A local church will celebrate the online launch of its radio station and raise funds for continued upgrades to the station’s equipment during an event this weekend.

Princella Johnson of the Master’s House Church said the station already is broadcasting at 103.5 FM and online. Listeners in more than 100 foreign countries have tuned in since it started, Johnson said.

“We did not advertise it,” she said. “It just simply was the hand of Providence.”

Seeing the gospel message going to countries that are not majority Christian and sometimes actively work to keep out Christianity “is absolutely phenomenal,” Johnson added.

But despite its international reach, the station is targeting Suffolk, Johnson said. Saturday’s benefit dinner will help put up an antenna and outfit and soundproof the studio, “so that people can come in physically and broadcast from the station,” she said.

The 7 p.m. benefit will feature Dr. Michael Simon and the Voices of Adoration and recording artists Erica Lane and Juanita Hart.

It will be preceded by a charter sponsor reception for people who would like to underwrite the station.

In addition to Christian music, the station will be “communicating the gospel message and doing other programming to help the people of the community feel like it’s a service to them as well,” Johnson said. “We aim to actually serve the community by looking at ways we can help them.”

Lane will stay in town through Monday and hold a career workshop at King’s Fork Middle School, where she will give career advice to students. She has released five albums in the adult contemporary and Christian genres and has had two original songs featured in movies, including “Left Behind” with Nicolas Cage. Lane is also a former Miss Houston and has been featured in commercials and reality shows.

Saturday’s event will be held at the Tabernacle Christian Church Shepherd Center, 2500 E. Washington St. Call 394-3377 to get tickets.