WNZR’s Lifeline 2025 meets goal and celebrates a ministry that is Made For These Days

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — WNZR 90.9 FM, a broadcast ministry of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, is celebrating the success of Lifeline 2025, the radio station’s annual fundraiser. Lifeline 2025 aired from March 26-31, with a goal of $75,000. This year’s effort has brought in a total of $85,441.

Blessed with 249 ministry partners, the WNZR staff was encouraged and extremely thankful for the community’s support. There were 40 first-time donors, 209 continued supporters, and 8 increased pledges, demonstrating that God is continually reaching new people and families through WNZR.

“The support and encouragement of Lifeline 2025 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.”

The funds raised will help support WNZR staffing of a full-time Assistant Station Manager and Office Manager, plus summer and 2025-26 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.

“We thank our listeners for their gifts and prayers during Lifeline 2025,” said Xander DeVault, a sophomore Communication & Media (Digital Media) major from Kingsport, Tenn. “As believers, we can continue to minister and encourage our local community because of their unwavering support. And as students, we can continue to do what we love and learn more every single day. None of this could happen without the faithfulness of our donors. Thank you for being our Lifeline!”

This year’s theme was Made For These Days, based on the song from Jeremy Camp. The song lyrics amplify the message that God has put us in the right place, at the right time. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT), the Lifeline 2025 theme verse, affirms that while change may be constant in our lives, we are right where God wants us to be. We are God’s masterpiece. The verse is a beautiful promise that God has prepared a plan and a purpose for our lives.

“We are living in a world with division, chaos, uncertainty, anxiety, and new challenges every day,” said Rinehart. “I believe that God is calling us to work together to spread His message of hope to others. I believe that we are Made For These Days. I believe the world around us just needs to see the hope that is inside of us! I want to thank each donor for joining us to share that message every day to our community. Our theme verse, Ephesians 2:10, reminds us that God has a plan a purpose for each of us. With that assurance, I am filled with anticipation for what He will do through our radio ministry in 2025. Let’s walk boldly into the future, trusting in His perfect plan!”

Official fundraising days were March 27, 28 and 31. 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, $39,609 was raised as listener pledges were matched by several generous donors in the community.

“The support of Lifeline 2025 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 our Lord Jesus Christ while serving listeners. We are grateful for this continued partnership in giving!”

Pictures and videos from Lifeline 2025 are available at wnzr.fm and on WNZR’s Facebook, Instagram, and X pages.

WNZR 90.9 FM is celebrating 38 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. All who wish to support Lifeline 2025 or who would like 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 to https://mvnu.edu/on-campus/undergraduate/communication-and-media.