Event 1:
experiences
We had the opportunity to attend a Back to School Bash at River of Life Church in Middleport, OH. They had a great turnout for their first year hosting this type of event, AND there was free Kona Ice!
experiences
Event 2:
Our Coffee Stop was at Mission Grounds Coffee, which is located inside a church that we have developed a great relationship with. We have even held donor events there. The coffee is great but the people are even better
From Brittany — A family from my brother’s church just recently took a mission trip to Japan and climbed part of Mt. Fuji while they were there. Tabitha specifically wanted the “yes I will” shirt because of the mountains on it, after seeing someone else wear it. That Walk tshirt has been to Japan and back to take the gospel to places where Christians are being persecuted, where they could’ve been persecuted themselves.
2 messages events
2
experiences
Event : Meet & Greet with Cochren & Co.
On Saturday August 10, the WCQR team welcomed about 50 donors to a special meet & greet with Michael Cochren in Elizabethton. Michael Cochren shared some music and stories with us. We ended the event with a quick photo opportunity for donors. It was a wonderful time of getting to connect with donors and bless them with a special experience.
One special story to share from the Michael Cochren Meet & Greet is from Mason. He accepted Jesus while he was in the car line at school, and his mom had a shirt made that said “I met Jesus in a parking lot.” Mason got to meet Michael, and asked him to sign his shirt and his bible. So special! And the first song that Michael sang was, of course, “Parking Lot.”
At the event, we announced and celebrated the theme of our Fall Fundraiser: “Counting My Blessings.” Each donor received a sticky note and we encouraged them to write a blessing on the sticky note. After collecting sticky notes from the event and Tweetsie Trail Jams, we arranged them on our “Blessing Window” to refer back to for encouragement and praise. Through the month of August, we collected many more blessings to add to it!
At our Cochren Meet & Greet event, sweet donors handed over a gift bag with chocolate chip scones and a sweet “Thank you” card.
experiences
Event : Tweetsie Trail Jams
On Saturday, August 10th, WCQR and the City of Elizabethton welcomed nearly 4,000 to the Tweetsie Trail Jams. This year’s concert was with TobyMac featuring Cochren & Co! Our wonderful volunteers helped work the booth, and we were able to meet, talk and take photos with our listeners. At our tent, we gave out 88.3 branded fans, finger lights for kids, earplugs, and had a raffle drawing for 4 tickets to Tweetsie Trail Jams in 2025. The whole team had a wonderful time in fun and worship with our community. For a recap video, click here.
experiences
AUGUST WAS A MONTH FULL OF MESSAGES FROM LISTENERS AND FOLLOWERS ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS! WE ALSO HAD MEANINGFUL MESSAGES ON SOCIALS WITH OVER 25 PEOPLE.
Here is a message on Facebook from a listener, Brittany. It’s a reminder that our socials aren’t always for happy posts or goofy videos. Sometimes our listeners are really going through hard things, and 88.3 WCQR helps provide encouragement as they walk through them.
This is a message we received from a listener who uses our app while out on her morning runs.
A donor reached out to us via Facebook to thank us for the call. She also thanked Brian Sanders, the VP of PAR: I wanted to compliment your 88.3 team. I am a monthly donor and they were making thank you calls. They called me this morning and I was literally sitting in the doctor’s office because of an issue I’m having with my eye. They prayed with me over the phone and you’ll never know how much that means to me.
A comment on a facebook post about prayer:
A listener sent this video to us via instagram, and we shared it as a reel. It’s her son dancing to the song “Even Then.” Watch the video here.
This is a comment from a listener on Facebook that gives a great short testimony of using our app.
This message was sent to us via Facebook messenger: “Just want to take a moment and thank Tori for filling in for Michael this past week on the air. Tori, you did a great job! Thank God for young women like you. Love you all 88.3 WCQR.”
On August 8th, Rhonda and Adam celebrated 8 years of being On Air together! We posted on facebook, instagram, and tiktok, and these are the responses we received as comments:
experiences
A mom and her kids stopped by to pick up tickets they had won from Win It Wednesday on Instagram. The kids drew some “thank you” pictures.
