Meet the Staff
Carla Heiple
Office Manager, Bookkeeper
Hometown: Pekin, IL
Family members: Husband Jeremy (married 32 years). Children: Derek 36, Darby 29, Tate 26, Tanner 24, and Drae 20
Church: Summit Point Church - East Peoria, IL
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? My grandparents were always there for me during my childhood, taking me to & from school, running me to ice skating practices, and bringing me ICEE's when I was home sick.
If you could add a commandment to the existing ten, what would it be? Thou shalt honor thy wife with abundant shopppinnng.
Do you have any hidden talents? I was a figure skater starting at age 7 and continued all the way through my senior year of high school. I even had the Dorothy Hamill hair style when I soloed for the Pekin Figure Skating Team.
Best concert? Was a powerful night of worship led by the David Crowder Band at Harvest Bible Chapel's Elgin campus. The room was packed with a melting pot of diverse Chicago cultures. We all sang, cried, and lifted high the name of Jesus. It felt like a glimpse of Heaven.
What are your favorite hobbies? Cooking, entertaining, shopping, spending time with friends over coffee...did I mention shopping?
How has Christ changed your life? I accepted Christ at a girl's gathering in 6th grade. I was blessed to sit under Dr. Bruce Dunn's teaching at Grace Presbyterian for many years and remember being challenged by Dr. Dunn during a Good Friday service to authentically walk the talk. That moment was the turning point in my life, and it has been the foundation that I have kept coming back to as I have encountered life's storms. God's exceedingly great promises have always been there for me to lean into, season by season.
Favorite Bible verse? Colossians 2:7 "Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness." This verse was the basis of a two-year Bible study from The Navigators that deeply influenced my life.
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Daniel Cushman
Production Manager
Hometown: Caribou, ME (lived in Central IL since 2001)
Family Members: Married to wife Rachel since 2012. Two children: daughter Chelsea (2015) & son Lucas (2017).
Church: New Life Church - Morton, IL
What are your favorite hobbies? Keeping up with the latest technology. Playing board games. Watching sports especially the Cubs, Colts, Mavericks, and Fighting Illini. Studying personal finance. Reading non-fiction books.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? Matthew Broderick. People say I look and sound like him.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? The signing of the Declaration of Independence. I love American history!
What is your favorite book of the Bible and why? Proverbs is my favorite because of the great wisdom we can learn from the book to use in our daily walk with the Lord. The Proverb of the day Bible reading plan is a great way to stay in God's Word every day.
Who has been the greatest influence in your Christian life and why? My friend Kirk has been a close friend and mentor for over 10 years. He discipled me as I entered my adult years. He's been an encourager to me in various areas of life, including getting me involved in church leadership. I hope to model the example he has set for me in the future, by mentoring and encouraging others.
How has Christ changed your life? I grew up in the church attending every week and accepted Christ at age 7. I have always known that God is there walking beside me step by step and that I can rely on him for anything, big or small. In my adult life, I've grown deeper in my faith through discipleship, bible memorization, and being able to use my gifts and abilities to serve the local church.
Favorite Bible verse? Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct your paths.
Keith Lang
Operations Manager
Hometown: Peoria, IL
Family members: Married to Becky (14 years) and 4 children Judah (13 yrs), Rayah (11 yrs), Faith (9 yrs), and Viennah (6 yrs). Parents: Mark and Jane, sister: Kari (brother-in-law Jake) and children Eriss and Ezra, brother: Krys and his wife Evelyn and children Krystofer, Isaac and Lucy.
Church: Oasis Church - Morton, IL
What are your favorite hobbies? Being with my lovely wife and playing with our fun kiddos!
What is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you? Die for me on the cross.
If you could add two commandments to the existing ten, what would they be? Thou shalt have a daily quiet time with God. Thou shalt listen to WBNH!
What is your favorite book of the Bible and why? Revelation because it reveals who Jesus is in His glory. It also gives understanding as to what will happen in the age to come (and as a bonus, it says you will be blessed by reading it! -Rev 1:3). The Spirit and bride say, “Come!” -Rev 22:17. The gospels are equally my favorite.
