About a week ago, I was driving to Kingston with my grandson, who is 12 years old, and I always listen to UCB. That's the only thing on in my truck. But I said Ace, would you like to pick a station to listen to? And he said, “Oh, no, grandma. Christian radio is just fine with me.” I was just thrilled to hear him say that and to know that he was eager to listen to more Christian music. He's made a commitment to Christ and he listens to Christian radio. His mom and stepfather listen to Christian music. So he was just happy to--to listen to it.

My husband died earlier this year and a lot of things changed in my life when that happened and I just find that UCB really gives me the encouragement I need and uplifts me and it's very comforting even on a sad day. It can be a lifeline sometimes and it really helps me get through. And lifts my heart.

I was born into a hard home. My mother drank and left husbands for the next boyfriend she met in a bar. We moved constantly. These new men would beat her, and she kept chasing the next one who might love her—all while dragging me along as a young girl. When I was four, a neighbour invited us to an Easter Sunday service. That day at church, I was given a chocolate Easter egg and a colouring picture of Jesus’ face. I kept that picture, and when I’d hide in the closet to escape the violence, I would talk to it—not realizing I was actually praying. God stayed with me throughout a harsh life with an atheist mother. She was angry that God never loved her and wouldn’t allow anything Christian in our home. But I would quietly sneak out of bed and turn on the TV to watch Billy Graham’s messages of hope and love. Even at a young age, I was drawn into God's love. At 14, I started going to church on my own and was baptized. I've spent my life seeking God, raising my children to love the Lord, and building a happy home with a wonderful husband. My mother is now 83—a hardened atheist filled with hate. She’s had the chance to accept Christ, but has openly said she’s fine going to hell. Still, I believe the prayers of my grandmothers, who were both Christians, helped lead me to salvation. My father once encountered Jesus in a white light—others saw the light around him too—but he still struggles, searching for faith and not finding God. I’m thankful every day that Christ came to me so young. He saved me, guided me, and held me through a hard life. Mercy upon mercy.