I got a call the other day from a wonderful lady named Carol from Muskegon
County. She asked me if there were any way I could help her publicize an idea she had to provide what she calls “Books for Babes”.
As I’ve said before in this space, I feel badly that we are no longer able to furnish free air time to non-profit organizations and events. I know most of you understand that the only way we have to keep the ministry known at JQ99 afloat, is to sell the limited commercial air time that’s available to us. As radio audiences have come to expert more music from “music” stations, we’ve had to curtail the amount of time we spend “talking”, whether that’s just “jock-talk”, or commercial blocks. We simply need to do that to stay competitive.
However, the company has offered me this opportunity to see what I can do to help. So here’s what I know about Books for Babes. Carol is collecting new and/or gently already read books for children ages newborn to 12. These books will be distributed to Muskegon area organizations that serve families in need, during the holiday season. The books will be collected through December 14, 2009. You can drop books you’d like to donate at Peppies Pizza and Sub shop in Fruitport, Tiffany Woods Apartments in Norton Shores, Comerica Bank at Norton and Henry in Muskegon, Weecycle Childrens Boutique in Norton Shores, First Free Methodist Church in Norton Shores, Shetler Elementary School in Muskegon, the Fifth Third Bank branch at 5217 Harvey in Muskegon, or the Service One Co-op Credit Union on Harvey St.
Give the gift of reading to underprivileged children in the Muskegon area with your donation to Books for Babes…and thank you!
Roger
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wycliffe Associates
Once again I've been asked to use our stations to promote a wonderful non-profit organization, and once again, I'm pleased to be able to use this avenue to render what assistance I can.
I'm sure you've all heard of the Wycliffe Bible Translators. For generations this wonderful organization has had a goal of translating the Bible into every language on earth. Now, they've established a more specific goal of 2500 new languages by 2025. But these translators need help, from volunteers in all walks of life.
This new army of volunteers has been labeled "Wycliffe Associates". I'd like you to listen to this 60 second piece of audio, and then decide if, perhaps, you might have a skill set that would be useful to the translators.
The audio will mention a complimentary banquet that you can attend to learn more about Wycliffe Translators. The banquets in our area are coming up in the next few days.
In the Holland/Zeeland area it's Saturday, October 19 at the First Baptist Church of Zeeland.
In Grand Rapids its Sunday, October 20 at The Applause Banquet Center at 2728 Birchcrest Dr. Southeast.
In Muskegon its Monday October 21 at the Russ' Banquet Room at M-120 and U S 31.
All these free banquets begin at 7 p.m. As the audio clip said, you can make your reservation for any of these events by calling toll free 888-THE WORD (888-745-4572) or by sending an email to darrin_reed@wycliffeassociates.org.
Roger
I'm sure you've all heard of the Wycliffe Bible Translators. For generations this wonderful organization has had a goal of translating the Bible into every language on earth. Now, they've established a more specific goal of 2500 new languages by 2025. But these translators need help, from volunteers in all walks of life.
This new army of volunteers has been labeled "Wycliffe Associates". I'd like you to listen to this 60 second piece of audio, and then decide if, perhaps, you might have a skill set that would be useful to the translators.
The audio will mention a complimentary banquet that you can attend to learn more about Wycliffe Translators. The banquets in our area are coming up in the next few days.
In the Holland/Zeeland area it's Saturday, October 19 at the First Baptist Church of Zeeland.
In Grand Rapids its Sunday, October 20 at The Applause Banquet Center at 2728 Birchcrest Dr. Southeast.
In Muskegon its Monday October 21 at the Russ' Banquet Room at M-120 and U S 31.
All these free banquets begin at 7 p.m. As the audio clip said, you can make your reservation for any of these events by calling toll free 888-THE WORD (888-745-4572) or by sending an email to darrin_reed@wycliffeassociates.org.
Roger
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Roger's Rants...Chapter 4
Saddle up boys and girls. It’s time for another rough ride aboard Roger’s Rants!
