The folks at the Valley's Lovelines Crisis Center knew who they wanted when they sought a keynote speaker for their annual banquet.
The telephone outreach ministry hoped to book someone who demonstrated the power of faith against all odds.
Organizers believe they have found her in Norma Bixler, who with her husband, the late Russ Bixler, co-founded the Pittsburgh-based Christian television station, CTV (Cornerstone Television).
Bixler will share that spiritual journey at the third annual banquet Wednesday at Dayspring Christian Center, Tarentum. It is open to the public.
"We would like to invite anyone and everyone to hear Norma's story of humble beginnings turned into a successful Christian ministry through her faith," says Tom Ansani of Lower Burrell, a member of the board of directors of Lovelines, which is located in Arnold. It is a chapter of the not-for-profit international organization based in Minnesota.
"We are blessed to have her as our speaker," he adds. "We invited her, not only to share her testimony, but to encourage those who are doubtful about the gifts they possess."
Ansani says he is inspired by Bixler's humility toward her success and the outreach CTV provides to preach the message of faith.
Bixler's biography notes that CTV faced nearly every imaginable hurdle -- financial, legal, personal and logistical -- in its establishment. The station's signal was first broadcast on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979. With its various broadcast affiliations, it now reaches a national and even worldwide audience.
The banquet also spotlights the work of Lovelines, a ministry that Ansani says utilizes trained and certified counselors to provide assistance to those who are in need of spiritual support in a time of crisis, including mental and physical abuse, questions of suicide, substance abuse and other challenges.
"Lovelines gives the caller a foundation for hope through counseling and scripture," Ansani explains. "The first call is not the end but only the beginning of support offered by Lovelines."
Referrals to area churches are provided to assist in the rebuilding process. "Lovelines also networks with various agencies throughout the community to reach the best solution for the callers need," he adds.
Phone counselors are always needed, and some formal training is provided by Lovelines.
Additional Information:
Details
What: Lovelines Banquet.When: 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Dayspring Christian Center, 700 Second Ave., Tarentum.
Cost: $15; $7.50 for ages 10 and younger. It is recommended that tickets be bought before Wednesday.
Details: 724-337-7880.
