The October Newsletter

The first time I met a real pastor was just before I became a Christian. That was nearly thirty years ago.

The very night I became a Christian, Pastor Wilcox came to our house to rejoice and have prayer with us. I remember him asking questions to make sure I had put my trust in Christ. I know all pastors are unable to do this but he arranged to have a Bible study in our home for a number of weeks. We invited other new Christians to attend and we were all treated to the sound training which is so important to new babes in Christ.

We became good friends through the contact we had around the Word of God. He welcomed questions even when they came to him late at night. I look back and wonder how I could have been so insensitive as to call him late at night (which was my study time). He would always try to help. He would correct me when it was needed and helped me learn to "rightly divide the Word of Truth".

Later when we began to sense God's call to the ministry you can guess who was there to encourage and help us see where we were to go. As it turned out God called us to train at Moody in Chicago, which was half way across the country. I had to travel out ahead of my family in order to start the fall semester on time. Our plan was for me to return and move the family over a long weekend but as the time approached we realized this was going to be difficult. Guess who volunteered to take care of packing and bringing my family to me so I could concentrate on what I was doing?

God has given us many examples of what a believer should and can be and that is good. Because we have moved from place to place, we have been under the teaching and preaching of many of God's fine shepherds. I could take example from almost every one of them and do well but I want to be like brother Ken. The Lord must surely be pleased with one who can represent Him from the pulpit, in his own family and to the needy people he is called to shepherd.

I realize the larger the church, the less likely the pastor could make such a concerted effort for one family. Think what it would be like if as the church grew, people were assigned the task of developing the potential of the members.

In preparing for Clergy Appreciation Month, I've been thinking about the special people God has gifted to lead His people. Their achievements have for the most part gone unnoticed. Pastor Wilcox should have expected full return of the love he expressed to our people but I remember it wasn't that way. When he did well it was only what he was expected to do. If there were any problems they were put on his shoulders almost immediately, whether or not he could do anything about them. He didn't ask to be appreciated but as with any of us, kind words and loving actions would have meant so much to he and his family.

People need their pastors but remember, God designed it this way, pastors need their people too. The support we all need comes from one another. If you think your input doesn't matter you might change your mind as you read the following testimonies. Pastors are grateful to be serving but they are also thankful to know they are an essential part of the fellowship as well. Things go better when we work together.

Lee J. Martinez

Last Sunday, my associate and I were prepared for our usual two Sunday services. He was getting ready to step to the pulpit for the morning welcome when the choir director jumped up, beat him there and called for the ushers to "distribute the real order of service." They proceded with music, specials and offering as we had planned, but substituted Scripture reading, pastoral prayer and the sermon with three rounds of tribute to each of us, a prayer of commitment for each of us, and finally, a gift floral arrangement for each of our families. The whole scheme must have been manipulated through our office secretary right under our noses.

We understand that next Sunday, the adult Sunday School classes are planting two trees on the grounds in our honor. We're both originally from Oklahoma, so they've chosen the Red Bud, the Oklahoma state tree and highly recommended by our city tree board for local planting. There have also been boxes set up to collect letters and cards for each of us, a string of meal invitations and anonymous gifts. Who knows what other surprises they have planned.

A Pastor in Kansas

Earlier this year, I went to the Promise Keepers convention in Minneapolis. At the end, Coach McCartney invited all the pastors down front. As I made my way to the platform, it was with a sense of frustration, fear, regret and sadness that I received the applause, high fives and pats on the back. Church wasn't this way. Instead, a strong and vocal group was ripping me and my wife apart. When I'd hear the advertisement on Focus on the Family's radio program for Clergy Appreciation Month, I dismissed it as nice, but "not this year - everyone is too caught up in conflict to notice." But some did, and they cared, and they planned, and they blessed. On the second Sunday of October, the congregation gave us a surprise Pastor and Family Appreciation Day, complete with a love offering, many cards, gifts and a registration for a pastor/spouse marriage seminar with Gary Smalley in Branson, Missouri. We are recovering as a body, but those who are left generally have a different spirit about them and have rallied around us and loved us.

