June 2008

Dear Friend of KHCS,

This month I want to speak to a great challenge that is before the Christian community in the Coachella Valley. But before I share with you what that is here are some of its demographics.

Our valley is a large stretch of desert land that is east of the cities of Riverside and San Bernardino, extending for approximately 45 miles in Riverside County southeast from the San Bernardino Mountains to the saltwater Salton Sea, the largest lake in California. It is approximately 15 miles wide along most of its length, bounded on the west by the San Jacinto Mountains and the Santa Rosa Mountains with Palm Springs and bordered by mountains in the north and south, ending in the east roughly at the city of Coachella. A significant amount of land is Indian Territory; hence the recent growth of gaming properties springing up in the area. Interestingly, there are very few American Indians living here, making up less than half of one percent of our population. Because of the abundant natural resource of underground water that our water districts carefully guard for our benefit, there are well over 120 lush green golf courses and many tennis courts. Some of the major golf and tennis events are played here every year.

The Claritas study determined in 2004 that 373,100 people permanently resided in the region. Within the nine cities and unincorporated communities, the racial makeup was about 45 percent Caucasian, 50 percent Hispanic, around 2 percent Black/African American, a little over 2 percent Asian, and the remaining percentage attributed to various other racial groups. Celebrities still find this a place for relaxation. It’s not an uncommon sight to see sport figures and television and movie people shopping in our supermarkets and other local stores. Many gays and some lesbians come here to be treated for HIV/Aids infection because of its renowned treatment centers. Others from this life style come here for the same reasons that others do. They live mainly in Palm Springs where it is estimated that up to 33 percent of Palm Spring's residents identify as gay and lesbian. So as we can see, the overall population is quite diverse.

The general population growth prediction for 2010 by some estimates is close to 600,000 permanent residents. Of course, during the typical winter season, the population today usually is almost twice the off-season number. There is no question that this valley is growing every year because retired people are attracted by the weather and its recreational choices, others are attracted for the same reason and buy a vacation place. Still others are drawn to the entertainment programs and events as well as the excellent medical facilities that are offered.

And then there are unmistakable business opportunities which bring young people. You may be surprised to know that the average age of our valley people in most places is less than 50 years.

In the Christian community there are over 300 churches located in the Coachella Valley and the fringes of it from Banning to Blythe. A number of them are from the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches, but most are Protestant and represent many denominations. It is estimated that some 50,000 people from many socio-economic backgrounds attend Sunday services, for which we are thankful. Many of them are listeners to this faith-based radio station – for which we are also thankful. But when you consider that there are about 500,000 people or so living within this greater desert area, and the numbers are growing, it becomes evident the church has a tremendous evangelistic challenge. I mean we’re talking about almost a half of a million people who don’t go to church to hear the good news of Christ and God’s plan for humanity!

Dr. Paul Cedar, a distinguished national Christian leader who lives in our midst is determined to do something about helping churches meet the challenge. His preliminary plans are exciting. Currently, he is Chairman of the “Mission America Coalition.” Its mission is to help American churches reach out to the people with the Gospel in ways that will help increase the number of people who are exposed to the love of Christ. The Coachella Valley has been selected as one of its initial target areas – and that’s wonderful! Tied into this is another organization that he is leading. It’s called the “Lighthouse of the Valley” and its objective is to gather together the pastors in our area to work in concert for the salvation of souls. Each month more pastors sign on. Ideally, all pastors will buy into this outreach. Part of its plan is to ask ordinary Christians who sit in the pews to help. People like you and me.

This monthly letter is to alert you that we here at KHCS believe God is at work in a special way and your prayers, if not your time and resources will be needed. KHCS plans to be an integral part in helping bring the love of God to the hundreds of thousand of people who are lost. We see our role as bringing to our listeners this clarion call to witness to the unchurched.

Watch and listen for further information. In the meantime, begin to pray that all over this valley people will hear the voice of God. Dr. Cedar tells us that it is the plan of Lighthouse of the Valley pastors to offer a series of events and opportunities in 2009 that they hope will culminate in a giant weekend rally early in 2010 – an event to which you can invite your unsaved family and friends.

Please do not forget to support the ministry of KHCS with your prayers and financial support. It is very much needed and much appreciated.

In His Joy,