Our friend and donor, Marc St. Louis, came by with donuts and his donation, and also to coordinate lunch for one of our fundraiser days. While he was here, he contributed a couple blessings (that he printed out at home!) to our Blessing Window.
Beth, a listener, stopped by to say congrats to Rhonda & Adam for 8 years, and brought a “Jesus & Coffee mug” as a gift.
WE HIT THE JACKPOT THIS MONTH WITH THE NUMBER OF VISITORS WE HAD AT THE STATION!
Steve Kuhn, a longtime listener of WCQR and a donor, stopped by the station for a visit. He added a blessing to our Blessing Window, and since he is a veteran, we gave him one of the Thank You cards we have collected for veterans. He keeps the WCQR app playing in his overalls.
We had not one, not TWO, not THREE, but FOUR visitors in the office in one day. It was a madhouse, but SO wonderful. To quote Aziana Conley, “That’s what it’s all about” (yes, we sang the hokey pokey). First up, a family with four homeschooled students came to the office for a “field trip” and to learn about radio and how our station operates. They even got to record a couple things! Second was a family that came to drop off letters for our DAV project, and got a quick station tour. Christian and Amanda had the kids sing the 88.3 WCQR jingle into the microphone, which was so precious. Third, Steve Kuhn visited again, this time with a donation. We sent him off with a couple shirts for his wife and brother. And our final visitor was “Phil from the Fair” and we brainstormed on possible Christian artists to bring to the Appy Fair in 2025. This morning, donors and listeners Steve “Frenchie” and Jan French stopped for a visit, added their blessings to the Blessing Window, and brought some tasty treats for us. The station visits have been amazing recently!
experiences
Event : Anne Wilson Concert Pre-Party and Station Tour
WCQR welcomed 24 donors to the station on Thursday evening, August 22nd. It was a casual gathering and a chance to talk with our donor family and encourage them. Popcorn and air-fried oreos were provided as “fair food,” because each donor in attendance received reserved seating tickets to the Anne Wilson concert at the Appalachian Fair just an hour later. Rhonda and Adam talked with our guests about the upcoming fall fundraiser theme, “Counting My Blessings.” Donors were encouraged to write a blessing on a sticky note and add it to our Blessing Window. It was a wonderful night, and we were thrilled to host and bless our donor family.
A gentleman named Chuck left us a voice message saying that he loves the radio station. We have been quoting his favorite two verses for the past couple of weeks, which he just so happens to have tattooed on his arm from a couple of years ago. He loves us so much!
A note from Rhonda:
I went to the local Belk department store yesterday to pick up my free Clinique gift, which ended up being an experience of over an hour. The sweet lady at the counter - her name is Robin - is a regular listener and we know each other. We were catching up when another customer approached...and then another. She called a lady over from another counter named Melony to help. When she saw me, her eyes got big and she said, “I saw you at the Toby Mac concert! You’re Rhonda!” She then shared with me that she had attended the last two concerts with Crowder and Toby Mac. Crowder at Funfest last month was her first concert - she has been caring for her husband who suffered from early onset dementia...and he passed away 5 days afterward. She said the music and the ministry of the radio station had been carrying her though the last months of her husband’s illness and his passing. She just kept hugging me and thanking me. It’s really humbling to have everyday moments turn into experiences that remind me how important my/our work is.
43+ experiences
1 voice message
2 letters
3 gifts messages station visits events
3
9 +
26+
experiences
Event 1: West Virginia State Fair for the Anne Wilson
My Jesus Tour
Spirit FM had the wonderful opportunity to be at the fair in WV and enjoy the Anne Wilson concert with donors and listeners. The turn out was amazing and the smiles were contagious! Luke Bower was the opener for the concert and he crushed it! With every person who came to the table we were reminded of how powerful God’s word and impact is. Many people who listen to our station continue to encourage and thank us for what God has been doing through the ministry!
