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Year 2003

May 2003

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jer 32:27 NKJV

We have until noon Friday 1st August
to raise $90,000!

From day one 14th April 1999 we knew that everything we did as Gippsland Christian Broadcasters would have to be accountable and done with integrity. As we now start to sell sponsorship packages for our first test Transmission we likewise have to be accountable with these funds.

To that end we have decided that if, by noon Friday 1st August, we do not have sufficient funds to equip Life FM in order to conduct the test broadcast - all the sponsors money will be refunded. Accordingly, all sponsorships will now be held in trust until the target of $90 000 is met.

HOWEVER - we believe that this Christian radio venture is in God's plan for this region and so we urge you to PRAY and to ACT....

Dear friend, Some time ago God moved in your heart and you decided to join with us in making the vision of quality, 24-hour Christian broadcasting a reality in Gippsland. We've all been working hard for the past few years, preparing for the day that a license is granted and we can get 'ON AIR'. Thank the Lord that day is today! The Australian Broadcasting Authority has issued Life FM with a temporary broadcasting license from 3rd Oct to 31st Dec 2003. During this time, we must demonstrate that we have the two things necessary to sustain a permanent license: the ability to actually run a working station, and popular support. Many members of Life FM have been actively involved in the preparation phase, spending thousands of volunteer hours (and not a few thousand dollars) to get us this far. Praise God for all your generosity and faithfulness to date - we're nearly there! The line is in sight. The prize is set before us. The goal of all our hard work over the past few years is within our grasp. Will you now help us to get across the finish line? Let us explain … In order for Life FM to get 'ON AIR', we need to have our transmitter and associated technical gear installed and tested by no later than 1 September. To achieve this, we'll need to raise all the necessary funds and place our order by no later than 1 August 2003. That gives us about 70 days to raise $90,000. Or about $1,300 per day for 70 days. Are you able to help us make one great push for the finish line? You are able to make a big difference by: ASKING EVERYBODY YOU KNOW TO JOIN LIFE FM AS A FINANCIAL MEMBER. If every one of us signed up just one person sometime over the next two months, we'd more than cover one $1300 day. Imagine how much we could raise if we each committed to signing up two or even three people in that time! This is something every single one of us can do! An application form you can use is attached. OFFERING EVERYBODY YOU KNOW THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DONATION. Many people-even non-Christians-will be quite happy to make a donation for a worthy cause, even if they don't feel strongly enough to become a member. Every one of us knows somebody who would make even a small donation to see this vision become a reality in October this year. It's something every single one of us can do! SELL SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES. Individuals, groups, churches, schools and businesses are now able to purchase 'ON AIR' sponsorship packages to the value of $2400 (Gold), $1800 (Silver) or $1200 (Bronze). No doubt you'll be as excited as I am to realise that just one of these Bronze packages almost covers our daily need all by itself. Imagine what could be done if every parish in Gippsland banded together to buy a sponsorship package … or if just a handful of the thousands of businesses we all deal with every day signed up … we'd be across the line in no time! You'll find more information about sponsorship packages attached. Contact the Office for details. You can make a difference! The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:3-6 (NLT) "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." We, along with all the members of Life FM's Committee of Management, want to echo those words. We are delighted to be partnering with you in the cause of Christ. We're excited about what God is doing across our nation, and absolutely thrilled about the heaven-sent opportunity that's before us right now - to bring this great vision to reality in October as Life FM goes 'ON AIR'. $90,000 in 70 days. Together, if everyone plays his or her part, we can do it! With warmest greetings in Jesus' name, Andrew Cairns & Deb Bye for Life FM Committee of Management

DATE CLAIMER - there'll be a major fundraising event coming up in July - more details in the next newsletter

"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. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1Cor 26-29 NIV

Something to Think About

I turned on the telly this morning and it was like God was revealing to me (and this time I was really listening!) the urgency of having Christian Radio in Gippsland because other electronic media is definitely not good for the soul!
Have you ever REALLY listened to the lyrics of the songs our young people are bombarded with? I was watching rage (briefly) and in just two songs I heard how "everything is hopeless - what's the point?" and "I want to rip the sheets with you" YUK!

Then I flicked to the cartoons - witches on broomsticks and death, doom and destruction as colourful aliens plot to take over the world.

Then I hear on the radio about how witchcraft has been legalised in our State! Pick up the paper and read about the latest murders or sex scandals. Does your heart ache like mine? NOW MORE THAN EVER we need to be telling people about God's saving grace and forgiveness AND about the hope we have in Jesus. NOW MORE THAN EVER we need to let people see and hear that Christians aren't just the "namby pamby" "wishy washy" "milksops" the media makes us out to be! NOW MORE THAN EVER we need to stand up and be counted - to proclaim that Jesus is LORD and that THERE IS HOPE!

