THIS IS OUR STORY
THE STORY BEHIND THE FORGE
Faith. Family. Music. Ministry. And a vision to build
something that could reach people wherever they are.
HOW IT STARTED
TWO LIVES. ONE FAITH. ONE MISSION.
FORGE Christian Radio was founded by husband and wife Charles and Mary Martha Ponder with a simple vision: create a Christian radio station that could use music, ministry, encouragement and the message of Jesus Christ to reach people far beyond the walls of a building.
On January 2, 2026, that vision became reality when FORGE Christian Radio officially went on the air.
But the story behind the station didn't begin in a studio. It came from two very different life journeys brought together through faith, family and a desire to serve.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
CO-FOUNDER • CO-OWNER
MARY MARTHA PONDER
Mary Martha is a retired fourth-grade teacher,
devoted Christian, wife and mother of four —
three daughters and one son.
Her journey has included both tremendous love and tremendous loss. Before marrying Charles, Mary Martha lost her previous husband and the father of her children to a brain tumor.
Through life's joys, challenges and changes, her Christian faith has remained an important foundation in her life.
Today, she brings that faith, compassion and heart for people into the mission behind FORGE Christian Radio.
Her journey has included both tremendous love and tremendous loss. Before marrying Charles, Mary Martha lost her previous husband and the father of her children to a brain tumor.
Through life's joys, challenges and changes, her Christian faith has remained an important foundation in her life.
Today, she brings that faith, compassion and heart for people into the mission behind FORGE Christian Radio.
CO-FOUNDER • CO-OWNER
CHARLES PONDER
Long before helping launch a Christian radio
station, Charles spent more than 15 years
performing as a professional wrestler on the
independent circuit.
Life eventually took him out of the wrestling ring and into a completely different chapter.
Today, Charles is a Christian and co-owner of FORGE Christian Radio, helping oversee the station and continue building what he and Mary Martha started together.
The arena may have changed — but the drive to reach people hasn't.
Life eventually took him out of the wrestling ring and into a completely different chapter.
Today, Charles is a Christian and co-owner of FORGE Christian Radio, helping oversee the station and continue building what he and Mary Martha started together.
The arena may have changed — but the drive to reach people hasn't.
WHY WE BUILT THE FORGE
MORE THAN A RADIO STATION.
A MINISTRY WITH A SIGNAL.
A MINISTRY WITH A SIGNAL.
FORGE Christian Radio exists to provide Christian
music, encouragement, ministry and biblical messages
for people wherever life finds them.
Whether someone is listening at home, driving down the highway, working late, going through a difficult season or simply looking for something worth listening to, our goal is for the FORGE to be there.
What started as a vision shared by a husband and wife is now reaching listeners far beyond where it began.
Whether someone is listening at home, driving down the highway, working late, going through a difficult season or simply looking for something worth listening to, our goal is for the FORGE to be there.
What started as a vision shared by a husband and wife is now reaching listeners far beyond where it began.
FOUNDED BY CHARLES & MARY MARTHA PONDER
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EST. JANUARY 2, 2026