From Shelley, from a listening family in Hinton, WV — “We listen every day! Very uplifting. We love hearing our kids sing along!! It’s so nice knowing there is something appropriate on the radio for our children’s ears.”
experiences
From Grace — “Your station is such a blessing to me. I’ve been listening for 15 years. The music got me through two domestic violence divorces and many health issues. I couldn’t have done it without you. That’s why I support the station.”
Our God is so amazing! I love seeing how His hands continually heal, deliver and redeem!
From Grace — “One of our listeners, Melba called in because she wanted to make a gift towards our Fall Fundraiser, and after speaking for a few minutes with her she shared the most profound reason on why she loves listening to her Spirit FM. Melba said, “ I love it because almost every time a song plays, God lays a specific person on my heart which prompts me to pray for them in that moment while the song is playing.” She uses the messages that are played through our songs as building stones for her prayers..”
From Grace — A listener sent us a text message this morning. #PraiseOverPanic! #WorshipOverWorry!
“I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed this morning thinking about everything that I need to do and how little time I have to do it. I was listening to Spirit FM in the car and “Praise” by Elevation Worship was playing. There is a line in the song that says “I’ll praise when I feel it and I’ll praise when I don’t.” I was convicted right there in the car about focusing on myself and my problems. I started to sing along and praised the Lord. I just felt my anxiety melt away. A few minutes later Jess commented that praise shifts your focus from your problems to God’s presence. Let me testify this morning to the truth of those words. Thank you Spirit FM for encouraging my soul this morning.”
From Doug — “I just talked with a listener and she has a 3 month old granddaughter, Wrenlee Elizabeth, that was born with some heart issues and is facing open heart surgery when she turns 6 months old. She has had some issues recently and they have been treating her to help push the surgery back. She has had an enlarged valve which is stressing the other side of her heart. She goes to a cardiologist in Roanoke for a consultation and to check on the enlarged valve. They are praying the valve has gotten smaller and the surgery can wait. She also shared how Wrenlee’s mom heard “God Turn It Around” on Spirit FM and now plays it when Wrenlee is having a tough time. Wrenlee has even started humming along with it.”
One of our listeners and sweet sisters, Teresa, stopped by the Studio to record her story today. She also has been going in hard making these beautiful “Letters from Home” for our Military Service members. Let me tell you... she has such a powerful testimony and a fire for God!
experiences
One of our listeners from the Open House Celebration stopped by this morning. She has called the station several times prior and we’ve gotten to know her story, and pray with her. While at our Open House, she discovered our “Letters from Home” proof of mission for our active, reserved and veteran military members. Our sweet sister stopped by this morning to drop off her testimony that she wrote out, along with this piece of art she made. Not only that, she came by last week, the morning after our Open House, to drop off a $120 gift - I believe that was the last of her financials. Please be in prayer for her. She is moving out of her apartment, and has no cell service. “But God, “ she said! She has her faith in our Lord, her radio station (Spirit FM), and Wishbone (her little doggie).
Since June we have started our Welcome Kit sign-ups. People new to the area will join our listening family and receive a welcome kit that includes a sticker pack, a frequency card, and a Spirit FM magnet. Today we have had a total of 97 new listeners to our Spirit FM Family!
From Joseph —
“Tuesday I had the wonderful opportunity to go to God’s Pit Crew to drop off 4,524 Butterfly Hugs for the Blessing Buckets that PAR collected! I got to meet Mrs. Miki, and her husband, who run the Blessing Buckets department of God’s Pit Crew. It was truly a blessing to see how a ministry that has been around since I was a little kid is staying so strong! I also got the opportunity to put a blessing bucket together!”
1 experiences event
1
3 messages 10
3
1 1 calls mail butterfly hugs letters from home
experiences
Event 1: Our Joy FM Cracker Barrel event in Matthews! It was a wonderful time of meeting donors and creating relationships. I love looking at pictures of grandkids and learning about the lives of our donors.
Our donors getting to know each other better, and finding things they have in common!
Event 2:
The Joy FM Family BBQ Picnic was a success!!!
It was 96 degrees at 4 pm and we still had over 50 dedicated donors attend this event.
