An Ode to WBCL

God’s fingerprints were all over my arrival at WBCL

When on the very last day of college

I was offered the Donor Relations Assistant position.

I accepted with glee in my heart and in anticipation

Of good things to come and the opportunity

To meld my skill set with God’s ministry.

Because of my youth, I was green in many ways

And alone in Fort Wayne without friends or family.

The WBCL staff was quick to take care of me.

Suddenly I gained eight “moms”

and even more “older brothers”!

Their protective nature brought much comfort

In a season of learning and uncertainty.

The family atmosphere didn’t stop with the WBCL staff though.

Oh no. It went much further than that.

I was pleasantly surprised to find

A family of WBCL listeners when out and about.

I learned the ins and outs of commercial free

Christian Radio as I worked closely with

Supporters – specifically business underwriters.

What a great crowd of generous people

And not to mention, ever so key in the ministry!

After two years of “learning the ropes”

Things started shifting and I learned of an opening

To assist with the production of Mid-Morning.

The talk show had been a WBCL favorite for me

So it was only natural to reach out and offer my help.

Transition ensued and I found my sweet spot

And only at the age of twenty-two!

The job of Mid-Morning Producer fit me to a T.

Not only did God create me with the organizational

Skill set to keep Mid-Morning running behind the scenes,

But He gave me a heart for life-long learning

And loving others through this ministry.

I grew leaps and bounds under the

Great guidance of Char and Lynne.

What a treasure trove of knowledge

These two freely gave away to me.

I’m so grateful they chose to invest in this naïve girl.

I can remember countless times I heard someone say

“That Mid-Morning program was just for me.”

I especially rejoiced when God worked to this end

Even during a Mid-Morning repeat!

What a joy and how humbling to be a part of bringing in

The best of the best Mid-Morning guests.

From local to as far away as the west coast,

We’re always blessed when a potential guest says, “yes!”

Seven years later, God’s nudge to pursue

More training in ministry

Leaves me with mixed emotions.

His fingerprints have never left me

And in fact have become even more visible

As He’s planted a new vision in me

that I’m following whole heartedly.

Why? Because even though it’s hard to say goodbye

God is so worthy and deserves all my heart.

I’ll always treasure my season at WBCL

Where many divine appointments arose

And in countless ways I grew up

from a little girl into  a young woman.

The transition is bittersweet as I leave behind

A family I dearly love, yet embrace a future

Of new ministry inspired from above.

My heart is filled with joy at how God’s hand

Has orchestrated every detail of this transition

Including the hire of WBCL’s new Mid-Morning Producer.

I met Rebekah Freelan last November.

Where? Ironically, of all places,

it was in the Mid-Morning studio!

Her depth of insight and love for Christ

Was evident as she shared thoughts from her

Christmas devotional book, “His Advent”.

A friendship with her was soon to follow.

I quickly came to love her,

as I know the WBCL family will too!

 I have a feeling that won’t be hard to do!

Goodbyes are tough to embrace

But no matter the place,

We’ll continue to share

God’s heart everywhere.              

With a grateful spirit,

You’ll always be in my prayers.

~Jamie Bennett