When I was in high school the most exciting thing that happened after graduation was maybe a week at the beach, for those elite few who didn’t have to go right to work, and, even more unlikely, for those who could get permission from their parents. But somewhere along the line, the idea of the all-night party sprang up. And, as you might expect, at some of these affairs, the combination of a desire to “blow off a little steam”, and more than a little illicit alcohol, sent things into a tragic tailspin. Now, parents with grads in a lot of different schools are hosting elaborate parties where the kids are “locked in” and absolutely no recreational chemicals (including alcohol) are allowed.
But, as you might imagine, (especially at the bigger schools) putting on a party like that is an expensive proposition. I recently was made aware of the parent group at West Ottawa High School which calls their annual graduation party “Jungle”. (Hmmm, wonder where they came up with that name?) In order to raise funds for Jungle 2009, the committee is hosting a LADIES DAY OUT expo on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the expo, several local businesses will be offering an opportunity to shop for gifts in a laid-back, hassle-free atmosphere...conveniently located at West Ottawa North High School on Butternut Drive. And, your donations and purchases have tax benefits because Jungle is a member of PATS, a 501c3.
How could you ask for more?...an opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done without driving all over the place, and a chance to help a wonderful group of parents and kids celebrate their high school graduation. Join your friends on Saturday, December 6 at West Ottawa High School north on Butternut Drive from 9 to 2.
Roger
EMAIL ME HERE!
When I was in high school the most exciting thing that happened after graduation was maybe a week at the beach, for those elite few who didn’t have to go right to work, and, even more unlikely, for those who could get permission from their parents. But somewhere along the line, the idea of the all-night party sprang up. And, as you might expect, at some of these affairs, the combination of a desire to “blow off a little steam”, and more than a little illicit alcohol, sent things into a tragic tailspin. Now, parents with grads in a lot of different schools are hosting elaborate parties where the kids are “locked in” and absolutely no recreational chemicals (including alcohol) are allowed.
But, as you might imagine, (especially at the bigger schools) putting on a party like that is an expensive proposition. I recently was made aware of the parent group at West Ottawa High School which calls their annual graduation party “Jungle”. (Hmmm, wonder where they came up with that name?) In order to raise funds for Jungle 2009, the committee is hosting a LADIES DAY OUT expo on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the expo, several local businesses will be offering an opportunity to shop for gifts in a laid-back, hassle-free atmosphere...conveniently located at West Ottawa North High School on Butternut Drive. And, your donations and purchases have tax benefits because Jungle is a member of PATS, a 501c3.
How could you ask for more?...an opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done without driving all over the place, and a chance to help a wonderful group of parents and kids celebrate their high school graduation. Join your friends on Saturday, December 6 at West Ottawa High School north on Butternut Drive from 9 to 2.
Roger
EMAIL ME HERE!
Friday, September 26, 2008
ROGER’S RANTS...CHAPTER 3
A very wise person once told me, “just make yourself available...God will find ways to use you.” I guess I shouldn’t be surprised then, that since I started this blog on behalf of non-profit organizations, God would us it for His purposes. This time His purposes include a whole bunch of children in a little Mexican town called Miguel Aleman. Just across the border from the southern tip of Texas, Miguel Aleman is best known for what’s wrong with it...namely drug trafficking and poverty. But a group of Christians in Miguel Aleman have spent the last 20 YEARS praying for a way to provide quality Christian education for the children of their city. Led by two dedicated local pastors, these people have embraced the efforts of a group of Christians from West Michigan, whose vision is to help the Christians in Miguel Aleman change their city by education for the children “one life at a time, resulting in generations of excellence”. In 2007, an elementary school dubbed Eagle College, opened its doors to 55 students, pre-school through grade 6. Just a year later, 135 kids showed up, and they had to turn away children that could have filled two or three more classrooms.
