

Left: WGUL Radio Talk Host Mike Gallagher (L) and Salvation Army’s Major Dan Heard of Tampa (R). Right: Dinner time at Salvation Army.

“Doing The Most Good.”

Scan with Smartphone

In these four words, is our mission—to feed, to clothe, to comfort, to care. We rebuild broken homes and broken lives. By walking with the addicted, we can lead them to recovery. In fighting hunger and poverty, we can feed and nurture the spirit. And, in living and sharing the Christian Gospel by meeting tangible needs, we give the world a lasting display of the love behind our beliefs. Established in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is now serving in more than 120 countries including those right here in the Tampa Bay community. Our goal is to help individuals wherever hope is the only thing left, wherever a life can be turned right-side up,

and wherever good can overcome. We are here in unexpected emergencies and in every day survival in the Tampa Bay community and throughout the world. To accomplish our goals and help change lives, we rely on two groups: First, we rely on our community partners (volunteers). Discover the joy of giving back to your community. Become a Salvation Army volunteer today. Our volunteers are critical partners as another set of helping hands, another voice of comfort, and another heart pouring out compassion. If you would like to volunteer and help change a life, don’t wait. Visit salvationarmytampabay.org to find your place to serve. Second, we rely on our financial supporters (donors). This Christmas

season join others like 860 AM WGUL Radio Talk Host, Mike Gallagher, who donate funds into our Red Kettles and expect to see change. With the funds raised The Salvation Army does its best to ensure that no family goes without food, no child is without presents under the tree and that Christmas is a time for hope and healing. The money that Mike Gallagher helps raise in his online Red Kettle and the change you throw into our store front Red Kettles is used to provide clothing, shelter, presents, financial assistance and counseling at Christmastime and every day of the year. The money raised through our online Red Kettle system or at store front Red Kettles plays a crucial role in changing lives in Tampa Bay.

Visit salvationarmytampabay.org 18

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What is Word of Life Florida?

his question is often asked from those who have not yet discovered the ministry of Word of Life. Located in Hudson, just 35 minutes north of Tampa, Word of Life is more than 70 years old. It was started by a young evangelist named Jack Wyrtzen on the streets of New York City in 1940. Today the ministry is still committed to the same things that were the passion of Jack’s heart. • Scripture – a commitment to the Word of God as the source and foundation for ministry. • Evangelism – a commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission by boldly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and challenging people to respond. • Discipleship – a commitment to the intentional process of teaching and influencing others to become more like Jesus Christ. • Youth – a commitment to reaching youth whose culture constantly changes with biblical truth that never changes. Word of Life in Florida began in 1990 and includes an extension of Word of Life Bible Institute. For nine months out of the year, students from across America and around the world take part in a lifechanging endeavor. The students study

only the Bible and related subjects and are taught by seminary and university professors and senior pastors from around the nation. These godly men pour their lives into the students as they teach specific topics or books of the Bible. Along with these guest lecturers, the resident professors and Bible Institute staff actively engage in one-on-one discipleship. Throughout the school year, staff members cultivate relationships with students and help them grow in their faith. As students learn to know God through His Word, they are also challenged to grow and live out their faith. They use their gifts and abilities to serve God in on-campus and traveling ministry teams. The two largest outreach programs are Gospel Productions and Summer Camp. Gospel Productions are staged in the 1,200 seat auditorium Harry Bollback Performing Arts Center while the Florida Retreat Center houses 3,000 young people each summer for camp. Gospel Productions features The Sights and Sounds of Christmas and is attended annually by more than 15,000 people. All of the students participate in this Broadway-style presentation as a part of the stage production or as a part

of the support staff. As for summer camp, the Word of Life Florida Youth Camp director often describes it as, “one of the best camps in the universe.” The first reason given for such a bold statement is the camp counselors. The students at the Bible Institute finish their year by participating as counselors during summer camp. It is an opportunity for them to use what they have been rigorously studying in the classroom to have a godly influence on the young people who attend summer camp. For many of the students, summer camp is where their education becomes real as they are used by God to reach their generation for Christ. Word of Life’s Conference Season is another important aspect of Word of Life Florida. Each year from January through March, nationally renowned Bible teachers offer spiritual refreshment to all who attend. Through the Bible teachers and more than a dozen concerts and musical performances, hundreds of people enjoy the season’s richness and excitement. Many guests choose to stay the entire season at the Word of Life RV Park in one of the 246 sites available for park models and pull-through motor homes. FT

For more information about Word of Life Florida, visit: www.wol.org or call: 727-856-7575.

