WRAF Is Back Loud and Clear

On Tuesday June 08, 2009, WRAF's flagship station at 90.9 FM returned to full broadcast power at 100,000 watts. Thank you to everyone who helped with this project. Reports are coming in from all over about the new signal. Click the link below to hear how we are having fun with this...

Download/Listen to the new WRAF - Loud N' Clear radio announcement

Thank You, TGI!

It has been such a PLEASURE working with the the fantastic team from TGI! (Tower Guys, Inc.)

They worked tirelessly all week long getting the new WRAF broadcast antenna installed. Heavy winds and other issues were no match for these men!

If you would like, you can send a note of thanks to the team for all their hard work. Email them at denise(at)towerguysinc.com.

Scott was unavailable for the group photo, but we certainly didn't want to leave him out!

Thanks also goes out to our Chief Engineer Marty Lee who also worked incredibly hard throughout the installation process as well!

WRAF is currently at 50% power while final testing is being done. Lord-willing, we will be back to full power - and LOUD and CLEAR - around mid-June.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Tour of the Antenna Site

Debbie Faubion and Bryan Race take you to the site of the new WRAF broadcast antenna and show you around.

The Illusive Tower Monkey

Mike "The Monkey Man" Shelley goes in search of the illusive Tower Monkey as the new WRAF broadcast antenna is installed.

Antenna Installation - Day One

Here's some videos of the tower crew making preparations to the WRAF tower site so the new antenna can be installed.

The Brand New WRAF Antenna Has Arrived!

The brand new WRAF broadcast antenna arrived at our studios yesterday! We are praising the Lord!

We want to say THANK YOU to all the listeners who contributed financially and made the purchase of this critical antenna possible. It could not have been done without you. Thank you for allowing the Lord to work through you.

Lord-willing, installation of the new antenna will begin Monday, May 18th. Please pray for good weather, and safety and wisdom for everyone involved.

Thank you!!

Antenna Update...Praise the Lord!

We just received some very good news regarding the installation of the new WRAF broadcast antenna! The Lord has allowed things to move much more quickly than originally planned!

Marty Lee, our station's Chief Engineer, found out yesterday that the antenna is scheduled to be shipped around Monday (May 4th) and be delivered either by the end of the week or early the week after. That's about 3 weeks ahead of schedule!

Today we found out that the installation crew has agreed to help us out and begin work on the antenna ahead of schedule. As of now, they plan to begin the installation on Thursday, May 14th. Installation will take around 7 days as they tear down the old antenna and put up the new one.

This is wonderful news and couldn't have happened without the Lord's help and YOUR financial donations! Thank you!!

Continue to pray for us as we work out all the details. Pray for wisdom for everyone involved, that the antenna arrive safely on the truck, and for the safety of the installation crew.

And again...thank you!

Antenna Update

Late Wednesday night we noticed that our power suddenly dropped and other indicators pointed to our old antenna “giving up the ghost” as they say in these parts. We were afraid this might happen.

Over the last week or so we have been contacted by a number of emergency management agencies such as local police and rescue squads and even several hospitals which were experiencing technical difficulties with their communications systems. These problems were traced back to improper rf (radio frequency) emissions from our location.

Knowing that we could not continue broadcasting in a way that would compromise anyone’s ability to conduct vital life-saving services, we contacted the manufacturer of the new antenna and they graciously agreed to send us a low-power backup antenna for us to use till the new one is completed.

Fortunately, this replacement antenna arrived on Wednesday and we were able to rig it on the tower Thursday, which is why we were off the air for several hours.

Do me a favor and call us at 800-251-8326 and let us know where you begin to lose the signal for 90.9 FM. When you are travelling around and the station fades out, take note of where you are -- then call WRAF at 800-251-8326. This will help us determine how far we are currently reaching.

How to improve your car's radio reception

I have some good news to pass along to you. The antenna manufacturer tells us there is a great chance they will have the antenna to us well ahead of the June 1st date originally given. Continue praying for Toccoa Falls Radio and know we are grateful to all of who have helped us in this project.

