New Office and Studios Open

A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Friday, Sept. 13, for Moody Radio Chattanooga’s newly renovated office and studios. The ceremony celebrated and reopened the station’s building after a year of renovations due to extensive fire damage in February of 2018.

“It has been a long process, but God is faithful and has provided so that we can continue to minister to listeners in Chattanooga,” said Brent Manion, station manager for Moody Radio Chattanooga. “I want to personally thank the listeners, our ministry partners and churches, colleagues and others for their support, prayers and encouragement. The Lord took a devastating situation and turned it into an opportunity to trust and lean upon Him, and we have much to be thankful for today.”

Shortly before 10 p.m., on Feb. 20, 2018, a fire broke out in the office portion of Moody Radio’s building due to two faulty nine-volt batteries on a desk. While the fire was able to be put out in a relatively short period of time, thick smoke circulated throughout the entire building via the HVAC system, causing extensive damage to all the equipment and studio space, rendering them unable to be used.

Moody Radio’s reception desk after the fire.

After using a temporary trailer on site to work and broadcast, a long-term solution was needed while renovations took place. In April of 2018, Precept Ministries International, led by Kay Arthur who is a longtime friend and partner of Moody Radio, had space available on their 30-acre campus in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“Much prayer and discussion took place regarding what was needed to continue broadcasting, and Precept Ministries International was God’s provision,” added Hastings. “To be able to lease not only sufficient office space from a friend and partnering ministry, but one that was built specifically for broadcast media, was an incredible blessing. We are extremely grateful to Kay and our friends at Precept Ministries for their gracious hospitality and standing with us during a challenging time.”

Once the financial resources became available through insurance, renovations began in June of 2018. Work concluded last August, and WMBW’s Mornings with Jason and Tabi was able to broadcast live from the new studio on Sept. 3, 2019.

Renovation crews working on Moody Radio’s office space.

Listeners, former WMBW staff and hosts, local leaders and area pastors were on hand for the Sept. 13 ceremony which officially reopened the building. President of Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Mark Jobe, along with vice president of Moody Radio, Doug Hastings, regional manager for Moody Radio, Pierre Chestang, and other Moody Radio network staff also took part in the celebration which was broadcast live on WMBW 88.9 FM.

“We pray, Father, that never before there would be an urgency in our heart, a faith in our spirit, a clarity in our voice to be able to proclaim your gospel and the teachings of the Word of God with boldness, with insight, with accuracy, with life giving spirit, Father . . . Would you grant us the grace that only comes from you to accomplish the work you called us to. We dedicate this time, this season, this new chapter in the name of Jesus, in whom we pray. Amen.”—Dr. Mark Jobe. (Full audio of dedication and ribbon cutting is available on Facebook.)

As a part of the renovations to the 2,800-square-foot building, Moody Radio was able to make needed upgrades to its exterior brick, HVAC system, lighting, studios and technical operations center to create a more efficient, welcoming and secure space.

Dr. Mark Jobe (far left) on "Mornings with Jason and Tabi" in the new WMBW studio.

“A verse that has guided us through all of this has been 1 Corinthians 15:58, which says, ‘Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain,’” added Manion. “Today’s celebration is a reminder that God’s promises in His Word are true. Nothing we do for Him is in vain, and we are praying that He will continue to use us in this new space to reach more listeners and help them take their next step with Jesus Christ.”

For more information about Moody Radio Chattanooga, please visit www.moodyradio.org/chattanooga.

Listeners can also connect with Moody Radio Chattanooga on Facebook.