For more than 40 years, WNKJ 89.3 FM Hopkinsville and WNLJ 91.7 FM Madisonville have been the heart and soul “Missionary Radio” — a non-profit frequency chocked full of faith-based music and ministry.
Now, one of their most popular annual pledge drives quickly approaches.
Set for October 7-8, Care-A-Thon 2021 will replace 48 hours of regularly-scheduled programming from 6 a.m. Until 7 p.m., and instead take time to connect with their local audience in hopes of phone pledges, online donations and potential drop-offs at their Hopkinsville location.
Ken Cummins, general manager for “Missionary Radio,” notes their stations — which also includes simulcasts to 92.1 FM Murray, 101.7 FM Providence and 98.9 FM Dixon, Tennessee — are truly 100% listener funded, and that the annual Care-A-Thon is one of two drives to help with operating costs.
This year’s theme: “Good God Almighty” — which Cummins noted is an extremely popular gospel song by David Crowder, in a 2021 release off of his album “Milk & Honey.”
Cummins added the lyrics of the song really describe WNKJ’s mission, which includes delivering strong, spiritual programming for a wide variety of listeners.
With no underwriting or considerable advertising to speak of, Cummins said most funding comes from its bevy of local contributions — which has been anyone from individuals, to local churches, to Sunday School classes.
Cummins noted 10% of its annually-collected gifts and pre-pledges go toward Transworld Radio — which is played in 303 languages and 190 countries worldwide.
The Care-A-Thon has been the station’s longest-running drive, while a spring edition called “Friend-raiser” typically runs in early April and helps drive new, first-time listeners to the programming.
This particular drive, Cummins said, often turns into an emotional reunion of long-time listeners and patrons — who will call in and give testimony and faith-infused inspiration to help with the drive.
Those interested can already go online to wnkj.org for pre-pledging opportunities, but can also wait for Care-A-Thon 2021 and call (877) 885-9655 to give contributions.
Cummins, a native of Princeton, is a fluent Spanish speaker and Murray State University graduate who has been with WNKJ for 21 years and is the host of “The Thursday Morning Front Porch,” “The Roll Home” with his wife, Tammy, and he can be reached by email at gm@wnkj.org.
