Driving Notes

The OSU mess

As the events surrounding the Ohio State football program and Jim Tressel have amplified this week, it’s been tough to watch and listen. Maybe you’ve felt the same way. None of us ever want to see a program and/or a person we root for and admire fall from their position.

What happened at OSU goes on in pretty much every big-time college sports program in the country. People want to associate themselves with success and winning, so they look for ways to feel like part of the team. Many times, that leads to an ethical crossroads involving money or other material goods that college students aren’t prepared to navigate…especially in a society where we entitle talented athletes.

As someone who supervises and employs college students, I can tell you first-hand that even if you have a close, mentoring relationship with the students, they will make mistakes. Thinking you can control all of that is foolish. You’ve got to border your leadership in prayer, and even then, problems may arise. Holding them accountable for those mistakes is not easy, but necessary.

My biggest disappointment in this whole OSU mess is that Coach Tressel wasn’t given the chance to make things right…to go through the punishment handed down and build the program back to respectability. From an imaging perspective, that apparently was too much for Ohio State to endure. In my mind, all the good things Jim Tressel has done beyond just coaching earned him that opportunity. Former Buckeye All-American Chris Spielman made a very insightful comment Monday when he wondered aloud why the university didn’t allow their coach to do this very thing. Letting Coach Tressel demonstrate accountability to his young men might have been one of the greatest learning experiences they would have received. But now we’ll never know. Hopefully Coach Fickell can do his part to see that through.

This situation has reminded me once again that while I love watching and being a fan of OSU football, big-time college and professional sports are still a form of entertainment, and something that I can’t allow to become a “false God”…something that distracts or keeps me from things more important in my life, like my relationship with Christ and my family.

“…Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” -I Corinthians 8:6 (NIV)

-Joe

June 2, 2011 0

Rhino Romance

If you missed our story about rhino romance today…it is definitely in the air at the Oregon Zoo in Portland.

A black rhino named Pete has been alone since his last mate died in 2005. A female rhino named Zuri arrived last month from the Cleveland zoo on a breeding loan. Keepers have been slowly letting them see one another in separate cages.

The Oregonian reports Zuri went on public display Thursday, and the two rhinos touched horns between the bars.

Soon they’ll be allowed together. Keepers hope the result will be an addition to the endangered species.

Zuri is 3-year-old and hasn’t bred before. Pete is 24-year-old grandfather described as ‘spry.’

Click here for the link to the official story!

May 27, 2011 0

Reflection and celebration

The range of emotions during Holy Week is something I’ve grown to embrace…the solemn reflection of Good Friday combined with the celebration of Easter Sunday. I hope that as you experience these coming days, you also take time to ponder the immense importance of what Christ did for us on the cross, and then did from the tomb.

You may be like me, increasingly aware that we live in a world that tries every day to diminish sin…and sometimes glorify sin through making it comical, entertaining, or just commonplace.

Let me clear about this. I truly believe that each and every time we diminish the impact of sin in our lives, try to justify it, or participate in the acceptance of it, we demean what Christ did for us on the cross. I’m not saying we do it intentionally…sometimes we just don’t think about it. But we still can fall into the trap of making the cross and the resurrection meaningless. Let’s challenge ourselves to think deeper about the implications of trying to feel better about the sin in our lives by dismissing it as “no big deal.”

A devotional sidebar in my bible calls Jesus’ statement, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV) the true picture of His work on this cross for all of us- asking the Father to forgive those who did not deserve it.

Jesus’ death was the greatest act of love in human history. Thank Jesus for paying the ultimate price, and honor that payment by confessing your sin and working to remove it from your life. Then celebrate the fact that Jesus overcame sin and death by leaving the tomb.

And if you need anymore inspiration, then just listen to Matt Maher’s song, “Christ is Risen”. Believe me, it will get you into the celebration spirit. There’s a cool lyrics video on YouTube if you click here.

-Joe

April 21, 2011 0

The Goal Has Been Met!

Thanks so much for your support of WNZR! We have just met our goal of 60,000 dollars! It is such a blessing to see this community help us grow and reach more people for Christ. We had over 250 families or individuals give to WNZR during Lifeline this year and 80 new donors to the station as well. The number of new people giving to WNZR is the biggest encouragement to me. It means that we are still actively reaching more people in our listening area and that the power increase really has had an impact.