Antenna Update

Great news to pass along… I’ve just ordered our new broadcast antenna.

What a testimony to God’s faithfulness to see so many people rally around this critical need. If you ever wondered if your giving to WRAF really makes a difference I can show you all the letters that came with antenna gifts letting us know how God uses WRAF on a daily basis and how many listeners would not want to be without the hope and encouragement of Toccoa Falls Radio.

Please pray for several key things as we move forward:

First, that everyone who committed to helping will be able to fulfill their contribution;

Next, that the current antenna will continue to function while the new one is being built;

And finally, that the building, shipping, and installation of the new antenna will go faster than the projected 8-10 weeks.

I don’t know what else to say other than Praise the Lord Jesus and thank you for showing incredible love to WRAF. You are the best!

Antenna Update

We are blown away by your generosity. To date we have heard from 502 people who have committed $75,902.20 towards the new antenna. As soon as more of the promised funds arrive, we will be purchasing the new antenna. Pray that those who committed to give will be able to fulfill their promise quickly.

Here are a few more of the kind comments we have received:

"I love your station and wish it would extend all the way to Atlanta. Praise the Lord, I can get it in Auburn. I'm praying for you to reach the goal. In Jesus' name Amen The check for $100.00 is in the mail. God bless you all."

"This gift is from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mom and Dad enjoyed your radio broadcast for many years -- they're home now. They have passed on the tradition to their children, grand children, and with God's will their great grand children. May God use this gift for the winning of souls to the glory of God."

"Here is my check for $175. $100 for the antenna fund. $75 for my monthly pledge. Thank you for always being there. I feel like I know you all, even though I've only met a few of you over the years. I pray for you daily."

If you would like to donate to this project right now click here.

Comments About The Antenna-thon

Here are a few of the comments we've received from WRAF listeners:

"Praise God for WRAF listeners who stand by their FAVORITE RADIO STATION!"

"I was so proud of the WRAF team yesterday. It was encouraging seeing everyone work together so smoothly. I wish I could have listened all day and night, but life kept interrupting. Specifically speaking, Debbie, Lillian, and Marty were so awesome! I especially loved it when Lil was talking on the air about the numerous repairs Marty had done for her referring to his keen technical and engineering abilities....then she said - - "guess I break a lot of things around here" then without missing a step she said "but I NOT responsible for the antenna tearing up." I had to slow down to see between the chuckles on my way home. Debbie had such a professional approach that kept the focus of the day right on track.

Then last night on my way home from a meeting I tuned in to find how gracious Maggie was with the callers who were having trouble getting a real person to answer. Her voice was so kind-hearted. Her positive outlook was contagious. Paul had a childlike enthusiasm that came across so energetic! Mike and Bryan, what can I say - - - a couple of gifted and sometimes goofy guys full of confidence and unafraid of revealing their hearts to the listeners, and also willing to exercise their funny bone when needed.

While I know there were others who contributed greatly to yesterday's success, I heard enough to clearly understand the WRAF team knows what they are doing is more than 'just a job.' I'm honored to be a part of this kind of ministry. Way to Go everyone!"

"I thank God that you guys will not back down when the Holy Spirit shows you what he wants to do with WRAF. Keep on doing God's will, not man's."

Antenna Update

In an effort to raise financial assistance in purchasing a new antenna, the listeners of community-funded Toccoa Falls Radio-WRAF-FM contributed over $60,000 on Tuesday, March 10, showing their support of their favorite station.

About two weeks ago, WRAF chief engineer, Marty Lee, had received a number of phone calls from listeners complaining of being unable to hear WRAF-FM. Upon investigating the problem, two holes were found in the station’s antenna. The holes were patched but the manufacturer of the antenna informed station management that patches was just a “band-aid” to a much larger problem.

