The August Newsletter

All the pre-olympic commentary designed to help us receive the most from our viewing time was still not able to prepare us for some of the exciting events we witnessed.

God has a way of giving us lessons in life to encourage us in our daily walk and I think Kerri's story is one of those that should inspire us even beyond the thrill of the event.

As our women gymnasts came to the final round they were in first place with the Russian women ready to capitalize on any mistakes. That was no surprise to anyone. Winning the event (the vault) would depend on teamwork and confidence was high because at least two of the women were strong in this exercise. There should be no surprises if everyone did what was expected. As you know it didn't happen that way. Kerri was last and came to the floor with extra pressure on her. Her team had been doing well but the girl who performed before her had fallen on both of her attempts. No one thought that was possible. Still Kerri had a chance because the Russians' scores could be predicted and if she could hit her routine the way she had done many times before, everything would still be safe. The U.S. would have first place and the gold.

Maybe it was because Kerri had seen the falls her teammate took just before she came to the floor but whatever it was Kerri did something uncharacteristic for her in competition, she fell. She also injured her left ankle. She was in pain. Another attempt would probably do more damage and you had to wonder if with her injury she could even do an Olympic style vault. It was worth it only if she went for the gold, a full effort with everything done correctly. People would understand if her injury kept her from the final attempt. Everyone had contributed all they could, but Russia might have the gold. Kerri's choice was to make the attempt. You could see her prepare herself to reject the pain and concentrate on what she knew she could do. You hardly noticed a limp as she gained speed and made the vault. It was so good you had to wonder if she really had just limped to the line. When she landed and held her position just long enough, you knew she had hurt herself even more.

She had been the U.S. teams' last hope and she did it, she won! We won! What was her name again? How long had she been with the team? She had to have been good enough to make the team but why hadn't we noticed her before?

If you had the opportunities and desires Kerri had and had come to that point in your life where you needed to make the choice to try or to bow out graciously what would you do? Based on the results you might say you would do the same but the test came before the results were known.

The Bible reminds us that we have an admirable goal ahead of us. Paul called our journey and our finish a "high calling" (Phil 3:14), better than anything else on this earth, even an Olympic medal and the recognition it brings. As we live out and learn about what God has given us in Jesus Christ we recognize that we are not worthy of the new life we have. Our new purpose of letting others know that God loves them as well, can be overwhelming because for one thing it includes being willing to let others see the difference God makes in our lives. The problem is there are many times we feel we are not ready to be tested. We feel we have barely enough faith and grace to make it through the day. In fact we are frustrated by the times we know we have failed. Our church history is full of the accounts of the faithful. We then read Paul's writings and marvel at his zeal and mastery of the Christian life. But now just like in the Olympics it's our turn to carry the task.

We know ourselves well and know we could claim to be injured. Today's pressures and lifestyle and such have taken their toll on us. Could someone else take our place? The answer is no -- not in your neighborhood, or at work or teaching your class or wherever. God has put you where you fit and as far as injuries we can all claim them. We all go for the gold in an injured state. Paul said, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2 Cor 4:7). God's power in us makes us winners. When we step up to the challenges we need to call upon the time we've spent developing our relationship and faith in the Lord. He has never failed the saints. Not those who have gone before you, not you or your generation and with you as their inspiration not those who will come after you. The battle has already been decided, because in Christ we win. So take your place and shoulder you task, remembering to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. When you win we all win and it's forever.

Lee J. Martinez

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JOHN POWERS, a WCIF volunteer since May, handles the Saturday mid-morning shift about twice per month.

John has been married to wife, Debbie, for 23 years. The couple has two sons. The oldest, Jad, is 16 and attends Melbourne High School. Tyler, 12, will be entering Central Junior High School this year. The family attends First Baptist Church of Melbourne.

Powers says he has varied hobbies, but mostly enjoys spending time with his family. He has always had an avid interest in radio, which initially led to a volunteer position with WCIF. "I value the ministry of WCIF, and since I had always wanted to gain more experience in radio, I am thankful that this opportunity arose," Powers explained. "It's great to actually participate in the message of WCIF which is broadcast in music and programs. I feel like I am a part of the message, and the Lord is by my side every step of the way."

John said his favorite characteristic of WCIF is the broad variety of Christian music aired on the station.

by Cliff Lethbridge
 
 

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Looking Ahead

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
(Weekdays 1:30 & 9:00 p.m.)

IN TOUCH
(Weekdays 2:00 and 9:30 p.m.)

INSIGHT FOR LIVING
(Weekdays 8:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.)

Series on theTHE BOOK OF DANIEL

GRACE TO YOU
(Weekdays at 11:00 a.m.)

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Letters

MELBOURNE - Dear Lee and Staff, Wish I could listen more often. You're doing a great job and you're a blessing to so many in our community. Keep it going.

PALM BAY - Dear WCIF I am so sorry that my reminder to send my supportto you was buried on my counter. I am nourished and nurtured by your radio station and the programs aired every day. I now have children of the age that they would like to listen to secular stations, so we compromise in the car. On the way to somewhere, they get to know my music, and on the way home I get to know "theirs". It's working for now but I miss the days of always having you on. God bless each of you that work to keeping us in the community spiritually fed!

MELBOURNE -Thank you for your inspiring notes of thanks. We willcontinue to pray for WCIF as you are such a blessing to us.

ORLANDO - Regretfully this is our last donation. We move to Orlando on Thursday, and cannot pick up WCIF over there. Christian radio in Orange County lacks the integrity of your fine station. In Christ

INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH - In reading through the newsletter this month, I was so blessed by the beautiful letters from listeners of WCIF. If you ever wonder about the importance of your ministry just re-read that issue. While these notes are written to encourage you at WCIF, they are an encouragement to us who read the newsletter also.

