"Be Prepared"

If I were to identify a favorite verse of scripture for my life, it is: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The NIV translates it: "Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

The concept of being equipped or prepared holds a special place for me. I can remember the significant moment when I walked out on the stage to receive my Eagle Scout Badge. I stood alone since I had earned it as a "Lone Scout." As a student at Alma Preparatory School, it was not convenient to continue with Troop 11 that met at the German Reformed Church in Milltown, New Jersey. I became a Lone Scout, earning merit badges, partly at Camp Sakawawin near Blairstown, New Jersey. Scouting helped to fashion my life. I earned more merit badges beyond Eagle rank and qualified in First Aid, credentialed as an ambulance driver, lifesaver in water sports, and instructor in lifesaving. All this to the end of actualizing the motto, "Be Prepared."

Christian radio played a vital role in my preparedness. My mother, listening to WAWZ, Zarephath, New Jersey, learned of Christian schools, and wanting her children to be prepared for this life and to be prepared for receiving eternal life, enrolled us in Christian Schools at Zarephath.

Early on, as a student in the preparatory school, I began my career in Christian radio. As a control man I heard much about being prepared for heaven and for living the Christian life. All this played a vital role in my receiving a call from God to give my life to His service. I was still in preparatory school.

I little realized how God was preparing me to be involved in Christian radio, now as a broadcaster and also the Network Coordinator of Pillar of Fire stations WAWZ, Zarephath; WAKW, Cincinnati; and KPOF, Denver, with a potential audience of 30 million listeners, as well as to be reaching out through Pillar of Fire ministries and missions around the world.

All this would be inadequate if the Lord did not accomplish a work in my heart, cleansing it from sin through the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and also accepting my heart in full consecration upon the Altar, Christ Jesus, and the Altar "Sanctifying the Gift." This is the work that enables the motto "Be Prepared' to have its most important meaning.

As we broadcast, through the Gospel and the airing of much that gives instruction and direction for life here on earth as well as to realize heaven at life's end, we could have no more appropriate motto or theme than to be prepared.

I opened a newsletter for the National Association of Broadcasters, with whom we have long been affiliated. We were associate members of the NAB as early as 1934 and participated in a membership drive for them. In their leading editorial, what do I read:

"Broadcasters Motto: Be Prepared." Although the emphasis of the article reviewed issues broadcasters must be prepared to deal with in connection with the 105th^' U. S. Congress, in a larger sense we could not have a more important theme for our radio focus and KPOF Sharathon '97.

The verses of Scripture that quickened my heart to bring this emphasis (as I have said) is a favorite passage of my life -- Hebrews 1.3: 20, 21. Here it is in the NIV: May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen."

St. Peter, who learned how important it was to be prepared in his heart, having once grievously failed Jesus in denying him, wrote: "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.  Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to every one who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (I Peter 3: 13-16)

As we enter our 70^th year of Christian broadcasting, as the oldest station of the oldest network of religious broadcasters in the world, we want to be increasingly effective in reaching listeners with the good news of salvation to be prepared for eternity. With the discipling, educational and public service programs, we can be prepared for each day, as Jesus said "laying up treasures in heaven" as we serve Him on earth.

We also want to glorify the Lord in this anniversary year. We encourage all to be prepared in you and your families' lives, to be prepared and to share in the ministry of' helping other listeners to be prepared. St. Peter declared. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have." That answer acknowledges the fact that you are ready to meet the Lord because you know Him as your Savior, and because He has commanded you to help others to be prepared. You can hope and rejoice.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)

Let us all "Be Prepared' to give as unto Him, to "Be Prepared' for His coming.

Article for KPOF Transmitter - Dr. Robert B. Dallenbach (1997)