In the upcoming weeks and months WNZR wants to live out our theme for Lifeline. We want to Live Out Loud in Knox County and speak Biblical truth to help you (and us) grow spiritually everyday. WNZR exists because of your support, and because of your generous gifts we can continue to be at many events throughout the year. We can use these oppurtunities to “Live Out Loud” and give others a positive message they need to hear. That’s why we do what we do, and that’s why we need your help. Your support this year to Lifeline has blessed our ministry and we pray that our little radio station in Knox County, Ohio can not only bless you and your family, but bring the gospel to the world. Thank you very much and God bless!

-Jayme

April 11, 2011 0

Lifeline 2011

I cannot thank you enough for your support of WNZR through Lifeline 2011. When I see that over 70 new and over 150 past supporters have pledged to financially support this radio station, I am humbled and also energized to glorify God and serve you through our airwaves.

The fact that you would pledge your hard-earned money with WNZR in a continuing time of economic uncertainty has not gone unnoticed. I cannot say thank you enough for the investment you are making in the future of Christian media and in the lives of our MVNU students.

I thought I would share a response I gave to our student newspaper editor when she asked about the inspiration for this year’s “Live Out Loud” theme:

The leadership team used a book called “Radical” by Pastor David Platt this summer at our retreat. Platt cautions us not to let our faith be hijacked by the “me-first” culture that is so prevalent in the U.S. Christ called us to a higher standard, focused on others and working diligently to redeem what is broken. This happens both through actions and words. The world needs to see that it’s the promise of the gospel that fuels us to live a life that shines differently. We also know that you can’t have a positive witness if you’re ashamed of the gospel. So when Paul tells the Roman church “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes,” that is a good starting point (Romans 1:16). He sets the table for the whole letter with that statement. We have to believe, deny ourselves, and embrace the good news before we can ever hope to have the ability to live out loud.

Have a great week!

-Joe

March 17, 2011 0

NRB 2011: part 3

We leave Nashville in the morning after a great finish to NRB. Tonight we enjoyed a closing message from Chuck Swindoll and music from Denver and the Mile High Orchestra.

We also spent valuable time today meeting in small groups sharing ideas on programming, promotions, equipment and fundraising. The value of a conference like this is the ability to listen to what other stations are doing to advance the gospel in their communities.

Jayme and I will be sharing more about our experience during Thursday’s show…talk to you then!

March 2, 2011 0

NRB 2011: part 2

It’s been a long Sunday at NRB, but quite honestly, one of the most fun and memorable days since I started at WNZR in February 2005.

It started this morning with a worship service featuring Dr. James MacDonald of Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. Dr. Jim also has a website and program called “Walk in the Word.” (see info here) He delivered an inspiring message on Acts 12, where an angel helps free Peter from prison. He reminded us that this story reinforces the fact that God is in control, even when the enemy appears to have the upper hand.

After lunch, we spent some time geeking out looking at some equipment in the exhibit hall, and saying hello to a few friends who work in Christian media or support organizations.

Then, at 4:30, we met up with all the other schools in the iNRB production awards competition for a celebration of this year’s winners, and the judging of the 36 DA and DV challenges. I watched Evan Walker and Nico Felizzola receive their certificates for placing in the contest (click for more info), and then paced like a nervous parent while our Digital Audio team of Jayme, Ashley, Derek and Kaylee had their :60 promo for Gospel for Asia played and critiqued by the judges. I was ready to explode when they announced that our MVNU team had taken FIRST PLACE!!! The competition was tough, as both Northwestern College and North Greenville University had done quality work as well.

We celebrated over dinner with Matt Selay of Gospel for Asia, who shared his appreciation for the fine work our team did, plus shared from his heart about the call God laid upon his heart to work to get the Gospel to countries like India and Afghanistan. I was inspired- this is one man who is truly living out loud to build Christ’s kingdom in some of the darkest areas of the world.

Our evening wrapped up with outstanding comedy from Michael Jr. and previews of some great family and faith films coming out soon…Soul Surfer, The Fifth Quarter, Doonby, Mighty Macs and There Be Dragons.

Google or Facebook these titles to find out more, or keep watching www.wnzr.fm to learn more.

