We were baby Christians in 1989. With a family of six, and as members of a small church in De Berry, Texas, I worked for General Motors in Shreveport. One day Lois presented a novel idea.
“You’ve always wanted to work in radio. I heard about a Christian station in Tyler. We could ride out there and offer to volunteer.” What a lovely thought!
So on Friday of Memorial Day weekend we drove 80 miles to the studios. We walked in unannounced, and spoke with Station Manager Gary Lesniewski. Turns out there were openings for part time DJs.
Within a week I was training with Music Director John Fuller every Saturday afternoon. For the next several Saturdays we stacked the kids in the blue Geo Metro and made the trek to Tyler.
Finally, on July 8, 1989, I was hired as the Saturday afternoon guy. It was a wonderful season for our family. Every Saturday, Lois, the kids, (still stackable) and I sojourned the 160 mile round trip.
Near the end of the year, John called to offer me a full time position. This was a dream come true! The only issue: It paid about half what I was made at GM.
Some big decisions now loomed. Pursue the dream, the calling, this cool job and figure out the money? Lois would have to return to work. We’d have to move and change schools. Or would we play it safe?
I’d only been a Christian a few years, but I heard about a prayer closet. So I went in one. For about an hour. I begged God for wisdom. My mind wandered, but I stuck with it for what seemed forever.
It was an hour.
When I emerged, I knew this was what I was supposed to do. But in my short Christian tenure I also learned you’re supposed to run things by your wife. So I did.
She said “Go.” “Go?” I implored in astonishment. “Go.” She repeated. I was dumbstruck. “But we’ll have to move, change schools, you’ll have to go back to work, it’ll change everything.”
“Why are you trying to talk me out of it? GO!” And when she said go the third time, a light came on. I was like Rocky when Adrian came out of the coma and said “Win!”
I ran all the way from De Berry to Tyler and never looked back.
We’ve been at KVNE ever since and I’m still a bit flabbergasted. God and Lois gave me a green light to serve our community with Christian music and encouragement, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Now I’m the “old guy” there and it’s an honor. I just keep showing up and trying not to spill anything. By God’s grace and Lois as my lovely wife and life partner, we plan to continue as long as we’re able.
In these 36 years so much has changed. Radio has changed. The staff has changed. Heck I’ve changed. The kids? No longer stackable. But how about that Jesus, huh?
He hasn’t changed a bit!