ADVENTURES IN AUDIO

2010 Off and Running

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:16:00 +0000

The new year has started with a number of projects just wrapping up or getting started this month:

101 Hymns- This new release from Oasis Audio will come out in February. As the narrator of this project, I read the stories of 101 favorite hymns. The really unique part of this project is that each hymn story is accompanied by the hymn's melody. Produced by Joe Carlson, the musicians who are a part of this project are Jeff Taylor on piano, accordion, and penny whistle, John Catching on cello, and Steve Wick on guitar. These talented men add a beautiful musical touch to these timeless stories and hymn texts. Just one of the hymn stories, O God Our Help In Ages Past, is in the audio vault for you to sample.

2012: The Bible and the End of the World- I completed production of this audio book in December and it will also be released by Oasis Audio.

The Map: The Way of All Great Men- This book is in production right now for upcoming release from Oasis Audio.

Author Interviews- Oasis Audio has also posted a number of my author interviews here.

THE PUBLIC SQUARE- This weekly program is off and running in the new year, a critically important year in the life of our nation. I'll be attending our American Policy Roundtable Policy Briefing in Franklin, TN on Jan. 29.

PARENTING TODAY'S TEENS - We have a recording session planned for this month and I get to hear all of Mark Gregston's latest stories :)

WALK IN THE WORD - We had a great finish to 2009 and look forward to what God has in store through the ministry of James MacDonald this year. We'll have a recording session this month. Also, James has just released his book, When Life Is Hard.

MEET ME AT THE WELL - Hopefully, you've seen the download link here on the website for this radio special which is now available free of charge.

UREADBOOKS.COM - A number of author interviews have now been posted on this website as radio programs.

DRINK FROM THE WELL - I'm doing voiceover for this new television program with Dr. David Swanson from First Presbyterian Church Orlando.

All this and maybe a little snowmobile trip as well?? 'Have a great month!

After Christmas Special

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:57:00 +0000

I know we are all still thinking about Christmas, but let me be the first to announce an after Christmas special-- no, not a half price sale, but a special radio broadcast that's all produced and ready to go for January release. It's called MEET ME AT THE WELL and it features Christian artist Lisa Troyer and author/speaker Virelle Kidder. With music from Lisa and biblical conversation with both Lisa and Virelle, MEET ME AT THE WELL is meant to encourage listeners to have their soul's thirst quenched by Jesus Christ who is the Living Water. This program, which I host, also features Jerry Wiles of Living Water International.

The featured music for this program will come from Lisa's brand new CD to be released in January, called Meet Me at the Well. Coincidentally (actually, we think it was the Lord's doing), one of Virelle's books from Moody Publishers is also titled Meet Me at the Well. When these two women bumped into each other at a conference, it only seemed natural that they should begin to minister together. So, starting in January, they will begin a series of women's conferences with Lisa leading worship and Virelle speaking on the God-given theme of renewal.

This radio special is available for airing by any radio station who wishes to use it. MEET ME AT THE WELL is designed as a one-time, 54 minute radio special with ample cutaways for local fill.

More information is available at meetmeatthewell.fm. If you would like to audition the program, or download the files for broadcast, just go to wayneshepherd.net and follow the link to the download page where you can register and then listen and/or download the program.

Of course, if you have any questions, just email me at wayne@wayneshepherd.net. I hope you'll take advantage of the first after Christmas special of the season!

Sunday Night at Sherwood

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:51:00 +0000

Last night was the service at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA which announced the next movie from the makers of FIREPROOF. The movie will be called COURAGEOUS, calling men and fathers back to their biblical role of spiritual leadership. The plot will involve a group of police officers who are called to "serve and protect", a symbol of the role to which God calls all men.

The service at Sherwood was extremely powerful as Stephen and Alex Kendrick, Jim McBride, and Pastor Michael Catt explained how much thought and prayer has gone into determining the theme of the next movie. Michael Catt began by describing their method of decision making-- after prayer and searching the Scriptures, there has to be complete unity among them before they move ahead on any point. No 3-1 votes, but complete unity.

As I heard the presentation and thought about the character and commitment to Christ of the men and women involved in this, I began to wonder and pray even now for a spiritual revival to be the fruit of their efforts dedicated to God's glory.

You can read more about the movie which now enters a intense few months of writing, casting, and production at www.courageousthemovie.com.