They enjoyed meeting the Joy FM family and the good food provided by Prissy Polly’s of Kernersville.
The Joy FM crew serving donors some great BBQ!
Melody’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandson joined in on the fun!
Josh’s sweet family enjoyed the BBQ
Event 3:
These sweet donors invited us into their home for lunch . They fixed a fantastic meal and even included gluten free for John.
Miriam Selby, Wendy, Merlee (Miriam’s sister), Melody, and in the back is Everette Selby.
Event 4:
This is Jason Goss and his mom, Diane. They came down to tour the station and have lunch with everyone. They also enjoyed the mugs we gifted them. They are the sweetest people!!!!
experiences
From Melody: Sarah Henderson stopped by to share her story with Candi and I on the JoyRide. She lost her husband, mother, and daughter within a few years, and she told us Joy FM is what kept her going. She also brought a card and gifts for Candi and me.
These sweet ladies were invited to our Cracker Barrel event in Lexington. They realized how much they had in common along with another lady and formed a new friendship.
We received this in the mail today thanking us for the breakfast we provided. They were a super sweet couple and it is an honor to have them in our Joy FM family.
experiences
From Wendy: “I just took this phone call from a listener who wanted to know the name of a song. We talked on the phone for awhile, and he told me that he had a lot of losses in 2020. He also bragged on his granddaughter. He was so sweet! I was excited because for once I knew the name of the song, and who sang it, without having to look it up. It is one of my favorite songs also. The gentlemen surprised me by saying, I was just a listener to Joy FM but because you called back, I will become a supporter!”
Sometimes, you just have to call and chat, which happens to be my favorite thing to do! It truly isn’t about the money but about common courtesy and just listening to their stories.
From Josh: “We received a call from a listener in Charlotte who shared an incredible testimony. While serving time in a correctional facility, she heard a song on Joy FM that reminded her that her story wasn’t over. That song gave her hope in a dark time. She called to tell us that she’s been released and wanted to know the name of that song. It was ‘Still Telling My Story’ by The Erwins.
“We received a phone call from one of our dear, sweet prayer warriors. She is a wonderful lady and listens to Joy FM 24/7. We had recently done a day sponsor for her and she called to tell us how much she loved it. Also, she has a twin sister who is in the hospital with a brain bleed, and her husband held the phone to her ear to listen to the sponsorship. She cried and had the biggest grin on her face as she listened. She perked up and said that it had made her day, and she loved JOY FM! The caller loved the fact that we had John read her day sponsor message because he is her favorite! She thanks God every day, and prays every day for us! She is the one who calls every morning during our fundraiser to say that she is praying. She has a beautiful soul for Jesus and I am thankful for her spirit in uplifting us as we continue to serve Him. God is good!”
Message from a listener: “There are no words to describe how much Joy FM has changed my life!!! I have always been a Christian, but listening to your station over the past year has given me SOOOO much strength and peace! I lost my husband (57 years old) suddenly 7 years ago. He was an entertainer and loved singing gospel music. Then I lost my mom, who was my best friend, from cancer 4 years later. Then I lost my daughter (34 years old) 3 years ago. Getting up each morning and trying to face each day was overwhelming. I had lived in Chapel Hill my entire life and never moved before, but decided to move to Charlotte to be closer to my son, as he was all I had left. I had to find a new me. We are not promised tomorrow. We never know what can happen each day, and the loneliness can be unbearable. Your station has brought me through so many trials and tears of now helping me to know that Jesus is my friend and will not abandon me. I have Joy FM on in my house all the time and when driving that is all I listen to. But your station and the words and songs have lifted me out of the tunnel to see light again. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have recommended Joy FM to all of my friends! Honestly, Joy FM is one of the biggest blessings in my life!”
From Wendy: We met this sweet lady when the Joy FM family visited Donna. She was at the front desk listening to Joy FM on her phone. She was excited to meet everyone and I promised her I would bring back a goodie bag. When I went back to give her the bag, she was listening to Joy!
