(Article from Daily Observer newspaper, Antigua, West Indies)

Amidst all the shouting and near panic of the wave of new radio stations, there sits a quiet little beacon in the valley. For those who do not usually listen, Caribbean Radio Lighthouse has been a part of our subconscious for some time now. How long exactly? Twenty-eight years.

Speaking with station manager Curtis Waite, some facts are revealed. Radio Lighthouse began operating in September 1975. The station is owned and operated by Baptist International Missions, Inc. BIMI is an independent Baptist board - an organization formed by churches without affiliation. The home base is in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Curt Waite is a Californian who has lived here since 1974. When it was suggested that he was Antiguan by now, he agreed that he felt that way, but was not so sure if others did.

Words like tranquil and serene come to mind upon view of this countryside structure, with its lighthouse out front. Waite laughs, “We look quiet on the outside, but not necessarily inside.” It would be a fair guess to say that some madness is connected with the running of any radio station.

Theirs is an exclusively religious station, with a staff of ten that includes eight Antiguans and two missionaries. Waite explained that just about all the staff members are qualified and capable of performing any function inside the station, and just as we may have guessed, they are all Christians. “It helps that we are all Baptists and share the same faith and views,” Waite said. “It has helped us to deliver a consistent message over the years.” He is also glad that the station is able to provide employment for young people in the church.

Radio Lighthouse is the only one of its type in the Caribbean, and though it sounds as if it is a relay station, it is not. Waite said most of their programmes are recorded and sent to them from the United States. One such is the famous “Talking Bible.” When asked if it was read in the sequence of the Bible, Waite said yes, adding that it takes just a little over a year for the whole Bible to be aired that way. The only time the station deviates is at Christmas, when the season’s stories are read instead.

Radio Lighthouse is unique in that it broadcasts no commercial messages. Waite said local contributions, and churches and individuals in the U.S. support them. They are responsible for raising their own funds, but do not solicit any money on air. Theirs is a non-profit organization focused on bringing the Word of God to the people.

The station is happy to broadcast non-profit public service information, and though no local news is carried, BBC is relayed and death notices are read when requested.

Though unsure what share of the market they claim, Waite said he knows they have a fair amount. He judged that by the amount of correspondence they receive and by how much he hears the station being listened to when he walks through St. John’s.

Waite said they get positive comments on their selection of music. “I believe that the Christian sound should be different from other sounds,” he said, “and so we are very conservative with our music.” He observed that some Christian music can hardly be differentiated from other types these days. The station also plays some classical and “easy listening” music.

Radio Lighthouse is committed to spreading the Word, and its staff believes that radio can reach the most people in the shortest time. They are happy about the growing number of youth in the Little Lighthouse Club, both locally and regionally. They also offer free Bible correspondence courses through which thousands are studying the Word.

Their dedication has led them to broadcast in Spanish on the FM dial. For two hours each morning and evening, the Spanish speaking community has programming geared specifically to it.

Waite noted, “We are non-political. We have enjoyed a good relationship with two different governments.”

So, through all the changes of the world, Caribbean Radio Lighthouse stands unchanged and continues to shine the beacon of quiet in the storm.

top left: Curt Waite - Control
top right: Sheneeza Saul - FM Control
bottom left: Wixi Duran - Spanish Editing
bottom right: Curt & BarbWaite - Linda & Jerry Baker

The Caribbean Radio Lighthouse is a distinctively Christian radio station and a faith ministry. There is a great need for your prayer and financial support. May the Lord impress churches and believers who love the Word of God and good Christian music to help make it possible for CRL to reach more souls for Christ and teach them the Word. Please send your support through BIMI – Account # 243, Caribbean Radio Lighthouse.