Faith FM has extended its coverage in South Australia, establishing a station on Kangaroo Island.
Over the March long weekend, Faith FM and Living Ministry Media volunteers, lay evangelists and a group from Brighton Adventist Church all travelled to Kangaroo Island to celebrate the launch. The event was promoted extensively, from door knocking to social media advertising, and even banners in the main street of town. Sanitarium, Life Health Foods and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Australia sponsored a free community breakfast and lunch, special gift bags containing books, literature, and Faith FM promotional material were passed out, and live gospel music was provided by Gavin Chatelier.
The event drew a mix of tourists, residents, leaders from other Christian denominations and local business owners. A ribbon cutting ceremony by Kangaroo Island mayor Michael Pengilly marked the official launch of the station, which was live streamed by Living Ministry Media and broadcast on Faith FM.
“Radio is part of the essence of the Australian way of life and I think we’re truly lucky that you’ve brought Faith FM to Kangaroo Island—it will be well received,” said Mr Pengilly during his welcome speech. “The first thing the settlers did when they arrived on Kangaroo Island back in 1836 was hold a prayer service. We are built on Christian principles…and it should continue that way for a long time.”
Prior to the launch, a church service was held for the community in a nearby hall, one of the Island’s first public Adventist services. Feedback was positive, with local residents saying they were excited to have Faith FM in their community, and even offering to support the station by raising awareness.
“The Adventist presence on Kangaroo Island is very small—only about four to six people,” said Faith FM South Australia regional coordinator Nick Creta. “They usually hold private home meetings and live stream the service from Brighton Adventist Church, so for Faith FM to launch on the island provides a valuable outreach tool in presenting the gospel to this part of Australia.”
The population on Kangaroo Island is around 5000 people with more than 250,000 tourists visiting per year, but is considered remote as the only access to the island is via ferry or plane.
“Rather than quietly starting to broadcast, our South Australian team have shown us how launching a new radio station can be a highly effective opportunity to reach people for Christ,” said Michael Engelbrecht, Faith FM coordinator for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia. “Following this event, very few people in Kangaroo Island will be unaware of the presence of Faith FM and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in their community.”
“The opportunity to witness via Faith FM radio is an important evangelistic tool and may be the only contact they will have with Adventists,” said Living Ministry Media director Andrew Ganczarczyk. “Please pray for the people of Kangaroo Island, the tourists who visit there and for Faith FM to reach out and touch those who need Jesus in their lives.”