February 28, 2011 0

NRB 2011: part 1

(NOTE: Joe is posting from the 2011 National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville, TN)

Well, we arrived in Nashville last night around 6:30 CST…once we got south of Columbus, the snow was gone and it was pretty much smooth sailing.

Jayme, Derek, Kaylee and Ashley are working as we speak on their 36DA competition :60 promo. Their client is Gospel for Asia, and after an initial meeting last night, they spent some time with their representatives today. They must turn in the finished project at 9 tomorrow morning.

This morning we arrived at the Opryland Hotel around 8am for registration and went right into a session with media strategist and futurist Mark Ramsey and social media expert Ray Mena of Emmis Interactive. Mark consults on social media, radio, TV and web with companies around the world, and said one of the best things about Christian media is that we have a PURPOSE to what we do…he says a lot of media don’t really have “the end in mind” when they produce. It was a great reminder that the strategies and gadgets are merely tools that God must influence to be truly effective. If we rely on everything WE know, and push God out, we might as well pack it up and go home.

I also spent some time at lunch and in the conference hall listening to the MVNU women’s basketball game at Daemen in the AMC Tournament. Even though they lost, I am proud of Coach Gregory and the team for having such an outstanding season. We will certainly miss seniors Amanda Himes, Lauren Johnson, Kellie Jokela and Kelli Pollock. Chris and DJ did a great job bringing the action back to MVNU, and to us listening online in Nashville!

On the docket for tonight…a trip to my favorite Nashville BBQ joint, Jack’s. Can’t wait! More updates to follow.

February 26, 2011 0

Night of Nights

Believe it or not, radio needs electricity to exist. When the power outages hit Knox County at the beginning of February WNZR should have had back up generators to stay on the air. Well, sure enough, the generators were iced over and didn’t start automatically. This is where our timeline begins………………….

11:40pm- Heather Kay leaves the station (which was still on the air)

11:52pm- The station loses power, back-up generators don’t kick on

11:54pm- Heather Kay returns to her appartment to find the station she left mere moments ago is now off air, she calls Marcy Rinehart, station manager.

11:58pm- Marcy calls Jayme McMillan, Sam Dye, and Derek Tupper to go up to the station and see what the problem is.

12:06am- After stumbling down a dark hallway to Sam and Derek’s room and getting ready to head out into the ice storm I(Jayme) realize that I have put on brown dress shoes and not tennis shoes like I thought.

12:10am- The three of us leave for the station walking up hill in an inch of ice the entire way.

12:14am- Sam nearly falls, he throws his arms in the air to regain his balance and accidentally punches Derek in the face. (hilariously painful for him)

12:20am- We get the generator going at the station and find out the problem is actually at the generator at our radio tower.

12:25am- Joe Rinehart leaves his home (and warm bed) to deliver the keys to the tower generator to the three of us. One of us has to stay behind at the studio and confirm when we are back on air. We draw straws, Derek loses and is in for a boring couple of hours.

12:31am- Joe arrives on campus and picks up Sam and I, we head out to the tower site.

12:40am- we finally arrive at the tower and begin the long hike through the snow and ice from the parking lot to the tower about 200 meters away.

12:46am- We arrive at the tower, Joe falls in the snow (also hilarious) and has to get up on his own for fear of dragging one of us down with him.

1:00am- we finally get the generator going and are back on the air, then we realize the generator is low on oil. We stop the generator, go back off the air, and walk back to the car 200 meters away.

1:08am- We get back to the car and drive to the gas station to pick up some oil.

1:20am- We get to the gas station, buy oil and head back to the tower site.

1:34am- We get back to the tower, hike back out the 200 meters.

1:40am- We get to the tower and put the oil in and fire it up again.

1:50am-The station is finally back on the air, so, of course we walk all the way back to the car to head home.

2:01am- We get back to the car, my brown dress shoes are ruined……

2:30am- Finally, we go back to bed.

The evening was alot of fun, but very tiring. Also, the next day I discovered that 90% of my clothing was in the washer, locked, since there was no power…..I lived off of 1 pair of pants and a pair of socks for 2 days. Still, I wouldn’t trade the memory for the world (or an extra pair of socks)

February 8, 2011 0

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