The current antenna is over 25 years old and well past its life expectancy. After discussions with Toccoa Falls College administration and the staff of WRAF-FM, it was decided to replace the antenna. A new antenna is estimated to cost between $70,000 and $80,000 which includes fabrication, delivery, taking down the old antenna and installing the new one.

The staff of community-funded WRAF-FM decided to approach their listeners with the need and ask to stand with them. Station Manager, Bryan Race, said, “I was very happy with the response from our listeners. We did not know how they would respond or how much money would be contributed. WRAF has the best listeners!”

Only $20,000 is needed to complete this project and contributions are still being accepted. If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of the new antenna please send your gift to:

Toccoa Falls Radio-WRAF

P.O. Box 780, Toccoa Falls, GA 30598

When making out a check write “antenna” in the memo line.

You can also contribute on-line at https://secure.tfc.edu/radio/antenna_fund.htm or by calling 800-251-8326.

Antenna Update

At 6:50 PM we are very close to $50,000. The outpouring of support today has been wonderful. If you haven't helped yet but would like to - click here.

Video From The Antenna Fundraiser

Debbie, Steve, and Marty on WRAF during the fundraiser for the new antenna

Antenna Update

As Lillian Cash hits the air in the noon hour we have received commitments of just over $27,000. Let us know how you can help.

Antenna Fundraiser Update

We are now at $10,300. The response so far has been incredible! If you can help click here.

Antenna Fundraiser Has Begun

We are now taking phone calls at 800-251-8326. Let us know if you can make a one-time gift to help us buy a new antenna. We've already received $1,315. Here's the link if you wish to contribute now with a debit or credit card.

Thanks to:

Jerry, New Franklin Christian Church, Charlotte, David, Robbie, Joseph, Kay, Barbara, Cathy, Emily, and Larry.

Antenna Fundraiser Scheduled For Tuesday

This Tuesday, March 10, 2009, is a big day at WRAF.

We will set aside our regular programming between 6 AM and Midnight in order to raise money for the purchase a new broadcast antenna at 90.9 FM.

Our current antenna is severely damaged and repairing the 25 year old unit offers no guarantees that we will not continue to experience major problems in the short run.

We believe the best option for the future of this ministry is to replace it with a new antenna.

We need your help with a generous one-time gift to WRAF.

Make plans to join us Tuesday and if you are in the financial position to help please let us know.

Thank you for your participation in this vital ministry.

Antenna Update - We Need Your Help!

I’ve got an important update for you on our antenna situation. As we’ve mentioned over the last several days we had to have 2 holes patched in the broadcast antenna for 90.9FM. These patches are only designed to keep water out of the antenna and transmission line. There is still internal damage to the antenna. We have significantly reduced our power to prevent further damage to the antenna or transmitter. Obviously this means there are people who are used to listening to WRAF that can no longer pick us up and that the quality of our signal is less than what you’ve come to expect.

The decision before us is do we attempt to repair the antenna or purchase a brand new one? The estimate to repair it is $20,000-$25,000 and the repairs would begin in about a week. However, we have been informed that there is no guarantee that the repair will solve all of our problems. The antenna is 25 years old and near the end of, if not past, its life expectancy. The manufacturer has made it clear that we could have the same problems 6 months, 1 year or 2 years down the road.

The estimated cost of a new antenna is $70,000-$80,000 and it would take about 6-8 weeks to have it built, shipped, and attached to our tower. With a new antenna we have a stronger, clearer signal and be able to reach back into outlying areas that have not received us well in quite some time.

The repair option is what seems to be best in the short term while the purchase option makes the most sense in the long term. So what do we do?

After praying about what to do and meeting with our staff and the administration of Toccoa Falls College the decision has been made to raise funds to purchase a brand new antenna. This Tuesday we will hold an “on-air” fundraiser and ask you to help by making a special one-time gift.

I know times are tough financially but I also know how God has strategically blessed His people to be in a position to help important ministries like WRAF. Thank you for your partnership and please pray that enough funds will be received to buy the antenna.

Pictures of Antenna Damage

Here are the pictures of the holes in our antenna: