by Jim Daly
April 2006
Dear Friends,
History has shown us that God often uses unconventional means to communicate His life-transforming message. Nearly 29 years ago, when Dr. Dobson first launched the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, few could have predicted that the program would go on to have the impact that it has.
You see, back in 1977, "Christian radio" was nothing like it is today. Programming was confined primarily to preaching and "inspirational" church music, bearing little resemblance to the diverse offerings available in the 21st century. And the contemporary music that dominates the Christian airwaves today was still in its infancy in the late '70s.
It's easy to see why Dr. Dobson said at the time that he wasn't sure anyone would listen. But, as it turns out, he needn't have worried. People did listen, and they responded — first by the hundreds, then by the thousands, then by the millions. Today, Dr. Dobson's flagship daily broadcast airs on roughly 1,000 stations across North America, by an estimated weekly audience of 3.6 million people! For many of our friends, the daily "Focus on the Family" program is the ministry.
Year after year, listeners of every possible description have tuned in for the program's unique combination of practical insight, biblical values and spiritual nurture. And they aren't shy about letting us know when we touch their lives. Here's just one piece of encouraging feedback that we recently received:
"I am a Christian woman, a mom, a nurse and a working single parent. I lost my little girl suddenly three years ago. I found myself full of grief and, most of all, angry at God for taking my daughter. One morning about a year ago, I was really distraught. I was in the car on the way to work, and while reaching over the dashboard to put on the heat, I clicked the radio on by mistake. I left it on.
"It was so odd that I did this, because since my daughter passed away I had stopped listening to the radio, watching TV and pretty much withdrew from everyone, church and any enjoyable entertainment in my life. Your radio program was playing, and the first thing that was said was, ‘You may think God has abandoned you in your darkest hours, but He is always there.'
"I listened to the rest of the program, and the words kept playing in my head over and over that day. I began to realize, as I always knew, that God has a purpose for everything and everyone. My daughter was taken back home because this was God's plan for her. I looked at things differently. Instead of anger at God, I thanked him for the time he allowed me to have with her. Thank you again for your program, your support and the comfort you offer me every day." —Megan*
*I have changed her name to protect her privacy.
Believe it or not, we routinely receive letters like this one, testifying so dramatically to the crucial role friends like you play in changing lives. We know that many listeners are discovering how our program can help them build strong marriages, raise good kids and grow in the Lord.
In the coming weeks, the "Focus on the Family" broadcast will feature encouraging and helpful programs on a wide range of topics, including:
- Advice and encouragement for moms who work outside the home
- A visit with motivational speaker Zig Ziglar on keeping romance alive in your marriage
- A look at efforts to protect traditional marriage in America
We believe these are messages that are critical for today's families. That's why I hope you'll pray for the continued impact of Dr. Dobson's broadcast, and that you'll tell your friends about the program as well so that they can hear for themselves why so many people have been touched by it. (If you want to find a station and airtime for the broadcast in your area — or in another city where a friend or relative lives — just call (800) A-FAMILY (232-6459) or visit www.family.org.)
As time goes on, I talk to more and more people whose lives were deeply impacted in a moment of great need by our daily broadcast. If you agree with what we're doing, I hope you'll consider sending a special gift to underwrite the ongoing work of our radio ministry — especially since we know that the people who need it most cannot always afford to support it financially.
Thanks in advance for your partnership with Focus on the Family. If there is anything we can do to help you or your family, I hope you'll feel free to write or call — we're here to help! God bless you.
Sincerely,
James D. Daly
President and CEO