The May Newsletter
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WHERE DID GOD COME FROM? Could He make a rock too big for Himself to lift? Don't laugh. I know that drunks and philosophers have been asking both questions for thousands of years. |
If God had no beginning, what was He doing for the eternity prior to the few thousand years of our own recorded history?
Such questions may sound irreverent and foolish to you, but they make me feel at times as if I'm losing my mind. For the life of me, I can't figure out how God could exist or how He could not exist, with a beginning or without a beginning. There are no understandable answers either way. Life starts to feel like a dream.
Yet sometimes such questions bring me to my senses. Sometimes when my mind is exhausted, I feel strangely close to the God of the Bible. When I'm too tired to think, I look at the dog curled up at my feet and long to rest as easily at the feet of the One who asks, "To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?" (Isaiah 40:25).
In those moments, it makes sense to think that if my dog can trust me without being able to understand what I can't explain, then it is just as reasonable to trust a Creator who knows infinitely more than I could understand.
The trust I long for is not a sleepy mindlessness. In those moments when I feel awakened to the miracle of existence, I don't want to blink. I don't want to go to sleep on the pillow of the familiar while riding this mysterious, thundering wave called life. I don't want to take anything for granted as this surging wave of existence heads for the beach of eternity.
No one can live with such serious intensity for very long. We all need times of rest, and laughter, and sleep. But when we are rested, how can we fail to sense the wonder of our own existence? How can we even think of wishing for a miracle to confirm that God exists? What have we ever seen that is not a miracle? Who can deny the Scriptures which declare that the heavens and earth are full of the glory of God.
In this "information age" we need to remember the limitations of our own understanding. Faced with the phenomenal growth of the Internet and the explosion of information services, we could be tempted to think that in time man will understand everything. We might imagine that with enough knowledge we will be able to solve all of our problems. We might act as if knowledge is God.
We cannot afford to put our hope in a modern "tower of Babel." Neither can we afford to be like Adam and Eve, who lost their senses ignoring what God had said while trying to understand what He had not told them.
What Moses wrote about knowledge and its limitations is still true. "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Forgive us, Father, for using what You have concealed as an excuse to ignore what you have made obvious. Forgive us for thinking it is more important for us to understand than to trust.
Mart De Haan is president of Radio Bible Class and heard Saturdays
at 7:30 p.m. on WCIF. Copyright © Radio Bible Class. Reprinted by
permission from Times of Discovery, Volume 56, Number 5.
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Champion for God - with
the Lord
Jack Wyrtzen
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On Wednesday, April 17 at about 9:30 a.m., at age 82, the man God used to found and direct the worldwide ministries of Word of Life Fellowship for 50 years went to be with the Lord. |
Saved at age 19 through the testimony of a friend, Jack turned from leading a dance band and began a Bible study with a handful of friends. In later years, Jack would often quote the following Scripture that characterized his life after his conversion: ...If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (II Corinthians 5:17)
God abundantly blessed Jack and the ministry of Word of Life flourished. Camps and conference centers were founded in New York and Florida, overseas ministries expanded into 37 coun- tries on 6 continents, Bible Clubs developed in churches, and a Bible Institute was founded. Co-Director Harry Bollback once wrote about Jack, "much that has been accomplished through the worldwide ministries of Word of Life was never really planned by Jack. Yet in all reality, the accomplishments did not just happen. God used a man who was available, a man who sincerely loved and trusted God, a man of explicit and almost childlike faith who believed that God would do the impossible."
Jack is survived by his wife Joan, and their 8 children and 55 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Concerned by the reality that many organizations never continue beyond the founding leadership, Jack created room for younger men and in 1991, passed the leadership of Word of Life on to George Teis. God used Jack Wyrtzen to reach thousands who will be eternally grateful for this faithful ministry, "Holding For the Word of Life".
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Each month we list our broadcasters that have birthdays that month. We encourage you to remember these friends and their ministry with special prayer on that day.
May 17 - Jack Fichter, WClF Announcer P.O. Box 366 Melbourne, FL 32902
May25 - Martha Root, WClF Operations Administrator P.O.