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BRIDGING THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

Did You Know? One in five people in the state of Florida are Hispanic. In the Tampa Bay area that ratio is increased to one in four people; 25 percent of our community is of Hispanic or Latin origin!

“

With radio signal coverage greater than any FM station, the message of Radio Luz 760 AM reaches not only the Tampa Bay area, but also all the way up through Gainesville and down to the Fort Meyers area.

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By Alyssa Warnick

One

in five people in the state of Florida are Hispanic. In the Tampa Bay area that ratio is increased to one in four people; 25 percent of our community is of Hispanic or Latin origin! Recognizing this cultural shift in central Florida, Salem Communications has launched Radio Luz AM 760 WLCC, Hispanic Christian Teaching and Talk Radio for the greater Tampa Bay area. Looking to foster the diversity of the city of Tampa Bay, Mayor Bob Buckhorn states his vision of what Radio Luz AM 760 has the potential to do: “Radio Luz is positioned to really have an influence in helping people not only in their walk, but equally as important in helping engage people the diversity of Tampa, Florida.” Radio Luz AM 760 seeks to recognize and minister to the growing Hispanic population of central Florida. “Radio Luz illuminates the heart and mind of the Hispanic community and reaches the mission field in our own backyard with Christian teaching and talk in Spanish,” states Barb Yoder, General Manager of Salem Communications TampaSarasota. With a radio signal spanning a broader coverage area than most FM stations in Florida, the message of Radio Luz AM 760 reaches not only

the Tampa Bay region, but also up through Gainesville and down to the Fort Meyers area. Tony Calatayud, National Director of Salem Español, states that the goal of this new station is to break the language barrier for Hispanics; to build a way to communicate real truth to them and establish a way to help this audience survive and thrive in the community by providing biblical meaning to their daily choices. The ministry of Radio Luz is devoted to giving answers to Hispanics about life, economics, and politics through a biblical lens, in their own native language. “Radio Luz will talk to them in their language and speak to what Hispanics need.” commented Tony, “We will establish objectivity, to show respect for Hispanics of all nationalities and welcome all Hispanic listeners.” The importance of having a Spanish-Christian media outlet in partnership with the local church is huge in our community. Broadcasting from a religious perspective, with a Christian message, Radio Luz AM 760 aims to integrate all dialects of the Spanish language. The goal of broadcasting Christian values in Spanish is to avoid misunderstandings and break down barriers that come with language differences. Currently, in Florida we have a mix of

Hispanic generations that first migrated to the U.S. who may not speak English; their children who have learned English as a second language, and their grandchildren who have grown up with English as their first language. This cultural and generational diversity has presented an opportunity for media to appeal to Hispanic families. Radio Luz AM 760 is creating a line-up of programming that does just that by collaborating with local churches, Pastors, Rabbis, lawyers, businessmen, and government officials to provide the Hispanic community with a radio station that gives them the Word of God and connects them to others in the faithbased community to help guide them through obstacles in any aspect of their lives. Radio Luz AM 760 broadcasts the message of Pastor Dave Murphy of The Crossing Church Español on Sundays from 1:302:30 p.m. Pastor Dave is sometimes better known as the “Irish-Spanish Pastor.” God placed him in a family of Irish missionaries stationed in Spain, and then called him to the U.S. to preach to a community of Latin Americans. Pastor Dave remarked that as a Spaniard, he is able to break the barriers of the different dialects of the Spanish language and communicate effectively to

WITH RADIO LUZ

Pastor Dave Murphy of The Crossing Church Español. Watch sermons LIVE Sundays at 1:30pm, Crossingonline.org à Español. Facebook: The Crossing en Español. Email: info@crossingonline.org. Listen LIVE @760radioluz.com Sundays at 1:30 pm.