Right now the school is sharing a building with a local church, but a building of their own is the dream of those supporting the Eagle College concept. Plans have been drawn, and costs have been estimated at $400,000 for Phase one. In addition, the land, which has been found and is available, will require another $200,000. So there’s the obvious need. But there are other things you can do. First and foremost, pray for the children of Miguel Aleman. Second, you can sponsor a student. Tuition for the school is currently $100 a month, and a full 25% of the current students do need some sort of financial assistance. (Several of these are orphans.) Third, you can sponsor a teacher, or help in the recruitment of teachers. Fourth, you can sign up to join a mission team to help build the new school and/or to tutor students in English.
You’ll find a link to hopeforkidsmexico.com in the “other links” section of this website. On the pages of that site you’ll find all the contact information you’ll need to get involved.
So there you have it...another great cause, and another of Roger’s “Rants”. May God bless you as you consider how He would use you today.
EMAIL ME HERE!
Right now the school is sharing a building with a local church, but a building of their own is the dream of those supporting the Eagle College concept. Plans have been drawn, and costs have been estimated at $400,000 for Phase one. In addition, the land, which has been found and is available, will require another $200,000. So there’s the obvious need. But there are other things you can do. First and foremost, pray for the children of Miguel Aleman. Second, you can sponsor a student. Tuition for the school is currently $100 a month, and a full 25% of the current students do need some sort of financial assistance. (Several of these are orphans.) Third, you can sponsor a teacher, or help in the recruitment of teachers. Fourth, you can sign up to join a mission team to help build the new school and/or to tutor students in English.
You’ll find a link to hopeforkidsmexico.com in the “other links” section of this website. On the pages of that site you’ll find all the contact information you’ll need to get involved.
So there you have it...another great cause, and another of Roger’s “Rants”. May God bless you as you consider how He would use you today.
EMAIL ME HERE!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Roger Rants Chapter 2
Some time ago I began what I suspected would be a series of…well, if not rants…then observations about a problem that had been bothering me. The evolution of our business has made it tough to provide free air time to non-profit agencies. But, as a Christian radio station, we can’t ignore our brothers and sisters in the ministry, either. So, I started this blog, hoping that occasionally someone with a need would come along that I could assist, if in no other way… than just to get the word out.
So, if I may, let me introduce you to World Mission. Based in Grand Rapids, but with a global vision, World Mission has as its stated mission, “to provide education about the Word of God along with missionary support and training to ‘unreached’ people groups..”
Their vision “is to distribute the Word of God in an audio format to every illiterate people group using The Treasure, a digital audio player specifically designed for use in remote locations.”
To help finance this vision, World Mission has set up a number of “Valueland/World Mission Thrift” stores. To find out if there’s a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store in your area simply log on to www.worldmission.cc. If there is a store near you…or even if there isn’t, I’d like to urge you to consider volunteering your services at the store. It’s a great way to keep busy, to meet people, and most importantly, to have a part in spreading the gospel to people who might not hear the Good News any other way.
So that’s it. Make yourself aware of the vision of World Mission. Buy stuff from their Valueland/World Mission Thrift stores. And, volunteer to help. But that’s not quite the end of the story. Let me put a slightly more personal touch on this one. Several years ago, World Mission, through their fine Executive Director, Greg Kelly, came to me with a proposition that changed my life. World Mission had just gotten the rights to an English language version of the New Testament, the sales of which were being used to finance earlier versions of audio scriptures in the languages of remote tribes and people groups all over the world. It was felt, however, that the English language version of what was then dubbed The Talking Bible, needed a fresh voice…and, praise God, the voice they chose was mine!
I’ve never known what it meant to be used by God as much as I did during those weeks when I was able to sit down and read, out loud, every word in the New Testament. The level of concentration, the vocal nuances, the phraseology, everything it took to “get it right” gave me a feeling of accomplishment unmatched in my long life. I’ve heard other people tell stories of how God’s Word “came alive” to them. I can suggest, that if you want the Bible to come alive to you, just pick it up and start reading out loud.
But, back to today. My experience with the people at World Mission has been life-changing. Your experience as a donor, as a shopper at a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store, or as a volunteer, will change your life as well. Won’t you consider how God would use you in partnership with World Mission?
Thanks for your time. I’m Roger Allan.