“Just recorded my first show for Joy FM. Not gonna lie when I said I was nervous, I LIED. I really am thankful to be here, and a part of this team. I am hoping to continue to grow into the role and continue my growing faith with Jesus through this experience.” — Brendan Beavers, new on-air host for Joy FM
From Wendy: “I want to give a shout-out to Brendan Beavers. He is already starting to gather a fan base. LOL A gentlemen called in because he wanted Brendan to know that he was appreciated, and that he enjoyed the show. He stated that was his downtime to relax, and listening to Joy FM helps him relax. He also commented on how they had several things in common, like the same military school, brothers in Christ, his love of sports, and he also got married in October. I think we found another Brendan!”
1 experiences phone calls new on-air host messages
1
1
2
3
4 events
5 cards
experiences
POP-UP POP-UP
Pop-up 1:
We had our Pop-up at Fayth Works in Aylett . They were so thankful we were in their town! This is the owner, Cindy. She had cookies made for the guests that stopped by!
This is Jenny. She is non-verbal but she loves WPER! She even carried her light up WPER key chain in her fanny pack!
They
This
We had our Pop-up at Fayth Works in Aylett.
were so thankful we were in their town!
is the owner, Cindy. She had cookies made for the guests that stopped by!
This sweet family was headed to VBS but they were so excited to stop off and see WPER!
experiences
POP-UP POP-UP
Pop-up 2:
Hometown Pop-Up in Winchester ! Our very own Happy & Vicki were there to greet listeners!
25 years ago, a man called Frankie and asked him if WPER would be listener supported. Frankie said “yes” and this gentleman said, “then I want to be your first donor.” Don Keener still supports WPER financially to this day after 25 years!
experiences
Event 3:
We had two nights in a row of concerts with We Are Messengers, at The Heights Baptist Church in South Chesterfield. This was the first night, and it was a sold out concert! We had so many listeners come up to our booth that were excited we were there. Darren, from We Are Messengers, brought the worship experience to the room!
This is Ed & Sharon, long time supporters of WPER. We were able to bless them with light refreshments and a Meet & Greet with Darren from We Are Messengers.
This is Debi with Theresa, and she is a long-time donor, volunteer and friend of the ministry! She LOVES WPER and tells everyone who will listen about us!
experiences
Event 4:
We had our second night of concerts with We Are Messengers , at Grace Church of Fredericksburg. They packed the house and brought the worship! Our listeners loved it!
We were able to bless Sue and her guest Kim, Heather & Paul, and Jessica & Elijah with a Meet & Greet with Darren from We Are Messengers. Sue & Jessica/Elijah are personal challengers! Heather and Paul are long time friends or the ministry as well as volunteers. They continued to donate even when they lived in Florida!
Darren from We Are Messengers had just received some devastating news of a personal attack on his wife and daughter. He was brought to tears with worry. Our donors and team prayed with him! While we were attempting to provide an experience for our donors, they in turn provided the loving experience for Darren.
Event 5: Another great evening hanging out with all the Fred Nats baseball fans!
The WPER on-air team greeted our listeners and donors!
experiences
We hosted our friends from Fairmount Christian Church who are always more than happy to serve alongside WPER! Anthony & Christa came and we blessed Anthony with throwing the First Pitch!
Dwayne (Red Shirt) and his family came to celebrate how well he is doing since his recent heart transplant! They love WPER!
POP-UP POP-UP
Pop-up 3:
Pop-Up Stop in Mechanicsville at the Red Rooster Country Store ! We had listeners, and people who did not know us, passing by! A lot of people needed prayer, so our volunteers and staff got to pray with them. Dwayne from the Afternoon show joined the fun!
with Lil
He is a faithful listener and prayer warrior for WPER! He calls the studio all the time to encourage and share.
Two of our Personal Challengers (Ed & Rachel) volunteered to help us at the Red Rooster Country Store! Rachel even got a picture with our faithful listeners, Jenny & Arthur!
Dwayne
George.
