WMLK (9.275 MHz) is a shortwave radio station in Bethel, Pennsylvania owned by the Assemblies of Yahweh. WMLK derives its callsign from MLK,^[1] representing the consonants of the Hebrew word "malak" (מַלְאָךְ) meaning a "messenger" or angel. A different vocalisation of the word will also yield the definition salt.

History

The Great Commission

Elder Jacob O. Meyer initiated the Assemblies of Yahweh ministry through a radio ministry in 1966. These broadcasts were called the Sacred Name Broadcast. In the years following, Elder Jacob O. Meyer discussed with the brethren of the Assemblies of Yahweh the possibility of completing the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19–20 without having to resort to the expensive outreach of using commercial radio stations. The Great Commission requires that the Good News is proclaimed and preached throughout the world as a witness and then the end will come. It was decided that having a radio station of their own would be advantageous ^[1] to the ministry. They came to the conclusion that Bethel was strategically placed for sending radio signals throughout the earth, as they could cover much of the earth's landmass from their position.^[1]

Engineer

In 1981, the Assemblies of Yahweh bought a 50,000-watt radio transmitter which was converted into a tool for shortwave broadcasting. From this point onwards, the Assemblies of Yahweh began to build their own radio station in order to "proclaim Yahweh's Truth".^[2] Two prominent members of the Assemblies of Yahweh were hired to work on this project, both in the dismantling and rebuilding of WMLK. One of those individuals was chief engineer Deacon Gary McAvin^[3] who, after moving to Bethel with his family has continued to work on the transmitter for more than 40 years.

Ampegon

The history of the old WMLK transmitter dates back to 1985, when they began broadcasting on shortwave using an RCA BTA-50G.^[4] These transmitter models were first produced by RCA in 1947. WMLK's transmitter had to be specially modified to be able to transmit in the station's allocated shortwave frequency spectrum. Reports show that the station was heard on every continent in the world and interest was generated in the ministry. In 2017, a long project was undertaken by the ministry to buy a new transmitter. The new shortwave transmitter would now be manufactured by the Ampegon company and would be of high power from 300 to 450 kW. Ampegon's state-of-the-art transmitter features several improvements to the last transmitter including a high performance PSM power supply, the latest filtering technology and an intuitive control system, called UCS, which allows the entire transmitter to be operated from a single touch screen, or even remotely over the internet.^[4]

The task of installing this transmitter was not easy. The transmitter required a different power supply, a complex cooling system and a chiller unit.

In June 2022, WMLK returned to the air.

That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Yahweh, Art the Most High over all the earth.

— Psalm 83:18, The Assemblies of Yahweh used this scripture on their WMLK site

The Elijah message

The plans for WMLK's large antenna revealed the shape of a trumpet or shofar' (Hebrew: שופר).^[1] These steel posts (once sign posts), hoist the WMLK antennas skyward, standing over a busy Interstate Route 78. The Assemblies of Yahweh believe that this is a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Jeremiah 31:21 where it talks about making ‘guide-posts’ toward the highway. The steel posts used to hoist the antenna grid in the air were recycled from sign posts used on the interstate highway. The message of these radio broadcasts is considered to be the Elijah message. The Bible refers to an Elijah that would make its appearance before the return of the Messiah in Malachi 4:5 and in Mark 9:12. The Assemblies of Yahweh point out that Elijah means My El (El) is Yahweh (Jah). Elijah was very zealous for the exclusivity in the worship of Yahweh in 1Kings 19:14 and in the competition at Mount Carmel, he repaired or restored the worship of Yahweh.

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 Assemblies of Yahweh proclaim the necessity of keeping the commandments of Yahweh, and using the correct Name for the Almighty and the Messiah. This forms a stark contrast against Christianity which deems none of these things important for our salvation.

Prophesy

The Assemblies of Yahweh believe that the radio signal is in Yahweh's hands, to push the signal where he pleases, claiming that Yahweh is in control of the ionosphere. Because this message goes across internationally to many countries in mid-heaven, the Assemblies of Yahweh have compared the signal to the angel mentioned in Revelation 14:6–7 which travels in mid-heaven proclaiming the Good News. 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 term 'god' is used in most translations, however, the Assemblies of Yahweh believe the Name was removed from the New Testament and they have restored it to its rightful place.

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?

— This appeared on the old WMLK site

The future plans

The Assemblies of Yahweh are broadcasting WMLK on shortwave radio 6 days a week on 9275 kHZ between 17:00 - 22:00 GMT (1:00 - 6:00 PM EDST). They also utilize the frequency 15150 kHZ between 0400 - 0900 GMT (12 midnight to 5 AM EDST). 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). As a result, they place great emphasis on listening to these messages. WMLK radio is also hoped to be broadcast 24/7 (day and night) and also digitally in the future.

Radio broadcasts

The Assemblies of Yahweh are a small organization, but they are constantly trying to spread the message as far as possible in order to get the message out to as many people as possible before what they consider to be impending judgement. Here is a list of some of the channels they broadcast the Sacred Name Broadcast on for radio. They also broadcast on television.

Publicity

WMLK was featured on chapter 1, page 1 of ARRL'S Small Antenna's 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^[5]