Thursday, April 30, 2009

Lexington Radio Market

I am truly sorry to hear about the recent shake-ups around some of the radio stations in Lexington, KY. You hate to see anyone lose their job. We could debate all day (and then some) what the reasons were, and whether or not they were good programming decisions. Sometimes change is good. Hopefully the change will be good for all those involved and lead to better opportunities.

This is a great object lesson for supporting the radio station and programs you enjoy. Our stations are commercial, and don't rely on you, our listeners, for direct financial support. But please support our advertisers. Spend your money with businesses who support Christian Radio, and tell them you appreciate hearing them on Christian Radio. When you do this you are supporting us.

If there is a particular program you enjoy. Contact them and let them know. They are doing the program as a ministry, but it still feels good to know people are enjoying and growing from what they do. It only takes a minute to send an email. And when you contact them, be sure to tell them you heard their program on Life 99 WJMM or 770 AM WCGW.

As always, thanks for listening.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Important Legislation Information

This just came to me from National Religious Broadcasters. Please prayerfully consider taking action.


In its present form, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1913) threatens Christian communicators, broadcasters, Bible teachers and everyday citizens. Members of Congress must be told that the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech are not being effectively protected by this hate crimes legislation. A vote on this dangerous bill is scheduled in the House tomorrow.

On April 22 and 23, 2009, the full House Judiciary committee held a session to “mark-up” H.R. 1913. More than a dozen amendments were offered to this legislation, but none provided adequate protection for the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. The committee then voted 15-12 to approve H.R. 1913.

If this bill becomes law it will add sexual orientation, and something called “gender identity”, as a new basis for federal prosecution. In other words, if someone commits a “hate crime” and the sexual orientation or gender (which can be broadly defined) of the victim is the perceived impetus for that crime, a brand new federal criminal charge would be brought and the sentencing guidelines under this federal law would be much more severe, and could even include life in prison.

This should be of particular concern to religious broadcasters and any minister of the Gospel because their teaching on homosexuality (among other things) could be considered the impetus to a crime, should a listener/viewer/parishioner commit a crime against a homosexual, lesbian, or transgender individual. Or a listener/viewer/parishioner could claim psychological harm was done to them by the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality and other sexual and gender identity issues, and then drag any minister or religious broadcaster into a lengthy court battle.

Despite the hard work of Bob Powers, NRB’s Vice President of Government Relations, and Craig Parshall, NRB’s Senior Vice President of Communications and General Counsel – along with many other pro-family and religious liberty attorneys and organizations – H.R. 1913 is moving forward and remains very dangerous. This legislation should be important to every American because both religious free speech and free religious expression are at risk as the bill is currently written.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 will be voted on tomorrow (Wednesday) in House. Following that, the Senate will begin committee deliberation in the weeks ahead.

Please contact your House Member and tell them that H.R. 1913 is unacceptable and dangerous. To find your member of Congress, and their direct office phone number, log on to www.freedomtobroadcast.com. Also, if you know your member in the House, you can simply call the Capitol Switchboard at(202) 224-3121. Ask for your Member’s position on hate crimes legislation (H.R. 1913) and politely request a NO vote on H.R. 1913.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The Faces of Hunger

We're in the process of putting the finishing touches on a partnership with God's Pantry in Lexington, KY. I was recently at their facility in Lexington, and had the opportunity to learn more about the wonderful work they do.

I am absolutely amazed that so many people, especially children, are going hungry in Kentucky. In the modern era we produce more than enough food to feed every person on the planet. I understand that infrastructure, political factors and wars prevent us from getting food to some places around the globe, but I just can't understand why a child in Lexington, KY would not have enough to eat.

There are many reasons why someone would need the services provided by God's Pantry. Unemployment is increasing, utility and gas prices going up, and other economic factors cause families to have to choose between food and other necessities. I understand that with my head, but my heart is a different story. And when you factor in kids, I don't care "why" anymore I just want to know "how" to get food to them.

They told us stories about children they believe don't eat unless they are at school. That means children regularly go 2 days without eating. One of the programs God's Pantry provides is giving non-perishable foods to these children to take home with them and "stash" or share with their families.

I'm astounded by the fact that starving children could be as close as the house next door.



Learn more about the hunger problem in Kentucky by visiting God's Pantry at www.godspantry.org And stay tuned. Very soon we will be announcing how you can get involved to feed the hungry in Central Kentucky.