It’s felt the moment the dial is turned: a vibrant, hopeful current flowing through the Houston airwaves. It’s more than just music; it’s a mission. For over 40 years, 89.3 KSBJ, a part of Hope Media Group, has been a steadfast voice in the community, dedicated to "spreading hope" through a blend of faith-based music and ministry. While you might know them for the songs that get you through your commute, the real story of KSBJ goes far beyond the radio.
The On-Air Connection
Every morning, millions of Houstonians wake up to the familiar, friendly voices of Rachelle and Carder, co-hosts of KSBJ’s morning show. Their on-air dynamic is a perfect blend of humor, genuine conversation, and heartfelt encouragement. As they share personal stories and connect with listeners, it’s clear they aren’t just reading scripts; they’re building a family.
"My family and I were called to Texas in 2014," Rachelle says, reflecting on her journey to KSBJ. "Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to lean into God’s understanding, and that’s what we did when we didn’t fully understand the 'why' in moving." Her leap of faith led her to a station where she quickly felt at home.
Carder, who started at KSBJ’s sister station, NGEN Radio, in 2015, also speaks to the station’s deep roots in the community. "People know that KSBJ brings hope, and they never forget it," he notes. "I was amazed that people called us for prayer, even if they hadn't listened to our station since they were kids."
The impact of their work is tangible and immediate. Rachelle recalls a powerful story of a father named Benjamin who called in, unsure about faith. "He prayed on the phone with us and accepted Jesus into his life that very day," she shares. "The first thing he said after we had finished praying was, 'And I can talk to Him anytime I want to?' Precious faith!"
These are the moments that define the KSBJ experience—not just a one-way broadcast, but a constant, two-way conversation with listeners who become family. For Rachelle and Carder, it’s not about filling airtime; it’s about walking alongside listeners in their everyday lives. And for people like Benjamin, it’s a reminder that hope is only ever a phone call or a prayer away.
The Impact Beyond the Airwaves
KSBJ’s ministry extends well beyond the studio walls and into the heart of the community. What listeners hear on the radio reflects the station’s commitment to action, with several key initiatives making a profound difference. What listeners hear on the radio is just one part of a larger mission, living out faith through action.
One of the most heartwarming examples is KSBJ’s Biggest Baby Shower EXPO, an annual event dedicated to new and expecting mothers in need. At a recent event, the KSBJ family helped collect and distribute 17,000 diapers and 61,000 baby wipes, along with other essentials. For families facing uncertainty, those donations became more than supplies; they became hope, relief, and a reminder that they weren’t alone. By partnering with nonprofits like PACN Pregnancy Assistance Center North and Texas Children’s Hospital, the station ensures these resources reach the families who need them most.
The spirit of generosity continues throughout the year. Whether it’s collecting food through the 2024 Christmas Food Drive, showing up with sweet surprises every summer through Ice Cream Emergency, or creating spaces for prayer and connection, KSBJ consistently demonstrates that their ministry is not confined to the airwaves. It’s an active, compassionate presence in Houston. Their work is a testament to the belief that faith is more than words or feelings; it’s action, lived out through serving others.
The Digital Lifeline
In a world that often feels busy and disconnected, KSBJ has discovered a powerful way to bring people together: the KSBJ Prayer Wall. This 24/7 digital lifeline allows anyone, anywhere, to submit prayer requests, join in praying for others, and experience the comfort of a supportive community—all from the palm of their hand.
The vision behind the Prayer Wall was simple yet profound: extend the ministry beyond the airwaves and create a space where prayer never stops. "It’s not just an extension of our on-air ministry," KSBJ staff explains. "It’s an interactive experience that brings listeners closer together through prayer."
The impact is best seen through the stories of those who use it. One listener shared, "I've been listening to KSBJ for years, and the music, the prayers, the messages have touched me in ways I never thought possible and have helped me to survive through depression and so much more." Another user, who endured the heartbreak of losing a twin during pregnancy and the uncertainty of a sudden layoff, described how the app became a source of strength. After countless prayers, they found renewed hope—and a new job—giving "all the credit to God."
These stories highlight how the KSBJ Prayer Wall has transformed KSBJ from a one-way broadcast into a dynamic, interactive community, providing a source of hope and encouragement in moments of crisis.
The Heart of the Mission
Ultimately, Hope Media Group and 89.3 KSBJ are far more than a radio station. While the music is the heart of their identity, their mission is a full-fledged ministry powered by a team of staff and volunteers who are "courageously sharing their own stories on-air" and "praying for listeners."
When asked about the legacy of KSBJ, the response is simple but profound: "Our hope is that decades from now, people will say, 'KSBJ was there for me when I needed hope most.' That our legacy will be more than songs on the radio—it will be engaging people to love Jesus, serve others & spread hope."
That legacy is already unfolding. In every song played, every prayer shared, and every community event hosted, KSBJ is faithfully living out its mission. They are faithful friends in the Greater Houston area, consistently pointing people to a place of peace and hope, showing that faith isn't just something you listen to - it's something you live.