WNZR 90.9 FM, a broadcast ministry of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, is celebrating the success of Lifeline 2019, the radio station’s annual fundraiser. Lifeline 2019 was held in late March with a goal of $64,000. This year’s effort brought in $72,032, and the total continues to rise. Blessed with over 232 ministry partners, the WNZR staff was greatly encouraged and extremely thankful for the community’s support.
“God is so faithful,” said WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart. “We are so honored to be part of a ministry that is growing and reaching our community for Christ. Thank you to everyone who pledged their support and became partners in our radio ministry. You are making a difference and helping us tell the story of how God Is On The Move.”
The theme of Lifeline 2019 was God Is On The Move, based on the song from 7eventh Time Down. This theme challenged the WNZR staff and listeners to focus their attention on God’s blessings and answers to prayer. This theme also reminded us to stay focused on unity within the body of Christ. During Lifeline 2019, WNZR was able to share the stories of unity among the Christian community and how God has blessed many churches and organizations. The theme verses for Lifeline 2019 were Isaiah 43:18-19 which instruct believers to forget the past and focus on the new things that God is doing, because God is on the move.
Lifeline 2019 began March 20 with a day of Prayer and Praise. Throughout the day, WNZR’s focus was on praising God, sharing prayer requests and testimonies and intentionally praying for the community. Listeners called in to share their personal stories about God’s work in their lives.
Official fundraising days were March 21-25. Numerous special events were held including the Lifeline Choice Challenge which offered gift certificates to those pledging $150 or more. Friday brought Matching Challenge Day and listeners’ pledges were matched by several generous donors in the community.
On Saturday, March 23, WNZR held its second annual Lifeline 5K. That morning, 37 participants came to Mount Vernon Nazarene University to run, walk, or bike for Lifeline 2019. Saturday afternoon, the Big Blue crew went on the road to provide community service for two local ministries providing food assistance to Knox County residents. WNZR Staff Members were joined by several members of the MVNU Men’s Basketball Team to serve at the Church on the Rise Food Pantry and feedtheVERN.
The MVNU students helped to pack 945 bags of food at feedtheVERN. These food bags will be delivered to Mount Vernon elementary children (K–5). This food will help sustain students that need food over the weekends when they are not at school. The crew at Church on the Rise helped to clean and organize the food pantry. This pantry provides monthly distribution of food to the needy in the community every third Saturday; plus emergency food distributions throughout each month. They serve 800-850 individuals monthly.
At 8 p.m., March 23, the total stood at $50,330. WNZR returned to fundraising on Monday morning, March 25, with the Lifeline 2019 Wrap-Up Day. A little after 4 p.m. the station received the call that pushed the total over the goal of $64,000.
“Lifeline 2019 has been another example of how meaningful the partnership is between our listeners and our team of student broadcasters,” said MVNU Director of Broadcasting Joe Rinehart. “I’m so grateful to the entire WNZR family for continuing to support our radio ministry. The growth of WNZR over the last 32 years has been amazing, and I’m excited to see what God will do next.”
There were 46 first-time donors, 185 continued supporters, and 3 increased pledges, demonstrating that God is continually reaching new people and families through WNZR.
“Your support of this radio ministry goes right back into the community and directly impacts the lives of the students in this program,” said sophomore journalism and media production/theatre major from Cincinnati, Ellie Parker. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow as a broadcaster and professional and for welcoming me into your community. Our ministry would not be possible without you!
“We greatly appreciate you! Your financial support of our radio ministry allows us to share the message of hope to those who are lost and searching. Your financial gifts and prayers are equipping us to spread the message of Jesus to this world,” said Rachel Rinehart, junior journalism and media production/theatre major from Mount Vernon. “I pray that, as a community, we continue to see God on the move here in Knox County. Thank you for helping us spread the love of Christ to others.”
Pictures and videos from Lifeline 2019 can be found at wnzr.fm and on WNZR’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
WNZR 90.9 FM is celebrating 32 years as Knox County’s hometown Christian radio station. WNZR broadcasts contemporary Christian music, family-oriented programs, sports, news and weather 24 hours a day. All who wish to support Lifeline 2019 or who would like more information, visit wnzr.fm or call WNZR at 740-392-9090.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,200 students from 31 states and 22 countries/U.S. territories.
