Meaningful Milestones

This month marks a meaningful milestone for Hope FM — 30 years of ministry — and for me personally, 25 years of walking through these doors, doing work I still can’t believe I get to call my job.

I’m beyond blessed because I get to do something I absolutely love.

Growing up, I always had my ear to the radio. The DJs felt like friends — voices that kept me company, played my favorite songs, indulged a kid who made entirely too many requests, and let me win call-in contests as often as the rules would allow. As a child and teenager, I dreamed of one day being that DJ — the one answering the phones and playing the songs.

But somewhere along the way, I gave up on that dream. I chose what felt like a more “practical” path.

Then, at 19 years old, I met Jesus — and that moment changed the entire trajectory of my life. I was no longer living for myself, but for Him. Within a year, God opened a door I never could have planned. Someone in my Bible study mentioned that a brand-new Christian radio station was preparing to go on the air and needed volunteers. I don’t think I’ve ever raised my hand so fast!

That season cemented something deep in my heart: God’s Word is true. I had been reading Psalm 37:4 — “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” And He absolutely did.

Years later, after serving there and working a few other jobs along the way, I learned that Palatka had a Christian radio station looking for help — just for a single day during Sharathon. Having grown up in Gainesville, all I really knew about Palatka was that it was the place you passed through on the way to the beach.

But that one day changed everything.

Soon after, I received a phone call from the station manager. He was taking another position and encouraged me to apply for his job. Around that same time, I’d seen a church marquee that read, “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.” It felt like God whispering, “Go for it.”

Stepping into leadership was scary. I had never led in that way before. The station was still young — not yet five years old — and not fully supported financially. Fundraising felt constant. The learning curve was steep, and the stretching was real.

But day after day, year after year, God was at work.

As we focused on doing what He intended through this ministry, growth happened — not just for the station, but in me. I grew in ways I never imagined back then. And God proved, again and again, that this was His work to sustain.

Over the years, I’ve been deeply honored to be part of Hope FM’s story. I’ve met parents who once brought their children to the station to make donations or pick up prizes — and now those same kids are raising their own children listening to Hope FM. I’ve watched churches and community ministries grow, serve faithfully, and make lasting impacts far beyond our immediate area.

That’s what makes this year — celebrating 30 years of Hope FM — so much bigger than any one person. But with it also being my 25^th anniversary I feel honored to look back to where we’ve been and to be focused on where God is taking us.

As we look ahead, my prayer is that Hope FM continues to be a place where hearts are encouraged, faith is strengthened, and hope is spoken into everyday moments. That God will keep using these airwaves to reach people right where they are — in cars, kitchens, hospital rooms, workplaces, and quiet moments when they need Him most.

I’m grateful beyond words for every listener, every supporter, every volunteer, and every story God has written through this ministry. And I can’t wait to see what He will do next — in our community and beyond.

Here’s to celebrating milestones… and to trusting God for everything still to come.