Rabbi Ron Goldberg & Samuel Santiago of Shoresh David Messianic Ministries. Rabbi Ron teaches & Bro. Sam Santiago leads Messianic Praise & Worship in Hebrew, Spanish & English. Dance ministry through Garment of Praise Dance Troupe available. Visit Shoreshdavid.org & hinenuadonai.com to bring them to your church. Listen LIVE @ 760radioluz.com Sundays at 9 pm.

all Latin American cultures. His sermons are intended to reach out with the love of God to those that do not yet have a church home; or cannot be with their church family on that Sunday. “Radio Luz has given me the opportunity to proclaim God’s work and His Kingdom’s values. Since I began, my desire has been to speak the truth in love so that the spirit of God can do his work and shine his light,” remarked Pastor Murphy. That is exactly what Radio Luz means, “Radio of Light,” to spread God’s light into the Spanish speaking community which includes the Spanish-Jewish community. Rabbi Ron Goldberg of Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue and Brother Samuel Santiago, pair up to bring the beauty of the Old Testament to the Radio Luz audience. On their show “The Voice of the Messiah/La

Voz Del Mesías” as heard on Sunday evenings at 9:00 p.m. they explain the Jewish roots of their faith in Jesus and the importance of the communion of Jew and Gentile. Many Jewish people today are finding out that they are of Sephardic ancestry; meaning they are of Spanish descent. This creates for a whole new culture of Spanish speaking Jews that have the opportunity to be ministered to. Shoresh David has four Messianic congregations in Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, and Lakeland, and their program on Radio Luz AM 760 reaches all of these cities. Brother Santiago explains that featuring a program on Radio Luz was an easy decision for them, because of the 10,000-watt signal during daytime hours and Salem Communications’ established reputation in broadcasting in this community. Rabbi Goldberg and Brother

Santiago knew Radio Luz was the ideal opportunity for them to collaborate and speak to the community in a new way. Radio Luz AM 760 is joining forces with these local Hispanic ministries to break down the language barriers and transcend dialects to bring Christian teaching to a Hispanic audience. The Hispanic culture is a growing, vibrant force in our community. By fueling this culture with biblical truth in their own language, who knows what we can do together to minister God’s kingdom! Barb Yoder summarizes the mission that “Radio Luz AM 760 is taking on the responsibility as a Christian radio station to present biblical teachings to the Hispanic community and be a resource to the Spanish speaking churches in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.” FT

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Say Your peace How to Share Your Convictions with Family & Friends

By Bill Bunkley

Bill Bunkley is the President of the Florida Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and a familiar voice throughout Florida. A native of Tampa, Bill brings his experience to today’s current spiritual, political, and cultural issues. Tune in to Drive Time with Bill Bunkley weekdays from 4-6 pm on WTBN AM 570 & 910. His commentary “Something to Think About” can also be heard daily on Talk Radio AM 860 WGUL and News Talk AM 930 WLSS & WTBN AM 570 & 910. Scan with Smartphone

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The age old advice we’ve been given from the secular world is that there are two things you should never, ever talk about: religion and politics. With the stakes running high in regard to this year’s elections and the holidays around the corner, there is a good chance you’ve be drawn into discussions about both your faith and why and who you voted for. But before you talk yourself into an atmosphere that can get a little toasty round your Thanksgiving Table, let’s talk a little turkey. I may have a tip or two that will still get you a smile after you ask to have the giblet gravy passed your way. Now these thoughts come from a guy who for some reason God called to spend the majority of his life’s calling speaking about these two forbidden subjects and I promise that you can talk about them and still have your relationships with friends and relatives at the conclusion of the conversation. First, it is good to remember that if you come storming in on this type of discussion with all manner of authority you can launch a friendly chat into a passionate, heated fireworks display in no time flat. The reason why debating religion and politics can be