A Pastor in Wisconsin

Regarding Clergy Appreciation Month this year, please remind people that they may not have another chance to honor their pastors. Last October, I heard your programs and I thought, "What a great idea!" But I never got around to it. I was simply too busy doing other things and thought. "I'll do it next year." Next year never came for our pastor. He died the day before Thanksgiving in a car accident. I regret deeply that I did not even send a card. Presently, our church is still looking or a new pastor. If, by the grace of God, we have one October, I know I will do better.

A Church member in Michigan

On October 23, I couldn't take it anymore. Even though I didn't have a job to go to, school had already started and the church would probably close down, but I decided to resign anyway. My wife crawled into my arms in tears the night before, telling me that I didn't have to stay on for her sake anymore. I wanted to stay for God, but I had reached an end and began to fear how it would affect my children. But when I walked into church on October 24 and the service began, I was surprised by the grace of God. A significant number of leaders in the church, some privy to the serious conflicts that were going on and some not, had planned a Clergy Appreciation Sunday in response to your promotions. They gave us gifts, offered meals for a week, planned and performed a special song and shared testimonies as to how God had used us in thefr lives. Then they laid hands on and prayed over us. I don't know how I made it through the service, but the voices of support overwhelmed and confounded the remaining voices of discontent. After that Sunday, we stayed, and from that moment, the worst was over.

A Pastor in Wisconsin

Back to Top of Newsletter

Happy Birthday

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.

 October 3 - Erwin Lutzer,
Moody Church Hour, - Sunday 4:00 p.m.,
Songs in the Night, - Sunday 11:00 p.m.,
1609 N. LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL 60614

October 15 - Joni Eareckson Tada,
Joni and Friends - Weekdays 1:00 p.m.,
P. 0. Box 3333
Agoura, CA 91301

October 16 - Chuck Colson,
Breakpoint - Weekdays, 7:33 am.,
1856 Old Reston Avenue
Reston, VA 22090

October 18 - Charles Swindoll,
Insight for Living - Weekdays 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 8:00 p.m.,
P.O. Box 69000
Anaheim, CA 92817

Ben Haden,
Changed Lives - Sunday, 8:30a.m.
554 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402

October 21 - Dr. Woodrow Kroll,
Back to the Bible - Weekdays, 8:00 p.m.
P.O. Box 82808
Lincoln, NE 68501

October 28 - Lee J. Martinez,
General Manager, WClF
P. 0. Box 366
Melbourne, FL 32902

Back to Top of Newsletter

Looking Ahead

KEY LIFE
(Weekdays, 6:15 a.m.)
Steve Brown

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
(Weekdays 1:30 & 9:00 p.m.)
Dr. James Dobson, host

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

The Grace Awakening Series continues through October 23. Golden Nuggets From Forgotten Places Series starts October 24.

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

October 7-10 - True Happiness (Matthew 5:1-2 & Matthew 7:13-14)
October 14 starts series on The Body Dynamic.

Back to Top of Newsletter

Letters

MELBOURNE - We love your programs, it is the only Radio Station we listen to. We especially like Steve Amerson. May God's richest blessing be yours.

MELBOURNE - Don't ever let this station be turned off. It's so important to me in hearing Chuck Swindoll's program, Grace to You, many more morning shows and Larry Burkett in the afternoon when I am out driving ...Bless you and your work for the Lord.

VERO BEACH - Hi to all you hard working volunteers. Just a note to let you know how we appreciate your work. Last week I drove to Orlando and I listened to WCIF there and back. I sang along with all the songs and listened to all the prayers. You need a lot of prayers in Orlando traffic. Your programs made my trip a pleasure. Thanks again for your good work.

