Dear Friend,

Sunday, June 13, at 5:45PM. Flash. Bang. Sizzle. Silence.  

Lightning struck the WLUJ studio building and the station was off the air. Howard and John rushed to the studio where the smell of burnt electrical equipment filled the area. By God’s grace He  protected some vital gear and the station was back on the air a few minutes later; however, many items valued at several thousand dollars had been damaged or destroyed.  Many extra hours of work were necessary for the regularly scheduled programs to continue. Most of the repairs and equipment replacement was done during the next two weeks. While the station “sounded normal” much extra behind the scenes work was being done so the  regular programs could continue. We praise God for allowing our broadcasts to go on after the lightning strike in spite of all the damage.   

In addition, over the past few weeks we have experienced problems with two transmitter air  conditioners and the main studio air conditioner.  For some reason each required multiple repairs to be brought back into dependable service. Lightning also struck the tower strobe on the Petersburg (Athens) tower and the unit needed to be replaced.  Please keep the WLUJ equipment and facilities in your prayers. Too many things are having problems for this to simply be a coincidence.  

Some of the equipment damaged in the lightning strike at the studio will be covered by insurance, and that claim will take time. The other repair parts or replacement items have been paid for out of our present resources.  

Giving has been down during the spring, and summer is normally a time when some people forget to send in their support because of their busy activities. Have you sent a donation recently? We can use your financial support along with your prayers at this time.  

                     Lifting Up Jesus
                     John McBride