User:In Citer/Page 2
| Broadcast area | Bethel, Pennsylvania Worldwide |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 9.275 MHz |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Assemblies of Yahweh |
| History | |
First air date | 1981 |
| Technical information | |
| Power | 25 kilowatts |
| Links | |
| Webcast | WMLK Streaming |
| Website | wmlkradio |
WMLK (9.275 MHz) is a shortwave radio station in Bethel, Pennsylvania owned by the Assemblies of Yahweh. WMLK takes its name from MLK,[1] representing the consonants of the Hebrew word "malak" (מַלְאָךְ) meaning a "messenger" or angel. A vocalisation of the word will also yield the definition salt.
History[edit]
The Assemblies of Yahweh emerged largely due to a radio ministry known as the Sacred Name Broadcast beginning in 1966 [1]. The broadcast was first heard over radio station WBMD, Baltimore, Maryland but later more powerful stations were used to broadcast the message including KXEL, Waterloo and XELO, Iowa [1].
The ‘message of salvation’ has always centred around keeping of the commandments and the use of the Name of Yahweh (God) and Yahshua (Jesus)[1]. This message has marked a contrast to Christianities no-law doctrine. However, Elder Meyer considered how to get the message out to as many people as possible in order to complete the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19–20. Commercial radio stations had become expensive and in the Sacred Name Broadcaster, Meyer writes that a least a dozen more powerful stations would be preferred to broadcast the message but the costs have made this unattainable [1]. After some discussion with the brethren of the Assemblies of Yahweh, they decided that having a radio station of their own would be very advantageous [1] to the ministry. They came to the conclusion that Bethel was strategically placed for sending radio signals throughout the earth, as they could cover much of the earths landmass from their position [1].
Working together[edit]
When Elder Meyer put forth the project proposal, there was a positive reaction and the brethren responded immediately [1]. Forthwith, Elder Meyer began a search for a suitable transmitter. Quickly, after locating a transmitter in the south, a truck was sent to pick it and bring it to Bethel, but as yet they had nowhere to house the instrument. They were able to find a property within one mile of the international headquarters to situate transmitter. The building however was in a state of disrepair [1], so it took some time to refurbish the building and repair the roof. After this was completed they commenced with reconditioning the components of the transmitter while silmutaneously an application had to be submitted to the Federal Communication Commission for a construction permit for the station. Blueprints had to be submitted for the transmitter which had to be drawn and well thought out [1]. It is reported that brethren and co-workers of the Assemblies of Yahweh gave generously so that the expensive project could be completed [1]. They learnt that such a project would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. A prominent member of the Assemblies of Yahweh Deacon Gary McAvin was assisting with the project and he and his family moved to Bethel to assist with this endeavour [1]. Deacon Gary McAvin continues to work as chief engineer to WMLK.
Shophar[edit]
Coming up with the design of the antenna was the next move forwards. After consideration, the Assemblies of Yahweh came up with a design of a modified log periodic antenna. The appearance of the antenna in the original drawings looked like that of a ram’s horn (shophar) [1] and after construction on the antenna was underway it became apparent that the antenna took the appearance of a ram’s horn erected skywards. Meyer took this as symbolising the voice of Yahweh going out in to the world like the blowing of the Shophar in Biblical times [1]. The steel posts used to hoist the antenna grid in the air were recycled from sign posts used on the interstate highway. Meyer took this as a fulfilment of Jeremiah 31:21 where it talks about making ‘guide-posts’ toward the highway.
In 1981, the Assemblies of Yahweh bought a 50,000-watt radio transmitter which was converted into a tool for shortwave broadcasting. From this point onwards, the Assemblies of Yahweh began to build their own radio station in order to "proclaim Yahweh's Truth."[2] Two prominent members of the Assemblies of Yahweh were hired to work on this project, both in the dismantling and rebuilding of WMLK. The transmitter in its early stages required reconditioning and conversion, whilst the building which housed it needed repairing. It is believed that this project is rapidly approaching completion, with visitors periodically coming to see the WMLK enterprise. Because the Assemblies of Yahweh remains a somewhat small organization in comparison to most Christian denominations, WMLK has been heralded as a success and a grand accomplishment by members and non-members of the Assemblies of Yahweh[3][4] and Meyer had hoped to see the WMLK radio station upgraded to 200,000 watts before long:
| “ | Yahweh willing, the upgrading project will continue until we have achieved a projected output of 200, 000 watts in power | ” |
| — SNB: What's Happening at Bethel? (11/1999 ed.) Meyer | ||
According to recent reports, the Assemblies of Yahweh have outdone this expectation, and "purchased a BBC 300KW unit to enhance the outreach of WMLK Radio" (*"WMLK Shortwave").
