Just around the corner from your house is a neighbor you’ve never met. You might vaguely recognize the car in the driveway. Perhaps you noticed him recently putting up a few lights, but he is a stranger. The odds, however, are overwhelming that he does not attend church anywhere. God seems like a distant concept, and his hurting soul is bound for a sad eternity.

He won’t think much about it, but later today he’ll absent-mindedly hit the seek button on his car radio and hear a song that catches his ear. He’ll also hear a message that causes him to think. He will begin listening to Christian FM. This Christmas he’ll think about things he never has before.

You saw her once in front of the mall. At almost 16, she has never been inside a church in her life. Sadly, she is normal. A quick glance at how she is dressed reveals that her single parent, alcoholic mother has not really been paying attention for some time. She’s not particularly looking forward to Christmas because she knows she’ll spend the day alone while her mother sleeps off another late night.

But this afternoon things started to change in her life. She caught a ride home with a friendly girl she met at school who was playing Christian FM in the car. There was something she heard in one of the songs she wondered about. Tonight, alone in her room, she’ll tune in to try and hear it again, and a door will be opened into her young life.

How simple! How basic! It is SO easy to take for granted, but remember that during any given week, Christian FM reaches more ears than all our area churches combined. For some, we are the only daily Christian influence in their lives. Do you believe that influence is important?

We need your help. Christian FM is, and has always been, a community supported ministry. Like most ministries, from time to time our finances strain to reach the opportunity before us. Right now is such a time.

Will you please consider making a special year end gift to Christian FM? I realize it calls for a sacrifice at this time of year, but it is a sacrifice that will certainly touch a heart for Christ.

Your brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager

November 2007

The term “broadcasting” actually comes to us from agriculture, where it refers to the practice of scattering seed at random in a field. In the days before more sophisticated planting methods were developed, a farmer would take a hand full of seeds and “broadcast” them with each throw. It’s the type of planting Jesus referred to in the parable of the farmer found in Luke chapter 8.

The farmer cast his seed by hand where some fell upon rocky soil, others among thorns, some where the birds could steal, and some seed fell upon good soil, bringing a great harvest.

This parable has long been a point of vision for Christian FM. Every day, we broadcast seed into homes, hearts, and lives in your community.

Some seed falls upon hard hearts and they change the channel. Other seeds are quickly taken away by the enemy’s distractions. Still other seeds fall upon hearts that are open to receive. There the seeds grow and God’s kingdom experiences a harvest. What a joy it is to hear from listeners whose lives have been changed simply because one day they discovered Christian FM on the radio dial!

Today, another heart will be seeded for the first time. In a very real way, you have provided that seed by your financial support and your faithful partnership with Christian FM’s mission. Together we’ll continue “broadcasting,” and watch the Lord bring the harvest.

August 2007

I once heard a story about a beautiful young princess. One day as she strolled through the meadow a frog called out to her from a nearby pond, “Help! I am really a handsome prince who was once transformed by an evil witch. If you will just kiss me, I will be restored and will become the man of your dreams!” The princess calmly picked up the frog, and deposited him into her purse, continuing her stroll. “Aren’t you going to kiss me?” came the muffled voice from the purse. “Frankly,” the princess replied, “I’m more interested in owning a talking frog.”
American Christianity may have something in common with the talking frog.
It’s tempting to think that because we are telling the truth people will be persuaded. Believers sometimes think that if people read church newspaper advertisements they will be interested. We assume if our neighbor will only visit a church service, they will understand the value of our faith. But more often when an unchurched person enters a church they find traditions, rituals and language that may appear strange and irrelevant. They see Christians on TV and decide we are weird and at times even funny.
We shake our heads and wonder why the world doesn’t want to kiss us. They shake their heads and wonder what a strange oddity we are. We can never forget that the Bible teaches Satan “has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” (2 Cor 4:4)
Paul the Apostle also made it clear that he presented the Gospel in cultural context to make it most effective. Whether to the Jews or to the Greeks, to the elite or to the dregs of society, Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Cor 9:22) Missionaries understand this clearly. But do we consider it often enough at home?
One of our core values at Christian FM is to be culturally relevant. We believe it is more important for our music to sound “normal” to those outside the church than for us to play the songs you and I sing in church. I often tell our personalities to never talk like Christians are a “club” that the unsaved could never belong to. We try to make Christian radio that is interesting, fun, but very clear about the Amazing Grace of Jesus Christ.
This is why we get letters like this one:
“I started listening a few months ago after I found the station by accident. I just wanted to tell you how much you have meant to me in these recent months. I finally decided to take my son and try going to church here in PSL. They’ve been really great and helped me more than I ever imagined…”
That’s another life changed because you helped keep Christian FM on the air. With your help this month, we’ll reach another. Thanks for your partnership with your Christian FM.

