UCB International Blog

Australia’s only national Christian radio network, UCB Australia’s Vision Radio Network, ended its fundraiser appeal, Visionathon: Pressing Forward, at midnight AEDT on Sunday 18^th November, with a grand total of $224,360.

Almost 1000 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 a total of $53,275  toward the appeal.

The growth of the radio network continued during Visionathon, with three new communities coming on-air in Hazelmere (Perth, WA) on 88.0 FM, Springsure (QLD) on 87.6 FM and station #310 in Coorow (WA) on 88.0 FM.

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

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 during the coming days.

At the time of this release, we were encouraged to receive a separate gift of $50,000. Although this money can’t be spent on our operational budget as it was specified to establishing new stations in isolated Queensland communities, it was a tremendous encouragement for our staff as we daily place ourselves and our ministry in His hands.

For more information about Visionathon: Pressing Forward, please visit www.vision.org.au