It got awfully quiet on the web site for a while – what happened to the audio? 
A little background – all radio stations pay a licensing fee to three agencies, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.  This gives us permission to play their music over the air.  Commercial stations pay a fee based on their income, while non-commercial stations such as WNKJ just pay a flat fee.   Since streaming audio over the internet isn’t the same thing as broadcasting, a new system was devised and approved to charge stations for airing music.  This system can require stations to keep records of each song played on the ‘net, and how many people listened to all or even part of that song.   The formula for calculating charges was each song multiplied by the number of even partial listeners multiplied by a figure to give a total fee.  This would have imposed an impossible record-keeping burden on WNKJ, and on most other stations as well.  Rather than be in violation, we chose to cease internet audio streaming until we could get a legal reading as to whether this procedure applied to us.  As it turned out, thanks be to God, our level of listeners on the ‘net is safely below the level that triggers the complicated procedure, so we only have to pay a reasonable fixed fee each year, just as for over-the-air music. 

[Note #1 – We have no objection to the composers and artists receiving compensation for their work; the problem was a system that was, for us, totally unworkable.]
[Note #2 – A reminder that listening to WNKJ over the internet doesn’t tie up your computer.  You can still do whatever else you need to do, work, e-mail, or even games. ]

An earlier newsletter mentioned repairs needed for the building.  What is the status?
The main repair need was a portion of the roof that had a chronic leak whenever there was any significant rain (or melting snow).  That has been addressed, and by the time you get this letter, will have been repaired, thanks to an anonymous donor!   There will still need to be some repair work done to a small portion of the ceiling in the Auditorium, but that’s not as urgent.  The next project will be some repairs to the outside trim, and a much needed exterior painting.

How are the finances holding up?
“About  medium”.   Donations slowed down some in February and early March, but have picked up a bit.  Of course, summer is coming which historically presents us with same “summer slump” experienced by our local churches and most major ministries.  However, we’re not in trouble yet, and hope not to be. 
This might be a good time to mention that gifts to WNKJ can be made online with either PayPal or credit card at our web site, www.wnkj.org.   All gifts to WNKJ are tax-deductible.  Speaking of the IRS (which we weren’t, and don’t really enjoy very much), if you need an end-of-the-year statement from WNKJ to show your total giving for 2007, please let us know and we will get it out to you right away.  The IRS has stated that for individual gifts of over $250 at one time, the giver must have a "contemporaneous" receipt, which means, in IRS-speak, "no later than the date the donor actually files a return for the tax year in which the contribution was made."  End-of-year statements will include the phrase: "No goods or services were provided in consideration of this contribution", another requirement of the IRS. 

Possibly Important Item:  Several years ago, a WNKJ Family member was "privileged" to undergo an IRS audit (passed OK).  One area that caused temporary confusion was when the IRS auditor couldn't find WNKJ's listing as a non-profit organization.  That’s because we are owned and operated by the Pennyrile Christian Community, Inc.; and they are the ones listed with the IRS.   So, in the event you are questioned by the IRS or any other agent or agency, just tell them to check under the Pennyrile Christian Community, or else do as this listener did and call the station manager.

Any ideas or suggestions about upcoming elections?
Yes, but we will be keeping them to ourselves.  As a non-commercial station, WNKJ is prohibited from endorsing candidates; and as individuals, it’s not always a good idea.  (Think of the times we all have seen “endorsed” politicians - regardless of party affiliation - greatly disappoint.)  We can and do address issues of ethics, morals, and public policy such as expanded gambling, abortion, pornography, and the like; and we encourage our Listening Family to be involved in the political process, and to make their positions known to any and all elected officials; but we stay away from endorsements. 

OK, here’s what happened.

It was Friday evening, February 1, and all I did was walk the dog – honest! – but don’t blame Shadrach.  We were walking in our neighborhood, minding our own business, when out of nowhere I had chest pain.  Of course, being male, I immediately engaged in denial and decided it couldn’t be what it felt like (but was-  a mild heart attack), since there were no typical symptoms like arm pain, sweating, weakness and nausea.  Therefore, because the pain lessened if I slowed down, I did a “dumb ol’ Jim” and finished Shadrach’s walk before going back to the house.  However, the pain didn’t fully go away unless I was still for a while.  Since I knew I’d see our family physician at church on Sunday, I took it very easy on Saturday.  Then, as I described my symptoms to our doctor on Sunday, she opened her cell phone and told me, “I’m admitting you now, go on over.”

Short version of what happened next:  Admitted to Jennie Stuart Medical Center on Sunday, arteriogram Monday morning, ambulance to Vanderbilt Hospital Monday noon, triple by-pass Tuesday afternoon; home Friday and feeling stronger daily.  (By the way, when the first thing you hear as you begin to come out from under the anesthetic is the public address system announcing a Yellow Weather Alert for tornadoes approaching Nashville, you discover praying while drifting in and out of consciousness is a challenge!) .   After talking with several friends who have had similar procedures, I am beginning to understand just how blessed we all were; and there are not sufficient words to adequately say “THANK YOU” for the many, many prayers that were offered for us during my “episode”; and those prayers  were  answered!

Speaking of prayer, which is what I wanted to lead into anyway, we have a lot to be in prayer about.  There are the campaigns and elections, not forgetting the Congressional ones, the economic situation, and especially our Armed Forces and their families.  Sometimes I wonder if the reason we are commanded in Scripture to pray for “those in authority” (as opposed to praying against them) is because God knew we wouldn’t always want to.  Most of all, we need to pray as Daniel did for a spirit of repentance, regeneration, obedience to God, and revival in our nation.

Joining with you in prayer,

Jim Dozier Adams