Box 366 Melbourne, FL 32902
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KEY LIFE
(6:15 a.m. weekdays)
Steve Brown is presenting a series of messages from his study in Isaiah . . "mining the diamonds of Isaiah!" during the month of May. Included are:
May 13-17 - "The Promises God Has For His People" from Isaiah 49
May 20-24 - "The Servant King" from Isaiah 49.
Chuck Swindoll continues his series "Excellence in Ministry" (I Timothy) with the following:
May 8 & 9 - What About Women in the Church
May 10 & 13 - Checklist for Choosing Church Leaders
May 14 - 16 - Another Look at the Checklist
May 17, 20 & 21 - The Dignity of Servanthood
May 22 & 23 - A Hope, A House, A Hymn
May 24 & 27 - Ministering Amidst the Crazies
May 28 & 29 - The Do's and Don'ts of Ministry
May 30 & 31 - Respecting and Rebuking the Saints
John MacArthur on "Building Bridges, Building Walls" May 6
- 17.
"The Future of Israel" Series starts May 20.
May 6 & 7 - The Incredible Worth of a Woman - Guest Gary Smalley with a humorous yet profound message on women.
May 8 & 9 - Spiritual Training of Children I & II - Dr. Dobson gives practical advice to parents: how to pray for your children and set a Christian example.
May 10 - A Celebration of Mothering - Dr. Dobson is joined by Mrs. Lynn Van Windergen, mother of 21!
May 13 & 14 - From Mrs. Career to Mrs. Mom - Larry Burkett and Dr. Dobson discuss practical ways women can make this transition successfully.
May 16 & 17 - What Kids Say When Their Parents Are Not Around Dr. Jay Kesler helps parents understand their children better!
May 20 - Building Bridges - Learn about roots that Christians and Jews share - guest Rabbi Howard Hirsch.
May 21 - A Message to Teens - from high school teacher Fran Sciacca.
May 22-24 - Adrenalin and Stress - Psychologist Dr. Archilbald Hart is guest.
May 27 - Questions From Parents of Young Children - Dr. Bruce Narramore joins Dr. Dobson to help answer some of those puzzling questions parents have about young children.
May 28 - Help Your Children Resist Drugs - authors Steve Arterburn and Jim Burns join Dr. Dobson.
May 30 & 31 - Women and Stress - Mrs. Jean Lush is
guest.
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PALM BAY - I just want to tell all of you that work so hard to make WCIF such a success, how much I enjoy the many wonderful programs that you offer. I just wrote a short note the other day, but I did want to stress to you what a blessing I have received from WCIF. My favorite programs are Chuck Swindoll, Dr. Stanley, Focus on the Family, the hourly news, the Main Thing, Haven of Rest & Music Thru the Night. I very much enjoy the weekly programs of Unshackled & Songs in the Night.
MELBOURNE - Here is my pledge for March. Wish it could be more. I get so much in return by listening to your station each day and evening when I am not at work. Thanks so much for sharing God's words with me!!
PALM BAY - Thanks so much for your radio station; it meant so much to me since I am alone all the time. I never turn it off and keep it on through the night. Please accept my $ for my pledge. May the good Lord bless you all and your ministry.
MELBOURNE - I don't have time to write the many "thanks" for our station--so many wonderful people! I panic whenever there's a tower problem and must go to sleep without hearing that wonderful music and meditations! God's richest blessings--always!
PALM BAY - Thank you for your wonderful programming. As a Christian it is important for me to have a station that relates to my values. Thank you and God bless.
PAFB- Hello, I have been stationed here in Melbourne for 2 1/2 years. I'm in the Air Force. I listen to your station everyday and it brings me contentment.
MELBOURNE BEACH - I have been enjoying your station for almost a year. A lot has changed for the better. I am now married. I've learned a lot and I think your staff is great. I don't forget to change my last name! I work a lot more in Vero so I don't get to listen as often but I'm so glad you are here. I appreciate your great programs and music.
SEBASTIAN - Thank you for your great programs 24 hours a day. It is a privilege to be able to be a small part in helping to make it possible.