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

July 2007

In Vero Beach, a father of three has been seriously considering suicide. In Ft. Pierce, a man is getting ready to leave a residential drug treatment program for the third time. In Port St. Lucie, a young girl can’t stop cutting herself. In Sebastian, a woman just came home from work to discover that her husband of 10 years has left.

These people have something in common. They need a new life. The stacks of self help books are powerless and irrelevant. A nice positive attitude just won’t get it. What these people really need is the message that “if any man is in Christ he is a brand new creation. The old has passed away. All things have been made new!” (2 Cor 5:17)

People need this good news desperately! It is this simple message we take to the airways. Christian FM is not about putting songs on the radio. Christian FM is a series of daily miracles. Somehow God uses the music and speaks a very personal message into the hearts of people when they least expect it. We don’t know how He does it, but we are humbled and blessed to see it everyday.

Your financial support this month will continue to help make this miracle of Christian FM possible. Every time you sacrifice and write a check you are making an impact on a life that needs to hear the good news. Thousands will be blessed by your partnership with us.

Thanks in advance for your help, especially during these tough summer months.

Your brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager

PS: You may have already heard how God blessed the mission to Peru. The Holy Spirit gave us great response during outreaches in squares and plazas as well as in the church meetings. But what blesses me the most is the fact that in just 10 days our team led 220 people to Christ just in one-on-one personal evangelism. These are lives YOU helped us reach by your support.
 

June 2007

A young listener writes, “What I love most about Christian FM is the relief you provide in my heart. I just feel different when I listen to Christian FM. Since I switched to only you guys, everything about me has changed…”

What she stumbled upon is really a simple Biblical concept. The human heart is like a reflecting surface. (2 Cor 3:18) Whether we like it or not, we will reflect the people with whom we associate, the values to which we are exposed, the books we read, the music we hear, and the entertainment we choose to experience. All of these become reflected in our attitudes, in our loves, in our actions, words, and even on our faces.

That’s why the path to growing as a Christian means surrounding yourself with other believers and filling your mind with God’s Word. (Psalm 1) Daily choices like these keep our feet upon solid ground. In the same way, spiritual failures usually begin in the little daily lifestyle choices we make.

Every day, thousands of Christians make Christian FM their choice for the family. We recognize that one of our most important missions is the atmosphere created in homes, cars and offices when they are filled with positive Christian music. We often ask the Lord to anoint these airways with his presence to minister to homes and hearts.

The music is contemporary but the message simply draws lives to God. Over and over listeners find themselves in God’s presence when they least expect it.

Have you ever met an elderly couple who had been married so long they even look alike? You really do become like those you spend time with! Imagine you and me in God’s presence so continually that we begin to really look (and act) like Him!

That is our hope for the lives we touch. We appreciate your partnership in this mission.

Your brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

May 2007

A young listener writes, “What I love most about Christian FM is the relief you provide in my heart. I just feel different when I listen to Christian FM. Since I switched to only you guys, everything about me has changed…”

What she stumbled upon is really a simple Biblical concept. The human heart is like a reflecting surface. (2 Cor 3:18) Whether we like it or not, we will reflect the people with whom we associate, the values to which we are exposed, the books we read, the music we hear, and the entertainment we choose to experience. All of these become reflected in our attitudes, in our loves, in our actions, words, and our even our faces.

That’s why the path to growing as a Christian means surrounding yourself with other believers and filling your mind with God’s Word. (Psalm 1) Daily choices like these keep our feet upon solid ground. In the same way, spiritual failures usually begin in the little daily lifestyle choices we make

Every day, thousands of Christians make Christian FM their choice for the family. We recognize that one of our most important missions is the atmosphere created in homes, cars and offices when they are filled with positive Christian music. We often ask the Lord to anoint these airways with his presence to minister to homes and hearts.

The music is contemporary but the message simply draws lives to God. Over and over listeners find themselves in God’s presence when they least expect it.

Have you ever met an elderly couple who had been married so long they even look alike? You really do become like those you spend time with! Imagine you and me in God’s presence so continually that we begin to really look (and act) like Him!

That is our hope for the lives we touch. We appreciate your partnership in this mission.

Your brother,
Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

April 2007

A mother writes, “I am more glad than ever that I can leave my radio set on Christian FM and know that my family will be safe and uplifted.” Her comment is timely.

For several days the national media buzzed over offensive comments made by a radio shock jock. The talking heads and pundits debated endlessly on TV talk shows. Most of them overlooked the simple reality that is overwhelmingly obvious to many American families: our public airways are all too often offensive.

From the messages in the songs, to the personalities who compete to be the most shocking, caution has long been thrown to the wind. Furthermore, if we believe the scripture that declares “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he,” we realize that these messages do not merely reflect culture, they help shape it.

