History of Faith Radio

A Story of God's Miraculous Leading

1980

During a business trip to Pensacola, Florida, Larry Wilkins—WLBF’s longtime contract engineer—and his employer found themselves tuning in to a local Christian FM station. As they listened, they were deeply moved by the uplifting music, encouraging messages, and Christ-centered programming. It wasn’t just background noise—it was a moment of inspiration.

The experience sparked a realization: Montgomery, Alabama, their home base, lacked a similar voice on the airwaves. They saw a spiritual need in their community—one that could be met through the power of Christian radio. That moment in Pensacola planted a seed, one that would eventually grow into a vision for bringing faith-filled broadcasting to central Alabama.

This simple act of listening became the catalyst for what would become WLBF and the broader Faith Radio ministry—dedicated to sharing the hope of Christ through sound biblical teaching and inspirational content.

1981

To lay the groundwork for a new Christian radio ministry in Montgomery, a non-profit organization named Montgomery Educational Radio, Inc. was officially registered with the state of Alabama. The founding board of directors included a dedicated group of individuals who shared a common vision: Charlotte Brown, D.G. Markwell, Greg McKinnon, and Larry Wilkins. Their leadership and commitment would become instrumental in bringing faith-based broadcasting to life in central Alabama.

1983

After navigating a series of challenges and delays, the team witnessed what they could only describe as a divine breakthrough. In what felt like a true miracle, the Federal Communications Commission granted approval for a non-commercial radio license. With hearts full of gratitude, the founders chose the call letters WLBF, a powerful acronym for "We Live By Faith"—a name that perfectly captured the spirit and mission of the station.

1984

Following an extensive fundraising campaign to cover start-up expenses, WLBF officially signed on the air at 89.1 FM, marking the beginning of a new era in Christian broadcasting for Montgomery. The station’s early operations were made possible through the generosity of the local community. Frazer Church donated trailer space on its property to serve as the station’s first home. A local broadcast company also stepped in, providing a donated automation system and free access to tower space—critical resources that helped bring the vision of Faith Radio to life.

1988

WLBF eventually moved into its permanent home on Mendel Parkway, a significant milestone in the station’s journey. In a powerful testament to God’s provision and the generosity of supporters, the entire cost of the new building and surrounding grounds was fully paid before the ribbon-cutting ceremony even took place. This debt-free beginning marked a new chapter of growth and ministry for Faith Radio, rooted in faith and community support.

1989

To expand its reach and better serve listeners across the region, WLBF increased its broadcasting power to 100,000 watts and raised its tower height to 600 feet. This significant upgrade allowed the station to cover a much larger portion of South Central Alabama, bringing Christ-centered programming to even more homes, hearts, and communities.

1991

WLBF launched its first daily live, locally produced program, Morning Praise, marking a new chapter in its commitment to community-focused broadcasting. This uplifting morning show quickly became a listener favorite, offering a blend of inspiring music, encouraging messages, and real-time connection with the Faith Radio audience to start each day with hope and joy.

1994

In response to requests from a group of devoted Christians in the Andalusia area, Faith Radio launched its first translator station at 91.5 FM, extending its reach and bringing Christ-centered programming to a new community hungry for hope and encouragement.

As the ministry continued to grow beyond Montgomery, it became clear that its identity needed to reflect its expanding regional impact. What began as WLBF "Faith 89" evolved into a broader vision, and the station embraced a new name: Faith Radio—a name that better represented the network of stations united in sharing the message of faith across South Central Alabama and beyond.

1996

WSTF officially signed on the air in Andalusia, significantly expanding Faith Radio’s reach across South Alabama. With a broadcasting power of 5,000 watts, the new station brought stronger, clearer coverage to surrounding communities, furthering the mission of sharing God’s Word through radio.

To continue meeting the growing demand for faith-based programming, additional translator stations were launched in Dothan (90.3 FM) and Eufaula (91.9 FM). These strategic additions helped ensure that more listeners across the region could experience the hope and encouragement found on Faith Radio.

2002

WDYF began broadcasting in Dothan, delivering Faith Radio’s message of hope and encouragement to a broader audience with a powerful 9,200-watt signal. This expansion allowed the station to reach deep into Southeast Alabama, while also extending coverage into parts of Northwest Florida and Southwest Georgia—furthering the mission to share God’s Word across the tri-state region.

2007

Faith Radio continued to broaden its outreach by adding new translator stations, further strengthening its presence across central Alabama. New translators were established in Thorsby/Jemison (96.9 FM), Sylacauga (94.1 FM), and Alexander City (94.1 FM). These additions allowed even more listeners in surrounding communities to experience the uplifting message and Christ-centered programming that Faith Radio is known for.

2011

Thanks to the overwhelming support of our listeners through the “PowerUp 4X” campaign, WSTF was able to boost its broadcasting power to 20,500 watts. This significant upgrade expanded our signal strength and reach, allowing even more people across South Alabama and beyond to hear the life-changing message of Faith Radio.

2013

Through a meaningful partnership with Radios of Faith, Faith Radio was able to extend its ministry behind prison walls. Radios pre-tuned to Faith Radio were distributed in select area prisons and jails, offering inmates the opportunity to hear the hope of the Gospel, receive encouragement, and grow in their faith—right where they are.

2015

Faith Radio continued to grow and innovate in several meaningful ways:

In a joyful celebration of our partnership with 4VEH – The Evangelistic Voice of Haiti, Faith Radio invested in advanced delivery technology to bring our programming to Haiti. As a result, Faith Radio can now be heard on 94.7 FM, broadcasting from Cap-Haitien, sharing the hope of Christ with listeners across the region.
In collaboration with Baptist Health, Faith Radio began broadcasting on channel 104 within Baptist Health hospitals in Montgomery and Prattville, offering patients and staff a source of comfort, encouragement, and spiritual support.
To make our content even more accessible, we launched the Faith Radio mobile app, available for download on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. This app allows listeners to stay connected to uplifting programming anytime, anywhere.

2016

Faith Radio continued its mission of expanding access to Christ-centered programming by launching a new broadcast translator in the Brewton area. This latest addition, broadcasting at 92.1 FM, allows even more listeners in South Alabama to experience the encouragement, teaching, and hope that Faith Radio brings every day.