 | |
| Broadcast area | Bethel, Pennsylvania Worldwide |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 9.275MHz 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 |
WMLK (9.275, 17.525 & 15.15 MHz), is a shortwave radio prominent outreach tool of theAssemblies of Yahweh, based inBethel, 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]
WMLK’s roots trace back to 1966 whenElder Jacob O. Meyer, founder of the Assemblies of Yahweh, initiated a radio ministry called theSacred Name Broadcast. Inspired by the mandate inMatthew 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 thatBethel, was strategically located to transmit radio signals across vast regions of the globe, aligning with their vision of fulfilling theGreat Commission effectively.[1]
In 1981, theAssemblies of Yahweh acquired a 50,000-watt radio transmitter, which they repurposed forshortwave broadcasting. This marked the beginning of WMLK’s journey as a dedicated station for proclaiming Yahweh’s truth.[2] Chief engineerDeacon 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.
WMLK 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
The 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 ashofar' (Hebrew:שופר),[1] aligns with the prophecy inJeremiah 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.
— TheSacred Scriptures Bethel Edition (Malachi 4:4-6)
The Assemblies of Yahweh liken WMLK’s broadcasts to the angel inRevelation 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
The 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]
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.
DBS Radio (Dominica)88.1 FMSunday 9:00-9:30 AM | WeeFM Radio (Grenada)93.3Sunday 8:30-9:00 AM | Guyana Radio Roraima760Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
Radio St. Lucia660Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM | Radio PJD2 (St. Maarten)1300Sunday 5:30-6:00 AM | Trinidad Radio Power102.5Sunday 6:45-7:00 AM |
| Pennsylvania | West Virginia | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
WWSM1510, LebanonSunday 7:30-8:00 AM | WWVA1170, WheelingFriday 10:00-10:30 PM (also streamed) | WCKY1530, CincinnatiSunday 6:30-7:00 AM |
| Texas | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| KCKM1330 AM Sunday 8:00-8:30 AM | WSM650 AM Nashville Sunday 5:30-6:00 AM |
| California |
|---|
| KDIA1640 AM San Francisco Bay Area Sunday 6:00-6:30 AM |
DWNW756, Bicol RegionSunday 6:00-6:30 AM | DXCC828, Cagayan de Oro CitySunday 6:30-6:45 AM | DXWG855, Iligan CitySunday 6:00-6:15 PM |
| Bayelsa State Radio97.1 FM | Rivers States Ray Power Radio105.5 FM | Abia State Radio88.1 FM |
| Benue State Radio95.0 FM | Rock City Radio101.9 FM | Invicta Radio, Kaduna98.9 FM |
WMLK was featured on chapter 1, page 1 ofARRL'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]
Shortwave radio stations located in the United States  | |
|---|---|
| Government stations | |
| Private stations | |
| Defunct stations | |
| See also | |
40°28′46.4″N76°16′48.3″W / 40.479556°N 76.280083°W /40.479556; -76.280083
