The chorus from the 7eventh Time Down song “God is on the Move,” seems a perfect fit for the transformation of local radio station WPTC, 88.1 FM, which today celebrates its one-year anniversary as an affiliate of the K-LOVE network.

For those who don’t know the K-LOVE’s story, the station, headquartered in Rocklin, California, was started in 1982 by “Bob Anthony, a former announcer at KFRC in San Francisco, who had a vision to bring a high level of professionalism to Christian music radio as a tool in reaching people with the good news of Jesus Christ,” according to Joe Miller, K-LOVE vice-president/signal development.

What began as a single station bought out of bankruptcy in Santa Rosa, California, now is heard in about 175 of 300 U.S. markets. It is a network of contemporary Christian music stations operating on a listener-supported basis dedicated to sharing the love of Christ in a hurting world, Miller said, noting that it has grown “by the grace of God as doors of opportunity have opened over the years.”

One of those opportunities arose in Williamsport a year ago.

Station history

WPTC originated in 1980 as WWAS, a 10-watt student-run radio station that was part of the Williamsport Area Community College’s Journalism and Broadcasting Department.

The station was upgraded to 100 watts in the early 1980s and it began using the call letters WPTC in 1997 after the school became Pennsylvania College of Technology. It primarily aired a mix of modern rock and jazz programming and, in September of 2007, also became home to “The Way,” a weekly radio show that focused on religion and spirituality and featured interviews with individuals from both the college and the community, according to Dr. Brad L. Nason, at that time the associate professor of mass communications and faculty adviser to WPTC.

In the fall of 2013, after the college’s mass media major was discontinued, the station’s Federal Communications Commission license was sold to the Williamsport Lycoming Broadcasting Foundation, under owner Todd Bartley.

“Upon FCC approval we began removing all of the equipment and clearing out the studio space and then moving it to the third floor of the Williamsport Building (460 Market St.),” Bartley explained, noting that jazz music was the primary programming at the time, augmented with high school football and basketball games and then, in the winter, select Penn College and Lycoming College games.

A little more than a year ago, Bartley said, “… I had been having discussions with (K-LOVE) about some of their signals in other markets we either do business in or were looking at expanding to. One thing led to another and WPTC is under contract with K-LOVE.

“For them to get their signal to us was a bit of a challenge without the ability to put a satellite dish on our roof. So WPTC became one of the first K-LOVE stations in the country to use an online model of delivery,” he said. “My understanding is that system is now being deployed regularly when similar instances occur.”

Within the last year, Bartley said, WPTC was moved to a larger 213-foot tower to gain greater coverage. At an effective radiated power of 550 watts, it now has a signal that reaches a radius of 10-15 miles.

“One other driving force to sell the station is that the FCC approved the AM revitalization act last year, opening up new opportunities for AM stations to move forward in a positive way. Being that (AM) is our core business, and K-LOVE does such an amazing job and did not have an existing station in Williamsport, it just made the decision so much easier – and it has truly been a win-win for all parties involved,” Bartley said.

K-LOVE joins WGRC, in Lewisburg, and WJSA, in Jersey Shore, as Christian stations whose signals reach Greater Williamsport, but Miller doesn’t see them as competition, saying, “It is not unusual for a market to have more than one Christian station; each will usually have its own unique distinctive and audience appeal.”

A lot to love

A positive, encouraging message – with minimal interruptions – are the things that draw listeners to K-LOVE.

According to its website, www.klove.com: it is governed by Educational Media Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit ministry. EMF Broadcasting is fortunate to have a highly knowledgeable and diverse group of business and ministry leaders who serve on its board of directors. Each member-at-large volunteers to serve a rotating, four-year term (with one year off between multiple terms) to provide oversight and accountability for the staff of the K-LOVE Radio network.

In addition, EMF is a member of the Evangelical Council on Financial Accountability. Founded by Billy Graham, it oversees K-LOVE financial affairs, ethics and reporting standards.

K-LOVE mission

To create compelling media that inspires and encourages you to have a meaningful relationship with Christ.

K-LOVE beliefs

The Bible to be the inspired, only infallible and authoritative Word of God.