Life FM is here FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS - will you join us as we give Gippsland a REAL alternative in our media.

Blessings
Deb

About Chuck Swindoll
Insight for Living's Bible teacher, Chuck Swindoll, has devoted his life to the clear, practical application of God's Word and His grace. A pastor at heart, Chuck has served as senior pastor to congregations in Texas, Massachusetts, and California. He currently leads Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck's listening audience extends far beyond a local church body.

As a leading program in Christian broadcasting, Insight for Living airs in major Christian and non-Christian radio markets throughout the world and to a growing webcast audience. Chuck's extensive writing ministry has also served the body of Christ worldwide, and his leadership as president and now chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation for ministry. Chuck and Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children and ten grandchildren.

For more information go to www.insight.org

You may have heard the Prayer of Jabez - from 1Chronicles 4:10.

10And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.

Well at Life FM that has been our prayer (in more ways than one!) and we are pleased to announce that :

New Office Space

The Anglican Diocese (our landlords) has reaffirmed their strong support for Life FM and very generously opened up another room for our use. This has come with some shuffling from the current incumbents and we are most grateful for the enthusiasm of Diocesan Archivist Tim Gibson in wanting to help us out. Thank also to Kelvin Kenny and Sam Jones for the "hands on" help. The new space will be used as our administration area, making room for separate on-air and production studios. WHAT A BLESSING!

Life FM Gippsland GOES INTERNATIONAL!
Allen and Deb travelled to Brisbane for the International United Christian Broadcasters Conference last month and there were MANY BLESSINGS.

They learned that all the administrative processes we have in place (databases, filing, accounting etc) are spot on - and in some instances further advanced than other more established stations. There were many inspirational speakers and an opportunity to hear some of Australia's Christian performers LIVE! Wes Jay from Woodlands Media (and Light FM in Melbourne) was there - you may remember Wes helped us put together our demo CD. Wes was promoting his business and part of our demo was on the CD he gave to all the International delegates…Guest speakers Dr Chuck & Kathy Pollack were very inspiring and many pages of notes were taken.

AND…recently we mentioned how Deb had recorded some station identification tags for HCJB (the short wave Christian Radio service to the South Pacific) - well they've been broadcasting those recordings so if you're overseas and you hear a familiar voice on short wave - it just could be our Deb!

Interstate recognition for our web site
Life FM on the Gold Coast and Family Radio 96.5FM were also ports of call for Allen and Deb. It seems our web-site has been helpful in inspiring others - thanks again Beth Harris from Anchor Web Design for the fabulous web page you've developed for us.

It was very encouraging to see how both stations are doing so well in what is a very competitive market. God is blessing Christian Radio - AND THAT INSPIRED US EVEN MORE!

The Entertainment™ Book is a restaurant and activity guide that provides special 25-50% and 2-for-1 incentives from many of the best restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout Australia. Entertainment Books are distributed through fund-raising groups, organisations and corporations, to help raise much needed funds. The featured restaurants and other businesses do not pay to be included; they are selected based on awards, reviews and personal recommendations. Order your Entertainment™ Book now and you will receive over $10,000 in valuable offers, valid until June 1st, 2004. At the same time, you'll be helping Life FM!

Interested? Call Life FM Member and Sponsor Cameron Rash 9840 1166 (BH) or email him at crash@taylorfingrp.com.au . Thanks to Cameron for organising this great fund raiser for us.

March 2003

• It's Official - Test Broadcast this year
• Demonstration CD Available (Listen Online)
• Reduced Membership Cost
• Ritchies Community Benefits Card
• Life Support (fundraising)
• We Need a Caravan
• HCJB World Radio
• Equipment on Loan
• Australian Gospel Music Festival
• Get Involved - Info & Auditions
• Vision FM Discussions

The Australian Broadcasting Association has given us the "go ahead" to broadcast and our start date will be Friday 3rd October. We'll have more details in the following newsletters but this is a real answer to prayer!

There is MUCH work to be done in the next few months and you will find this newsletter jam-packed with plans that will need your assistance. Remember, PRAYER is the most vital part of this project - without it we are just another radio station. This is a ministry to Equip, Encourage and Empower Christians in Gippsland and we will need YOUR prayers and support to make it happen.

This year we have reduced our annual membership fee to $33 for new members and renewals. We will have to make another application for a full time license later in the year so we really need to get those membership numbers up. You can get copies of the demo CD by contacting us - share it with your friends to encourage them to join us. Alive Magazine has generously offered a FREE 2 months subscription (that's 2 issues) for each new or renewed full membership in 2003. Make sure you fill in a NEW membership form (online or by contacting the office).

