ENCW Christian Radio Relief Efforts Update
Christian radio stations took to the air Tuesday and raised more than $135,000 for victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The funds will provide nearly 4,000 “Blessing Buckets” filled with emergency supplies through God’s Pit Crew, the disaster relief agency already providing relief to flood victims in the Lone Star State.
The unprecedented, cooperative effort came together through the #ENCW Project, a plan to unite Christian stations and ministries to impact one billion lives in five years, that was set to officially launch at next week’s CMB Momentum conference. #ENCW® stands for Easy Never Changed the World.
“We had everything in place, saw the overwhelming need, and let our partners know how they could help,” said Brian Sanders, Executive Vice President of Positive Alternative Radio. “We are so thankful for their quick action and powerful response.” PAR donated resources and put together #ENCW® as a gift to the Christian radio industry.
Sanders quickly added that more help is needed and that any station can get involved in the effort to help those flooded out by Harvey. PAR, i58:10 Media, and Advocace’ have put together a resource “outlet” for stations wanting to help with Texas hurricane relief. More information and links to digital content can be found here: https://dearchristianradio.com/prayfortexas/.
Christian artists are also responding to help those affected by Harvey. Josh Lauritch of 55 Promotion reports that Natalie Grant is coordinating “Hope for Houston,” a night of music shared via live webcast, Thursday, at 8 PM, CDT. It will feature performances and encouragement from a bunch of artists in Christian music. Facebook is facilitating the event so it can be hosted on any radio station’s page. For more information, contact Lauritch at josh@55promotion.com.
Meanwhile, efforts to help flood victims are already making headway in Texas. Randy Johnson, Executive Director of God’s Pit Crew, reports that the first two tractor trailer loads were able to be offloaded in Texas. While those two trucks return to the GPC warehouse to be refilled with supplies – two additional trucks travel to Texas today with even more supplies, including bottled water and thousands more Blessing Buckets.
Here is a summary of #ENCW® Project efforts:
PAR stations, Joy FM in North Carolina and WCQR in the tri-cities of Tennessee, collectively raised $74,498 on Tuesday, August 29, for God’s Pit Crew’s effort in Texas. Three more PAR stations, including Spirit FM, Roanoke/Lynchburg; Your ‘PER, Fredericksburg/Richmond; and Walk FM, Ashland/Huntington will do a full day of fundraising for God’s Pit Crew on Thursday.
i58:10 Media is working with Barefoot Media President Brian Yeager and his organization’s stations in Idaho, including KTSY, and Project 88.7, Boise; and KTFY The Bridge, in Twin Falls. Tuesday, KTFY and Project 88.7 raised more than $8,260 for God’s Pit Crew. Another i58:10 Media partner, KSGN of Riverside, California, raised $65,100 on Tuesday.
Wednesday, KTSY began its fundraiser to help God’s Pit Crew, including broadcasting live from The Village at Meridian–the largest mall in Idaho. Thursday, KTSY and Project 88.7 are doing a benefit concert at Roaring Springs Water Park.
Shine.FM in Chicago began a two-day fundraiser for God’s Pit Crew on Wednesday.
Delaware’s 88.7 The Bridge began fundraising for God’s Pit Crew on Wednesday.
ENCW Project Partner 106.9 The Light reports they’re working with Samaritan’s Purse.
WAY-FM of Colorado Springs, Colorado is asking its listeners to pray and consider helping Samaritan’s Purse and/or Convoy of Hope. Other agencies are also being considered.
WHIF Hope FM of Palatka, Florida is encouraging its listeners to pray and to give to the recognizable charities assisting in the relief effort.
Other stations participating in the #ENCW Project in support of God’s Pit Crew’s Texas relief effort include: the Christian FM Network and programming service, as well as its own station, WSCF, based in Vero Beach, Florida. The Promise, Jacksonville; and Hope 107.9, Eugene/Springfield, Oregon. All are asking listeners to pray for and support the Harvey relief effort.