(2 Tim. 3:15-17, 1 Thess. 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21)

There is one true God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(Deut. 6:4, Isa 43:10-11, Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 3:22)

In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles, substitutional death on the cross, bodily resurrection, ascension to the Father and His personal return in power and glory.

(Matt. 1:23, Luke 1:31-32, Acts 10:37-38, Acts 2:22, Heb. 7:26-27, 1 Cor. 15:3-5, 2 Cor. 5:21-6:1, Matt. 28:6, Luke 24:39, 1 Cor. 15:4-6, Acts 1:9-11, Phil. 2:9-11, Heb. 1:3)

Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of sinful man; a person must experience a spiritual rebirth. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit is the Christian able to live a more godly life.

(Rom. 10:12-13, Eph. 2:8-10, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:4-8, Rom. 8:16, Eph. 4:24, Titus 2:12)

There is a resurrection of both the saved and the lost, the saved to eternal life in heaven, the lost to hell.

(1 Thess. 4:15-17, Rom. 3:23-24, 1 Cor. 15:51-52, Rev. 20:11-15, Rev. 21:6-8)

Jesus Christ rose from the dead and is returning soon.

(Zech. 14:4-5, Matt. 24:26, Matt. 24:30, Rev. 1:7, Rev.

19:11-13)

The Great Commission of the church is to go into the entire world and preach the Gospel to every person.

(Mark 16:15, Luke 14:23, Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:7-8, Mark 16:15-16)

In the spiritual unity of believers through the working of the Holy Spirit and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Eph. 4:11-13, Ps. 133:1, Phil. 2:1-3)

We believe in holy Christian living, and we must have concern for the hurts and social needs of our fellow men.

(Col. 3:12-14, Rom. 15:1-2)

We believe we must dedicate ourselves anew to the service of our Lord and to His authority over our lives.

(Col. 2:9-11, Eph. 6:7-8)

K-LOVE values

We Trust in God – Our faith, trust and hope is in Christ. God’s Word guides our decisions, refreshes us, and creates an unshakable faith. Our dependence on God is reflected in our commitment to prayer.

Create an Extraordinary Impact – We serve an extraordinary God who deserves our all. He allows us to create, produce and share media with His life-changing message.

We are Passionate, Creative and Have Fun – Innovative ideas and solutions, individual initiative, and having a good time make our work and lives more interesting.

Learn, Improve and Grow – We challenge and stretch ourselves, each other, and the ministry to realize the full potential God has given us.

In His Strength – It’s not about us.

K-LOVE stories

An interesting feature on the K-LOVE website is the “Tell Us Your Story” page that shares listener’s responses to the ministry. Following are a few samples:

From Mississippi

I am a survivor of domestic abuse and because of that I have severe anxiety and other issues. A little over a year ago I had given up all hope. My sister introduced me to KLOVE and because of your ministry I not only have my anxiety under control I’m off medication for it and am even trying to go back to school this fall. Thank you for the hope you have given me.

From Montana

At first, our foster kids changed the van radio from K-Love. Then, they started listening. About a month ago, my foster daughter said, “I think I’m going to set my radio to “positive, encouraging” K-Love when I don’t live with you anymore.” Shortly after, her brother asked us to set his bedroom radio to play K-Love overnight. Today, his sister asked to buy a radio for overnight K-Love, too. Grace wins every time!

From Maysville, NC

For the past 32 years I have been struggling with alcoholism. In 2012 I served 7 months in prison for a probation violation. While in prison I was fortunate enough to get a DOT job on the outside. Little did I know that this was to be a Divine intervention. The DOT worker was a Christian and he played K-Love everyday while I was riding in the truck. Needless to say it changed my LIFE.

From Killeen, Texas

I’ve listened to KLove for 11 years. I’m 49 years old and just enrolled in Colorado Christian University because a scholarship given away through KLove. My life has been very hard the past several years. My mom passed away last year. I want my grown children to see no matter what happens or how old you are, it is never too late to improve your situation with God’s help! Thank you KLOVE!

K-LOVE FUTURE

When it began broadcasting on 88.1, the agreement gave K-LOVE purchase rights, according to Miller. Bartley said in late April that he had been informed that the purchase option provision in the agreement most likely will be exercised late this year.

“We have an option to acquire the station,” Miller confirmed, “and anticipate we will be in Williamsport for a long time!”

God, indeed, is on the move!