Radio may seem like a one-way medium, where a message is simply sent and we’re not sure if anyone received it, but that’s not the case for Northwestern Media stations. Station personnel hear regularly from listeners and others whose lives are being touched and hearts are being encouraged. Here are some uplifting stories from listeners whose world was changed—or at least touched—by Northwestern stations.

Here I am on the other side of the radio
Wondering why I’m here and why anybody cares what I say…
Crank up the volume, and sing at the top of your lungs with the radio
Tuning in to some Good News, and laughin’ along with the DJ
We’re changing somebody’s world from the other side of the radio
- Chris Rice, “Other Side of the Radio”

Praise in the Storm

I would just like you to know that your station has been really great to my family. My sister and brother-in-law live in Cedar Rapids and lost their house in the flood, so they’re living with us now. When you played the song “Praise You in the Storm” (Casting Crowns), my sister broke down crying. She’s never been a Christian until we talked to her after she heard that song, to realize that God was with her through all this. They owned their own bar. . .they lost their bar. She was not a Christian at all. . .and she had thought that everything was coming to an end. She lost everything in her home, and she’s given up alcohol right now. She gave it to God after hearing that song in our car.
KNWS listener (Iowa)

Hope on Darkest Days

On August 7th, my husband and I lost our 3-month-old infant to SIDS. The uplifting music that we hear on Life 97.3 has helped us more than words can say. Many of the songs we hear have such rich lyrics and gospel truths that helped us in the hours and days since Kassidy went home to be with the Lord.

We were listening to Life 97.3 during labor and delivery with Kassidy, and then every day of her 111 days, including on the way to the funeral, and we will continue to draw from it daily for hope and encouragement. Thanks so much for making this station possible in our area.
KDNW listener (Minnesota)

From Addiction to Life

You regenerate my longing to be with God every time I hear your music. I just can’t thank you enough for brightening my day up! You play the music that makes me think of how great God really is! I was a person that used meth every day before I gave my life to Christ. I found the prison ministry in Newton that has really saved my life and my son’s life, who also listens to your music and we sing along with it! I have been out of prison for two years coming up in July and I am still clean and going strong, studying with my mentor. I’m very active in my church.
KNWI listener (Iowa)

Good for the Horses, Too

I really like your station when I’m driving in the van and especially when I’m training my horses in the evening or early morning. It’s just relaxing and comforting. My husband says the horses have been listening to your station and now they pray before they eat! When I’m outside in the evening and can see the lighted cross across the highway/field I can also hear the 107.1 music from the barn. Thanks for the music and your station; it’s great.
KNWI listener (Iowa)

Even When the Waters Rise

While hoisting sandbags as a volunteer in a flood area of Wisconsin, a WNWC listener heard familiar music in the distance. As he got closer to the source of the music he realized it was coming from the second-story window of a house even as water was coming in the first story. It was clear the residents were playing the station outward through the window to give a message of hope through the uplifting music of Life 102.5. The volunteer expressed his thanks to the station for being in the middle of the mess and giving hope to people.
WNWC listener story (Wisconsin)

Changing Attitudes, Changing Lives

Why do I listen to Life 107.1? If I listed everything we would be here all day! I am a young single mother raising my 5-year-old son and there have been so many ups and downs. After a very long day at work a few weeks ago, everything starting piling up and I just lost it. I think I sat in my car for an hour and cried. I turned my car on and came across your station. By the time I got to my son’s daycare I had a smile on my face and a totally new attitude. I have realized from your station that the Lord has a journey planned for me in this world. Your station has TRULY changed the lives of me and my son. Every morning we get in the car and my son says, “Hurry Mom, turn it up!” Thank you! You make a difference every day.
KNWI listener (Iowa)

Praise and Worship During an MRI

I am a stay-at-home mom and I listen to your station every day with my little boy. Thank you! We have a little girl on the way and there are some complications with the pregnancy. As a result, I needed to have an MRI scan done. When the nurses strapped the camera plates on my belly and wheeled me into the machine, I had a PANIC attack! My heart was racing and I called for the nurses to “let me out!”

I knew I had to go through with the test to see what was going on with our little girl, but I started crying and said I didn’t think I could do it. I said I needed a minute and I sat and prayed for God to help me. When I thought I was ready, the nurse gave me back the headphones they asked me to wear so they could give me breathing instructions during the test. I asked them if they could switch the station to KTIS and then we tried again with the scan.

I was frightened, but I prayed for God to remove my fear. God used your station to get me through that test! I closed my eyes and focused on the words of the songs, and by the time the scan was done, I had my own little praise and worship going on in that MRI machine! The nurses probably thought I was crazy, singing along under my breath in that little tube. Thank you for your ministry!
KTIS listener (Minnesota)