The average American now spends ten hours each day with media. Americans don’t just listen to radio and television, they practically bathe in it. Media is constantly significant in shaping young hearts and minds, regardless of whether we are paying attention.

But you know all this. It’s why you are already a part of making a difference. You are one of the few that make Christian FM an oasis on the radio dial. You are helping provide a place where people can find new life in Christ and families can be built up in their faith.

It matters what people hear on the radio. It affects minds. It impacts hearts. It shapes lives. It is this belief that continues to drive us forward at Christian FM. Thank you for sharing that belief and for continuing to partner with this mission to the airways.

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton, General Manager
 

March 2007

I wanted to take an opportunity to thank you for your friendship and support of Christian FM. In the days since our Care-a-thon, I have been constantly blessed by friends like you who have called, pledged and shared encouraging words with our staff.

One caller said it this way. “Two years ago I was not in church at all and only discovered Christian FM by accident. Christian FM became a major influence in bringing my entire family to faith in Christ. This pledge is easy to make. I know the difference Christian FM makes!” Stories like that move our hearts more than anything else we hear.

Christian FM is fun, entertaining, and appeals to young families. But make no mistake, Christian FM is a mission. We exist to draw people closer to Jesus Christ. For some, we are a daily encouragement in their faith walk. But for others, we are the only voice of faith in their lives.

Because you are standing with us in 2007, we will continue to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, in simple songs and encouraging words. Your friendship and confidence is a blessing. I know there are other worthy causes and your support humbles us.

During 2007, with every song, with every heart moved, with every soul that takes encouragement and every life changed, you will be there with us. Your partnership is making Christian FM possible. In a very real way, every life Christian FM touches is a life YOU have touched.

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton, General Manager

PS. In late June, a team from the station will be making a trip to Arequipa, Peru to work with our sister station located there. We will also be sponsoring some street outreaches, a musical team, and a construction crew. If you or a family member might be interested in joining the team for a 10 day mission trip to Peru, please contact Brian Strickland at bstrickland@christianfm.com, or call the station office.

January 2007

“I am a twenty-year-old single mother of two boys and have recently moved to Palm Bay. In the midst of struggles, I know you are all there for me on the radio, and when I turn it on I am reminded God is still here and by my side. The music and messages that you provide for so many is such a blessing and I want to say thank you. When I feel down I just turn on the radio and the song or message that is on at that very moment seems to be speaking directly to me and it’s always the right time….”

These are the stories of Christian FM’s ministry. These are the stories of your ministry. A struggling family’s sacrificial gifts in 2006 made it possible for a broken home to hear a message of peace and healing. A single mother writes a check every month while a hurting mother across the world listens to Christian FM’s message of love on the internet. When a nursing home resident gave to Christian FM last year, a fourteen-year-old heard the message of Christ for the first time. When you gave to Christian FM in 2006, thousands of lives were impacted by your gift. Christian FM is made possible by supporters of all ages and all walks of life that take a step of faith and choose to support a ministry they know is impacting the world, one listener at a time. Together, by God’s Grace, we have not only provided a great alternative for families, we have brought new lives into the kingdom and watched God use Christian FM to reach hearts around the world.

Our records indicate that your year 2006 contributions total $10000.00. Please keep this letter as a record of your giving, as your gifts are tax-deductible. If for some reason your records differ, please contact Mary at 800-780-0919 as soon as possible.

The next time you turn on your radio, remember that Christian FM is more than just Christian music; we are a mission, working together, for the Glory of Jesus Christ. We are privileged to have you with us.

Thanks again for your support of Christian FM.

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton, General Manager

P.S. Christian FM will present Care-a-thon 2007 February 6-8. Please begin praying NOW for this important time. Thanks!
 

December 2006

Dear Friends,

“I didn’t know Christian FM did THAT!”

My friend’s surprised reaction is something we often hear. Most people know Christian FM as an outreach to young people and families, but they are unaware of many other things we do as a ministry. For example:

Christian FM maintains websites for selected missionaries working in several countries, allowing them to stay in touch with home.
Christian FM often purchases and ships articles of equipment for needy Christian radio stations in other countries.
Christian FM maintains a 24-7, commercial-free, contemporary Worship Music station online. (www.theworshipstation.com)
Christian FM operates more than 20 websites totally dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
Christian FM has online listeners in at least 65% of the countries on earth.

Did you know about these aspects of Christian FM? We simply don’t talk about these things very much. We just do them. God has given us technology, people, and supporters to help us spread the gospel, and we want to seize the day and be faithful to Him.

To the families of the Treasure Coast, we’re the voice of good news. To young people, we are the alternative to darkness and despair. And to people around the world, we’re a partner in the spread of Jesus’ Gospel. This is the ministry you have helped provide for during 2006.

