WMLK (9.275, 17.525 & 15.15 MHz), is a shortwave radio prominent outreach tool of the Assemblies of Yahweh, based in Bethel, Pennsylvania. The station’s call sign, "WMLK," reflects the Hebrew word (MLK) "malak" (מַלְאָךְ), meaning “messenger” or “angel,” symbolizing its mission as a messenger of Yahweh’s truth to the world.[1] A different vocalization of the word will also yield the definition salt.
 | |
| Broadcast area | Bethel, Pennsylvania Worldwide |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 9.275 MHz 15.15 MHz 17.525 MHz |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Assemblies of Yahweh |
| History | |
First air date | 1981 |
Call sign meaning | W (radio station in the United States east of the Mississippi River) MaLaK (consonants in the word “malak”. |
| Technical information | |
| Power | 300 kilowatts |
| Links | |
| Webcast | WMLK Streaming |
| Website | www |
Origins and Vision
editThe Great Commission and Sacred Name Broadcast
editWMLK’s roots trace back to 1966 when Elder Jacob O. Meyer, founder of the Assemblies of Yahweh, initiated a radio ministry called the Sacred Name Broadcast. Inspired by the mandate in Matthew 28:19–20 to preach the Good News worldwide, Elder Meyer and the brethren of the Assemblies of Yahweh sought to establish their own broadcasting platform. They recognized that Bethel, was strategically located to transmit radio signals across vast regions of the globe, aligning with their vision of fulfilling the Great Commission effectively.[1]
Building WMLK: From Humble Beginnings to Advanced Technology
editEarly Foundations
editIn 1981, the Assemblies of Yahweh acquired a 50,000-watt radio transmitter, which they repurposed for shortwave broadcasting. This marked the beginning of WMLK’s journey as a dedicated station for proclaiming Yahweh’s truth.[2] Chief engineer Deacon Gary McAvin and other members of the Assemblies of Yahweh played crucial roles in dismantling and rebuilding the equipment to meet the needs of this ambitious project. Deacon Gary McAvin[3] moved to Bethel with his family, continuing to work on the transmitter for more than 40 years.
Technological Milestones
editWMLK began broadcasting in 1985 using an RCA BTA-50G transmitter,[4] originally designed in 1947. Modified for shortwave frequencies, the transmitter allowed WMLK’s broadcasts to reach audiences on every continent. By 2017, the station underwent a major upgrade, acquiring a state-of-the-art transmitter from Ampegon, a leader in advanced broadcasting technology. The new transmitter, boasting up to 450 kW power, features innovative systems such as PSM power supply and internet-enabled remote operation. Despite the complexities of installation, including new cooling systems and power supplies,[4] WMLK resumed broadcasting in June 2022.
That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Yahweh, Art the Most High over all the earth.
— Psalm 83:18, used on WMLK site
Proclaiming the Message: The Elijah Prophecy and the Angel in Mid-Heaven
editThe Elijah Message
editThe Assemblies of Yahweh view WMLK as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, particularly the “Elijah message” foretold in Malachi 4:5–6. They emphasize Elijah’s zeal for the exclusive worship of Yahweh (1Kings 19:14) and draw parallels to their own mission of restoring Yahweh’s Name and commandments to prominence. The station’s antenna system, resembling a shofar' (Hebrew: שופר),[1] aligns with the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:21 about setting “guideposts” along highways, further solidifying its symbolic role.
4 Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. 5 Behold, I will send you EliYah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.
— The Sacred Scriptures Bethel Edition (Malachi 4:4-6)
The Angel in Mid-Heaven
editThe Assemblies of Yahweh liken WMLK’s broadcasts to the angel in Revelation 14:6–7 , proclaiming the Good News across mid-heaven. This interpretation underscores their belief that Yahweh directs the radio signal, guiding it to reach audiences across international borders. By restoring Yahweh’s Name in their lives and teachings, WMLK provides a counterpoint to mainstream religious doctrines, emphasizing obedience to Yahweh’s commandments and the exclusive use of His sacred Name.
They note that the angel is commanding "7 Fear Yahweh*, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment has come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters." (Sacred Scriptures Bethel Edition).
*The Name Yahweh is restored to the text.
