The Flog – The Fabry Log

26 years ago, a satellite fed call-in talk show premiered on the Moody Radio. Wednesday night that program ended. I was privileged to work on Open Line for 12 years, from 1985 – 1997, and then the past year or so. Wednesday we talked with Radio Pastor Donald Cole and the other “first host,” Stan Ferris. You won’t believe his profession now, though if you knew Stan, it wouldn’t surprise you.

What a treat to talk with Tedd Seelye, one of the voices of Christian Radio. We were also joined by Wayne Shepherd, who hosted the program from 1997 until 2007.

It was a bittersweet end to a program that has touched many lives. Nancy Alton Hoy, who was an administrative assistant to Wayne, Jim Warren, and any one who needed any work done, called, as well as the first producer of Open Line, Jeff Jacobsen. He was our final caller.

Perhaps the most surprising call was from a woman who had asked Pastor Cole a question more than a decade ago. If you’re a long-time listener you’ll remember the spot announcement that came from that call. Her problem was that she was having physical trouble and the people in her church said if she had more faith she would be able to walk. Pastor Cole asked if she used a cane.

“Yes.”

“Next time they say that, hit them with the cane and when they say it hurts, tell them if they had enough faith it wouldn’t.”

That’s not an exact transcript, but it’s the gist of what he said. What a treasure we’ve had in Pastor Cole. And great guests throughout the years have helped many. It’s truly the end of an era, and we thank God for his use of very fallible people to reach out to listeners over the years. To Him be glory for any good that was achieved.