As we close this year, I hope you’ll remember Christian FM in your holiday giving. We also don’t talk much about our needs, but right now we could really put to good use anything extra God might put on your heart.

Thanks for making all of this possible.

Your brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager

 

November 2006

Dear Friends,

When Oliver Cromwell was the Lord Protector of England, he commissioned a painting of himself to be made by the famous French painter, Peter Lely. He gave the painter these very stern instructions, "I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all the roughness, pimples, warts and all; otherwise I never will pay a farthing for it."

Cromwell’s Puritan Christian values required that he not pretend to be more than he really was. He wanted to be real. From this story we get the common expression, “warts and all.”

Too often we Christians forget that God uses us as we really are. After all, the Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthian church “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (1 Cor. 1:26-27)

The story of the Christian faith is not the story of the bright and the beautiful. It is not the story of those who are most talented and capable. It is not even the story of people who USED to have problems, but after becoming Christians their lives became sunny and rosy and struggle free. No! The Christian experience is about how God loves, calls, equips, and uses the weak fallen people who respond to Him with faith. It is the story of those like Peter, who was incapable of really loving Jesus adequately, but nonetheless was told “feed my sheep.”

We can testify to this reality. Every day we are amazed at what God is doing!

Christian FM reaches lives not because of our clever programming strategies, the words we speak, or even the music we play. Christian FM reaches lives because God chose to use us. He is accomplishing His own will. It is He who speaks to hearts, brings encouragement and new life.

Thanks for being such an important part this ministry. Your support makes sure Christian radio is available wherever someone touches a dial. That extra support is especially needed now as we draw close to the end of the year. Thanks for what you do.

Your Brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager

October 2006

Dear Friends,
After a particularly difficult week in the early years of this radio ministry, I wrote a letter to our staff that came to have special meaning. Eventually we had a large version of the letter framed, and today it hangs just outside our main studio. If you have visited us, perhaps you have seen these words:

INSIDE THESE WALLS are the tools of communication. The equipment, technology, and resources.
OUTSIDE THESE WALLS someone is dying.
INSIDE THESE WALLS we are very busy with the work of the day.
OUTSIDE THESE WALLS is a man who is about to get a surprise. He will come to a sudden tragic death in just a few hours. He will stand with a gaping-mouth before God by sunset. Between now and then he will spend exactly ten minutes with his radio.
INSIDE THESE WALLS we are planning our next promotion, thinking up a morning show bit, doing a contest.
OUTSIDE THESE WALLS is a quiet, lonely child. No one can hear, but she silently screams. There is no joy in her home. No laughter. No cheerful voice greets her day. No arms embrace her. No one offers a word of acceptance. In just a few moments, she will be fiddling with the radio dial, and suddenly yours will be the next voice she hears.
INSIDE THESE WALLS are men and women who have an experience with God. They have known the comfort of a loving savior. They have been selected by God for a very specific task.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS a young woman wipes her eyes. They are puffy and sore from a generous flow of tears. She has spent the night in anguished prayer at the bedside of an emaciated, dying man. He bears little resemblance to the robust young man she married just ten years ago. Despite her exhaustion, she must now leave his side to go to a job which provides the only source of income to feed three boys. As she slides behind the wheel of the car, she sighs deeply and turns the key. The next sound she hears is the song you selected.
INSIDE THESE WALLS the warm light is available to shine on our hearts.
OUTSIDE THESE WALLS are men and women who walk in the chill of darkness.
INSIDE THE WALLS are men and women who claim the name “Christian.” With all gravity, make certain that what you say next is worthy of the name.

Although I am sure that at times we fall short of this goal, this is still the passion that drives Christian FM. We reach people outside the walls of the church. Our signal passes into homes, cars, and the most humble rooms. It finds hearts that need the positive encouragement and hope Christian FM provides.

Over the years, friends like you have made it possible to continue Christian FM through your generosity. I thank you for your support this month. It is greatly needed and appreciated. It will also make a specific difference for someone today who is outside our walls.

Your Brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

September 2006

One night last week, a friend commented to me, “I was surprised at how much I was troubled when I heard about Steve Irwin’s death. I didn’t know him, and yet I feel a real sense of loss at the tragedy.” Maybe you even felt the same way when you heard about the death of Steve Irwin, “The Crocodile Hunter.”

While his death was tragic, most people hear about tragedy in the news daily without any real emotional response. What was it about this man that seemed to affect so many people? I believe you can sum it up in one word: Passion. Steve was passionate about animals and his passion was positively contagious. With eyes wide, Steve could breathlessly discuss the dietary habits of a desert rat, and people would tune in by the hour!

Funny thing about passion, people are always attracted to it. The passionate man is not alone for very long. People gather around. People will follow passion.