Today there is the voice of a messenger from Almighty Yahweh flying through the air. That radio signal is going forth powerfully and penetrating into a growing number of countries of the world. The voice of warning is heard in many different places where literature and other mediums of outreach cannot go. But, now Yahweh receives the glory all over the earth! Are you preparing yourself for the culmination of the age?
— From previous WMLK site
Schedule Times and Future plans
editThe Assemblies of Yahweh are broadcasting WMLK on shortwave radio 6 days a week. Since the end of October 2024, they updated their schedule times and successfully added a third frequency. [5]
- On 15150 kHz 12:00 - 17:00 GMT (7 AM to 12 PM EST)
- On 17525 kHz 17:30 - 22:30 GMT (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM EST)
- On 9275 kHz 23:00 - 04:00 GMT (6 PM - 11 PM EST)
WMLK radio can also be heard online on the site WMLKradio.com 24/7. The Assemblies of Yahweh believe that one of the first steps to salvation is to listen to the messages (Mark 12:29, Romans 10:14-15 ). As a result, they place great emphasis on listening to these messages. It is hoped that WMLK radio may also even add a fourth frequency, and to broadcast day and night and also digitally in the future.
Radio
editAtlantic
editWest Indies
edit|
DBS Radio (Dominica) 88.1 FM Sunday 9:00-9:30 AM |
WeeFM Radio (Grenada) 93.3 Sunday 8:30-9:00 AM |
Guyana Radio Roraima 760 Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
|
Radio St. Lucia 660 Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
Radio PJD2 (St. Maarten) 1300 Sunday 5:30-6:00 AM |
Trinidad Radio Power 102.5 Sunday 6:45-7:00 AM |
| Pennsylvania | West Virginia | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
|
WWSM 1510, Lebanon Sunday 7:30-8:00 AM |
WWVA 1170, Wheeling Friday 10:00-10:30 PM (also streamed) |
WCKY 1530, Cincinnati Sunday 6:30-7:00 AM |
| Texas | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| KCKM 1330 AM
Sunday 8:00-8:30 AM |
WSM 650 AM Nashville Sunday 5:30-6:00 AM |
| California |
|---|
| KDIA 1640 AM San Francisco Bay Area
Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
|
DWNW 756, Bicol Region Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
DXCC 828, Cagayan de Oro City Sunday 6:30-6:45 AM |
DXWG 855, Iligan City Sunday 6:00-6:15 PM |
| Bayelsa State Radio 97.1 FM | Rivers States Ray Power Radio 105.5 FM | Abia State Radio 88.1 FM |
| Benue State Radio 95.0 FM | Rock City Radio 101.9 FM | Invicta Radio, Kaduna 98.9 FM |
Publicity
editWMLK was featured on chapter 1, page 1 of ARRL's Small Antennas for Small Spaces in which it features WMLK's antenna with a photo describing it as the following:
The impressive antenna of shortwave broadcaster WMLK beside interstate 78 in eastern Pennsylvania.
It says:
Amateur Radio operators dearly love antennas. To us, antennas are more than mere functional devices for radiating signals; they are beautiful works of engineering art. A gorgeous antenna system will stop us cold in our tracks, utterly transfixed by the wonder of its design. Hams are the people who nearly cause traffic accidents because they are gaping at awesome antennas when they should be paying attention to their driving. A few years ago I alarmed my family by swerving off Interstate 78 in eastern Pennsylvania, grabbing my camera and leaping from the car. The object of my insane desire was the spidery curtain antenna of shortwave broadcaster WMLK
— ARRL's Small Antennas for Small Spaces[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Meyer, Jacob (May 2018). "Radio Station WMLK" (PDF). The Sacred Name Broadcaster. Bethel, PA: Assemblies of Yahweh. pp. 16–21. Retrieved December 5, 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Meyer, Jacob. "Assemblies of Yahweh site (Proclaiming Yahweh's Truth To The World)". Assemblies of Yahweh. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
- ^ "Obituary for Gavin e. McAvin at Lamm & Witman Funeral Home, Inc".
- ^ a b Butera, Martin. "Shortwave Station WMLK". Radio Heritage. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ "New Frequencies and Times!". www.assembliesofyahweh.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Ford, Steve (2011). "1". ARRL's Small Antennas for Small Spaces. American Radio Relay League. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-87259-839-3. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
External links
edit40°28′46.4″N 76°16′48.3″W / 40.479556°N 76.280083°W