so radioactive is that they both can translate quickly and deeply into the very core of our being. Both are extremely personal for many and the slightest conflict in opinions will likely trigger the big “red” defensive button on our personality dashboard. And when that happens we feel compelled to man (or woman) the battle stations and mount a staggering defense of who we are and why our opinion is right. So how do we have these conversations and still have a shot at getting a second helping of Grandma Vel’s green bean casserole? It is accomplished by implementing two foundational principals that also happen to be central to our Christian walk: humility and brotherly (sisterly) love. It’s the stage you set while first sharing the source of your spiritual convictions and that your worldview on the issues (values) or candidates is simply a reflection of those Biblical principles. And they’re not principles original with you but with Him! This alone will notch down the battle of ego’s that often ignite heated discussions. It’s not your views against theirs, but it’s His against theirs. If you are talking with someone who has not considered or accepted the

claims of Christ for their life, you can almost be assured that you will not be on their wavelength. If you drop off your pride and any haughtiness at the sideboard buffet table where you set down your favorite sweet potato dish, you have won half the battle. At this point their defensive button will still be engaged, but since it’s not YOUR way vs. their way, and more importantly whose way will prevail, some twoway communictaion can actually take place. Understand that they do not have the same discernment that you do as a practicing Christian. They can’t see and discern all that you can. Your personal testimony of the truths of Christ in your life and the values of His guidebook for living can communicate volumes to them about Him and you. It is paramount for you to know what the Bible specifically says both on the truths for your faith and for the non-negotiable values that guide your views on the issues. Discuss the issues of the day based on a defense of Biblical values and principals and not simply by what you think or feel. Acknowledge your respect of their worldview but also ask that they respect yours. Chances are they

“It is accomplished by implementing two foundational principals that also happen

to be central to our Christian walk: humility and brotherly (sisterly) love.”

self-designed their views while yours are from the Father. Now there will be disagreement. Count on it; it’s going to happen. The key at this point is to know how to disagree with someone while being agreeable in your tone and delivery. Remember there were many times where Jesus reasoned with those who needed to know the truth of eternal life. Not everyone immediately dropped what they were doing and followed Him. The odds of turning someone around to your point of view in a singular occasion are pretty remote. It is often after a discussion has taken place that minds are changed, so don’t force an issue on the spot. Be content to speak the truth and plant a few seeds. If they get

angry remember they aren’t really angry with you, they are angry with Him. Or maybe they’re secretly angry with themselves. Either way He can handle their anger. I often talk about one of my goals concerning my radio program. If a listener or caller disagrees with my point of view, that’s ok with me. If I have planted a seed that gets them thinking about what their view is about an important issue, I have accomplished my mission. You might consider that a worthy objective for your discussions. Don’t worry about winning the argument or battle. Just speak the truth in a humble and loving way, and give the seed you planted a chance to grow. It’s not your battle, it’s the Lord’s battle.

Lastly, don’t let the discussion get personal. What I mean by that is don’t make it a personal attack on them. It’s not about winning the debate or knowing you were quicker on the draw. It’s about reasoning in the light of truth. If it starts getting personal bring it back around to the issue at hand. Keeping these principles in mind while discussing religion and politics on my radio program have been helpful. Try them the next time you take on one or both of these issues. I think they’ll serve you well, too. And by the way, taking these steps will leave room for some enjoyable Thanksgiving or Christimas fellowship around that scratch pumpkin pie, of course topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

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Get Your Garden to

by Jene Van Butsel

“Veggie plants love to grow in generous amounts of composted organic matter and prefer a sunny location.” Jene’s Tropicals is open Saturday - Sunday 9AM5PM. Visit the store at 6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Fl 33710. Call 727-344-1668 or check out www.tropicalfruit.com for more information. Also tune in Saturday mornings at 9:30AM to Tampa Bay’s Christian talk AM 570 AND 910 WTBN as Jene enthusiastically shares her 26 years of horticultural experience. Scan with Smartphone

