Our History
Voice For Christ Ministries exists to provide Christian radio to Native and Rural Alaskans.
To do this, VFCM owns and operates the I AM Radio Network.
Bob & Dolores Eldridge came to Alaska in 1964 and began their ministry serving with Victory Bible Camp in Sutton. They then began an itinerant flying ministry to interior Alaska villages with Arctic Missions (now InterAct Ministries). Weather often prevented flying into villages to share the Good News of Christ. Bob felt led of the Lord to consider radio as a more consistent way to send the Gospel message to the interior Alaska villages and homesteaders.
The Eldridges began the development of a Christian radio station in 1980, and thus, the I AM Radio Network was born. Voice For Christ Ministries was incorporated on September 7, 1983 in Nenana, Alaska as the non profit entity. The Lord showed His involvement by the immediate receipt of the building permit - a process that often takes two years.
KIAM Nenana, went on the air on June 28, 1985 at 1270 AM kHz - the last day allowed by the construction permit. During November 1986, KIAM changed frequencies to 630 AM kHz and raised the transmission tower to 250 feet to increase the listening area. Another 50 feet was added in August 1990, raising the tower to 300 feet. On May 1, 1995 KIAM raised the power to 10 kW during the day and 3.1 kW at night, again increasing the listening area.
KYKD in Bethel, Alaska, was purchased by VFCM in November 1996. KYKD went on the air at 3 KWs of power. In July 2006 VFCM was able to increase the power to 12 KW with a new transmitter.
KAGV is the newest radio station owned by VFCM. Built by numerous volunteers, KAGV went on the air in Houston/Big Lake, Alaska during December 2004. KAGV provides Christian radio to the Matanuska and Susitna valleys with a 10KW AM transmitter.
God has also grown the I AM Radio Network to include numerous translators or radio repeaters and other affiliate radio stations. See the I AM Radio Network page for more details.
What a privilege it is to herald Jesus' fame and His message of redemption through the medium of radio across Alaska!
