Pressing Forward
You don't have to listen long to Vision to realise that we're very different from 'mainstream' stations. Another less obvious distinction from most other broadcasters is the way that Vision derives it's income.
Although there are a limited number of 'sponsorship announcements' on Vision, we are not a 'commercial' station. In fact less than 10% of our income is from sponsorhip advertising! Unlike other national broadcasters like the ABC and Triple J, we receive no government funding.
So, the question is "how do we pay the bills?" And the answer - "by faith, with your help!". Vision is a listener supported radio network. We operate by faith, believing that God will provide our needs and recognising that He does that through people... So from November 15-18 we asked our listeners to show their support and exercise their faith to help us raise $250,000 to go towards the operating costs of the station.
Listeners responded en masse!
The "Visionathon - Pressing Forward" finished on a high on Sunday night with the total figure pledges and actual donations reaching $274,360. The amount at the time placed us over our budget target of $250,000.
Almost 1,000 people from 300 communities across the nation responded to the $250,000 call with their donations, which will go towards financing the continued spread of Christian radio across Australia.
An event pioneered during Visionathon was "Robbo's 64 Hour Challenge": a commitment by breakfast host Andrew "Robbo" Robinson to remain on-air during every single hour of the 64-hour campaign. Listeners were invited to sponsor Robbo on his marathon and 152 responded, contributing thousands toward the appeal.
Tally revised
The final total included a pledge of $50,000 from a listener who had been qualified during Visionathon by two follow-up phone calls plus a personal visit from a local church leader during the weekend. This led us to believe the pledge was legitimate however after the event was concluded it was revealed that there was a misunderstanding due to the listener's current state of mind and we have released the listener from any further concern or obligation.
This places our current "Visionathon - Pressing Forward" total at $224,360. The end result is a fantastic response from listeners and supporters around the country.
We give thanks to God for working through His people and continue to pray that the shortfall from our operational budget target of $250,000 will be made up in the coming days.
A very encouraging seperate gift received
We were encouraged to receive a separate, unrelated gift of $50,000 just one hour before we heard of the retraction of the other $50,000 pledge! Although this money can't be spent on our operational budget as it was specified to establishing new stations in isolated regional Queensland communities it was a tremendous encouragement in the faith of our staff as we daily continue to place ourselves and this ministry in His hands.
Testimonies pour in
Throughout the extra-long weekend, testimony after testimony was received from people who donated, which were read out on-air to inspire and encourage others. Many of these real-life stories moved listeners and the Vision staff to tears and reminded us of the crucial role played by Christian radio, especially for the house-bound or for those in remote and isolated communities that otherwise have little access to Christian resources. Here's just one:
"I would just like to say that I think that you all do a wonderful job and make people like myself feel that you are all just talking to me. I listened to the Visionathon but I was not in any position to donate as times are tough for my family right now, but every Sunday I go to my church and I try to give a little. As soon as I am able, I am going to donate to keep you going as you have helped me to make the choice to let God be Saviour. I listen to you 24 hours a day and have my radio going all the time. My family have been having a tough time but with your radio station and my church, you keep us going and we know that God has a plan for us and in time it will come about and we will lead the life that He wants us to live." - M
If you made a pledge please remember to send it in as soon as you can if you missed the chance to give, then it’s not too late to call us on 1800 00-777-0 or make a secure using the link below.
Thanks again for your support!
Respond now
Here's what you can do;
1. Learn more about what we're doing by reading through the informtion on this site, and listening to Vision.
2. Pray for us - we need your prayer support.
3. Consider carefully how you will respond to our need.
Like to donate now?
DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
All donations of $2 or more to the UCB Australia Development Fund are tax deductible.
