JOHN SHIRK – Today, WJTL remembers the identity of Jesus as the light of the world.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

With our focus of faith on Jesus, we have moral clarity with a better understanding of how God wants us to live.

With our focus of faith on Jesus, we have Kingdom clarity with a better understanding of what God wants us to treasure.

And with our focus of faith on Jesus, we have directional clarity with a better understanding of where God wants us to go.

Jesus invites us to follow Him and to see the world in the light of His grace and truth. He offers abundant and eternal life to those who say “Yes” to His invitation.

The identity of Jesus as the light of the world is a lesson of faith worth remembering.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

We are so blessed and thankful that Lisa is back in Lancaster and is recovering.

This is a great article on Lisa from Lancasteronline.  Check it out!

Find out how you can reach out to Lisa during her recovery.

If you are wondering to yourself, “what happened to Lisa?” Then read this.

Thank you to everyone for their prayers, encouragement and support during Lisa’s illness and recovery.

There are many different reasons for wanting to sport the iconic WJTL bumper sticker on your vehicle.  I have heard from many different people that their bumper or static sticker looks great on their car.  Some of the pictures we have received have had some pretty interesting designs.  But these stickers are more than just a fashionable accessory that gives your car character.

Did you know that by showing off your WJTL sticker that you are not only supporting your favorite local Christian radio station, but helping us spread God’s word?  By sporting a bumper sticker you are letting others know about WJTL so that they can tune in.  We have heard from people who have seen our sticker on a listener’s car, turned their dial to FM 90.3 and their lives have been changed because of it!  If one sticker can do that, think of how many lives even 50 or 100 stickers can touch.

In all honesty, we here at WJTL could broadcast all we want, but it is you, the listeners, who make us a success through your love and support.  God uses your bumper sticker to help us get His message out to more people.  So when you send your bumper sticker in to win, just remember, you are not only entering for a chance to win some great prizes, you are helping to share God’s word, just by driving your car!

July 26, 27 & 28, 2013

5) The Brickerville Volunteer Fire Company of Lititz  Community Day tomorrow (July 27th) from 6:00-10:00pm, games, food, fire safety and equipment. Entertainment will be provided by Crossings a local Christian vocal group. Fireworks will end the evening. Admission is free, a donation is being asked for parking. More info:717-625-0947

4)  Outdoor Worship Night at Marietta Community Chapel in Marietta tomorrow (Sat. July 27th) from 7-9PM.  A night of worship featuring: Vibrations Dance Ministry.  FREE Ice Cream Social.  Rain or Shine.  Bring a chair or blanket. More Info: 717 426-4584

3) Lebanon Valley Brethren Home Barbecue & Auction, Grubb Road, Palmyra, tonight & tomorrow (Friday and Saturday, July 26 & 27) Music, Kids area, Car and Tractor Show, Auction, Food and more. Kids Cookie Break Broadcasting live Saturday with games and prizes. More info: LVBH.org

2) Christmas in July -Sunday  (July 28) at the Mennonite Meeting House in Salunga beginning at 6pm. An evening to explore the true meaning of Christmas without the hustle and bustle of December. Live Nativity, carol singing, games and treats. More Info: (717) 305-8796

1)Schreiber Pediatrics Rubber Duckie Race at Lancaster County Central Park Sunday (July 28th) at 2PM. RAIN or SHINE!
Great Food, Pony Rides, Games, Clowns, Face Painting and More! Watch 25,000 rubber duckies float down the Conestoga River in an exciting race for fabulous prizes! Festival begins at 2 p.m.  Race begins at 5 p.m. WJTL Broadcasting Live. More info: schreiberpediatric.org

RADIO FRIEND PHIL – Greetings! It’s time for this week’s New Tunes at 9 Roundup. (New Tunes at 9, one-hour of new and emerging music, weeknights at 9 p.m. on WJTL.) TobyMac is in the midst of his critically acclaimed, worldwide, ‘Hits Deep’ tour with Brandon Heath, Chris August, and Mandisa, among others. Toby’s latest project, “Eye On It,” debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, and was named by iTunes as the Best Contemporary Christian Album of 2012. TobyMac’s singular vision remains the same today as it did when he was a member of the seminal group, DC Talk. “I’ve been doing this for a while,” he says. “As long as you are discovering new things, creating new things, and climbing new mountains, it will always be fresh.” Toby’s supporting cast, The Diverse City Band, plays what Toby describes as a “musical stew” of rock, funk, soul, Latin, reggae, pop and gospel. For more on TobyMac, go to http://tobymac.com/; you’ll find the launch music player, videos, facebook page, and much more.

phil@wjtl.com

Merry Christmas! Intern Sandra here, and yes, I know that Christmas is still five months away.