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y e s ! Finally, co oler temperatures, and rainfree, fabulous Florida weather are here. This is traditionally a pleasant time of the year. The skies are often clear and blue, and the morning and evening air is quite crisp. It’s a perfect time to get your garden vegetables planted and reap the benefits of growing your own nutritious food. Plus, gardening is great exercise. Get the whole family to join in on the fun! Go green. Plant an assortment of collard greens, mustards, broccoli, kohlrabi, kale, green beans and bell peppers. Add a splash of healthy color with red bell and yellow sweet banana peppers, ‘Sweet 100’ tomatoes and corn. Veggie plants love to grow in generous amounts of composted organic matter and prefer a sunny location. Instead of throwing leftovers (vegetables, banana skins, apple peels) (no meat please) in the trash, start a compost pile. Work in

GROW!

a little Black hen chicken manure with your compost. Your plants will thrive! If you are limited for space, plant a few of your favorite greens, tomatoes and peppers in large whiskey barrels. You’ll be harvesting in no time. Oh yes, don’t forget add a few of your favorite herbs and edible flowers amongst the vegetables. It’s always rewarding to pick fruit fresh from the tree! Florida is a yearround wonderland for growing citrus, tropical fruit trees, Florida apples, peaches and plums. With a little research and planning, you can select your favorite varieties and harvest assorted fruits throughout the year. Bring in the holiday season with festive colors. Load the patio with exciting container gardens. Plant a cheerful combination of blackeyed Susan, orange marigolds and delicate yellow Dahlberg daisies. Tuck in a royal purple Persian Shield for a bold contrast. Next plant fragrant purple petunias and yellow garden mums,

along with reddish orange geraniums in a low clay bowl. Don’t be afraid to mix your annual color with tropical plants. This is Florida. Tropical’s, such as large leafed, multicolored crotons, are easy to grow and will liven up any arrangement. Plant an exciting mix of chartreuse cascading potato vines, red geraniums and crotons together. Top off your masterpiece with yard art. As I mentioned earlier, get the family involved. The kids will love their handiwork. As Christmas nears, go all out with beautiful poinsettias. There is a multitude of varieties and colors to choose from! No matter what season or time of year, if you are thinking of starting a garden project, landscaping, planting a few fruit trees or even need help troubleshooting and identifying an insect problem on your ailing plant leaves, visit me (Jene) at Jene’s Tropicals. My goal is for you to enjoy and have success in the garden! FT

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As I Have Loved You... “We must understand that God does not love us because we are lovely.”

ANDREW WOMMACK

“As long as you believe God is judging you according to your performance, you will never fully receive His love.” Visit www.awmi.net/extra/ audio/1077 for a FREE MP3 download from Andrew Wommack’s As I Have Love You series or scan with Smartphone.

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magine the night b efore Jesus’ crucifixion. He has communion with His disciples and washes their feet. He reveals that Judas is the one who will betray Him. He tells the disciples that He is leaving and they can’t come. Then, He speaks these words: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35) By virtue of the fact that this would be, in part, His final words to the disciples, they had to be very important. And notice that what He said to them was in the form of a command, not a suggestion. I am sure that everyone reading this letter has read or heard this passage many times. But in reality, most do not think that this is something they can actually

do. It’s a goal that they may strive to reach with gritted teeth, but usually with little success. It begs the question— would Jesus give His disciples a command He knew they couldn’t keep? The answer is obviously no, so why is it so hard for us today to love other people? Could it be this simple— we can’t give what we don’t have? The majority of churches are teaching that God’s love for us is conditional. They are misrepresenting His love, and it is one of the main reasons that we as Christians are so judgmental and harsh toward other people. Consciously or not, we tend to treat people the way we believe God is treating us. We must understand that God does not love us because we are lovely. He does not love us because we read the Bible, go to church, pay our tithes, or do our best to keep the

command to love others as He loved us. The truth is that He loves us without conditions. That’s huge! I grew up in a Baptist church where all that was preached was the message of evangelism. They made me feel like I had to pay God back for saving me by leading others to Jesus. It became such a part of me that I used to say this: “The sole purpose for our existence here on this earth is to lead somebody else to Jesus.” Then the Lord spoke this to me—“If evangelism is the sole purpose for your existence, then what about Adam and Eve? They had no one to lead to the Lord, no Sunday school class to teach, no one to pray for, and no physical need of any kind.” The answer can be found in Revelation 4:11— Thou artworthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