When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”. (Matt 22:37)
Jesus wasn’t talking about a cool sort of intellectual love. He was talking about the kind of love that shows on your face and bubbles out of your mouth.

Passion can never be hidden. A man who is passionate for NASCAR talks about racing at the dinner table and the water cooler. A man who is passionate for Christ does the same thing! The man or woman who is passionate for Christ will always affect lives and grow the church. Likewise, when we are blasé as Christians, we do our king a disservice.

Lord, give us a passionate soul whose “first love” is fresh, enthusiastic and contagious!

So to those who feel that Christian FM needs to settle down, grow up, and trade our enthusiasm for respectability, I say, “no way!” If anything, we need more passion, more enthusiasm, and a lot more singing simple love songs to God. We may not win any theological achievement awards, but we are winning a lot of listener’s hearts and demonstrating the joy of serving Jesus.

Thanks for your partnership with us as we cultivate passion for God and his Kingdom.

Your Brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

August 2006

A young woman writes: “My husband and I have been going through a very difficult time, and sometimes I just want to take my 2 year old son and leave. But lately I’ve started listening to Christian FM, and the more I do, it seems like the more hope I have. I realize God is doing something in my life and I just wanted to tell you about it….”

Many emails like this come from young women with children. It’s always been our heart to reach the person who can influence what the whole family hears.

The music Christian FM plays is drawing them in. Some people might be surprised to learn that among women aged 25-49, our “Good Guys” morning show is now the second most listened to radio program on the dial.* (This is almost unheard-of for Christian radio.) The other times of the day, throughout the week we consistently remain in the top three. The fact is Christian FM draws more listeners today that most of the secular stations on the local dial. Does that surprise you?

You won’t hear us publicly trumpet these figures on the air or in the community. I’m only telling you because you are our partner and I want you to understand how effective your support has been to this station’s ministry. It is working. Together we are reaching SO many more lives. There is a difference being made.

We also need your help right now. As often happens, the station’s support drops off a bit in the summer, and there are some specific needs we must meet. Would you consider making a special gift to Christian FM this month?

Thanks for making this ministry possible. It is making a difference for many young families of our area.

Your Brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager

June 2006

It seems like most of the listener feedback these days comes by email. I recently received the following note from a listener:

“When I lost my job, I thought I could not face my family. I felt like a hopeless failure and just wanted to die. I turned the station on in my car and heard a song that talked about God holding you when everything important is torn away from your life. Suddenly I knew life was not over, and I felt new hope. It was like God showed up in the car! I sat in my car for 30 minutes just thanking God, and every song seemed to make me stronger. I knew God was with me, and I would be OK. Thanks for being there when I really needed encouragement.”

I was blessed by his comments, and appreciate all the many letters we get here at Christian FM. But as I read about his half-hour encounter with God, I could not help but remember that SOMEONE sacrificed to make it happen.

During the last Careathon, you probably heard me say “just one coffee club supporter will underwrite the cost of 30 minutes of broadcasting.” It’s quite true. And one of our supporters sacrificed to make possible the very 30 minutes that made a difference for this man. Perhaps it was you.

In the day to day of life, Christian FM continues to be a voice of uplifting encouragement and a friend that points listeners towards Jesus. I’ve said it many times, but it simply would not be possible without your help. You are appreciated more than you know, and we value your trust and support.

Thanks for helping keep Christian FM strong.
Jon Hamilton
General Manager

May 2006

In October the State of Texas executed a man for killing a police officer. At the time of the slaying, the killer was just a teenager pulled over in a routine traffic stop, who surprised the officer by pulling a gun. During the trial we learned that the young killer had been listening by the hour to a popular song that boasts of shooting a police officer while being pulled over for speeding.

Surprised? Probably not. It seems we’re hearing more often of violent criminal acts performed by children who are immersed into the violent, sexually explicit world of popular music, movies, and television.

I have often found agreement with a quote attributed to Plato, “Let me make a nation’s music, and I care not who makes its laws.” Many of the ills we face today, from drug use, to illicit sexuality, to the occult, were introduced to the American culture through popular music (largely during the 1960’s). At first, American’s blushed and giggled, but after a while it all seemed tame and normal.

Now a generation of young people has begun to embrace gangster values largely absorbed through the influence of music. Values, after all, are more often simply absorbed than taught. Somehow when words are sung, thoughts and ideas lodge into the soul of man and stay with us.

Sometimes the best way to eliminate darkness, is to light a candle. So at Christian FM, we’re using popular music for God. We play music that points hearts to eternity. Some of the songs we play are very simple, but the values shine through. People are singing truth in homes, cars, and businesses throughout our area, and around the world.

Thanks for your partnership with us in this vision. I hope you’ll consider making a gift of support this month to keep this mission alive. We’re here because of your generosity, and we continue to need your help.

