It all began with a faith-driven ministry
When 19 -year-old Gene Huff came to Newport, KY for his first revival in March of 1949, neither he nor Ethel Dayberry, the 16-year-old church pianist, could have ever imagined the exciting life that God had in store for them.
They dated for three years and were married on July 4, 1952. Gene was already pastor of London’s First Pentecostal Church. They remained at London until 1954 when they relocated to South Lebanon, Ohio where they would live for three years. 1958 brought them back to London for a year.
By this time the Lord had blessed their union with five children; Arlene, Martin, Marsha, Anna Marie and Jeanie. In 1959 the family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to assume the pastorate of Deer Park Christian Assembly of God, where they remained for 4 years. In 1963, Gene and Ethel Huff and their five young children moved back to London where Gene would again assume the pastorate of London’s First Pentecostal Church. This time they would remain at the church until 1989. Altogether, Gene pastored the church for nearly 29 years. Also, these years saw Gene actively involved in state government as both Representative and Senator for a total of 26+ years.
In the ’80s new doors began to open in missionary evangelism and Gene and Ethel began to get involved in short-term missions, primarily in Europe but also in Asia and Africa. This ministry continues as Good News Outreach and is an active, vital, mission support ministry…both foreign and domestic.
Throughout the years, the Huffs had been interested in Christian radio. On June 20, 1994, after 6 years of extensive preparation and planning, the tower for WYGE was raised on Raccoon Mountain in Laurel County, Kentucky. As providence would have it, the same day the tower was raised was the day that Gene Huff’s resignation from the Kentucky Senate became effective.
For 16 years, Gene Huff was the general manager and guiding force at WYGE. Although diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable and fatal lung condition, in 2001, Gene continued to work tirelessly in this ministry and in the leadership of Good News Outreach, GO, Inc. In Dec. 2010, his condition began a rapid progression and he was unable to continue in his daily supervision at the station but still maintained involvement although homebound. Gene Huff was promoted to Heaven on Dec. 8, 2011, and we continually feel the loss of his devotion to the ministry and his leadership. It is our goal and focused desire to continue to see WYGE grow in outreach. So much has been accomplished for the Kingdom in this medium of communication and it is our earnest expectation that God has even greater things in store.