The original purpose of all creation was to give God pleasure. And that is still God’s purpose. Adam and Eve were created for fellowship with God. He wanted someone to love and for them to voluntarily love Him back. God’s purpose for creating human beings was all about relationship. But religion has succeeded at turning us from “human beings” into “human doings.” When that becomes the focus, we begin to tie God’s love for us to something that we do for Him. I did! But that was never His plan. Over the years, I have prayed for thousands of people. The vast majority of those who come forward begin by telling me about their spiritual lives: “I’ve been praying, fasting, reading the Bible, and attending church, but I’m still not healed.” They don’t realize it, but they just told me why they weren’t healed. They’re pointing to what they are doing instead of what Jesus has done. The same is true about our relationship with the Lord and with other people. We have come to believe that God loves us and acts on our behalf based on our performance. Therefore, we hold others to the same standard—our love for them is in direct proportion to their works, or how they treat us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love has never been or ever will be conditional. He loved you at your worst, and most Christian churches would agree with that initially. They believe you are saved by grace through faith, no matter your history, but that is often where grace stops and religion starts. And religion always puts the emphasis on the external. Once you’re saved, religion says you must live holy, and the evidence of your holiness will likely be judged by the standards of your church: Do you

dress the right way, do you say the right things, are you leading people to Jesus, and most important, are you tithing— just to give a few examples. That is not how God sees us. God looks on the heart. First Samuel 16:6-7 says this: And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him. But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth

“Consciously or not, we tend to treat people the way we believe God is treating us.” not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Samuel was going to choose Eliab to replace King Saul because of the outward appearances. But God was not looking on the outside. The church today is judging believers in the same way. You might carouse in secret on Saturday night, but as long as you come to church the next morning well kempt and well dressed with a check in your hand, you’re accepted because you have the appearance of holiness. Under the New Covenant, God is still concerned about your actions and behavior. It’s not okay to lie, to steal, to commit adultery, or any other sin. However, He knows that those are nothing more than the byproduct of a relationship—or the lack of one—with Him. So, He is focused on your heart. As long as you believe God is judging you according to your performance, you will never fully receive His love. Love is a decision, and God decided

to love you even though you didn’t deserve it. There is nothing you can do to earn it or deserve it, so just receive it as a free gift. When you understand how much God loves you, it becomes easy to love others. And when you love others as He has loved you, your behavior will change toward them. If you loved your mate the way that Christ loves you—unconditionally—you would never commit adultery. If you loved your neighbor as Christ loves you, you would never steal from them or bear false witness against them. How does the world know that we are disciples of Christ? John 13:35 says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Did you know that the first-century church evangelized the known world in thirty years? They didn’t have television, the internet, smart phones, or texting. But they loved one another, and that love was so evident; it attracted people like honey attracts bees. A Pharisee who was a lawyer asked Jesus this question: “Which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus answered this in Matthew 22:37-40. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to name the most important “Thou shalt not,” and instead, Jesus spoke “Thou shalt.” Many believers are still living under the Old Testament Law mentality. They are trying to earn the love of a God who already made the decision to love them unconditionally. Once you begin to understand how much God loves you, love will flow out of you toward others like rivers of living water. fa l l 2 0 1 2

April 17, 2012: WTBN’s Annual Pastor’s Wives Appreciation Lunch @ DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton - Tampa, FL (380+ attendees) WTBN and Gospel for Asia presented this year’s largest annual appreciation event for pastor’s wives and women in ministry in the Tampa Bay area. Guests were each greeted with a yellow carnation when they arrived, treated to a three-course meal and presented resource bags stuffed to the brim. Dr. Lois Evans, Senior V.P. of The Urban Alternative and Founder of the First Lady Ministry, served as keynote speaker and gave an encouraging message instilling in women their purpose and God’s use for all women.