Your Brother,
Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

March 2006

In Luke 8, Jesus told the story of a farmer who went into a field and began to scatter seeds. As the farmer cast his seed by hand, some fell upon rocky soil where it appeared to spring up but then quickly wilted without proper roots. Other seeds fell among thorns and were choked out. Some seed was stolen by birds. Still a portion fell upon good soil bringing a harvest.

To understand this story, it helps to know that in the days before planting machinery and neat rows of crops, it was common practice for a farmer to walk through a field, toss the seed through the air and let it settle evenly across an area. This type of spreading seed by hand was called “broadcasting.”

When early radio developers were looking for a term to describe the new frontier, they borrowed the old agricultural term, and the word “broadcasting” took on a new meaning.

But here at Christian FM, the meanings are one and the same. Every day, we toss seed into the air, broadcasting it into homes, hearts, and lives.

Some seed falls upon hard hearts, and they change the dial. Others are quickly taken away by the enemy’s distractions. Still many other seeds fall upon hearts that are open to receive where they grow and God’s kingdom experiences a harvest.

You are also a key part of this harvest. It is friends like you, by your support, that provide the seed we sow every day. When you support Christian FM, you are handing us the seed to be “broadcast” over the airwaves. Together, we are seeing the Lord bring a harvest.

Thanks for your help.

Your Brother,
Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

January 2006

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:37-38)

Never has this scripture been truer. The Church of today is faced with amazing opportunities to reach a world-wide harvest. Broadcasting easily reaches around the globe. The internet connects us instantly to unlimited numbers of hungry hearts. The opportunities are staggering. Our biggest problem is having the resources and the laborers willing to work this global harvest!

You and I are living in one of the greatest moments in history. Surely the “great cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12) is cheering us on to creatively seize the day and reach the world in a single generation. That’s our growing vision at Christian FM.

Today I am asking you to work beside us in this ministry, by making a pledge of financial support for 2006. As a partner with Christian FM you will not only help your local station stay strong in 2006, you will enable us to grow in technology and outreach to reach even more lives for Christ in 2006.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isa 6:8)

Is that your heart cry? Please take a few moments to respond to this by pledging online today.

Pray for us as we approach this critical Care-a-thon broadcast, and be sure to listen February 7-9. Thanks for your friendship.

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

December 2005

“Happy Holidays!”

A few years ago, that greeting would have been received by most of us with a smile and a happy response. But somehow this year it has managed to take on a new meaning. Recent successful efforts by the ACLU to convince diversity officers at corporations across America to ban “Merry Christmas” from the lips of retail store employees has suddenly reminded us of the war of values. A quick look through newspaper advertisements and retail displays reveals that many major retailers have agreed to remove the word “Christmas” from this season.

Imagine! A US federal holiday that people are forbidden to pronounce! I know you are probably as troubled by this as I am, and I don’t really intend to add fuel to the fire. Others are better equipped and more eloquent, and Christians across the land are responding to this issue.

However, I do think that how an enemy attacks reveals much about what he considers a threat. The assault on Christmas is a clear indication that the simple prominence of the Christ-child story at this time of year serves to advance the Gospel. While we have often complained about the commercialization of Christmas with the emphasis on Santa and Frosty, somehow the real Christmas message was still so effective that it was worthy of a major frontal assault.

As basic as it sounds, a simple public witness telling the truth of Christ’s love is, and always has been, extremely effective. The little things you and I do, from supporting our churches to sharing a testimony with a neighbor keeps the message going from generation to generation. Perhaps we should look at our nativity scenes and Christmas carols with greater appreciation. Christianity’s public presence draws people to Christ. Presence IS proclamation.

In a sense, this is what we do all year at Christian FM. We are here on the public airways to proclaim the gospel. We are reaching into homes, cars, boardrooms and bedrooms across our area. We also reach thousands via the internet every day.

During 2005, you have been an important part of making this ministry possible. You have added your voice to ours as we loudly proclaim, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God bringing salvation…” Thanks for standing with us.

Your brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager


November 2005

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”(1Thes 5:18)  

Do you sometimes find it hard to be thankful in difficult circumstances?  Why would God ask us to be thankful during difficulties? Was God just being arbitrary?  Was He making a rule we could never really live by?  Not at all!

Like most of God’s commands in scripture, we were told to be thankful for our own benefit.  God told us to walk in thankfulness because it would enable Him to bless us in a greater way.  In fact, thankfulness is often the key to changing our circumstances.

Thankfulness is the essence of praise. When our heart is grateful to God, it is praise to our maker. Since God “inhabits the praises” of His people, what attracts God’s presence more than a thankful heart?  Our thankfulness produces an atmosphere God abides in. He wants us to be thankful so he can BE with us! (By the way, if God inhabits the praises of His people, who do you think might be attracted to their complaints?)