The Reformation Luthern Church is having a Christmas in July event this Sunday the 28th to remind us that the miracle of Christmas is amazing in any season.  I stopped by this morning to talk to Pastor Luke, the Reformation Luthern Pastor, Mimi, the program coordinator, and Ray, a member of the evangelism committee about the event.  They all share my love for classic Christmas hymns, and I was excited to hear that the program features many hymns sung with a full choir, and even a former singer with the Metropolitan Opera!  Mimi brought up a good point; so often we only get to sing a few Christmas hymns, but at this event so many classic hymns will be sung (and played) in exciting arrangements with many voices.  Pastor Luke shared his passion for returning to the fundamentals of Christmas without the inevitable craziness that comes with the December holiday season. He’ll be delivering reflections throughout the evening that focus us on the miracle of Christmas, and the importance of it to our faith.

Ray told me a little more about the other activities featured in the event, including crafts for kids, a nativity collection, and more. There might even be a chance of snow!  The event sounds like a great time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, and enjoy fellowship without the commercial aspect of the season.  Ray, Mimi, and Paster Luke were all enthusiastic about this twist on Christmas in July, and I had so much fun discussion the holiday season with them.

The Christmas in July event will be held Sunday, July 28th at the Eastern Mennonite Missions building in Salunga, PA. For more information, visit reformation-nalc.org, or the events page at WJTL.com.

Read this article from Lancasteronline about Lisa’s battle with Bacterial Infection.

Here is an updated article from Lancasteronline.

Many have been asking about ways to help Lisa during her lengthy illness and Hospital Stay. If you would like to help with Lisa’s Medical & Rehabilitation Expenses, a special fund has been set up.  Please send your gift to…

FULTON BANK: MCGOVERN AVENUE
20 MCGOVERN AVE.
LANCASTER, PA 17602

Please Indicate on your check that this is for the
LISA LANDIS BLOWERS FUND

or call or visit the FULTON BANK branch nearest you.

Thank You!

Update as of Wednesday July 24, 2013

A message from Lisa’s husband John.
Elated…Grateful…Exhausted…

Last evening Lisa was discharged from the hospital at the University of Pennsylvania and is now undergoing rehabilitative therapy back in Lancaster. Her complete recovery demands that we all grant her room for rest and privacy over the next several months.

Tonight we are celebrating the wholeness of renewed life that has been gifted to us by the surgeons, the infectious disease doctors, the nurses, and all the caregivers at Lancaster General Hospital and the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tomorrow we will view the rising sun a bit differently, look at the faces passing us on the sidewalk a little more carefully, and measure the passing of time with a great deal more patience.

Hope…Faith…Trust…

Lisa battled a horrible bacterial infection for almost 4 weeks that nearly took her life. Prayer sustained us through this storm…lifted us up when her body wanted to stay down. Belief in an all-powerful, all present, all-encompassing God helped us let go of those things we could not control.

We felt the real presence of so many family and friends through prayer during this ordeal. We gave our very lives to the purpose and order we believe exists in this universe and found calmness and peace around us.

Today Lisa is alive because of the gifts and skills of surgeons in Lancaster and Philadelphia who took immediate action on a dark and scary night. Tonight Lisa is part of our lives and we don’t ask “why” but “what”…what do we do with the gift that has been given…

Words are not sufficient enough to express our gratitude to all who have been there for us…not nearly enough…yet we say, Thank You!!!

Update as of Tuesday July 23, 2013

Lisa’s rehab is proceeding very well. Doctors are pleased with her progress. Her family is looking forward to her being home and recovering!

Update as of Saturday July 20, 2013

A Message from Lisa!!!

Hello and THANKS again to my friends who continue to send up prayers and uplift my spirits! I can’t tell you how much your posts and messages have helped me through the night. Even though I don’t have the energy to respond I have been reading the cards, letters, postings, well wishes, etc. and they have more than helped me through. Doc was just in to remove my dressing and I am amazed at what the team was able to accomplish in just one surgery. Now let the work begin! Hoping to take a walk across the room on my own tomorrow. (at least I can dream about that) AND better yet get to work on eventually going home to finish the healing. Pray that I have continued strength and high spirits to finish out my hospital stay no matter how long that might be. I miss home.

