Wisconsin—Less than three years ago, members of the Clear Lake Church felt operating a local Christian radio station was an impossible dream. Yet through a series of miracles and hard work WPGR-LP (We Praise God Radio) went on the air in July 2003, and was dedicated debt free on Sabbath, Sept. 10, 2005.

The station broadcasts 24/7 with 16 hours of daily programming coming from Life Talk Radio in Collegedale, Tenn., and eight hours programmed locally. "Connecting people with Christ" in our busy, confused, and uncertain world is the goal of this radio ministry.

Programming strives to meet the needs of a wide range of listeners. The station reaches children with the ever popular Your Story Hour. Christian ministries featured include well-known family and financial experts, and health professionals promoting the Adventist lifestyle. The Voice of Prophecy is aired with offers for free Bible studies. Associated Press news is broadcast every hour, except Sabbath, to keep listeners informed of current events.

Clear Lake members first applied for a license in Jan. 2001. In Jan. 2002, the license was approved, with the stipulation the proposed station had only 18 months to be on the air!

The question to proceed was debated many times with no firm decision reached until Dec. 2002, when most funds were donated or pledged. Tim and Sue Stuivenga donated land for the building and tower. Unexpected obstacles appeared when several neighbors voiced their objections to the station. However, the county zoning committee approved the project and equipment was ordered in Mar. 2003.

Volunteers raced to be on the air by July 28. Three board members traveled to Vonore, Tenn., to learn how to operate the station. Groundbreaking was held May 18, 2003, at the site. Shortly thereafter, a small building was constructed to house the equipment. The tower was erected June 22, by a professional who donated his time, as thunderclouds held back just long enough for him to complete the task.

In July, the computers and other equipment arrived. Station manager, David Jurisch, and radio board member, Jeff Rosen, spent untold hours piecing it all together. Others put up sheet rock, painted walls, and wired electricity in the building. With only five days to spare, WPGR went on the air at 4:30 p.m. on Wed., July 23, 2003!

Members of the Clear Lake Christian Radio Corporation and guests rejoiced at the official dedication on Sept. 10, 2005. Wisconsin Conference communication director, James Fox, and local elder, Norm Britain, led out, dedicating WPGR-LP to the glory of God as it continues to serve the Clear Lake area.

Beth Nelson, Clear Lake (Wis.) Church communication secretary