Will County Gazette

The Christian cable television channel Total Living Network (TLN) has been tending its flock for 40 years now.

“TLN’s mission to share the life-changing message of Christ to the world has not wavered, Debra Fraser, president and CEO of TLN, told the Will County Gazette. "That message will continue to be at the center of our focus for decades to come."

Prayer remains central to TLN's vision, including its Careforce Prayer Team, which takes calls at (888) 235-9907 and answers emails for prayer. 

"We will continue to partner with local churches and faith-based organizations and cover community events and outreach programs to broadcast the Gospel in new and fresh ways relevant to today’s and future audiences, reaching viewers anywhere, on any device as technology advances," Fraser said.

TLN has added an evangelism webpage and plans to expand its foreign language programming and produce shows that speak to the culture and issues of the day, Fraser said. 

"And, we will hold onto our faith and values that have brought us to this point and forge ahead with intention to impact the future," she said.

TLN's programming lineup includes award-winning original programs, sought-after talk and teaching programs, local and national faith-based movies and entertainment, and programs for children.

TLN celebrated its 40th anniversary of broadcast ministry in the greater Chicago area with its "Shining His Light – Sharing His Love" banquet in March. It featured keynote speaker Kay Arthur, author of more than 100 books and Bible studies, and took place at Northern Seminary's Lindner Conference Center in Lombard.

The seeds of TLN were sewn in 1971 by Pastor Owen Carr of Stone Church. While deep in prayer, Carr said he received a message that a television station would help to reach the vast Chicagoland area. TLN signed on the air for the first time on May 31, 1976, in a time in which only eight other television stations were on the air.