Michael Walker
As we reflect on the past year of ministry at The Q 99.7, God did amazing things through the on - air music and relevant discussion. And beyond that, we also wanted to share some additional highlights on how God used this radio ministry to impact the lives of thousands of people in our community. Thanks to your faithful giving, you helped to make it possible!
Starting in January 2021, we encouraged our listeners, both new and old, to take the 20-Minute Challenge. This is where we challenge listeners to tune in for 20 minutes a day to see how the ministry of the music, relevant discussion and hearing the gospel message impacts their life. It’s a great strategy to retain new listeners, and to help people start the year off right and ultimately point them to Jesus Christ, the One who can truly give them a new beginning. In February, we asked our listeners to create handmade cards and pictures for Valentine’s Day. Our team went out into the community and decorated the doors of homes of those who were nominated to give them that needed extra love and encouragement. Imagine how the recipient felt when they came home from work to see their door decorated!
We had a busy Spring starting in May when we were able to partner and support Christina’s House by hosting their very first Radiothon event to raise support to help homeless mothers and their children in Springfield. They raised over $30,000 because of it. We also ran a special on - air campaign for Mother’s Day encouraging listeners to nominate their mom for a chance to win one of five sponsored gift baskets which included gift certificates, a spa gift card, and much more. In June, we loved on Dads for Father’s Day by partnering with Rocky’s Ace Hardware to give away a new grill and a $250 gift certificate from Big Y.
During the summer months, we dropped into area Vacation Bible School events at a variety of churches to give out freeze pops to kids helping to make their day special. We love to put smiles on faces! On Labor Day Weekend, we wrapped up the summer months and kicked off the school year by co - hosting our first concert event since 2019! In partnership with Restoration Worship Center and Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, we brought in Blanca for an evening of uplifting music and ministry.
Beginning in October, during the morning show, we started a special monthly prayer outreach. On the first Thursday of each month with local pastors staffing our call center, we asked our listeners to call in to receive prayer for various needs. We also had the pastors pray live on - air for specific needs. We saw God touch many lives through this effort. In November, we spent time on location in Springfield for community outreach. We added our new sticker onto cars and connected with many of our listeners and made new friends too. We gave away our new station hoodies, hats, gloves and took time to pray for people’s needs. In November, we also hosted Feed the Need, a one - day Radiothon to raise support for Springfield Rescue Mission’s emergency and rehabilitation programs. We helped the Rescue Mission raise over $20,000!
Throughout the year, we were present at a variety of community events for the purpose of outreach including the LifePoint Food Truck Festival in Chicopee, the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast in Springfield, Bethany’s Harvest Festival in Agawam, the Nehemiah House fundraiser in Granb y CT and more! We also helped to sponsor and promote Trust Jesus Unity Services which brought the local body of Christ together for prayer and worship with the goal of building unity among churches and to seek God’s will and heart for our area. This was pleasing to God! We also promoted powerful regional events like Truth Alive in Hartford CT, a two - day prayer and worship event, and Leading The Way Live with Dr. Michael Yousef at The Moody Center in Northfield MA, a one - day event, to strengthen and encourage the regional church community.
In addition, we aired many Public Service Announcements for various organizations including churches, non - profits along with other community organizations free of charge. This is one of the many ways we give back as a ministry since we are local and community focused.