Dr. Lois Evans delivers a motivational address.

The room filled to capacity with pastors wives and women in ministry.

April 28, 2012: Celebrate Israel 2012 @ Suncoast Cathedral – St. Petersburg, FL (1,300+ attendees) The Tampa Bay Committee to Bless Israel and WTBN partnered together to present An Evening to Celebrate Israel rallying Central Florida to stand with Israel. People from diverse faiths including ministry leaders gathered to pledge their support for the Israeli community and needy service Israeli organizations.

Attendees at Celebrate Israel 2012 worshipping God.

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The Kol Simcha dance troupe from Gainesville, FL.

May 3, 2012: Tampa Bay National Day of Prayer Brunch @ A La Carte Event Pavilion - Tampa, FL (1,000+ attendees) The First Ladies’ Prayer Brunch of Tampa and Pray Tampa Bay hosted its 20th Annual National Day of Prayer event aimed to unite local Christians in prayer for our country and areas that affect our biblical foundation. WTBN Host Bill Bunkley was invited to give the media prayer. Keynote speaker Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham, gave a ‘timely’ message encouraging a call to action for nationwide prayer during these political and turbulent times across the world. (L): Anne Graham Lotz (on stage) delivering her keynote address.

August 2012: Prayer Rally - Florida Family Policy Council @ The River Church - Tampa, FL & Salem Staff at RNC 2012 - Tampa On Sunday, August 26, 2012 people joined together in prayer for the upcoming week of the Republican National Convention. Tampa Bay’s Christian Talk Radio, WTBN AM 570 & 910 was present for this grand event at The River Church in Tampa, FL. This Prayer Rally, put on by the Florida Family Policy Council, was a time of excitement as well as reverence. Attendees and speakers presented their requests to God and asked him for His great will to be carried out in the upcoming week. Inspirational speakers, such as Michele Bachmann, served as encouragers for the community to get involved in the RNC and proclaim God as the true leader of our world.

Barb Yoder, GM of Salem Tampa-Sarasota cluster with Senator Orin Hatch at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

Bill Bunkley, WTBN Host of Drive Time afternoons, ready to cover the RNC 2012 in Tampa. On the floor of the Tampa RNC Convention when GOP Chairman Reince Priebus gaveled in the opening Monday at 2 PM.

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TRAINING

Debt-Free Children

by Jennifer Slattery

“In our instantmessaging, sensory-saturating culture where everything is but a click of the mouse away, teaching our children to wait can be difficult.” Jennifer Slattery lives in the midwest with her husband and their teenage daughter. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the ACFW Journal, the Christian Pulse, and Internet Cafe Devotions. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and compilation projects. Visit her online at JenniferSlattery LivesOutLoud.com

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In Proverbs 22:7, God warns us of the dangers of debt: “Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender” (NLT). In 2008, many Christian families realized too late the truth in those words. With the recent economic crisis, our country saw the tragic effects of mounting debt as families lost homes and jobs. For many Americans, this was a call for drastic change, and families began to pare back spending and look for ways to reduce their debt. But are we teaching our youth to do the same? When we drop our teenagers off at college, are they prepared to handle the onslaught of credit card offers they’ll receive? By training delayed gratification, talking openly about the family budget and providing opportunities for children to practice money-management skills, we encourage them to understand the value of a dollar. Similarly, by allowing children to learn from their mistakes, parents

can help youth stand strong against the rising surge of materialism and its often devastating consequences. Train delayed gratification early and consistently “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 NIV). In our instantmessaging, sensorysaturating culture where everything is but a click of the mouse away, teaching our children to wait can be difficult. But encouraging them to consider long-term cons e quences and goals helps prevent impu ls e shopping and costly decisions that could land them into debt. According to Anthony Brown, Certified Financial Planner and Advisor with Montgomery’s Ronald Blue and Co, many families have more debt than assets. “Most people today define financial success as being able to have whatever they want when they want it,” he said. “But is that the true measure of financial success? I believe the biblical view

