Joanne Davis said she is blessed to be able to realize her dream of helping others grow and mature in their Christian faith.
She shared news of her affiliation with Christian radio 90.9 The Vine while meeting with Benton-West City Area Chamber of Commerce members during the regular meeting last Thursday.
Davis said the radio station has been on the air for the past two years and continues to expand its broadcasting range to include as far south as Marion, as far north as Centralia and as far east as Carmi and Mt. Carmel.
She said the station manager and two disc jockeys met with her to show her how to insert voice tracks into a pre-programmed format before turning her loose.
"Who would have thought that someone with no prior radio experience or formal training could become an on-air personality," Davis said. "Only God could have arranged such an incredible opportunity. I took the position at The Vine to carry out the great commission and the good news of Jesus Christ.
"The Vine offers unique local announcers and programs and is the only contemporary Christian radio station in Southern Illinois that provides a nutritionist and programs by local pastors, as well as national broadcasts," she said. "We want to partner with area churches and businesses."
Davis said her program, "River of Life," airs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. weekdays.
"I started working at the radio station in early October and am reaching out to women and stay-at-home moms," she said. "A large percentage of our listening audience is women.
"I host the 'River of Life' broadcast and am also an underwriting representative," Davis said. "The name of the program comes from three scriptures Revelation 22:1, John 7:38 and Psalm 46:4, which describes the unending flow of living water that comes from the throne of God to us by the power of the Holy Spirit. The goal is to continually tap into that flow and let it be poured out for others to be refreshed."
She said the move from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming an on-air radio personality happened during a 2-1/2-week period.
"I was also a part-time hair stylist who was given an opportunity to host a three-hour program while the kids are in school," Davis said.
