Dine’Adventist Radio* (DAR) brought a joyful, hope-filled Sabbath worship service to Piñon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico, last November.
The program blended powerful testimonies, inspiring beginnings and music that celebrated the gospel in multiple languages and musical styles. The vision at Piñon Hills to build KBFH 105.7 FM, “Keepin’ Bound for Heaven,” was honored throughout the day as a tangible step toward expanded outreach across the Navajo Nation.
Robinson Jones, Navajo Christian soloist, shared with the congregation two stirring songs and a testimony about Jesus’ work in his life and the faith lessons passed down from his grandmother. His music and story set a warm, personal tone for worship.
The remarkable origins of Dine’ Adventist Radio—how a phone call to the wrong person in the right place sparked the movement—was shared by Allen Steele. He also offered congratulations to Piñon Hills for their vision and commitment to building KBFH 105.7 FM and focusing on outreach.
Tamara Peshlakai, clinical social worker and therapist, recounted her search for truth, a season of giving up, and then receiving an unexpected invitation to a Bible prophecy series at a Seventh-day Adventist church. Her gentle warning—“be careful what you ask for from the Lord, you may get it”—struck a chord with many listeners.
A raw, honest testimony of growing up on the Navajo Reservation, losing his mother at 17, and falling into anger and addiction was given by Nathan Manuelito. It wasn’t until a mentor named John pointed him to Jesus that his life began to turn around. Nathan celebrated the joy of having God living with him today.
Kietel Jones honored his grandfather, Navajo Code Talker George B. Willie, as the inspiration behind his decision to study radio in college. Kietel now serves as an editor and program host for Dine’ Adventist Radio, carrying forward a legacy of service through the airwaves.
Staff members from La Vida Mission* delivered a beautiful multilingual musical performance, singing verses in English, Navajo, Spanish and Filipino, reflecting the diverse communities in the congregation. DAR volunteers also performed a heartfelt rendition of “This World Is Not My Home,” reminding listeners of the eternal perspective at the heart of the gospel.
The worship service concluded with Eric Bahnmiller, DAR pastor, who joked about his disappointment at having to speak because it marked the close of such a wonderful service. The event closed with a special DAR version of “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” adapted for the reservation and the radio mission.
Events like this remind us that radio is more than technology; it is a ministry that carries healing, testimony and hope across distances, working hand in hand with the local congregation to follow up with those who are seeking.
Steve Pester is the Dine Adventist Radio network manager.
* Dine’ Adventist Radio and La Vida Mission are supporting ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church but are not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
