Undeterred by 95-degree temperatures and trains roaring nearby, 500 supporters gathered outdoors to pray God’s blessing on Loma Linda Broadcasting Network’s new studios on Sabbath afternoon, July 8.
Only people of great faith could imagine turning a neglected metal shed at the edge of town into a high tech facility that can broadcast the gospel around the globe. “God has worked many miracles in the past 10 years,” said Ganim Hanna, LLBN president and CEO, “and this studio is one of the greatest.”
Construction is dirty work under harsh conditions. Yet, since October 2004, volunteers have showed up each Sunday.
“We began with only $10,000 in the bank and prayers that God would provide,” Hanna recalled. “People with the right tools and expertise showed up at the right times. It’s been amazing to see this diverse group work together in spiritual unity.”
In all, 72 individuals volunteered time and labor, including 26 from the neighboring Romanian church. Donations gradually paid the bills— $190,000 for land, $180,000 for materials. Experts contributed, too—Gabriel Isaia of Apex Concepts (architectural services); Nick Skaf of N. Skaf Consultants (civil engineer); Filip Arapache of Arapache Roofing; and James and China Ping of Leland Landscaping who sponsored trees named for the 12 Apostles.
The 3,000-square-foot facility has five sound stages and is connected by three miles of copper wire and fiber optic cable to the satellite uplink site at Loma Linda University. “This allows LLBN to carry programming generated on the university campus, the medical center, and the Loma Linda University church,” Hanna added. “We are very grateful to William Loveless, former senior pastor, and Randy Roberts, his successor, for their vision and encouragement. In addition, the church generously provides a Sabbath school room where we have been producing programs.”
LLBN is a donation-based ministry and volunteers underwrite its success. More than 50 individuals keep the network running day to day including engineers, computer wizards, camera operators, physicians, business people, pastors, public relations specialists and university administrators.
Going Global
Three years ago, LLBN leaped from five hours to 168 hours of satellite broadcasting per week. TV programs reached most of North, South and Central America and cost about $480,000 per year for air-time and other expenses.
Today LLBN is poised to encircle the globe. For another $600,000 in air time and $120,000 for operational expenses, it can also cover Europe, Australia and much of Africa and Asia. LLBN is facing this opportunity with limited resources but much faith and prayer. As John Brunt, senior pastor of the Azure Hills church and an LLBN volunteer, said during the July 8 consecration service: “When God calls, watch out! Things happen!”
For information about LLBN, call 866-LLBN-TV1 or visit llbn.tv.
