Spring 2017
When I say the word “Prodigal”, what comes to your mind first? For many of us, it’s the wayward son in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. But I learned something interesting about that word, Prodigal. It doesn’t mean “wayward.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “recklessly spend-thrift.” To spend until you have nothing left. It’s easy for us to see how that applies to the son in the Prodigal Son story. After all, he took his inheritance from his Father and spent it all, rather recklessly. But it also applies to the Father in the story. God, the Father, lavishly, even recklessly, spent everything He had for our redemption. He gave His one and only Son. His reckless grace toward us is our greatest hope! Pray for the grace to really see just how lavish and great the Father’s love is for you, today.
Sound of Life Ministry Update
The MIDDAY CAFE With DOUG HANNAH 10am-3pm weekdays
DOUG HANNAH
Citrus Splash
Our Spring Make A Difference Days recap inside!
"God's prodigal heart"
Real Life, Real Change
Host of the adopt a nation prayer project
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Tell us about yourself. I was born in Philadelphia and later gave my life to the Lord there after hearing the Gospel preached at the University of Pennsylvania (1971). My husband, Pastor James R. Smith, and I met in 1972 while living on Martha's Vineyard. James and I were married in 1973 and, by the grace of God, have been privileged to serve in pastoral ministry since our wedding day. The Lord has blessed us with three sons and their families. And one more thing: The fact that I am an identical twin usually causes surprise. You started the Adopt a Nation Prayer Project persecution broadcast at the Sound of Life. How did that come about? In August, 1997 while on my first missionary trip to Beijing, China, I met women who were part of the Underground, or secret Church. Their willingness to risk danger and suffer for Jesus Christ inspired me to dedicate my life to spreading awareness and prayer for persecuted Christians. When I returned home, I submitted a request to the Sound of Life, and that year began promoting the "International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church." Not long after, and at the station's invitation, daily "Adopt A Nation Prayer Project" spotlights began airing. From then until now, The Sound of Life Radio has graciously given air time to the message of praying for the persecuted church. Why should Christians pay attention to what’s happening around the world? Do we need to hear such terrible things? Since the Body of Christ is a worldwide community of believers, learning about different cultures and experiences enriches those who have an open heart and mind. Although the message of modern-day persecution is about suffering and pain, these are everyday realities for Christians living in more than sixty nations throughout Asia, Africa, and The Middle East. Hebrews 13:3 encourages us to, "Remember those who are being mistreated as though you were being mistreated with them and those who are in prison as if you were in prison with them." Are you finding that the broadcasts and prayers are making a difference? Yes! The most common statement I hear from listeners is, "This is new information for me!" How can we become more informed about persecution? Visiting websites devoted to awareness and prayer support for persecuted Christians is the best way to learn more about the suffering church. One source is persecution.org
Q&A with SARAH SMITH
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june 18th
Father's Day
may 14th
May 16-17th
National Day of Prayer
Mother's Day
Calendar
may 4th
Thanks so much for your response during our March Make a Difference Days! We finished our three days of on-air fundraising at 65% of the goal. Since the close of the fundraiser, we’ve had additional gifts come in to raise our total to 75% of the goal. For that we are grateful to God and to all of you who responded! If you haven’t had a chance to give toward Make a Difference Days, please prayerfully consider how you might be part of reaching the goals that will keep the “Real Life and Real Change” of the Gospel coming through the music and messages on the Sound of Life! You can give safely and securely online or by using the response card included with this newsletter. Thanks… and God bless you!
"Waiting To Be Wanted" Compassion International on-air sponsorship drive
Word of Life Summer Big Nights (Pottersville), Thursday night concert series
Contender at Sound of Life, 1990
may 16th
june 23-24th
SOund of life Production Director
"I’ve had a relationship with the Sound Of Life since its start in 1985. For over 30 years, I've been involved in the music industry, and I actually performed at the Sound Of Life’s first anniversary concert. Some may remember the band Contender I was in. It was during that period that I first visited the Philippines with Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart on their tour. That trip changed my life and began my work in the Philippines. In 2008 we started Hope For Change International and I am the Assistant Director/Philippines Program Director. We provide education sponsorship for elementary through college age students living in extreme poverty conditions. Happy to be working here because someone has to keep Joe Hunter under control... "
june - august
7eventh Time Down, Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Albany)
Worship in the Adirondacks, music festival at Word of Life Ranch, Pottersville
fundraiser recap
Meet paul
Thirty six years ago, my heart was changed. Thirty six years ago, I realized that I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I had grown up in a church-going family, but it wasn’t until I was almost 18 years old that I knew and understood what it meant to be a believer in Jesus Christ. And then one year later, my future plans were changed. I realized that as I was growing up, radio was my companion in my room after school and at night as I was winding down the day and then falling asleep. I started my college education as a Business major, but as I began to grow more in my faith and was exposed to Christian music, the two passions came together. I felt God directing me toward Christian radio. I’ve worked in radio for 33 years, 31 of those years for the Sound of Life. It’s pretty rare for someone in radio to work at the same place for that many years. My family circumstances have had a lot to do with that, but in large part, even as a transplant to this area, I’ve felt the spiritual need for this area of the country – the Northeast is a mission field. I’m grateful to God that He has allowed me to serve Him in this region for almost 31 years! We’ve just wrapped up our Spring fundraiser – Make a Difference Days! I’m so grateful to those who have given…You see the need and you responded to keep the voice of the Sound of Life going throughout the Northeast. It’s been a great ride for these 31 years! I’m so grateful to have had my family, my Christian brothers and sisters and above all, the Lord, along on this amazing ride! By God’s grace we’ll keep doing this as long as He provides and gives us the strength! Amen! God bless you!
faith and faithfulness in the radio industry
"even as a transplant to this area, i've felt the spiritual need for this area of the country."
Thank you to Hudson Valley Bridge Builders! Thanks to their generosity of resources and labor, we have a ramp at our entrance. Our building is now accessible to everyone, including volunteer Travis!
Moment with the manager