A Christian Response to Haitian Tragedy

As the recovery effort in Haiti continues, it is difficult not to ask how something so horrific could happen. As shock becomes anger, grief, and fear, people ask, "Why?" Christians may have it worst. We believe in a loving God. We know the Scripture, "His mercy endures forever." Now we wonder, "Where is God's mercy?" Some even ask, "Where is God?"

Scripture echoes our questions. Losing children, possessions, and health, Job asked, "Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?” (Job 21:7) Often, God doesn't answer why. He basically told Job, "When you're God, then you can demand an answer." Sometimes disaster is a call for us to repent and trust God. In John 9, the disciples asked, "Why was this man born blind?" Jesus didn't blame the sins of the parents or God's foreknowledge that the man would also sin. He said, "It was so the works of God would be shown in him," then He restored the man's sight. Haiti is in need of restoration.

Like me, you may want to help, but the vast number of relief efforts makes you unsure how money should be directed . Perhaps you have heard of HIS Home for Children, a Haitian orphanage founded by Chris and Hal Nungester from Lima. This Christian organization provides care for over 120 orphans and places them for adoption when possible. WTLW will send a gift to HIS Home at the end of February. We invite you to send a gift in addition to your monthly support for TV-44, which we will forward at the end of the month. Together, let’s “show the works of God” in this desperate situation. Thank you for your faithful support as we Witness The Living Word.

Gary Cooper started as a supporter of WTLW. He grew up in a home where his parents went to church on Christmas and Easter and that was about it. However, his parents wanted him and his siblings to attend church. Attending church didn’t stop Cooper from having a negative attitude toward TV programs asking for money.

“My wife and mother-in-law were watching the TV-44 telethon,” he explains. “They had almost made their goal, and God laid it on my heart to give a substantial gift to the station.”

He adds, “I saw fruit and the authenticity of the people and I knew I wanted to be involved financially in that.”

From supporter, Cooper became a board member from 1985 to 1993. When the station started up the news product, they started looking for a general sales manager. So, Cooper went from being a board member to having a job with the station as the general sales manager.

He had a lot of previous experience. For about 25 years, Cooper was the president and CEO of his own oil drilling business in the Midwest. His father was in the drilling business, so Cooper and his brother followed in their father’s footsteps.

Over time, Cooper realized that the 80 to 90 hours a week that were necessary to make the business work also made it difficult to spend time with his family and to serve in any kind of ministry.

“My personal testimony is that Kingdom-building became more important to me than empire-building,” he explains.

Cooper worked at WTLW for several years, but he left for a while when the station stopped producing a local newscast. He came back in 2005, once again as the general sales manager. “I said I would work about three years,” he says. “That was four years ago.”

While Cooper and his wife of 42 years may eventually retire completely, he is uncertain exactly when that will take place.

Cooper, who is a staunch supporter of WTLW says, “I have several passions in my life. Number one is Jesus, then my family, then my country, then my job. I have really enjoyed being at Channel 44. It is a very positive environment and I feel it is where God wants me to be.”

WTLW and Tom Ahl Dealerships Collect 8,000 Boxes in Campaign!

 Thanks to your help and Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships WTLW was able to collect 8000 shoeboxes filled with toys and personal items for needy children around the world.  Be sure to join us for next year's collection which will be held in November. Thanks again for making so many children's Christmas one they will remember for many years!