Ethan black - radio romance
When I first met Ethan, what moved me the most was his humbleness in how he approached a stranger. He has a passion for Christ, a great love for people and community.
Team Talk asked Ethan Black from Kingfisher FM to share his journey with our readers.
This is his story….
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10.
It’s amazing how God the Father imprints in us our desires, or you could say His desires for our life. We don’t always know how these desires will play out - and we don’t always use them for His glory - but those giftings, interests and inclinations are there. And we get to choose what we do with them.
When I was sixteen, I asked my parents to buy me a motorbike. When they declined, I asked for a radio instead. They blessed me with a monstrosity; an old-school tower high display, consisting of three separate layers, the base, a double tape-deck player, a mid-section state-of-the-art CD player, and a radio receiver with a powerful antenna to crown it off. It became my link to the outside world, my link to my destiny.
Every night I would sit in the dark and fall asleep listening to music and stories, and my love and passion for expression through song and storytelling was birthed.
In truth though, the seeds had been sown much earlier. My father was a musician who often led worship in church. I too, dabbled with guitar and played piano throughout my schooling career. When it came to social commentary, my quick wit and mischievous mind allowed me to sweet talk my way out of almost any situation in class. And I even enjoyed a stint as a commentator behind the camera lens at a school camp outing.
When our high school started a radio station, which was in essence an old caravan with loudspeakers on top, from which you could blare whatever music you fancied, on the poor unassuming grades during breaktime and after school, I was sold. My choice of university came down to which campus’ radio station was regarded as the best. This decision was based purely on a CD I purchased containing a collection of songs compiled by a nighttime jock and Radio Tukkies (TuksFM).
My future on a whim and a song! In truth though, it’s the Lord who lays these ‘clues/breadcrumbs’ along our path, even when we don’t acknowledge Him or recognise how he works. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9. I spent close on five years at Tukkies, hosting the breakfast and afternoon drive shows, living my dream and waiting for the next big thing to fall in my lap. That came in the form of a referral and a chance to work in the marketing and promotions department at Universal Music. I leapt at the opportunity! And when I landed the job, I thought MY destiny and MY plans were coming to pass. But behind the scenes, my life was a mess.
I had both feet firmly planted in the world and every now and then called out to the Lord to help realise my plans for my life. Surely that’s how it worked? At 25, I was heartbroken, and my dreams were dust. I left for Taiwan, to teach English and lose myself to the music and meaning of life. My wilderness years were spent in a blur of prodigal living and debauchery. I caused a lot of pain and heartache to all who knew me and, in the process, created my own world of torment. Fast-forward to 2010.
I returned from the UK to complete my teaching practical in South Africa and spent the better part of six months in my parents’ home in Sedgefield. There I attended a small church where I encountered an American evangelist/pastor whose love for the Word warmed my heart and drew me back to the Father’s. On 2 January 2011, I gave my heart to the Lord and was baptised.
That same year I moved to Port Elizabeth to teach and was befriended by a loving family in that school. They took me in and treated me as a son and a brother. Their son was my best man at my wedding and remains one of my closest friends to this day. I was also re-introduced to radio, to Kingfisher FM, and felt led to apply for a position on staff. Although initially I applied to join the sales team, the Lord opened the door and at the follow-up interview, I was offered a mid-morning show.
Since then, the Lord has blessed me with an incredible, forgiving and loving wife (Lisa) and two beautiful little girls (Izzy 3 ½ years and Sophie 7 months), who I simply adore. And best of all, the freedom to walk freely! “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1.
Today, I find myself barely at the starting point of what the Father has in store for my life. After enduring a strenuous “Xtreme Character Challenge” men’s hike through the Zuurberg mountains last month, I have found myself yearning to see other men set free and living in victory. That victory does not come through the shying away of our brokenness and pain or shrinking away from our struggles and shame, but rather, by journeying through it with the Lord. Pressing in during the dark night of the soul and coming face to face with our true self. Only then can we, in all our nakedness declare – yet He has forgiven me and set me free.
“You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same, you are an amazing God” - Chris Tomlin. I pray that you will wade into the deeper waters of life and cry out as Jesus did upon the cross: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.
There and only then, when we entrust our lives to Him and die to self, can our new life in Him begin. Your destiny awaits. Press in. Through the years, I’ve had the privilege to encounter and hear many of God’s children share their story with me of redemption through the cross.
I lovingly extend this invitation to you. Share your story, your witness, with all you meet, and know that his Word will never return void.
Feel free to contact me to share your story on Kingfisher FM. ethan@kingfisherfm.co.za
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”- Revelation 12:11
Team Talk would like to thank Ethan Black for sharing with our readers. Ethan is evidence that God only makes one of a kind! He uplifts a person through what God called him to do. Make sure to tune into Kingfisher FM and listen to his broadcast.
Stella Ashworth for Team Talk
Ethan black - radio romance