You can support Life FM Gippsland every time you buy groceries at Ritchies Supermarket in Sale & Maffra. Sign up today (quote Life FM ref# 94637) and you'll get Ritchies discounts as well as help us raise much needed funds. So far we've receieved almost $200.

We have 6 months to raise $90,000! We need to look seriously at how we can raise these necessary funds for equipment. In response to our fund raising appeal we have had several generous donations and a few folk have signed up for regular donations - but we have a LONG way to go.

$90,000 sounds like a lot of money and it is! You may wonder how you can help. If 150 people (that's basically Life FM's membership) were able to donate $23 per week for just 6 months we would reach our target. Friends, remember every dollar you sow into Life FM now is seed for the future harvest and through your support of Life FM "...your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" 2 Cor 9:11

Obviously not all of our members will be a able to donate this amount, and that's ok - some will give more, some will give less. We have had several one-off donations and a number of regular commitments which have been very helpful. Quite a lot of work has happened since Christmas so we need to keep the matter of our finances before you because God supplies our needs through His people. "...give as freely as you have received!" Matt 10:8

It is now possible to make a direct deposit to Life FM. You can do this as a once-off or you can set things up so that your bank transfers a set amount once a week, fortnight or month. Having a direct debit means it's painless for you and regular for us. Why not give it some thought? Just contact your bank and ask them to arrange a regular transfer to Life FM Gippsland at:
Bendigo Bank    BSB: 633 000    ACCOUNT NUMBER: 116708298.

We need to set up a van for our test broadcast. Initially it would be a small information van to have out and about in public view. Our plan is to eventually fit it out to do outside broadcasts to get "Life into the region!". The van will need to be road worthy and around 16ft so it can be towed easily. So far we've had a couple of offers of vans that would require a lot of work and money spent on them. We have seen a couple of suitable vans for around $2600 but of course we don't have the money for this at the moment. Do you have a suitable van that Life FM could put to very good use OR perhaps you would like to designate some funds towards the cost of buying one. Please contact the office for more information. Mondays from 9:30am - 5:00pm or by email.

Australian Gospel Music Festival

Looking for something new and exciting to do this Easter holiday? Why not join the thousands gathering in Toowoomba Qld, for the AGMF!

THe AGMF is a community based music and lifestyle event for youth, kids and families with the BEST artists and MOST attractions.

THe only word to describe AGMF 2003 is "BIG" ...... 140 artists (with special guest David Meece), 30 000 people, new attractions, massive venues, 33 seperate events, and loads of positive atmosphere.

The city of Toowoomba will explode with over 30 000 people soaking up the atmosphere of Australia's largest postive music and lifestyle festival.

Sponsors include Christian stations 96FM Brisbane and Light FM Toowoomba. Visit the AGMF website for updates and new things that will be appearing

Forthright Discussions about a shared "Vision" for Christian Radio in Gippsland

For the past three years the Committee of Management of Gippsland Christian Broadcasters (Life FM) has been tirelessly working towards a smooth introduction of Christian radio to Gippsland. It has always been the intent of Life FM's management that no public announcements would be made until Life FM was well and truly prepared and in a position to release clear, timely and accurate details of Broadcast commencement dates, the specific frequency to which listeners could "tune-in" to and the sorts of programs that would be going to air. For this to coccur, steady, concerted and unhurried planning was necessary, before the long awaited fan-fare of announcing the arrrival of Christian radio to the region. It was therefore somewhat disappointing to learn the a Brisbane based organisation was set to launch a limited "network" service in the area, that had the potential to confuse Life FM supporters, re-direct some local financial support and derail some of the long term planning.

Late last year "Vision FM" purchased two Narrowcast Licences at both Sale & Bairnsdale and will commence broadcasts from nearby sites on the 29th of March. These services will be limited in the area they cover, with a low power output, and will not feature local programming. The services are not "Community" services and will not be permitted to undertake the "community" style of programming that Life FM seeks to offer in due course.

On Monday 17th February, Vice President (and local Pastor) Brian Heath, together with Committee of Management member Debbie Bye and Assistant Administration Manager Allen Moore, met with two representatives of Vision FM to outline the various concerns that Life FM had regarding the projected commencement date of Vision FM's transmissions and the publicity likely to occur at the time of "switching on" the service.

After forthright discussions, an undertaking was given by the Vision FM rep's that whilst the Bairnsdale area would see significant publicity at the time of launching the service, Sale would experience a "soft launch" without publicity, so as not to confuse Life FM's supporters in the immediate vicinity of our Broadcast area, and those who will also be the recipients of significant publicity relative to our impending test-broadcasts.

However, despite some misgivings, LIfe FM recognises that the big picture is only ever known by God and in this spirit we wish Vision FM every sucess in proclaiming the Gospel via the medium of radio and we will now focus on our own start up date of October 3rd 2003.