Do you feel lonely? Isolated? Left out? A study released in January 2020 found that 61% of Americans reported feeling lonely, and that was before social distancing and stay-at-home orders went into effect.

Deacon Steve lives in Fort Worth, Texas. He was ordained to the permanent deaconate in August of last year and was assigned to ministry in assisted living and nursing homes.

“Your voice and this radio station—all the people on it—are a lifeline to a lot of people who are isolated and alone. They’ve been left … in their rooms and anytime I go visit, it’s the isolation and loneliness that weighs so heavily on these people,” Deacon Steve told Patrick Madrid.

He explained that he has personally been listening to Relevant Radio^® for about a year, but in the past couple of months he has suggested to the people he visits in assisted living that they tune their radios to Relevant Radio.

“When I go back, they are so happy … to just hear a voice that’s not a nurse or an assistant or a doctor. A voice of hope. And I just want to let y’all know that,” he said.

Loneliness has been a growing issue in our society, whether it’s an elderly or homebound person who doesn’t get many visitors or even a person out in the world who feels like they don’t have close relationships or support.

“We get caught up in viewing screens instead of viewing people,” said Deacon Steve. “Here in Texas we have a growing issue with depression and ultimately, suicide, … and I think it’s something that your voice and the voices of the other speakers help to alleviate.”

If you are lonely or you know someone—a neighbor, family member, friend, or parishioner—who is isolated or feeling lonely, think about how you might reach out to them. Maybe it’s a visit or a regular phone call to check in. If you live far away, a letter or a care package in the mail could brighten their day. You could also share Relevant Radio with them, so they have hopeful and inspiring voices to hear.

Today is the final day of the Relevant Radio Give From the Heart Winter Pledge Drive, and if you haven’t had a chance to give, it’s not too late!

Any gift made to our winter pledge drive will be matched 100% from now through Saturday, February 6, 2021. Matching funds are only offered a few days a year, so don’t miss this opportunity for your gift to go twice as far in changing lives and saving souls!

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Tune in to The Patrick Madrid Show weekdays at 8-11am CT only on Relevant Radio^®.