106.9 The Light's Morning Co-Host Embarks on New Opportunity in Spain

After 10 years, Matt Stockman heads to Barcelona to Onda Paz 93.2 FM

ASHEVILLE, N.C., August 8, 2011 — Matt Stockman, of the Matt and Heather morning team on 106.9 The Light, will be leaving the Christian radio station later this month for Spain, to serve at a Christian station in Barcelona, the country's second largest city.
 
"We're grateful for Matt's dedication to the listeners of 106.9 The Light over the past decade," says Jim Kirkland, Director of Radio for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Blue Ridge Broadcasting. "We're deeply inspired by his family's commitment to share the hope found in Jesus Christ wherever God leads. And now, that leading is to Barcelona. The 106.9 The Light team has been praying for Matt since he first shared with us the opportunity in Spain. We'll be asking the 106.9 The Light listening family to join us in praying for the Stockman family and the team he'll be working with. We're excited to see how God works through them."
 
Stockman, who joined 106.9 The Light in October 2001, began to pray about this opportunity during two short-term mission trips he made to Barcelona last year.
 
"My family prayed 'Lord, use us for Your glory. We desire to serve You however You lead,'" remarked Stockman. "I'm not sure we ever thought praying that prayer would lead us to Barcelona to serve Him in full time missions with a Christian radio ministry! We are so excited to have this opportunity to serve God in furthering the Kingdom, whether it is through radio ministry, leading worship, or just loving the people of Spain."
 
Stockman, his wife, Juanita, and four of their five children (their eldest lives in California) will be working with Onda Paz, 93.2 FM to help grow the listener-supported radio ministry. Barcelona is home to renowned architecture, including churches and religious monuments, but less than 1 percent of the population is evangelical Christian.
 
Stockman's last day on-air at 106.9 The Light will be August 19. Co-host Heather Shelley will continue the morning show solo until a new co-host is chosen.
 
About 106.9 the Light
Founded by Billy and Ruth Graham in 1962, 106.9 The Light's mission is to lead as many people as possible into a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. The station broadcasts from its studios in Asheville, N.C., to portions of seven states and around the world at www.1069thelight.org. 106.9 The Light seeks to serve its listeners with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through encouraging music and relevant Bible teaching, as well as support of worthwhile efforts in the surrounding area and abroad. 106.9 The Light has the 12th largest FM coverage area in the nation, reaching Charlotte, N.C., Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., Johnson City-Bristol, Tenn., and Asheville, N.C.