What do you think delights God above everything else? A repentant heart. -Luke 15:7
Do you have any hidden talents? playing drums, guitar, piano, teasing the cat
If you were an animal, what would you be and why? an eagle so I could soar above the clouds
How has Christ changed your life? Because of His sacrifice, I am a new creation (2Cor 5:17). In my earlier years, I rebelled against God and knew how to ‘play church’ but was religious and lukewarm. On November 3, 2007, I was so convicted by the Holy Spirit, He gave me godly sorrow, and I repented and completely surrendered my life—all control finally—to Jesus. I haven’t looked back since and have truly seen the fruit of seeking Him first (Matt 6:33) and walking in newness of life (Rom 6:4). Thank you to all those who prayed for me and for Jesus who died that I might live. If you want to talk about how you can also be set free from the bondage of sin (and you can be free!) give me a call at the radio station 309-636-8850, or send me an email at keith@wbnh.org. You can also read the gospel here. Jesus has the words of ETERNAL LIFE!
Favorite Bible verse? "But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'" -John 6:68-69
Jim Huber
Station Manager
Hometown: Fairbury, IL, I’ve been a resident of Peoria since 1979.
Family members: I am married to Jean (40 years) and have two sons, Jimmy (married to Abi) and Johnny (married to Angie). We have five grandchildren - Alex, (b 7/2/10), Sully (b 10/12/12), Maverick (b 9/6/16), Ivory (b 5/1/18) and Heidi (b 8/31/22).
If you could add two commandments to the existing ten, what would they be? Thou shalt not commit sarcasm. Thou shalt always bless your children.
What is your favorite book of the Bible and why? Mark. Because it’s an action book. It’s like a play-by-play of what happened. To be there during Jesus’ last days would have really been something to experience!
Who has been the greatest influence in your Christian life and why? My older brothers. I have two, Bruce (of Morton) and Steve (of Carmel, IN). Here are two Christian men who, by their example, have always been a huge influence in my life, first as big brothers when I was a little kid, but now as excellent examples of how Christian men conduct themselves in a sometimes cruel world. Yes, we’re human. But I see excellent examples of how to handle situations. I am fortunate in that I see Bruce every now and then since he lives just a few minutes away. Steve was best man at my wedding.
What do you think delights God above everything else? There is a favorite song of mine called “Favorite Song Of All”. How’s that for a title? It’s about how God (and his angels) rejoice when just one sinner repents and comes to accept Jesus Christ as his savior.
Are you a morning or night person and why? Morning. It’s kind of ironic because everyone likes to sleep in, but I enjoy getting up and getting going. I think I learned that from my Dad, who had my younger brothers and I up early all the time when we were young to help him clean his clothing store before school every day. He taught me how to work. Mornings are always fresh; God gives us a new day every day. There are fresh things to enjoy every day and they happen in the morning.
What are your favorite things to do? I like to bike-ride on the trails around central Illinois and beyond when I can. I like going for evening walks with my wife.
What is the best concert you’ve been to and why? Bill Gaither’s Homecoming. It’s both a worship experience in that the songs do that. But it’s a lot of fun. I just love watching some of their videos. They prove you can be a Christian and still enjoy life as God gives it to us. Another favorite concert is Selah - powerful, excellent harmony and an excellent pianist! Other favorite music artists include Lauren Daigle and Zach Williams.
How has Christ changed your life? I always thought that the perfect job would make me happy. After jumping from one dead end job to another, I remember my father telling me “get your spiritual life in order and the rest will fall in place”. I attended the church where my parents were baptized but I never really considered that I “needed God”. One Sunday in October 1982, God spoke to me loud and clear. I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior at age 26. I know now that the older you get the more of a challenge it is to turn your life over to Christ. So, I guess we’re all miracles, aren’t we?
Favorite Bible verse? Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” It’s exactly what happened to me!