I have uploaded a number of radio interviews that I did following last night's service at Sherwood. They are on the front page of my website as featured audio.

I know the whole Sherwood team deeply desires your prayers as they launch their next movie.

Goin' Down To Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:35:00 +0000

When the movies Facing The Giants and Fireproof were released, it was great fun to host the live radio coverage of the premiers in Los Angeles in the Arclight Theatre. Now, the church in Albany, Georgia where these successful movies were birthed, is set to announce their newest film project. The announcement is to be made this Sunday, Nov. 15, in a Sunday night service at Sherwood Baptist. You can check out the website thenextsherwoodmovie.com

On assignment with Renaissance Communications and my good friend Joe Battaglia, I will be providing audio clips of the announcement and interviews with Alex and Stephen Kendrick. These audio clips will be posted late Sunday night and will be available for radio stations to download and use on Monday morning broadcasts. I'll be talking with both Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as Pastor Michael Catt, Ex. Producer Jim McBride, and others. The audio can be downloaded here: thenextsherwoodmovie.com/radio

Do I know what the movie will be? Nope, it's a big secret and I will find out when everyone else does Sunday night :)

Metanoia Radio in Romania

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:40:00 +0000

I've just returned from a brief trip to Arad, Romania. Invited by Metanoia Church (Harvest Bible Chapel) and pastor Cristian Barbosu, I met with the Metanoia radio staff as well as the ownership, staff, and management of Alt FM, a new radio frequency that has only been on the air since May. As a church, Metanoia provides 3 hours per day of programming to Alt FM, producing their programs right in the studios of Alt FM. Talking with each member of the staff reminded me of the days when we started the Satellite Programming Department at Moody in the early 80's. Starting from scratch, lots of hard work, questions about strategy and program design, struggles over what music and how much to play, and how to find enough listener support to keep it all going. With all of this, plus a lot more that I probably did not pick up on, it's really amazing how far they have come in a short amount of time. Pray for this radio ministry that is seeking to reach a new generation of Romanian listeners. In the days to come I hope to be able to continue to encourage them by linking them to resources and people here in America that can help them thrive in their mission. Pray also that the Romanian government will allow the owners of Alt FM to equip and re-start an AM station which is a significant part of their strategy for survival. If anyone would like to know more, or how to financially support Metanoia's radio ministry, please email me at wshepherd@ameritech.net. I'd be happy to tell you more. I've written a formal report on the trip which I can send to anyone who requests it.

Calling All Nashvillians

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:35:00 +0000

While I am involved in a number of diverse projects these days, one of my radio assignments is serving as the host of the radio program THE PUBLIC SQUARE, which is produced by the politically independent American Policy Roundtable.

At this critically important moment in our nation's history, we are holding a policy briefing on Thursday evening, Aug 6 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville.

If you liked what the government did to the auto industry, the financial industry, TARP, and the stimulus, you'll love what they will do to your health care.

I hope you will consider attending this 90 minute briefing. You can RSVP Allison-- at 1-800-522-8683, or aallen@APRoundtable.org. You can read more about APR (and listen to our radio shows) at www.aproundtable.org. Also check out www.moveoutcongress.com.

Click on the invitation below to see a larger version :)

The Hole in Our Gospel

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Since I do a lot of author interviews, there are many books that cross my desk. I usually don't have to go looking for them- they find me. Honestly, there are some that I read cover to cover not only in anticipation of talking with the author, but because it's a good book and it has captivated me. Then there are the books that I "radio read", skimming through them, usually because there isn't enough time to read everything that I need to in preparing for the interview. However, once in a while there is a book that I pursue whether it finds me or not. One of those books is The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision, U.S.

I wanted to read The Hole in Our Gospel, not to prepare for any interview, but because I had heard so many people I respect talk about how much it had meant to them. After reading it, I now know why. It was, as expected, a well thought out and biblical call to serve the poor of this world in the name of Jesus Christ. Scripture is clear on God's expectations for how we treat the poor and the statistics that are documented in this book compel us to action. What I did not expect, was the personal story as Rich Stearns told of his own awakening to the issue. As a very successful CEO of a large corporation, the way in which God prepared his heart and controlled the circumstances surrounding his call to lead World Vision is a powerful reminder to me that our life is not our own. Rich Stearns' life reminds me yet again that "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Prov. 16:9).