Thankfulness attracts God’s presence, which in turn releases more blessings. A thankful heart is the very key that sets spiritual forces in motion, bringing change to circumstances. 

Of all the holidays we celebrate in our nation, none provide us with a better opportunity to deliberately invite God into our homes and lives than Thanksgiving.

At Christian FM, we’re thankful for our relationship with you. You may not see it, but your support has made a real difference in lives this year. Every day, more people are discovering the encouraging, life changing message. Every day, another person will hit the “seek” button, and find an unexpected encounter with God.  When it happens, you are there as a partner in this ministry.  I hope you can rejoice and be thankful for how God is using you to bless people you could otherwise never reach!

With a thankful heart,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

October 2005

Earlier this year I visited the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. and noticed an exhibit entitled, “An American Colony in Jerusalem.” Intrigued, I ventured in to discover artifacts and exhibits related to the life of a man named Horatio Spafford. Spafford was a Chicago lawyer and associate of the great evangelist D.L. Moody. A passionate Christian, Spafford often helped with evangelistic crusades and worked tirelessly to help families after the Chicago fire devastated the city.

Delayed by some business, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him to England to vacation and assist with Moody’s crusade there. In route, their ship collided with another in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Spafford’s wife Anna was able to cling to a piece of floating wreckage, but their four daughters, Maggie, Tanetta, Annie, and Bessie were killed.

Included among the artifacts in the museum exhibit, I saw the actual telegram Horatio Spafford received from his wife. It contained only two words: "saved alone." The exhibit continued to tell of how Horatio Spafford boarded the next ship to be with his grieving wife. In route, the captain pointed out to Spafford the spot where the previous ship went down, where his four daughters were lost.

Then my eyes fell upon the next display case. It contained a handwritten draft of a poem Spafford wrote at that time. I could not hold back tears as I read these words:
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul
There before me, encased in glass at the Library of Congress, was a piece of Christian music history... a song that has reached the hearts of generations of Christians. A song conceived in tragedy and pain, but birthed in faith and hope.

What is it about a song of faith that can communicate such volumes? How is it that psalms carry such emotion, hymns endure the generations, and songs birthed by spirit can soar another to the identical heights? Music not only impacts hearts, it communicates from spirit to spirit.

This is the tool we use at Christian FM to communicate faith to a new generation. The sound is contemporary, but the message is eternal. Thanks for making the station possible by your gifts of love. You are the reason we will be able to reach a heart today, just when they need it the most.

Your Brother,


Jon Hamilton
General Manager
 

April 2005

“There’s just something about your station that moves my spirit...I especially love the worship music. It’s like my room becomes a place where I can worship God and be refreshed.” Student, 22 Ft. Pierce

Why do we feature so much modern worship on Christian FM? Is it because of demographic research or success on the pop charts? Nope. In fact, if not a single worship CD made it on the charts, you would hear us worshipping God on Christian FM.

We do our fair share of research, but as a station we have refused to be driven by popular opinion. We are motivated by what we believe and what we have experienced with God. Often logic and man’s wisdom conflict with what we know to be true.

Consider the bumblebee. Modern science has conclusively proven that it is aerodynamically impossible for a bumblebees to fly. Its wings are too short and its body too large and ill-proportioned. According to the science of aerodynamics, anyone who believes bumblebees can fly is illogical and unreasonable.

But you and I could sit in a convention full of aerodynamic engineers and laugh out loud at their “facts.” We have seen a bumblebee fly. We can never be convinced otherwise. (A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.)

What you and I know is much less important that what we have experienced. In the same way, our families not only need to know information about Jesus Christ, they need to experience Him in a tangible way. Information about God is not the same as experiencing His presence, and He inhabits the PRAISES of His people.

Make your home a place of praise. Fill your house with music. Fill your house with thanksgiving to God. It will change the atmosphere and allow you to experience His nearness.

Your support of Christian FM helps change the atmosphere in homes, hearts, and lives. We’re grateful for your continued love.

Your Brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager

 

Thank you for supporting Christian FM during Careathon 2005!

Sometimes we get overwhelmed at God’s grace.
During this year’s Careathon, we heard from more listeners than ever before. More individual families pledged this year, than ever before. 
Because of your generosity, we were able to meet, and ever PASS our pledge goal.  THANK YOU!
By now you should have received a confirmation of your pledge in the mail, along with some certificates for any logo items you may have wanted. 
If for some reason you made a pledge and HAVE NOT heard from us yet by snail mail… be sure to CLICK HERE to send us an email.

If you wanted to make a pledge but did not get to…You can always make a pledge online HERE.