Update as of Thursday July 17, 2013

Lisa’s first reconstructive surgery went better than expected yesterday. Please pray for her healing and strength.  Doctors are amazed at how well she is doing considering the battle she has been through the past 3 weeks.  Praise God for His people praying, His healing Hand and His Strength during this ordeal.

Update as of Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Lisa came through surgery yesterday – No bacteria for over a week, vitals excellent, eating well, spirits high, Lisa is doing well considering all the surgeries she has been through!  Wednesday morning Lisa will go in for the first of many reconstructive surgeries. Please continue to pray. Thanks!

Update as of Friday, July 12, 2013

Lisa continues her care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in West Philadelphia.
Since June 26th Lisa has been fighting a battle against necrotizing fasciitis, brought on by the bacteria beta streptococcus.  Mysteriously introduced into her system around the 23rd of June, Lisa and her family initially thought she was struggling with the flu.  Within 48 hours she was rushed to the ER.
Today Lisa underwent her 10th surgery since June the 26th to try to stop the spreading of this horrendous infection throughout her body.  After two days of rest and recovery from five straight days of surgery, Lisa was awakened at 6am and taken into the OR.  The team of surgeons and infectious disease doctors began their all too familiar process of hunting for symptoms of the bacteria’s damage to her muscle tissue.With meticulous care the doctors attended to Lisa’s wounds and then bandaged her body once again.  Although the news was much different today when the surgeons emerged to talk with Lisa’s family.  There was no sign of further damage to her tissue and the bacteria appeared to be in full control!
On Monday Lisa will be in surgery for her 11th operation so the doctors can be certain this horrible infection has been defeated.Please continue to pray for Lisa, her husband John and their son Alex as well as all those caregivers attending to Lisa’s needs.

Update as of Thursday, July 11, 2013

Hello friends! Lisa Landis checking in for the first time. This won’t be long-still don’t feel up to it but I must share that you all have overwhelmed me! Just one hour ago I had the first chance to look at the Facebook and lancasteronline comments. I had my first cry since this all started. Family has been passing along prayers and well wishes but I hadn’t seen them in print from you! This could not have come at a better time than as I prepare for another surgery to clean the vac wrap and look for infection. Your encouragement and cries out to Jesus make it so much easier. Gotta go and trust me I feel your prayers. You have no idea how powerful this has been.

Update as of Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Lisa has had several days of good reports and no new tissue being affected by the bacteria. Yesterday she had a fever, but this morning it is back down to normal, which is great news.  Yesterday she was in surgery from mid-morning until 4pm.  She has had a surgery almost every day for the past week.  Fred actually got to talk to her on the phone briefly this morning. She wants everyone to know she misses them and she feels their prayers!  Please continue to pray.  She is still battling this infection and is facing a long road to recovery, even once she is completely free of the bacteria.

Recap and Update as of Monday morning, July 8, 2013

Lisa has been fighting a bacterial infection that invaded her body with little warning.  Through the intercession of medicine, science, and prayer she is battling this infection with the greatest of determination.  Since going to the ER at Lancaster General Hospital on the 26th of June Lisa has undergone 7 different surgical procedures.  She is now in the ICU at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia under the care of a terrific team of surgeons, infectious disease researchers, and some of the best nurses you will ever find. Her physical pain is real, although masked by medicines that leave her very sleepy most of the time.  Her nurses are working hard to keep this pain to a minimum. For the next three days Lisa will undergo several more surgeries as well as oxygen- therapy.  Please remember Lisa in your thoughts and prayers this week as well as her husband John and their son Alex as they all seek strength to push forward in this fight. Thank you.

Here is an update on Lisa for the morning of July 8, 2013

LISA UPDATE-Over the weekend, Lisa underwent several surgeries and procedures. Lisa’s wounds were checked for bacteria and the dressings were changed. PRAISE THE LORD- both yesterday and today the tissue was shown to be healthy!!! Today she faces another surgery to check for any growth or sign of bacteria in her leg and then on Tuesday she will have yet another procedure performed. PLEASE PRAY as she undergoes all of these necessary procedures and surgeries that her body and spirits would BOTH remain STRONG! Until her body is 100% rid of this bacteria she is not out of danger. Thank you!