Letters To God- The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:45:00 +0000

We just spent two days in Orlando, invited by the producers of the movie Letters To God to come and record on-set radio interviews with the producers and director, cast, and crew. LTG is an inspiring movie about how a young boy fighting cancer finds strength and hope through writing letters to God and in doing so changes the lives of those around him. It is being directed by David Nixon who produced Fireproof and Facing The Giants for Sherwood Baptist. The company he and others have formed is Possibility Pictures and they have 3 movies currently in the pipeline. In addition to David Nixon as Director of this film, Cameron (Kim) Dawson is the Producer, and Tom Swanson the Executive Producer. Each of these men and all the others working diligently with them were a joy to get to know as they talked enthusiastically about their vision to bring more and more faith-based movies to the big screen. They were all extremely gracious and visionary men who are on a mission. Pray for them. Shooting continues on this film for a couple of more weeks and, pending a distribution deal, will release the movie sometime between late January and March, 2010.

I'll keep you posted on the release of the interviews that we recorded this week. One piece that will be released this weekend will be a part of THE PUBLIC SQUARE radio program as Dave Zanotti joined me on the set in Orlando to talk with Producer Kim Dawson. That will air this Saturday and then be archived at www.aproundtable.org.

On Interviewing

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:55:00 +0000

I never set out in broadcasting to become an interviewer. As a matter of fact in the first half of my career, I did very little interviewing, choosing instead to focus on what I thought would be a career in broadcast management. But, while I did spend many years managing, I always stayed active as an announcer and eventually found myself in situations where I needed to sharpen my skills as an interviewer. Of course, there's no substitute for experience and starting to host many shows that required conversational interviews gave me a steady stream of opportunities to develop and grow.

The old adage applies that interviewing is more caught than taught. While reading about the art of interviewing was helpful in small ways, I learned far more by listening to other professionals and how they conducted their interviews. Fortunately (to use a Christian term), there were many talented people to emulate-- up close and personal, as well as on-the-air. In thinking about this, I realize that I took a little bit of wisdom or strategy from each one and then personalized it. I didn't want to imitate them, I just wanted to incorporate something from them that would fit who I am and use it in developing my own style. Of course, this process never stops. I am constantly listening to interviews and picking up clues which I might be able to incorporate.

The best piece of advice for those wanting to become better interviewers? Listen to everything you do. Then, pick out one thing you could do better next time. If you're anything like me, you'll always have something to improve on :)

Author Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:38:00 +0000

It has been fun recently to be asked by Oasis Audio to interview authors whose books are being put into audiobook form. The interviews are then packaged with the audiobook product, and become part of the Oasis Audio website. Joel Rosenberg, Sheila Walsh, and Jack Hayford are among the authors interviewed. The surprise interview had to do with THE SECRET HOLOCAUST DIARIES. I was about to wrap up talking with the son of the woman whose powerful story it is when he casually asked me if I'd like to talk with his father. I wasn't even aware that he was alive, so it added even more to the interview when Henry Bannister joined me on the phone.

National Day of Prayer Special Features

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:41:00 +0000

We have produced a special stand-alone series of 2-minute features for radio stations to use during the week of The National Day of Prayer. Called PRAYER ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE, each day highlights a historical prayer from the past that seems appropriate for this hour in our nation. These prayers will be voiced by various members of the team at THE PUBLIC SQUARE and include prayers by George Washington and Abigail Adams as well as some African-American voices.

These five, 2-minute features will be made available for broadcast May 4-8. They will be appropriate for all radio stations even if they do not normally carry THE PUBLIC SQUARE broadcast. For information about downloading them from our ftp site, please email me at wshepherd@ameritech.net.

UNCOMMON with Coach Tony Dungy

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:48:00 +0000

One recent program I narrated is the special one-hour radio broadcast with former NFL coach Tony Dungy. It's based on his newest book titled UNCOMMON: Finding Your Path To Significance, from Tyndale House Publishers. Although packaged as a radio broadcast, anyone is welcome to listen to or download it online here. Thanks to Dave Koch of Westar Media and producer Curt Morse for including me on the project.

