Sounds for the soul

Efforts to establish a repeater station for CJLU (Christ Jesus Loves yoU) Radio of Halifax at 88.3 FM to serve the eastern Valley have finally come to fruition.

John Lohr, one of the main proponents of the repeater transmitter project, says broadcasting began early this month.

Beaming from a tower on the North Mountain, the signal can be picked up almost to Mount Uniacke travelling east on Highway 101 and out past Coldbrook heading west, Lohr says. Initially, the 300-watt transmitter’s output was not expected to reach Falmouth, so the range is a pleasant surprise. “Apparently it’s a type of directional antennae which gives long range the direction its pointed, toward the city, but not very wide range (down the Valley),” he said, pointing out reception also depends on receiver quality.

Lohr says there is the occasional pause in airplay due to a computer issue, but he expects this to be sorted out soon. “I think it’s working great. I am delighted to be able to listen to the station every day. Its Christian content is very encouraging.”

Lengthy process

The Pereau resident approached CJLU about expanding to the Valley a couple years ago. While driving throughout the Maritimes selling his Farmer John’s Herbs, Lohr enjoyed tuning in to Christian radio; available in a surprising number of communities.

It took some time to raise funds for the repeater, he says. “There were a number of people who donated to our fundraising effort, both through their churches and individually and I want to say thanks to all of them. “I want to especially thank Reverend Jeff Lutz for seeing the project to completion.”

Last year, the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved amending the broadcast license of CJLU 93.9 Halifax to allow a repeater transmitter to serve the eastern Valley at 88.3 FM. “We are still in the testing period with Industry Canada for 88.3 FM. It was not a simple matter to begin a station in the Valley. One might be surprised to know how congested the air waves are,” Lutz says. “A costly study had to be undertaken to find a frequency and only a specialized antennae could be used with a specific pattern, so as to not interfere with existing stations.”

Lutz says the station may consider increasing the power of the repeater transmitter but not in the near future.

The current estimated radiating power of 1,000 watts allows CJLU to reach its objective of ministering to Kentville, New Minas and Wolfville.

Unifying sound

Lutz, president of Harvesters Media Group and International Harvesters for Christ, says it is rewarding to know people will benefit from family values and Christian based programming thanks to the transmitter. It is quite exhilarating, he says, to receive a call from a shut-in telling him how the Bible teaching programs are a part of her daily life or from a mother saying her children rush from the school bus to listen to Adventures in Odyssey. Surveys reveal listeners particularly appreciate on-air Bible teaching programs.

CJLU’s music is geared to a slightly less edgy sound, Lutz says, although a mid-afternoon program caters to those with more mature listening tastes.

He is pleased with the station’s DJs. Robb Cusack provides the morning drive program and Darrell Williams is the drive home host. They go to great lengths to provide local content and listeners can email info@cjlu.com with local event information. “It is hoped the station will be a further unifier to the already cohesive group of churches found cross-denominationally in the Valley,” Lutz adds. “It is our desire to serve … radio programming that first of all lifts up the name of Jesus Christ and secondly is a blessing to his churches.” “We hope the pastors and Christian people of the region will have a sense of ownership in the station and want to listen often,” he says.

Lutz acknowledges the efforts of Lohr and Greg O’Reilly, local businessmen who supported the project. The New Minas Baptist Church and the Kingsway Assembly in Kentville have been very generous, he notes.

Dr. Robert Knowles, senior pastor of the New Minas Baptist Church, is continuing to encourage the station by hosting a celebration evening for CJLU at the church November 13 at 7 p.m. The event features a concert by award-winning singer Chelsea Nisbett, Sons of Thunder and the Cusack Boys. Admission is by free-will offering