WACO, TX -Hello to everyone down there! Wish I were where I could hear you.

MELBOURNE - Dear Lee, Martha, Jack, Cliff and all the good announcers of WCIF, God's blessings be upon you for your ministry of word and song that has upheld me these last years. You are indeed a blessing to this community. Thank you and praise to the Lord.

SATELLITE BEACH - Your column on front of the Newsletter appears to be right on target with todays happenings. You are a great writer and I imagine you could also preach a staunch sermon. I also know you have your hands full with all you are doing at WCIF. You certainly do a great work there and your staff. I am sure everyone appreciates, I surely do. I go to sleep nights with the radio on after reading and studying my Bible. I always delight in His word and realize how great it is and always learn another new depth. Hope you have a great day and may God Bless everyone and me too. In His great Love. P. S. Thanks for Newsletter and your letter.

BOSCOBEL, WI -Dear Folks at WCIF. Enclosed is a check to cover my pledge for the rest of the year. Of course here in Wisconsin I can't hear you until I return in October. I do have a station out of Lancaster, WI. I think it is affiliated with Moody. Any- way wishing you all the best and keep praying those hurricanes away. I am. We are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this year and it just seems to go on and on. God is blessing us through our children. God Bless.

SATELLITE BEACH - Please forgive the delay in sending my Sharathon pledge. God bless your ministry. It is an important part of my daily life.

MELBOURNE - Dear Lee, Martha and all of you. Keep up the good work. I wish I could listen more often but I enjoy what I hear so much we are blessed to have so much good Christian music and fine speakers. Thank you in Christian Love

SEBASTIAN -I'd like to thank you for the very pretty card, telling me you are praying for me. It really made my day. I think it's the nicest thing we can do....pray for each other. I've always believed in the power of prayer, and I trust completely in my Wonderful Lord Jesus, He's the best friend anyone can have. Thank you for a great Christian radio station. It's been such a blessing to me for a good many years. May God continue to richly bless each one, as you serve HIM. Sincerely in Christ.

PALM BAY - To all of you at WCIF Jack you are great in the work of the Lord. We appreciate all your little extra inputs. May God bless you. Before heading to New York to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary among our children and 10 grandchildren we think it is appropriate to send in our pledge for the continuation of the exemplary work of WCIF in the fields by expanding and spraying the word without which our lives would've been meaningless. By the way our extended honeymoon will take us to a European tour. We will miss you all for few weeks but expect the Lord to bring us back to WCIF safe and sound. Have a good summer.

TITUSVILLE - Keep up the great work, God Bless!

MELBOURNE - I go to Orlando once a month and it is so weird to hear the commercials on their Christian station(s)!! We're so blessed to have WCIF for our anointed listening pleasure. God Bless each of you!

MERRITT ISLAND - Dear WCIF Staff - Thank you for all the wonderful hours of Christian music, particularly your night time programing of which I wish you had more of "it" during daytime hours such as "Music in the Night" God Bless

PALM BAY - Sorry I have been late with my pledge. Hope to catch up soon. I have been away for some time and that is why you have not heard from me. I know that your programs have been blessing many lives as told to me by my friends. They have your program on in their cars and in every room in the house. As I have too. May God continue to bless your wonderful work.
 
 

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Mission Trip to Brazil
by Martha Root
 

It's always great to be welcome - even when you're just coming home.

A listener commented this week that she had prayed for us as we were on a mission trip to Brazil and that she was glad to pray for us. How I appreciate the prayer support that many have given this past month. We had a wondeful trip to Brazil. Around 1500 people came to know the Lord during the crusades and about 2000 were treated medically in the clinics. Part of our group also worked on the construction of a church building and provided materials so that it can be finished by the believers there.

Thanks, It's good to be home.

Martha
 
 

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WCIF Day Sponsors

August 3 - MAACO Auto Painting in thanksgiving for the Lord's Blessing of nine prosperous years

August 6 - Anonymous in honor of their wedding anniversary

August 12 - Mr. and Mrs. J. Marvin Grant in honor of their thirty fourth wedding anniversary

August 25 - Anonymous in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Larry Bazer on his tenth anniversary as pastor at First Baptist Church of Melbourne

August 27 - Yvonne Davis, in memory of her husband Pastor Lloyd Davis on his birthday and their anniversary

August 29 - Robert and Dianne Dorr in memory of their son Matthew Christofer Dorr

August 31 - Anonymous, from a parishioner in honor of Pastor Chuck Robertson at St. John's Episcopal Church in Melbourne

Thank you to our Day Sponsors who have underwritten the cost of a broadcast day on WClF. If you or your church would like information about being a Day Sponsor call 725-9243 or send E-mail to
 
 

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Pastor of the Week

A program featuring pastors of local churches heard weekdays at 5:30 p.m.

 August 5-9 Pastor Jim Leftwich
Harbor City Baptist Church, Melbourne

August12-16 Pastor Jim Maher
New Covenant Fellowship, Melbourne

August19-23 Reverend Ken Long
First Church of God, Vero Beach

August 26-30 Reverend Robert M. Krueger
New Hope Lutheran Church, West Melbourne
 
 

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INVITE A FRIEND TO TUNE IN

 WClF NEWSLETTER is a monthly publication of

 WClF FM
702 E. New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901.
(407) 725-9243.

VOLUME XIV, No. 8 Free subscription sent upon request

"I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

1 Timothy 1:1&2

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