So, if I may, let me introduce you to World Mission. Based in Grand Rapids, but with a global vision, World Mission has as its stated mission, “to provide education about the Word of God along with missionary support and training to ‘unreached’ people groups..”
Their vision “is to distribute the Word of God in an audio format to every illiterate people group using The Treasure, a digital audio player specifically designed for use in remote locations.”
To help finance this vision, World Mission has set up a number of “Valueland/World Mission Thrift” stores. To find out if there’s a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store in your area simply log on to www.worldmission.cc. If there is a store near you…or even if there isn’t, I’d like to urge you to consider volunteering your services at the store. It’s a great way to keep busy, to meet people, and most importantly, to have a part in spreading the gospel to people who might not hear the Good News any other way.
So that’s it. Make yourself aware of the vision of World Mission. Buy stuff from their Valueland/World Mission Thrift stores. And, volunteer to help. But that’s not quite the end of the story. Let me put a slightly more personal touch on this one. Several years ago, World Mission, through their fine Executive Director, Greg Kelly, came to me with a proposition that changed my life. World Mission had just gotten the rights to an English language version of the New Testament, the sales of which were being used to finance earlier versions of audio scriptures in the languages of remote tribes and people groups all over the world. It was felt, however, that the English language version of what was then dubbed The Talking Bible, needed a fresh voice…and, praise God, the voice they chose was mine!
I’ve never known what it meant to be used by God as much as I did during those weeks when I was able to sit down and read, out loud, every word in the New Testament. The level of concentration, the vocal nuances, the phraseology, everything it took to “get it right” gave me a feeling of accomplishment unmatched in my long life. I’ve heard other people tell stories of how God’s Word “came alive” to them. I can suggest, that if you want the Bible to come alive to you, just pick it up and start reading out loud.
But, back to today. My experience with the people at World Mission has been life-changing. Your experience as a donor, as a shopper at a Valueland/World Mission Thrift store, or as a volunteer, will change your life as well. Won’t you consider how God would use you in partnership with World Mission?
Thanks for your time. I’m Roger Allan.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
ROGER ALLAN’S RANT
O K, that was a trick. I really don’t have anything to rant about. But I do have a rather unique perspective I’d like to share with you, maybe once, maybe once-in-a-while!
I’ve had the privilege of patrolling the halls here at JQ99 and 1260 THE PLEDGE long before they were JQ99 and 1260 THE PLEDGE. How many of you remember the call letters WJBL? O K, you’re forgiven, and I’m certifiably OLD! But that’s all right. It’s been a wonderful career full of great opportunities to help and be helped.
You see, I’ve been able to have a half-dozen different careers without ever changing work addresses (if you don’t count our move to Zeeland a few years ago). Since I first walked through the door on April 7, 1977, (told you I was old) I’ve been a staff announcer, a news director, an operations manager, a business manager, a sports director, and an advertising consultant (a fancy term for salesman).
It’s in my current capacity as a member of the sales staff that I’ve made the acquaintance of several Development Directors and/or Executive Directors who have the unenviable task of keeping non-profit organizations afloat. They, understandably, see a Christian radio station as a handy way to keep in contact with their constituents...which usually means an appeal of some sort, either for volunteers, products or, frankly, money.
Here’s where my perspective comes in. Over the years, the successful operation of a commercial Christian radio station has become, like everything else, more of a challenge. It used to be that all we had to do to get large numbers of people to listen to us was turn on the transmitter. Now, as in almost every business, we have more and better competition...competition that forces us....not to just do what we do...but to do what we do GOOD! Realizing that, now, we compete with the best that secular radio has to offer, we have to measure up. Specifically, that means we have to play as much music as they do...plus, we have to be good stewards of the only commodity we have to sell, namely our air time. You see, this ministry does not exist on donations from its listeners. Our only source of income is the commercials we sell and our clients buy. And those commercials must be effective.
