My grandfather, American Family Association founder Don Wildmon, received the 2017 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Hall of Fame Award last night at the NRB International Christian Media Convention in Orlando, Florida.
The NRB’s most prestigious award is presented to an individual NRB member for invaluable contributions to the field of Christian communications, exhibition of the highest standards, and evidence of faithfulness in Christ.
My father Tim Wildmon had this to say “When he [Don Wildmon] started American Family Association 40 years ago, my dad had no idea how far God would lead this ministry, but he knew he was called toward restoring Christian values in our culture. His wisdom and insight led him to start American Family Radio in 1991, and today his vision is alive through nearly 200 Christian radio stations nationwide.”
In congratulating my grandfather, NRB President and CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson said, “I am thankful for the tireless efforts of Don Wildmon and American Family Association. It can, at times, be difficult to stand up for what is right, but Don and AFA have done so these past four decades as part of their commitment to protect families across the nation—thereby protecting the very building blocks of our society. Their impact has been broadly felt.”
My grandfather founded the American Family Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, in 1977, while he was pastoring First United Methodist Church in Southaven, Miss. The original name of the ministry was National Federation for Decency but was changed to American Family Association in 1988.
For the past 40 years, AFA has been on the front-lines of America’s culture war, and we will mark the four-decade milestone this summer.
As I look back at all that my grandfather has done throughout his many years of service, one thing I can say confidently is that he has been faithful to the calling that God placed on his life. He has not only been an inspiration to his family, he remains an inspiration to Christians across America.
I’m humbled by my grandfather’s lasting legacy and look forward to celebrating this night with him and fellow warriors of the faith.
