One of the blessings of the radio is that it is a two-way street. When you watch a movie or listen to a podcast, you may feel like you know the actors or hosts, but there’s really no way for you to have a conversation or build a real relationship. But with radio, you can! Here at Relevant Radio®, there are many listeners who regularly call-in to the programs, and it is a blessing to journey with them over the years.

One such listener is Sam from Athens, GA. He listens to Relevant Radio and often calls-in to The Patrick Madrid Show.  Patrick told listeners, “If you’re new to the program or haven’t been listening that long, let me tell you about Sam. He has been listening to this program for the last several years, and from time to time he’ll call me and we’ll have conversations about different aspects of the faith. And he told me the very first time we spoke that he’s not Catholic, he’s Protestant. I believe he was raised Baptist. And we’ve had some really great conversations. He’s very easy to talk to.”

Yesterday, Sam called-in to The Patrick Madrid Show to share some news with Patrick. He said, “I just wanted to let you know that over the years that I’ve been listening, three times you have invited me to become Catholic. And last week I started the process. … I feel like I need to put on the whole armor of God.”

Patrick congratulated Sam on this big step, saying, “Oh that’s wonderful, congratulations! So this is November 2, All Souls Day. What a great day to have the process begun.”

But in addition to this good news, Sam also had bad news to share with Patrick. He told him that in addition to being blind and disabled, he also recently received a cancer diagnosis. Patrick asked Sam how he was doing with that, and Sam said, “It’s a pretty new diagnosis. I’m still in shock.”

Patrick asked Sam if he had any family or friends nearby to check in on him, and Sam replied that he lives alone and doesn’t really have anybody, other than a neighbor who comes by once a week to help him with his medication.

“Well, Sam, you’ve got me,” Patrick told him. “I’m here for you every day. We all are here at Relevant Radio. My mind is whirring right now, as I think of what I can do to help you in a specific way. First of all, here’s a big bear hug over the airwaves. I’m so happy to hear that you’re coming into the Catholic Church. And I pray that the process will be easy and comforting to you.”

Patrick then encouraged Sam to stay on the line so he could get his contact information, and Patrick promised to contact people he knows in the area who might be able to help Sam during this difficult time.

Sam’s call is a reminder that many people in our world feel alone. Being isolated can be very distressing, and the COVID pandemic has only made this worse. Many feel that they have nowhere to turn and nobody to talk to. But Sam did.

He was able to call-in to Relevant Radio and speak to Patrick Madrid. When Sam shared the good news of his entering the Catholic Church, Patrick and the entire Relevant Radio family rejoiced with him. And when Sam shared his struggles and distress, Patrick and the Relevant Radio family were there to support him and assure him he was not alone. After Sam’s call, the phone lines were flooded with calls from listeners reaching out to tell Sam they were praying for him.

Patrick said, “Only just now did I hear, when you heard, that Sam’s journey is taking a turn for the difficult, in terms of this cancer diagnosis. And it suddenly became clear to me that Sam is an example of so many people who rely on Relevant Radio every single day.”

Relevant Radio is a companion for listeners like Sam. When they feel alone they know they can turn to Relevant Radio to pray with us, ask questions, and share their own stories. Help keep our programs on the air by supporting our Join the Family Pledge Drive this week. As a listener-supported network, we rely on the generosity of listeners like you to continue our programs. Every dollar gets us closer to our goal so make your pledge today!

Relevant Radio Miracle Moment: Sam’s Story from Relevant Radio on Vimeo.