of financial success is that of a mature financial ste ward. Financi a l maturity comes about over time as we learn the basic principle of delayed gratification, primarily giving up today’s desires for future benefits.” For Mr. Brown, this training begins when the children are young and involves all areas of their children’s lives. “My wife and I homeschool our three youngest children. They each have certain school related assignments that must be completed prior to play outside. In addition, each [child] is responsible for household chores that are to be done before moving on to other activities.”Openly discuss the family budget Training delayed gratification is a great start, but it is not enough. Children need to understand why patience and perseverance is important. They need to learn to view things from a long-term perspective. At age eighteen, a job paying $10 an hour may seem like a lot of money. Once our youth see the cost of maintaining a

$ $ home and raising a family, however, this view is likely to change. Michael Harris, founder and President of Montgomery’s Harris Family Capital Management, believes family financial discussions are an important aspect of promoting valuebased and purpose driven financial planning. “I encourage my clients to begin having values conversations with their children as soon as they show some understanding of the four basic components of financial management: earn, spend, save, give,” Mr. Harris said. More than that, involving your children in your budgeting discussions allows them to see financial principles lived out. “The goal should be to provide the example then create an environment where children can apply what they learn,” said Mr. Brown. “We provide a good opportunity for long-term success when we model financial stewardship. Communicate the basics. Children should have an age-appropriate understanding of cash flow coming in and out. Consider including your children in discussions about how much the family gives charitably, how much is paid in taxes, debt repayment, basic living expenses, and saving for the future.”Provide money-handling opportunities Parents’ verbal instructions will be enhanced when they provide their children with age-appropriate opportunities to handle finances while they are in the home. Allowances often enable children to practice the financial

skills—like money management and investing—they’ll need to survive in our tough economic times. At twelve, a child may be able to handle all of their entertainment funds. By fourteen, their financial responsibilities might include managing clothing needs, haircuts, and school supplies. By eighteen, perhaps they can begin to handle some aspect of the family budget like grocery needs or the family entertainment fund. When Prattville parent, Amy Alexander’s children were young, she encouraged them to save for large purchases. When they grew older and found employment, she and her husband allowed them to spend and save their earnings as they chose. “But we gave them less money, so they had to spend wisely or run out,” Amy said. “So far, they have each chosen wisely, and the boys’ high school earnings took them well into college.” Allow children to make financial mistakes As our children age, the stakes rise. It’s much easier for a fourteenyear-old who’s blown their allowance to go without new clothes than it is for a forty-seven-year-old who’s buried himself in debt to deal with foreclosure. “The key to providing teenagers with an accurate view of money is to give them the actual experience over time of living on a limited amount,” said Mr. Brown. “When an eight-year-old blows his allowance on something frivolous, he should then be allowed to experience the consequence. Each dollar can only be spent once, and any money

“Allow children to make financial mistakes.” consumed today is gone forever.” Loaning money to our children without consequences can be detrimental, training instant gratification, impulse shopping, and poor money handling. However, if handled correctly, Mr. Brown believes parental loans can provide an invaluable lesson on debt. “As the child experiences the impact of interest, the challenge of having to make payments, and possibly even having a favorite item “repossessed,” valuable life-long lessons are learned,” Brown said. “Many of us would agree that the greatest lessons learned in life are sometimes learned during periods of struggle. Look for opportunities for your children to learn things the hard way while still under your guidance and protection. There is always a danger in completely insulating a child from the consequences of their bad decisions.” “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 27:12 NLT). Throughout its pages, the Bible reminds us of the value of wisdom followed by careful planning. God further instructs us to train our children with patience, forethought, and diligence. Financial difficulties, economic downturns, and unexpected expenses are bound to come. Children who have practiced delayed gratification, have learned the cost of maintaining a household, who have been given the opportunity to practice money-management skills, and who have been allowed to learn from their mistakes will be less likely to fall into debt. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the August 2012 edition of the River Reader’s Journey. Used with permission. FT fa l l 2 0 1 2

FALL 2012

Visit www.Bayword.com to view the 2012 Christmas Gift Guide or scan with your Smartphone.