HEARTLIGHT RADIO Becomes PARENTING TODAY'S TEENS

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Lots of change is in the air as we end the month of March and begin April. For instance, the weekly program HEARTLIGHT RADIO is changing both its title and its length. Now known as PARENTING TODAY'S TEENS, our weekly conversation has dropped down to 28 minutes-- and thus far the result is very promising with many more radio stations signing up for the broadcast through Roger Kemp and Company. As of this moment, we'll be on 462 stations starting with the month of April. The one minute feature will be on even far more than that, getting exposure on a majority of the Christian radio networks.

One more time, I am "radio's other guy" alongside our host, Mark Gregston. Mark and his wife, Jan, have over 30 years experience working with teens and their parents through Heartlight Ministries. I don't know anyone who is better equipped to offer help and hope to parents. Working with Mark in the studio (and laughing through all the antics that happen off the air) is a real treat. Not only does the listener get the benefit of Mark's advice and teaching, but we also talk to parents and teens about the practical-- sometimes painful and debilitating-- issues that families face living in today's world of adolescent challenges. One of the segments we enjoy doing the most is when we talk with teens who are living at Heartlight Ministries right now. You learn how devastating and difficult life has been for them, but also how quickly they can change with the right dose of love, structure, counseling, and discipline.

Yes, PARENTING TODAY'S TEENS can also be heard online. And on XM Radio, channel 170, Saturdays at 2:00 pm ET.

Last Studio Call

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:08:00 +0000

A reminder that this weekend marks the end of IN THE STUDIO with Michael Card (see March 4 blog entry). Our last program will be broadcast this Saturday/Sunday, March 28/29. Producer Joe reminds us that we did a total of 365 hour-long programs over 7 years. The good news in this? ALL of those programs will survive to live another day on Michael's website. Eventually, the archive will hold all 365. Right now, 352 are posted with the last few coming online soon. That should keep you busy listening :)
Thanks to all of you who have written with kind words of support as we wrap things up.

Great News

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:30:00 +0000

We are thrilled that Moody Radio has chosen to partner with us in the satellite distribution of THE PUBLIC SQUARE WEEKEND.

Beginning Saturday, April 4, our hour-long broadcast will be carried by Moody's satellite service at 8:00 pm CT, 9:00 ET. Individual radio stations will need to decide locally to air the broadcast, but getting on the Moody network is a big step.

What is THE PUBLIC SQUARE WEEKEND?

• A magazine formatted program that addresses many of the critical issues of our day in the public policy arena. Hosted by myself and Dr. David Zanotti, President and CEO of The American Policy Roundtable. This is a 501(c)3 organization which exists to restore Judeo-Christian principles to American public policy. You can read more about this politically independent, non-partisan organization at www.aproundtable.org.

• Each week, numerous topics in that week’s news will be addressed from a biblical perspective.

• In addition to conversational interviews with leaders in public policy issues, each program will feature a panel discussion featuring our balanced team of professionals.

I’ve been working with this great team at THE PUBLIC SQUARE now for over 2 years and look forward to bringing listeners into the conversation about countering the evil at work in our civil society with positive public policy alternatives. I think you’ll find THE PUBLIC SQUARE to be a very essential program for the days in which we live.

If you'd like to know more about THE PUBLIC SQUARE-- maybe even encourage your local station to carry it-- please email me at wshepherd@ameritech.net.

Joy In The Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:48:00 +0000

It's sad to see something you value come to an end. I suppose I've done thousands of radio programs of every shape and size over the last 39 years of broadcasting, but nothing has meant more to me personally than being a part of IN THE STUDIO with Michael Card. But now, after several years of being being on the radio together, we'll be going off the air at the end of March. These past couple of years, RBC Ministries was kind enough to underwrite the cost of producing the program. However, in this season of budget cuts and austerity for all, it has become necessary to cease production. Thank you, RBC, for stepping in when you did and giving IN THE STUDIO a little more time.

I've always said that radio is a relationship, meaning that the best radio programs make a connection with listeners in a personal way, which makes everyone feel a part of the conversation and experience. That, more than anything else, described IN THE STUDIO. Mike and I were the "out front" voices of the program, but right alongside us in every way was an ensemble of friends called into an ad hoc community, literally in the studio with Michael. When you heard the finished program, you were just hearing the distilled version of hours of behind-the-scenes conversations, stories, laughter, tears, and music. Somehow, Joe Carlson, our friend and producer who was in the middle of all that, took the result and crafted a radio show. And I sense that listeners felt connected to our rag tag little studio community.