Another PC/Volunteer, Montpelier Mike & his son stopped by on their lunch break to say hi!
experiences
POP-UP POP-UP
Pop-up 4:
We had a Pop-Up in our original home of license, Culpeper, Virginia!! So many long time listeners and donors came out to see us, and even waited in line to greet their WPER!!
experiences
Event 8:
We had a 25th Birthday Donor Concert with Caleb & John, Iveth Luna & Bay Turner
We started by celebrating the very beginning. First, we surprised Frankie with the original Dwayne, his first co-host on WPER. We then had a fellowship meal as a “WPER Family” before the event began.
Also, our donors were blessed to be personally invited to the concert, and raved about how special they felt. Caleb & John, Iveth Luna & Bay
experiences
Event 9:
We had our big 25th Birthday Family Fun Day and Movie Night at Shannon Airport! Over 950 guests were in attendance! The airport was active that day so there were several planes/helicopters landing and taking off, as well as planes on display. We also had carnival games, food trucks and a train (which was a huge hit). The WPER Family had a blast celebrating with listeners, donors and even people that were just hearing about us for the first time.
We
Even the Disney Princesses wanted to celebrate with us!
capped off the night with the movie Planes!
experiences
WE HAD SO MANY LISTENERS AND DONORS REACH OUT TO US THIS MONTH TO THANK US AND TO CELEBRATE WITH US! 25 YEARS OF MINISTRY IS HARD TO SHOW WITH A FEW CONNECTIONS BUT HERE ARE SOME MESSAGES FROM THE WPER FAMILY!
Long time listener had this “record” made for WPER in celebration of 25 years of ministry!
Personal Challenger, monthly donor and volunteer, Montpelier Mike and his wife, Pat had this made for WPER in celebration of our 25th Birthday!
experiences
Event 10:
We had our second to last Fred Nats game of the season! We blessed the Hughes family with dinner and dessert. Dad and Jamie threw the first pitch!
Eric with Gordan and his wife. Gordan is the Dad Joke King!
Email from a listener/donor, in response to the experiences email: “I can’t begin to describe how much your radio station & all the people working there mean so much to me & I know I’m not the only person who feels this way! I’ve been struggling with so many health issues for 20 years, it’s be a real hard battle not to just give up! When I listen to WPER & hear the stories of so many other listeners that are struggling in so many different ways, it breaks my heart! I used to be so active & loved my nursing career working with kids!! I never thought of it ending when I wasn’t even 39 years old! I found out that I had Lupus along with so my other debilitating diseases. The Lord spoke to me on Monday, August 12 & told me to call up WPER. I had a doctor’s appointment to follow-up on a MRI I had. This appointment was to determine if they would be able to place a “Spinal cord stimulator “ in my spine to help with my pain. The doctor’s couldn’t place the stimulator any place else (it’s usually done in the lower back but since I’ve had so many back surgeries, I have hardware starting in my pelvis all the way up to my bra strap!) I called your station & spoke with one of the sweetest person I have ever know! Her name was Courtney (Courtney is a volunteer and donor!) & I just wanted to Thank You from the bottom of my heart for all her time & praying with me!! I was so moved to tears & still are every time I think of you! Long story short, they are going to do a trial run to see if it helps before they will actually be able to do the surgery. I still “Trust & Believe” ( my new years resolution) that the Lord will come through for me! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I love your radio station & will Always be a loyal supporter!”
Message from a listener/donor after the Donor Concert we had 8/9/24: “Hi, I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to the event! It was awesome! My friends and I were so blessed and incredibly entertained. To see and hear artists that are currently on the air was so exciting, not to mention the poignant and moving testimonies. I am so glad that you are there, and Lord willing, will be for the next 25!!!”
Amy received a phone call from a monthly donor and day sponsor: “He received the “Experiences Email” and just wanted to call and thank us. He said he reads everything we send him and he’s so grateful that we remind him often that he is helping people.”
2 1 gifts phone call
2,875station app downloads
1,849 Walk FM engagement
20,349
51,862 Joy FM engagement
26,052 Spirit FM engagement
7,762 WPER engagement
82 app downloads
5,048 podcast downloads
740
1,579
906
1,056
427 340