Here is an update on Lisa for late evening July 5, 2013

Lisa is currently in recovery from her most recent surgery. The bacteria did spread a bit and was surgically removed. Lisa’s vitals are still shown to be good. The infection is not going away quickly. Please take this battle a day at a time with us in your prayers and love.

Here is an update on Lisa for July 5, 2013

Lisa is having her 5th Surgery this morning.  Please Pray!

A 4Th of JULY LISA UPDATE

Lisa’s 5th surgery is planned for tomorrow. Her vitals are all solid still today and she’s eating whole foods! She is engaging in conversation with the Drs and finding opportunities for laughing and giggling. We are eagerly looking to results of the surgery tomorrow. So much gratitude for so many well wishes and offers of assistance! Please continue your prayers for Lisa our family and her care givers.

Here is an update on Lisa for July 3, 2013

Lisa is continuing her care at The University of Penn. She has received several hyperbaric treatments since her arrival . The Drs feel as though they are getting ahead of this bacteria. On Friday Lisa will undergo her 5th surgery to ensure they are indeed ahead of the bacteria and that the damage has ceased. Lisa’s vitals are excellent and she is of good spirits! We cannot thank you enough for your CONTINUED prayers, kind hearts and LOVE!

Here is an update on Lisa for July 2, 2013 at 4:26am

Lisa was moved to University of Penn last night where Doctors are more familiar with the bacteria that is attacking her body. Please continue to pray for healing, for wisdom and for the family.

Here is an update on Lisa on July 1, 2013 at 3:26pm

Lisa is out of surgery, She is currently sleeping soundly in recovery. On Wednesday she will undergo her FOURTH surgery in a week. In addition to the care of the Doctor, she is receiving the best antibiotics known for fighting this sickness. The bacteria she is battling will not give up….fortunately neither will Lisa. Lisa remains in critical condition. Please continue to pray.

Here is an update on Lisa on July 1, 2013.

Lisa is undergoing a third surgery this morning.  Pray that the bacterial infection has not spread. Pray for wisdom for the Doctors and peace for  the family.  Thank You!

Here is an update on Lisa on June 30, 2013:

Yesterday Lisa underwent her second surgery to check on the status of the bacterial infection in her leg. Her condition is still serious- but she is strong and her vitals have shown to be good, post- surgery. On Monday morning Lisa will face her third surgery in six days to ensure containment and or dissipation of the bacterial infection.Please continue to lift her up in your prayers. Lisa, John and their son, Alex appreciate all of the prayers, love and support given over the past several days. Per the Doctor’s request only her closest family is able to visit her over the next few days as Lisa’s rest is crucial in her making a full recovery. The families personal space and rest is necessary for the recovery and healing process to take place. Your continues prayers and love are greatly appreciated! Thanks.

First post from June 28:

Dear WJTL Family,

We are asking for prayer for Lisa Landis.

Lisa has a serious bacterial infection and has been admitted to the Hospital. She has undergone one surgery and is scheduled for a second. While this situation is very serious, Lisa and her doctors are quite hopeful that the treatment will bring the infection under control.  We know there is power in prayer. Please pray for Lisa’s speedy recovery and for strength and guidance for her family.

Thank You.

As you might have seen on the WJTL Facebook page, listeners are not just sending in pictures of their new bumper stickers.  There are a few pictures of longtime listeners’ bumper stickers which feature the old logo.  It is really cool to see the different stickers because it shows how different each listener is.  It shows their personality.  Some people started listening since they moved into the area and others have been listening since they were children.

Did you know that we are spotting Kids Cookie Break Stickers too?  Show off how much you love the Kids Cookie Break by positioning a KCB sticker on your bumper or on your window.  You could also affix a KCB magnet to your car to preserve the paint.  Once you have done that, don’t forget to send us a picture for a chance to win!

You can win with any of the WJTL bumper stickers including the Kids Cookie Break Sticker and the 90.3 Sticker.  We know you love the iconic retro WJTL sticker; let us know you have one and we’ll be happy to send you a shiny new one to put next to it.

In fact, we’d be happy to send you any of the WJTL stickers to give your vehicle even more personality.  So whether you have been listening since you were young or only just picked up our broadcast, email interns@wjtl.com to get your WJTL bumper sticker today and send it in to win!