R.E.A.C.H. of Macon County

Recently Brenda and Johnny joined people from all over our community to help fundraise for a great local organization: R.E.A.C.H of Macon County. Motorcyclists came from all over to ride for the cause. Car enthusiasts enjoyed a great car show and sound off. R.E.A.C.H of Macon County strives to help women and families in situations of need due to domestic violence or abuse.

For more information on the ministry of R.E.A.C.H. you can visit them online at http://www.reachofmaconcounty.org/ or call them at (828) 369-5544.

Photo courtesy of Bob Scott.

(Also, Rob and Susan came back from Africa safe and sound after an incredible trip. Thanks for the prayers.)

Half the Staff and Halfway Around the World

In just a few days(11 to be exact), a group of 11 people from Franklin will be heading across the Atlantic Ocean to a country about the size of Colorado: Burkina Faso. This African country is one of the poorest in the world, with more than 50% of the population living on less than $1 a day. Two from the group include myself (Susan) and Rob Ricotta (our weekend personality).

Our hearts have been drawn toward the world, and we have the opportunity to reach outside of our normal borders to see the work that God is doing, and change the way we view the world that God loves so much. The average age in Burkina is 16.5 years, with a life expectancy of only 49 years. (For context that is 35 and 79 in America, respectively). We work for a Christian radio station in a country that has over 12,000 radio stations. Burkina Faso has only 23. Bound by local customs and spiritual forces, Islam permeates this West African nation.

Our group of 11 are taking a leap of faith on this mission trip where we will follow God's call to minister to these people for a week, experiencing their culture and expressing the love of God to a people that have very little. We ask prayer for our safety, for our ministry, and for our health. We are expectant that God will do great things that impact Africa, and maybe more importantly impact where we live now in Franklin.

We are excited and nervous, anticipating God to do great things. We appreciate your prayers and support as we go.

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Thoughts from JMack

I'm grateful for the opportunity to host the Rise & Praise Morning Show here at 1480 the Dove. After the butterflies settled down in my stomach (and my throat!) things went pretty well the first day behind the mic. My goal is to help each of us start our day out with local information, an encouraging word from the Scriptures, and your favorite Christian music. A conviction I have as a Christian is that we, above all people, should enjoy the life God has given us. We should be able to laugh and have a good time without the world's influence on our sense of humor. In other words, I feel that Christians should be able to show the world that you can be a Christian and still have fun.

Therefore, I hope to use humor throughout the show to help everyone start their day off. I hope all of Macon and surrounding counties will enjoy the benefits of a live local show that is not syndicated from somewhere else in the country. At WPFJ 1480 the Dove we are proud to be Franklin's Christian Voice, as well as Franklin's only locally owned and operated radio station. If you promise to keep listening I promise to keep bringing you the quality Christian programming you've come to expect from WPFJ. Give me a call at the station anytime and let us know how we can better serve our community. Thanks for listening and God Bless!

JMack

Charlie Hall and Dairy Queen

The Charlie Hall concert went great on February 3rd. En route to a quick coffee stop at the Dessert Factory, Charlie and the band were thrilled to find out they had made the the Dairy Queen sign. Photo by Chris VanderWoud.

Snow Day

A view from the studio of the snow, catching the snow-covered roof at Nantahala Bank.



On snow days like February 1st, 2007, the kids get to stay home and play in the snow but the staff at WPFJ gets to work harder for you to make sure you have the information you need about the weather and school closings. Here Johnny Lee is enjoying the view from the studio roof while he cleans the snow and ice off of our satellite dishes.



WPFJ's Program Director taking a break from the phones to enjoy a little childhood fun in the snow. Around 3 to 4 inches of snow fell to start off the month of February.

Behind the Dial

Ever wondered who is behind the radio you listen to every day? The current staff at WPFJ are from left to right: Johnny Lee, Brenda Wooten, Rob Ricotta, and Susan Canida (front). We love what we do and are glad you are a part of our ministry.

Thoughts on Christmas Music

So, Thanksgiving turns a corner and Christmas erupts, or it even erupts before Thanksgiving has time to appear. So for the next 30 days or so, the American culture is in a frenzy that stretches us to the extreme with family, friends, parties, shopping, overeating, depression, happiness, cold weather, decorations, and memories. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing for us, I will not comment on. I will comment on the uniqueness of the event, especially from the perspective of the believer. As Christians it is a holiday we celebrate the gift of Christ to all mankind. It is a holiday where we overflow with giving to others, both in love and gifts and service. People celebrate in many different ways, evoking many different emotions. But it stems from 2000 years ago--and has sustained itself through the ages. That alone is enough to make someone stop for a minute to ask "why."

I've listened to several different radio stations in my travels over the past few days, taken notes of what they are doing, and asking myself why they are doing what they do. I've seen billboards advertising 100% Christmas music starting before Thanksgiving. I've heard songs that are traditional, others that are upbeat and fun, and others that mix the traditional with the modern. Christian stations have the unique opportunity to proclaim their witness even louder this time of year. Musicians have the opportunity to bridge the gap between Christian and secular this time of year, when radio stations throw away barriers for the sake of Christmas. It really is a unique time for media.

For WPFJ, we choose Christmas music to play based on several criteria. Number one, the song must be consistent with our message that proclaims Christ and uplifts those that listen. We offer a unique blend of Christmas music that will always point the listener to Christ. Number two, the music will be of the highest quality available. God has gifted artists with talents to shine His light in the darkness--and we want to offer only the best.

So, in the next few weeks, you'll start to hear more Christmas music in the rotation, and we'll play it almost 100% in the days before. And when December 26th comes around, the message of Christmas won't stop. We will still offer the message of Christ in our music 24 hours a day. We hope you enjoy this season and catch a glimpse of what Christ truly meant when He came to earth 2000 years ago to change the course of history. Take some time to read in His Word to refresh yourself on His passion and calling for your life.

Merry Christmas.

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