Our Mission
Voice For Christ Ministries exists to provide Christian radio to Native and Rural Alaskans across the state.
To do this, VFCM owns and operates the I AM Radio Network.
VFCM believes that radio is the most effective means to spread Biblical teaching and the gospel of Jesus Christ across the state of Alaska. Radio can overcome the obstacles of Alaska's vast size, the harsh and unpredictable weather, and many cultural barriers amongst Native and non-Native rural residents.
Alaska's land mass is approximately equal to one-fifth of the lower 48 states. With 570,374 square miles or 365,039,104 acres, Alaska is the largest state in the union, just over twice the size of Texas. With only three state highways, travel by road in Alaska can be difficult.
People of VFCM
Missionary Staff
VFCM's missionary staff fill the on-the-ground roles of radio operations throughout the ministry. These individuals or families either receive donor support through their own networks, rely on their own retirement funds, have a job to provide income, or a combination of these. Thank you for your prayers for them as they sacrifice in order to continue broadcasting the Gospel!
Mike and Valerie Arena are full-time missionaries sent from Camp Creek Baptist Church in Cornelia, GA. Mike serves as the ministry Director as well as KIAM Station Manager while Valerie serves in the office.
Palmer and Bonnie Bailey. Palmer serves as Station Manager of KYKD in Bethel, AK. Bonnie works alongside him doing a myriad of tasks, including On-Air work, programming, song selection, and compliance requirements.
Daniel and Kelsie Vrenna. The Vrenna family handles all station operations for KAGV in Houston, AK, including music selection, program selection, and compliance requirements.
Karolyn Brown - VFCM Bookkeeper. Karolyn volunteers her time to pay bills online, record donations from the donor system into Quickbooks, and help close out the books each month.
Jeannie Bennett - Jeannie coordinates the Administrative functions of the VFCM Ministry HQ, including donations, bill paying, and keeping the paperwork straight.
Adam White - Adam is our longest-serving missionary, having filled various positions across the ministry including pilot/mechanic, Board Member/Chairman, and hosting The Bluegrass Hour on Saturday nights for more than 30 years.
Lower 48 Representatives
These representatives provide a vital link between our Alaska ministry and those who God leads to be part of our support team. The logistics and financial requirements to operate a radio ministry across Alaska are quite large, and we are grateful for God's continued provision!
<Lower 48 Rep Positions Currently Open>
Board Members
VFCM board members serve as behind-the-scenes but crucial leadership and logistical part of VFCM operations. We appreciate prayers for wisdom and unity in ministry vision across Alaska!
Art Thompson - Chairman and Network Engineer
Bob Ellsworth - Vice Chairman
Dan Walsh - Secretary
Dennis Onchuck
Ron Heagy - Treasurer
Our History
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 by God to utilize radio as a more consistent way to get the Gospel message to the interior Alaska villages and homesteaders.
The Eldridges began the development of a Christian radio station in 1980, and the I AM Radio Network was born. Voice For Christ Ministries was incorporated as a non profit entity on September 7, 1983, in Nenana, Alaska. The Lord showed His involvement by allowing the immediate receipt of an FCC station building permit - a process that often takes two years.
KIAM in Nenana, went on the air on June 28, 1985 at 1270 AM kHz - the very 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. Today, KIAM provides the content stream to more than 15 radio signals across the state as well as streaming on the internet.
KYKD in Bethel, Alaska, was already in existence but had gone dark. VFCM purchased it in November 1996 and went on the air at 3 KWs of power. In July of 2006, VFCM was able to increase the power to 12 KW with a new transmitter, reaching nearly 20 villages across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Today, KYKD provides the content stream to nearly 10 radio signals in western Alaska and streams on the internet.
KAGV is the newest full-power radio station owned by VFCM. Built by numerous volunteers, KAGV went on the air in Houston/Big Lake, Alaska, during December of 2004. KAGV provides Christian radio to the Matanuska and Susitna valleys with a 10KW AM transmitter, provides the content feed for FM 93.3 in Palmer, and maintains the internet stream for listeners anywhere.
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 to herald Jesus' name and His message of redemption through the medium of radio across Alaska!