We'll be recording our final program next week. By God's grace, Mike and I will continue to do what God has called us to do-- maybe we'll even get to serve together once in a while-- but I will never forget the lessons we learned as friends in the studio.

Read Michael Card's journal entry.

THE STIMULUS: WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:21:00 +0000

A timely word from my friends and partners at The American Policy Roundtable... subscribe to our monthly newsletter for FREE

SOURCE: DAVID ZANOTTI
The American Policy Roundtable
February 17 2009

Disgust and discouragement – the best way to describe the feeling so many have over the Congressional “stimulus package”. Disgust and discouragement because the stimulus is one more promise made that cannot be kept, one more false illusion of creating debt to mask pain, one more political cover-up by Congress.

So what do we do?

Perhaps it’s time to make a memory. Time to take a mental snapshot of that 14” pile of dog-eared papers authorizing one trillion dollars of debt-based promises. Let that pile of promises, created in three short weeks, voted on, but not read by Congress, burn into our imaginations.

This is our work. Congress serves only because we the people have empowered them by our Constitutional authority. They work for us and spend our money. Every one of those false promises was made in our name.

Are you tired of living in a land built on false promises? Tired of surrendering one-third to one-half of everything you earn to government officials who don’t even have time to read the next trillion-dollar bill they are sending you?

We are, and we are humbly praying for wisdom on how we get out of this mess. It’s not going to be easy but if you are ready for more than “talking points” and “talking heads,” we are ready to fight this challenge together.

Facing the truth is seldom easy but it’s time we make that change. This has nothing to do with political parties or personalities. This is about the integrity of every American community and family. A system built on false promises saves no one.

We have to face the truth and accept the responsibility of finding new leaders who will tell the truth in public office. Over the next few weeks you will be hearing more from both Roundtable and The Liberty Committee. Roundtable will be talking about the key principles and policies in this challenge. Liberty Committee (www.libertycommittee.com) will be talking about finding new leaders.

Fixing this task will take both efforts. My family supports both organizations every month because we have to do both – we must restore the principles of the Declaration and the Constitution to this culture and we must develop and support leaders who will honor those principles in public service.

We invite you to join with so many on this adventure.

David Zanotti
President/CEO
The American Policy Roundtable

2008 Year In Review

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:56:00 +0000

The start of a new year is a good time to take a look back at the previous few months and give thanks to God for the projects that provided such a good and meaningful year. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” I’ve seen that truth in new ways this past year as God has brought people and projects to WS Communications that I could not have planned for—or dreamed of.

Now, there’s excitement about new opportunities that are ahead in 2009. If you or your organization are thinking of a special radio project or a new radio program, I’d love to talk with you. Besides the services I am able to provide, perhaps I can connect you with other media professionals who are eager to serve.

I've posted a Year In Review newsletter that gives a full report on 2008. The newsletter contains the highlights, but there were also many other moments in between that brought fulfillment to life as an audio vagabond.

Thanks for your friendship!

A Christmas Prayer for America

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 02:20:00 +0000

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:53:00 +0000

What Would You Do If Obama Called?

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:01:00 +0000

This is too good for you to miss-- it's from my partner Dave Zanotti of The American Policy Roundtable and his blog found at aproundtable.org.

What would you do if Obama called?
By Mr. David Zanotti

Rick Warren is getting hammered -- again. This time the left is furious and the right is not far behind. Secular modernists are livid that President Obama has selected Pastor Warren to lead the invocation at the Inauguration. Google the news on this one. Read what Andrew Sullivan, PFAW, and the ACLU are saying. It won't be long, however before bloggers from the other side tee off on Rick Warren. They will hit the fan because someone claiming to be a Christian and a Pastor at that would stand side by side with the new President and, gasp... pray for him.

Can we all take a breath? This is actually funny because it is pretty much a surprise to everyone. But let's not get carried away here. The act of such a public prayer remains symbolic. It doesn't say much about the condition of anyone's heart or mind. Public prayers are not the ones Jesus rates as substantive. In fact, he warns against them. So lets try to get a little perspective here.

Even more interesting is this question: If the new President called you and asked you to come and pray at this very official event, what would you do? The inauguration is the actual moment of the transfer of Constitutional authority, when the oath of office is taken. Actually, it is the public act. On occassion the oath has been taken in private, with witnesses for security purposes. That might happen again this year. However, for the public view and the watching world, this is the moment when a part of the Constitution comes to life. So would you be willing to lead in prayer, to talk to God out loud, in front of the watching world? Would you go, or would you want your pastor to go if asked?

