How it all Came About

In November 2011, a vision began to form: a Christian radio station to unite various aspects of Langeberg Christian Fellowship. I approached our pastor, Phil Smythe, and he was supportive of the idea. As a new believer, I had once envisioned a large conference center with multiple functions, including a radio station. Initially, I had rushed ahead of God, exhausting myself, but this time, I was instructed to proceed step by step, trusting in Him. I contacted ICASA to inquire about starting a station, but after numerous attempts with no success, Pastor Phil forwarded me a prophetic dream from a viewer that confirmed the vision. This, along with a picture of a broken circuit, helped me realize this was God’s plan. I received crucial support from SENTEC in George, who provided frequency coordinates at no cost, enabling us to apply to ICASA in January 2012. By June, our application was approved—a remarkable outcome, given the typical waiting time. Despite limited local support, we continued to move forward, keeping a low profile as the process would take time. With help from friends like Jo Ann and Chris, we researched radio stations and visited others, gaining valuable insights. In September, Jo Ann suggested the name “Gateway Radio,” which resonated deeply with me, confirming God’s guidance. In November 2012, I applied for a seed fund from the Association for Christian Media, and despite my lack of experience, I was chosen as the recipient. This confirmed that we were on the right path. We also found a technician who volunteered to fix our sound system, and God sent Uncle Theo, a man of God, who played a pivotal role in shaping our vision and guiding the project forward. In early 2013, SENTEC informed us that the government had expedited the process for community radio stations, significantly shortening our waiting time. Theo, who had a business background, became Chairman of our board and helped draft our constitution. Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly in March 2013, but his work and the message from John 10:9 at his memorial service affirmed that he had fulfilled his calling. In May 2013, we submitted our license application, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. This application, representing thousands of souls, was a testament to God’s faithfulness and guidance.