So, free air time for non-profits is pretty much a thing of the past. But, I (we) want to help! For instance, I spent a couple of hours recently touring the Gen 1 Arts Camp at Camp Geneva. What a treat! Over 200 kids spending a full week learning about their own creativity and the Creator who gave it to them. It was a leap of faith for Gen 1 to move out to Camp Geneva, and it was a leap of faith for Camp Geneva to virtually give up a week of their normal camping program for Gen 1. And the economy is, well, the economy. I don’t know of any non-profit that’s not feeling the pinch, and I feel their pain. Frankly, Gen 1 needs more money, or they’ll have to cut way back on the great program they’ve offered over the past several years.
Here’s what I’ve got in mind. With the permission of the people who employ me, I’d like to offer this space to any legitimate, faith-based non-profit. If you’ll take the time to educate me about your organization and your needs, I’ll take the time to write a blog for you. No cost. No obligation. I’ll even let you proof-read it before it’s posted. No, it’s not free air time, but it is a way to connect with our listeners through jq99.com…an extremely popular website.
There has to be a way for us to help. This is a small step, but just maybe one that will offer some assistance.
I found a quote recently from Edward Teller. He said, “When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”
Let’s learn to fly, together!
Roger
EMAIL ME HERE!
I’ve had the privilege of patrolling the halls here at JQ99 and 1260 THE PLEDGE long before they were JQ99 and 1260 THE PLEDGE. How many of you remember the call letters WJBL? O K, you’re forgiven, and I’m certifiably OLD! But that’s all right. It’s been a wonderful career full of great opportunities to help and be helped.
You see, I’ve been able to have a half-dozen different careers without ever changing work addresses (if you don’t count our move to Zeeland a few years ago). Since I first walked through the door on April 7, 1977, (told you I was old) I’ve been a staff announcer, a news director, an operations manager, a business manager, a sports director, and an advertising consultant (a fancy term for salesman).
It’s in my current capacity as a member of the sales staff that I’ve made the acquaintance of several Development Directors and/or Executive Directors who have the unenviable task of keeping non-profit organizations afloat. They, understandably, see a Christian radio station as a handy way to keep in contact with their constituents...which usually means an appeal of some sort, either for volunteers, products or, frankly, money.
Here’s where my perspective comes in. Over the years, the successful operation of a commercial Christian radio station has become, like everything else, more of a challenge. It used to be that all we had to do to get large numbers of people to listen to us was turn on the transmitter. Now, as in almost every business, we have more and better competition...competition that forces us....not to just do what we do...but to do what we do GOOD! Realizing that, now, we compete with the best that secular radio has to offer, we have to measure up. Specifically, that means we have to play as much music as they do...plus, we have to be good stewards of the only commodity we have to sell, namely our air time. You see, this ministry does not exist on donations from its listeners. Our only source of income is the commercials we sell and our clients buy. And those commercials must be effective.
So, free air time for non-profits is pretty much a thing of the past. But, I (we) want to help! For instance, I spent a couple of hours recently touring the Gen 1 Arts Camp at Camp Geneva. What a treat! Over 200 kids spending a full week learning about their own creativity and the Creator who gave it to them. It was a leap of faith for Gen 1 to move out to Camp Geneva, and it was a leap of faith for Camp Geneva to virtually give up a week of their normal camping program for Gen 1. And the economy is, well, the economy. I don’t know of any non-profit that’s not feeling the pinch, and I feel their pain. Frankly, Gen 1 needs more money, or they’ll have to cut way back on the great program they’ve offered over the past several years.
Here’s what I’ve got in mind. With the permission of the people who employ me, I’d like to offer this space to any legitimate, faith-based non-profit. If you’ll take the time to educate me about your organization and your needs, I’ll take the time to write a blog for you. No cost. No obligation. I’ll even let you proof-read it before it’s posted. No, it’s not free air time, but it is a way to connect with our listeners through jq99.com…an extremely popular website.
There has to be a way for us to help. This is a small step, but just maybe one that will offer some assistance.
I found a quote recently from Edward Teller. He said, “When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”
Let’s learn to fly, together!
Roger
EMAIL ME HERE!
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