The question is this: Can pastors maintain their spiritual identity and true indepenedence and at the same time minister to those in elected office? Remember, Rick Warren did not endorse ANYONE for the Presidential election. He kept his focus on the issues he believed mattered most to God. So this invitation is no payback. It certainly is no payback for the Saddleback Forum where Obama and McCain squared off with Warren. Wayne Shepherd and I were at that event helping broadcast it to the nation. Obama got hammered by McCain that night. It was the only time in the campaign McCain performed well, so well, that if the election had been held a few days later, McCain might have actually gotten close. So Obama isn't exactly gaining much politically hanging around Warren. In fact, chances are good if McCain had won, he might have picked Warren as well. And that would have been billed as "payback" for the Saddleback Forum for sure.

So if the President called you to pray for him and the country in public -- would you?

Pray for James MacDonald

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:28:00 +0000

My friend and partner at WALK IN THE WORD has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. You can read more about it on the STRAIGHT UP blog, but I wanted to also ask you to pray for James and Kathy as they endure this trial. Knowing James, we will all learn from his experience as he looks to the Lord and His Word for comfort and perspective. I can't wait to see how God will use this trial in his life-- and ours.

James and I still smile when we remember our first conversation. It was on a flight to California and we were both headed separately to the National Religious Broadcasters convention. At the time, I was the gatekeeper for new programs being added to Moody's satellite program schedule, so I was already bracing myself for an onslaught of requests from ministries that could only HOPE to be on Moody. I was already in a mode of non-commitment as a shield around me as I settled into my seat for the long flight. Up the aisle walks James headed straight for me. After some small talk, he kindly asked what the possibility of getting WALK IN THE WORD on Moody was. I laugh even now of how I TOTALLY brushed him off with some lame answer. Well, despite me, WALK IN THE WORD did make it on Moody and the ministry is thriving. Imagine my feelings when James later asked me to become the co-host. Thankfully, James doesn't hold grudges :) Working with him has become one of the key highlights of my radio ministry.

Christmas in Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:54:00 +0000

The last few weeks have been especially busy-- and rewarding. One thing that is going on right now is PROJECT HOPE through Russian Ministries. Russian churches have a vision to reach thousands of children this Christmas-- children who are victims of the recent war in Georgia, some who live in poverty in the Arctic Circle, and others who are orphans or street children. These Russian believers want to give up to 30,000 children a gift this Christmas-- warm socks, toys, candy, and a children's Bible-- but they don't have the money to buy the supplies. So, PROJECT HOPE gives us the chance to send $25 for each gift box. We give the money to the Russian churches and they spend it themselves on the gifts. With the restrictions on gifts coming from the West, this is the most practical way to get a gift into the hands of these needy children.

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to visit many orphanages and children's hospitals in the former Soviet Union-- and then more recently I was in Beslan in South Ossetia and saw firsthand how much the children respond when shown any kind of love and care.

The Russian Christmas will be observed on January 7, so there is still time to give to PROJECT HOPE. If you would rather call, the number is 888-462-7639. Also, I've placed some spots we produced and aired on WMBI for Russian Ministries on the front page of my website as featured audio.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Young WALK IN THE WORD listener

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Last month when I was at WCRH for a sharathon, a father brought his 7 year old son to the studio. Young Isaac Mulford had already called in with his gift (which he increased later), but we wanted to meet this young man who has committed 700 Bible verses to memory in the past two years. The bonus in meeting Isaac was learning that he also listens to WALK IN THE WORD. To make sure, I had to put him to the test. You can watch the result below. By the way, Isaac is so energetic that the auto focus on the video camera couldn't keep up with him! Thanks to Isaac's parents, Mark and Jenny Mulford (Mark is in the backround of the video), for helping Isaac hide God's Word in his heart.

VOTE 2008 Video Released

noreply@blogger.com (Wayne Shepherd) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:29:00 +0000

My friends and colleagues at The American Policy Roundtable have just released a brief but powerful non-partisan video titled VOTE 2008. If you have a moment, I encourage you to take a look. If you would like to download a high-resolution version for a church or any other group, it is also provided separately at APRoundtable.org.