Shofar[edit]
The plans for WMLK's large antenna revealed the shape of a trumpet or shofar' (Hebrew: שופר)[1]. These steel posts (once sign posts), hoist the WMLK antennas skyward, standing over a busy Interstate Route 78. The Assemblies of Yahweh believe that this is a fulfilment of the prophecy found in Jeremiah 31:21 where it talks about making ‘guide-posts’ toward the highway. Meyer took this as symbolising the voice of Yahweh going out in to the world like the blowing of the Shophar in Biblical times [1]. The steel posts used to hoist the antenna grid in the air were recycled from sign posts used on the interstate highway. According to Assemblies of Yahweh reports, WMLK has required much sacrificial dedication from the leadership, and is often referred to as the "Messenger of Truth".[5] In 1985 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license was granted, and further, permission endorsed to increase the power of the WMLK radio station.[6]
Approved[edit]
After phases of testing and modifications, the station was tested on August 29 1986 and approved. On September 5, 1986, WMLK was granted its broadcast licence. WMLK broadcasts 6 days a week, between 11 PM to 2 AM EST and 12 noon to 3 PM EST.
Fulfilling prophesy[edit]
The Assemblies of Yahweh believe WMLK will fulfil the prophesy of Revelation 14:6-12. Under this interpretation, an angel "(malakh)" message is proclaiming the exclusive worship of Yahweh and proclaims the fall of Babylon, as well as the final warning message not to take the mark of the Beast [1]. The radio signal being a message that travels through the air all over the world, like an angel.
Target Areas[edit]
In the SNB, 5/2018, Meyer writes that the target area is Europe and the Middle East [1], although responses have come in from Canada, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England and a range of other places. In the 50th anniversary of the Sacred Name Broadcast on Feb 5 2011, the BBC transmitter broadcasted at increased power. Response reports are said to have come in from every continent of the world except Antarctica [1].
A More Powerful Transmiteer[edit]
The Assemblies of Yahweh have now contracted the same company which built the 250 Kw BBC transmitter to build a new model which will enable the ministry to broadcast at up to 300,000 watts [1]. Technological advances to the new antenna will mean not only will the audio clarity be improved but the cost to transmit will be much lower also. The Assemblies of Yahweh have prepared a building for the new instrument and so far it is being prepared in Switzerland and will be shipped to the shores of the U.S as early as 2020. The Assemblies of Yahweh is hoping to acquire the necessary funds to be able to finance this project.
Sermons[edit]
The station is used extensively. Sermon and Bible studies are aired across the globe, proclaiming the message of Yahweh: repentance and obedience to the Biblical Law (1John 3:4). According to the SNB magazine (6/1988), the key targeted areas were Europe and the Middle East,[7] but the signal waves are not limited and reach far and wide. At present, audiences from 120 countries have responded.[8] WMLK is an expensive project,[9][10] but the Assemblies of Yahweh resolutely believe in witnessing this "truth" of the Bible to the nations. WMLK has stimulated much global response and has also been the theme of numerous newspaper articles.[11] The Assemblies of Yahweh encourage all members with access to regularly listen to the sermons, which are occasionally described as: "the voice crying in the wilderness" (Isaiah 40:3).[12]
WMLK has also streamed online through its own website[13] and on the TuneIn website.[14]
Other radio stations airing The Sacred Name Broadcast[edit]
Current stations[edit]
See also[edit]References[edit]
External links[edit]
40°28′46.4″N 76°16′48.3″W / 40.479556°N 76.280083°W
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