Knox County Fair

The last week or so has been a whirlwind for Jayme and me…a full week at the Knox County Fair, then spending Monday at the Ohio State Fair, and Tuesday’s Veggie Tales event with ‘Sweet Pea Beauty.’ So, it seems like today I’m finally sitting down to reflect…and share some of those stories with you.

I heard from one father who told me Tenth Avenue North’s music has really “gotten to him.” He says he’s been a casual listener of the station because his kids like to listen, but now the lyrics are really starting to get through. For guys, sometimes it’s hard to admit that something has stirred us emotionally, but I think songs like “Healing Begins” and “Hold My Heart” convey the peace that comes when we finally allow God in…to help us as we confess our failings or disappointments, and help us heal and repair.

We also heard from a woman at the Ohio State Fair who told us she moved back to Ohio last summer, moved in with sister and heard her listening to Christian radio online. Her initial reaction was “what in the world are you listening to?” In the beginning, she wanted no part of it, because her alcohol and drug habits took priority in her life. One day, she sat down and really listened to a Jeremy Camp song. Again, as she told us, the lyrics started sinking in…she started attending church with her sister, and she told us she was celebrating her victory over substance abuse by coming to see the artist whose music made the initial breakthrough. Very inspiring…and I told her that her story would be a great motivator for our staff.

Then, Tuesday, as I watched a couple hundred small children enjoy Veggie Tales, I was reminded of something I heard recently…”whoever wants the next generation will get them.” It’s a scary thought…but I was thankful that God has provided the resources for creative minds like the folks at Big Idea to reach children at an early age with a message that God loves them JUST THE WAY THEY ARE. I’m also thankful that our station can be a vehicle to bring those messages to kids. Parents, I assure you that God wants this next generation. So, please…do what you can to help them get to Him.

Please keep praying for WNZR as we seek to do God’s will and glorify Him…and thank you for the stories of how Christian radio is helping you in your daily walk. Keep them coming!

-Joe

It’s Knox County Fair time…and depending on who you are, that phrase may bring different reactions or emotions…but make no mistake about it, the fair is a BIG DEAL in this county. We have nearly 1,300 local kids in 4-H and Junior Fair…so think about the number of families influenced by those kids.

I’ve been asked many times over my almost 20 years in radio why stations make such a big deal of going to the fair. To me, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the people.

That’s where your listeners are. People who listen to your station come to the fair, bring their families, significant others, whatever. It’s an event for all ages and all walks of life. Listeners get a chance to put a face with the name, but more importantly, so do we. You build relationships, personally and professionally.

That’s where potential listeners are. I guarantee you that there are Knox Countians who still don’t know WNZR exists, and we may find them this next week. There are new people in this community…we meet them every year. We want to connect with those people!

Why? Because our station is built on glorifying God, and a big part of that is letting people know there’s a place they can go and get a message of hope, love and forgiveness. A place where they can get good, solid programs to deepen their Bible reading and the relationships in their families. A place where they can be inspired, blessed, challenged and even sometimes convicted.

Still, some people don’t get it. Honestly, some only see the fair as hot, dirty, noisy and stinky. Some folks have even developed what I would call “fair snobbery.” It’s like they’re lowering themselves to go. It cramps their style. My advice to those people…lighten up…and pack some hand sanitizer! You’re missing out!

We’ll see YOU at the fair!

-Joe

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It’s been a fair week

Fair time, people!