SATELLITE BEACH - Words are just not available in thanking you for all you mean to us! What a blessing to have WCIF and all of your wonderful programs and music. We realize you are all very hard workers in bringing us this joy and encouragement, teaching and direction. May God richly bless each of you!

MELBOURNE - I have returned to Florida, after a wonderful summer with family and friends. I did miss being able to tune in to WCIF. I was not able to get anything like your station. We in this area are so lucky to get the music and teachings you are able to supply us with. You are always there for us day and night. Thank you all for your continued efforts. Enclosed is a donation of part of my commitment.

PALM BAY - Thanks for the wonderful programs which I enjoy very much being all alone. I love the old songs. I can sing with them and it lifts my spirit, the new ones I do not know. Anyway, keep the good news going for I believe we are near the end. May the good Lord bless you all.

MELBOURNE BEACH - I am getting ready to move to San Antonio, Texas - after 20 wonderful years here in Brevard County. I want to thank you for your faithfulness in proclaiming God's Word always, and for the great music and speakers. I have always kept my radio tuned to WCIF. May the Lord continue to bless your faithfulness!

PALM BAY - My sincerest thanks to you for running the Moms In Touch announcement following Focus on the Family Sept. 9, l0, & llth. The response from your listeners was immediate and we are hoping to add new Moms In Touch groups to our Brevard County schools. God bless you for your faithfulness.

COCOA - The messages of Charles Stanley, Ray Ortlund and John MacArthur are a most important part of my day, and I didn't want another month to pass without my telling you again how much I love and appreciate all of you at WCIF. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share in this ministry with my prayers and my financial support to help others grow spiritually just as I am growing. I listen whenever I can and am always lifted up and encouraged in my faith. I listen to "In Touch" at 2 p.m. and plan my break at work during the airing at 9:30 p.m. for reinforcement of the message. I certainly understand letters from other listeners who have problems with reception - I do too but look forward to the new tower which will give us a stronger signal.

MICCO - May God bless you all. You are such a blessing to me through your lovely music, teaching, etc. I especially enjoy "Through the Bible" with Dr. J. Vernon McGee. Wish I could send more at this time, but I know even a little with God's help can go a long way.

Back to Top of Newsletter

Memorial Gifts

Gifts have been given to the ministry of WCIF:
 

Back to Top of Newsletter

WCIF Day Sponsors

September 19 - Russ and Mary Ann Latch, in honor of their new granddaughter, Amy Elise Apon, born to their daughter Lori and her husband Bobby Apon on September 18

October 10 - Bob and Helen Stafford in honor of their forty-third wedding anniversary

October 13 - Anonymous, in appreciation of the pastoral staff and their families at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Palm Bay

October 18 - Paul and Lorna Nunn in honor of her mother Velma Haeussler on her birthday

October 23 - John and Becky Boncek in honor of their nineteenth wedding anniversary

October 27 - Mr. and Mrs. Ken Otto in honor of their twenty-third wedding anniversary

October 29 - Lula Fox in honor of her daughter Judy Emery on her birthday

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
 
 

 Back to Top of Newsletter

Pastor of the Week

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

 October 7 - 11 Pastor Earl R. Schafer
Peace Lutheran Church, Palm Bay

October 14 - 18 Pastor Richard Phipps, Jr.
First Baptist Church, Micco

October 21 - 25 Pastor Ronnie Fields
Christian Fellowship Church of God in Christ, Melbourne

October 28 - November 1 Pastor David A. Rosenbaum
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Merritt Island

Back to Top of Newsletter

1997 Calendar Request

Our 1997 Inspirational Life Calendar is being planned. Our calendars are sent out to be of help to you. The calendars are available free of charge, but we need to know they are wanted. If you would like to receive the 1997 calendar just fill this request form with your correct address. If you contributed to the ministry of WClF during 1996 you will automatically receive a calendar. If you are not sure, please feel free to return a request form. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Thank you.

Back to Top of Newsletter

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. 9 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

Back to Top of Newsletter