If you were a first time Careathon caller I hope you’ll listen to the radio a little different now…

Because every time a song is sung, every time a heart is touched, every soul that takes encouragement and every life that gets changed… YOU’LL be there. Your partnership makes you a critical part of this ministry, and just as important as anyone behind the microphone!
 

We were blessed to hear from many listeners during Care-a-thon and we'd like to share a few of their encouraging notes:

Hey, My name's Leander I'm 14 years old and go to West street Baptist church in the UK. I just want to say that i love listening to the contemporary music on Christian FM and tune in every night while doing my homework. It's real cool to have a station that broadcasts fresh meaningful music, a real escape from some of the more 'murky' stuff on other stations. Your ministry's in my prayers. Love, Leander

I have enjoyed the station for a few years. Keep up the good work, the uplifting messages, the great music, and all of the concert info. Your DJ personalities are the best. I am really shocked when I turn to other stations and would rather stay tuned to the safety in the message of Christ's love. Thanks. -Carol in Vero

You all are such a blessing to us each and every day... we enjoy listening to Bruce, Bart and the segment each day with Don and Steve from Treasure Coast Financial...the information is terrific and the blessings magnificent! We love you! -The Hutchinson Family

Thanks for the always uplifting music, speakers, programs and information that you regularly broadcast to us. I don't know what we ever did without you?!  You're the best! -Wendy & Mike in Fellsmere
 

ARCHIVED NEWS:

Please support Christian FM by making your 2005 pledge today!   February 2005

 On February 8, 9, and 10 Christian FM will present Care-a-thon 2005.  This is the time we ask listeners to make a faith promise of support for the year ahead.  Christian FM is a faith ministry, and we depend upon the support of our listeners.

 This year, we especially need your support.  With the equipment damage and subsequent shortfall after the hurricanes, we really need a miracle Care-a-thon. But for 15 years we’ve been experiencing God’s miracle-working hand, and we encourage you to believe God with us. We’re also praying to hear from Christian FM listeners like you who care about what you hear on the radio.

 More than music, it’s a mission

Christian FM is a mission to the families of the Treasure and Space coasts. 

Fifteen years ago the station was dedicated to God’s glory, with the idea that if you made Christian radio exciting and fun, you would be able to communicate Christ to families that never before listened to religious radio, and often never went to church.   

 Over the years, thousands of hearts have been impacted for Christ as the station has endeavored to stay committed to Christ and culturally relevant.  Christian FM reaches  beyond the walls of your church and goes into the homes of the people who have never opened your sanctuary door.  Every week, Christian FM now reaches more homes than all our area churches combined.  Through Internet radio and missionary projects, the station also reaches beyond our community to listeners around the world.

 Christian FM is a community servant. During the storms of September, Christian FM led the way through some difficult times and long nights. The station was recognized by our community and government leaders as a model for other broadcasters and became the radio voice our entire area turned to first. (God is a miracle working God!) 

 Christian FM is, and has always been, a public radio station.  We are a not for profit faith mission, and our support comes from the generosity of listeners.

 Care-a-thon is critical to our continued existence. We simply can’t operate without the support of friends like you.  I hope you’ll consider playing a role.

 We hope God may speak to your heart about becoming a Christian FM supporter, or renewing your support for the year ahead.

 Meanwhile, please pray for Care-a-thon.

Please pray that God will visit us with His presence. Pray that our staff will be protected, spiritually alert and full of the Holy Spirit.  And please pray that every financial need will be met abundantly during Care-a-thon.

 For more about Careathon, or to make a pledge, CLICK HERE.

A Holiday Note to our Friends...  December 2004

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Is 9:6)

In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders never envisioned the messiah could be a baby born in a filthy stable. To them, the “government.. on his shoulders” obviously meant he would come as a powerful political leader amidst wealth and acclaim. That was “obvious” to everyone of that day…. Obvious to everyone except God.

Only a very few recognized the humble Christ when he came. Mary, Joseph, the Wise men, Anna, Simeon, and the shepherds. All of these that recognized the baby had one thing in common: A personal revelation from God. Seeing God for who He is always requires a personal relationship with him. The Pharisees knew the scriptures better than anybody, but they missed the very “Word made flesh” because they knew about God, but did not know him personally.

This is the essence of the Christmas message, to know God in a personal relationship. Because He came, you and I have that privilege, and can extend it to others.

This Christmas season, we’ll be sharing this message again. In fact, we share it every day, all year long. As part of Christian FM, you’re sharing this message too.

Would you please consider special gift to Christian FM at this time? Your financial support will help us as we begin to cover financial shortfalls and damages due to the storms of September.

With your help, we will continue sharing the message of Jesus Christ through simple words of encouragement and the songs that say what you believe. We’ll keep sharing the message until His Kingdom fully comes, and the “government rests upon his shoulders.” Until that day!

Your brother,

Jon Hamilton
General Manager