By Amy Schechter
Romans 10:14 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Christians are called to witness to their brothers and sisters, but New Beginnings Baptist Church is doing so in such a way that is unique and accessible to the entire community. They want the community to tune in to 102.1 WKOT and find something for your soul while surfing the airwaves.
Pastor Bill Cable and Brother Bill Thompson came up with the idea over two years ago. Brother Bill, the station manager, has over 30 years of experience in radio, and with his expertise and guidance, the radio station grew from a streaming Internet station to an FM broadcast. Now, with a transmitter and tower, they reach audiences from Wimauma to Plant City. Brother Bill explains WKOT is a natural extension of New Beginnings’ mission: “We want to encourage people in the community and evangelize the Gospel.”
Brother Bill is committed to programming that encourages all of God’s people. Currently, the station offers weekday programming designed for children, teens, and adults which encourages worship, instructs in God’s word, and provides a forum for discussion. Brother Bill is currently building new programs for weekends with a special focus on veterans. He hopes all his neighbors in need will hear their message and find a place they can go to for support.
102.1 WKOT is a non-commercial station, meaning they do not charge for air time. If there is a program out there that can help the community they want to help showcase it. Brother Bill invites other local organizations to reach out to them for free advertising for community events and meetings. He relayed the story of how their station even helped a woman who was suddenly stricken with illness find a place to live. He reiterates, “If it benefits the community, anything that helps someone, we want to hear from them.”
The station is entirely funded by donations through New Beginnings Baptist Church and through grants. For more information or to make a donation, Brother Bill can be reached directly on his cell at 343-1491. Listeners are also encouraged to call the station at 634-4555. Websites are currently under construction, but keep checking nbb.church and their Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/newbeginningbaptist.fl.
