Oct. 22, 2010

HCJB Global Honors WMIT/Blue Ridge Broadcasting with Timothy Award
Source: HCJB Global (written by Harold Goerzen and Ralph Kurtenbach)

Ten percent for 10 years ? resulting in millions across the Arab world hearing of God's love through Jesus Christ.

This sums up the appreciation that Dick Jacquin, HCJB Global's vice president of mobilization, expressed in presenting the Timothy Award to WMIT 106.9 The Light and Blue Ridge Broadcasting Monday, Oct. 4, at the station's studios in Asheville, N.C.

"Millions in the Arab world have heard about Jesus Christ ? because of WMIT's generosity," he said. Data collected in 2009 by Intermedia, an international consulting organization, indicated that more than 1.35 million households in the Arab world tune in weekly to HCJB Global's broadcasts.

The Timothy Award honors those who a) have promoted the cause of global evangelism; b) have gone above and beyond over time to reach the world for Christ; c) have exceeded all expectations, going beyond the organization's borders to influence the world for Christ; d) have made a significant impact on global evangelism.

In an ongoing partnership throughout the last decade, WMIT has supported HCJB Global's media ministries to unreached people in the North Africa and the Middle East.

"Some stations might adopt a global ministry for a year or two, then turn to another project," wrote HCJB Global President Wayne Pederson. "But you have been faithful and consistent in selecting a part of the world that needs Jesus, then joining with a partner effectively reaching that part of the world. I congratulate you on your vision, passion and tenacity."

Jointly receiving the award were Jim Kirkland, director of radio for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and WMIT General Manager Alice Knighten.

"God gets all the praise for His work!" exclaimed Kirkland, after acknowledging the ministry impact of HCJB Global down through the decades. WMIT listeners have given more than $1.1 million (10 percent of all sharathon proceeds since 2000) to the Arabic outreach, Kirkland said.

He added that WMIT listeners "see themselves as true partners in the work, adding value through Christ into lives-people they'll never know and won't see likely until we're all at our final home. We simply mirror the commitment our listeners show. And I'd size that commitment up in three words: living, deliberate and infectious."

Previous Timothy Award recipients included Richard and Kathy McDonald of Radio Kahuzi in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (2007); Paul and Sylvia Hollinger of WDAC in Lancaster, Pa. (2007); and Donald and Grace Modglin of Orange, Calif. (2009).

For more information, visit www.1069thelight.org.