WNZR’s Lifeline 2024 meets goal and celebrates the life of Jesus

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — WNZR 90.9 FM, a broadcast ministry of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, is celebrating the success of Lifeline 2024, the radio station’s annual fundraiser.  

Lifeline 2024 aired March 25-28, with a goal of $70,000. This year’s effort raised a total of $88,544, which is the highest amount raised in the station’s history. Blessed with 245 ministry partners, the WNZR staff was encouraged and extremely thankful for the community’s support. 

There were 32 first-time donors, 213 continued supporters, and 7 increased pledges, demonstrating that God is continually reaching new people and families through WNZR. 

The funds raised will help support WNZR staffing of a full-time assistant station manager and office manager, plus summer and 2024-25 student leadership. Lifeline funds are also used for equipment upgrade and repair, hosting for the station’s website and apps, online music streaming fees, maintaining the station’s remote vehicle and video stream initiatives through WNZR.tv. 

“The support and encouragement of Lifeline 2024 is so appreciated,” said WNZR Station Manager Marcy Rinehart. “The partnership with our listeners and donors allows WNZR to broadcast and minister to the community throughout the year. I want to thank each donor for joining us to share the amazing story of God’s love. We are honored to partner together to share the incredible message of Christ’s sacrifice and the forgiveness He offers for all. Let us all rejoice. He is worthy of all praise!” 

This year’s theme was I Believe It, based on the song from Jon Reddick. The song lyrics amplify the message that Jesus had a living, breathing, walking testimony. John 3:16, the Lifeline 2024 theme verse, affirms that we believe in the overwhelming love of God, demonstrated through the life of Jesus, and victory over death.

WNZR held numerous special events, including the Lifeline Choice Challenge, which offered gift certificates to those pledging $150 or more. On the Matching Challenge Day, $44,818 was raised as listener pledges were matched by several generous donors in the community. 

“We thank our listeners for believing in WNZR through their giving to Lifeline 2024,” said Jonathon Langdon, a Senior Communication & Media (Digital Media) Major from Ashland. “The trust they have put in us to be a prominent voice for Jesus in this community will not be taken lightly.” 

“The support of Lifeline 2024 is a huge blessing; plus, an honor and a responsibility, one we take very seriously,” said MVNU Director of Broadcasting Joe Rinehart. “Our commitment is to continue to glorify God while serving listeners. We are grateful for this continued partnership in giving!” 

Pictures and videos from Lifeline 2024 are available at wnzr.fm and on WNZR’s Facebook, Instagram, and X.                                            

WNZR 90.9 FM is celebrating 37 years as Knox County’s hometown Christian radio station. WNZR broadcasts contemporary Christian music, family-oriented programs, sports, news, and weather 24 hours a day. To support Lifeline 2024 or for more information, please visit wnzr.fm, or call WNZR at 740-392-9090.

To learn more about MVNU’s Communication and Media major or to schedule a campus visit, go tohttps://mvnu.edu/on-campus/undergraduate/communication-and-media/.