COCOA - Keep up the good work--my radio stays tuned to WCIF most all day. We need the truth preached in these days we are living in. God bless all who work there and have a part in ministering to so many each day.
BAREFOOT BAY - Dear WCIF Family, This is a little late, but better late than never (I don't know if that is scriptural, but in this case I believe it applies). I am still able to tune you in every day at work for most of the day. I praise God for such a blessing. There are many days when I feel as if I wouldn't make it through the day if it weren't for the ministry I receive from your programs. I enjoyed all three days of Sharathon and received great encouragement and confirmation on many occasions because of things God spoke to my heart through the various personalities who were a part of Sharathon. God bless you all. Even though I was unable to phone in a pledge during that time it is very important to me to support your ministry through prayer and whenever possible through a financial contribution. And even though the goal you had set was not reached during the 3 day period we all know that God is faithful to meet every need. I am confident that contributions will surpass your goal, as in past years. I enclose a check for $ and wish it could be more. My prayers are for peace and joy for all of you.
VERO BEACH - Thank you for your letter regarding your recent
fundraising. I am so glad to be able to contribute in a small way for all
the blessing WCIF has been to me way down here in Vero.
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Gifts have been given to the ministry of WCIF:
In Memory of Alexander and Jessie McKim
from Wade and Shirley Lovings
In Memory of Cecil Cordie
from Ray Goodson
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Each month volunteers get together for a WCIF Newsletter Party - to label, stuff and staple - and have a good time in fellowship. During the summer months we have opportunities for other volunteers to help with this process as some of the regulars are away. If you might be interested in helping one or more months during this time please call the station and let us know - 725-9243 or send us E-mail at wcif1063@iu.net. This might even be a project for your family as it's something older elementary students could help do.
Thanks, Martha
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May 1 - Joann Fisher to give honor to the Lord for breathing life into her on May 1
May 2 - Ed and Karen Busch in honor of the National Day of Prayer
May 3 - Jim and Huldah Keuning in honor of their son, Michael, on his graduation from Covenant College on May 4
May 4 - Weldon and Margaret Young in honor of their wedding anniversary
May 5 - Elaine WaIler in memory of her husband Tom on his birthday May 4
May 7 - Aileen and Greg Bongers in memory of husband and father Bob Bongers on his birthday
May 11 - Lynn and Marta Deffenbaugh in honor of their son Paul on his eighth birthday
May 12 - Skip Wren in honor of his wife Lynne on Mother's Day
May 14 - Sara Howard and Ruth Miller in honor of great niece and granddaughter Sara Elizabeth Ellison on her twenty-first birthday
May 16 - Darrell and Anita Claborn in honor of the celebration of the marriage of their son Mike Clabom to Cari Couey on May 17
May 17 - Frederick and Wynn Herscher in honor of their son Dale Herscher on his birthday
May 25 - Larry and Judy Robson in memory of her mother Dorothy Robison
May 26 - Anonymous, in honor of their twenty-third wedding anniversary
May 27 - Ron and Gloria Burk in honor of their daughter Emily on her eighteenth birthday
May 28 - Dr. and Mrs. J. Leland Hall in honor of their fiftieth wedding anniversary
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 wcif1063@iu.net.
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A program featuring pastors of local churches heard weekdays at 5:30 p.m.
May 6 - 10 - Reverend Mike Oliver
First Methodist Church, Vero Beach
May 13 - 17 - Pastor Duane Mills
King Street Baptist Church, Cocoa
May 20 - 24 - Pastor Paul Hauenstein
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Sebastian
May 27 - 31 - Chaplain Charles Echols
Patrick Air Force Base Chapel
WClF FM
702 E. New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, FL 32901.
(407) 725-9243.
VOLUME XIV, No. 5 Free subscription sent upon request
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| Copyright ©1996 WCIF Christian Radio
Created by KiperteK |
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Contact WCIF:
WCIF Christian Radio P.O. Box 366 Melbourne, FL 32902-0366 (407) 725-9243 E-mail: info@wcif.com |