Radio Station Volunteer Stayed On Faithfully Until Her Final Sign-off

March 21, 2013

Radio Station Volunteer Stayed On Faithfully Until Her Final Sign-off

March 21, 2013

Glenn Lafitte, CEO of the World Radio Network, presents a certificate to Jovita Gutiérrez for having served with the network since 1989.

(March 21, 2013 - by Bonnie Lafitte) On a Friday in January, Jovita Gutiérrez passed the day answering the telephone, greeting visitors to KBNL-FM in Laredo, Texas and helping with other aspects of the station's operations. By the following Monday, Jan. 28, she had passed into eternity at the age of 81.

Gutiérrez had volunteered as the station's receptionist for the last 24 years of her life. Amid her steady workload, she was also a devoted prayer warrior and evangelist, according to Bonnie Lafitte, whose husband, Glenn, was one of her earliest supervisors.

Lafitte, who serves as chief executive officer of the World Radio Network (WRN) that includes KBNL-FM, has watched as Gutiérrez's daughter, Rosie Rabell, was raised in the shadow of the ministry and grew into her own role there. She now serves as the station's program director.

KBNL Manager Arturo Lozano characterized Gutiérrez as an example of selfless service, dedication and faithfulness, adding that through her dedication, many have come to know Christ and have matured in their walk with the Lord. "She will be profoundly missed," he said.

Gutiérrez began volunteering in 1989, the same year the Lafittes moved to Laredo from Ecuador with their 2-year-old son, Jared. "Jovita and Rosie often cared for Jared and Justin, who was born shortly after our arrival in Laredo," Lozano recalled. "We have fond memories of times of fellowship with Jovita, Rosie and their family over the years."

Gutiérrez was among the oldest attendees at the combined WRN board meeting/administrative conference and retreat in November 2012 in the McAllen area, according to Lafitte.

Jovita Gutiérrez
1931-2013

Born in Sabinas, Coahuila, Mexico, on Aug. 26, 1931, Gutiérrez raised eight children (including Rosie), but still made time to volunteer. Active in the Christian Women's Alliance on both sides of the border, she also organized local prayer groups.

Memorial services took place in Laredo on Thursday-Friday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, with hundreds of people present. As Gutiérrez had eight children, 26 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, the section marked "family" was extensive indeed.

The World Radio Network (Radio Cadena Manantial in Spanish) is one of HCJB Global's cooperating ministries. KBNL-FM is among 14 stations of the network which primarily serves listeners along the Mexico-U.S. border but elsewhere as well. The WRN is also comprised of nine repeaters, two satellite services with about a dozen affiliates and a Bible correspondence school. Of the 14 stations, eight stream their programming on the Internet.

Sources: World Radio Network, www.ecfa.org

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.