StorieZ
Lonn writes…
“Thank you Jesus! My son Daniel is 6 yrs old and absolutely loves Z88.3! Our morning doesn't begin until we tune into Scott and Tyler on the morning show! They always put us in the right frame of mind. When we're driving to Daniel's school, we listen to the songs on Z88.3 and he laughs, claps and sings along with me, LOUDLY! It's our special time together, before the world gets in. When I was pregnant with Daniel, we always sang and played praise and worship songs to him. Even then, he was always moving to the music! The Lord blessed us with Daniel 2 1/2 months early and thru faith, prayer and praise, he survived and is now a strong, perfectly healthy, awesome little boy who is doing excellent in school and loves the Lord! When he first began to speak, some of the first songs he hummed, clapped to or tried to sing were Contemporary Christian songs, not the "normal" kids stuff! He even tries to teach the songs to his friends and tells them they should listen to Z88.3! We thank God every day for all of our blessings and they always include Z88.3! Thank you for all of the great things Daniel's little ears can listen to.”
Marie writes…
“My 23 year old daughter went home to Jesus on December 20, 2006. I want you to know that she listened to your station when she lived in Florida, and you had a huge impact on her walk. Thank you for changing her life for eternity. She is now singing praises before the Lord, strong, well and where she was born to be. Thank you for encouraging me during this time of grieving and adjustment. I really do love you all. I still listen online in Harrison Arkansas.”
Alicia writes…
“Last week I was fighting the demons of addiction cravings, and I felt all alone. I prayed and prayed and nothing was happening until the following day when I put on Z 88.3 and heard all I needed to. Thank you, Jesus, for such a wonderful station. Keep me in your prayers. The demon has subsided for now. I feel blessed.”
Jacqui writes…
“I’m a total Z 88.3 addict. I’m from South Africa Durban. I am here in Florida on a cultural exchange program. When I arrived I called home to say I’m homesick, I can no longer do this and I’m coming home. It was the most terrible and difficult 2 months of my life. I was so far away from home and my loved ones; no one understood my pain except for God. The non believing family I lived with helped me to find a good church home. Someone from the church introduced me to Z88.3. I cannot begin to tell you how your day to day encouraging words and inspiring music impacted me. Together with my wonderful church, you helped me fight my homesickness. I’ve become so strong that I ended up staying a second year. A million thanks goes out to both Z88.3 and my Orlando church for helping me stay long enough to be able to make God known to the unsaved family that opened their door to me. I will miss you very dearly. Words are not enough... Best wishes.”
Vanessa writes…
“For almost 3 years, I had enjoyed turning on Z 88.3 before work. Then I got one of those phone calls that is a parent’s worst nightmare, my daughter Tina had been in a car accident. It took 30 minutes to get her out of the car. She had a fracture to her pelvis, back and rib and a severe concussion. In the hospital she told me the only thing she could think of to do while trapped in the car was to say the Lord's Prayer. A fireman climbed in the car with her to comfort her. He began to say the Lord's Prayer with her. She told me she wanted to thank the fireman when they got her out of the car, but when she asked for him, they did not know who she was talking about. To this day we don't know who he was. I told my daughter God sent her an angel. I now know praying for your children works. You can't always be there, but God can. Z88.3 was there for me, too, as we worked thru Tina's rehab. She is fine now and I give God the praise for getting our family thru such a difficult time.”
Pat writes…
“I have listened to Z88.3 for about 5 years while driving, at work and at home. It is the only radio station I listen to. This past year, I became disabled and confined to bed for 10 months. I had some pretty low periods where I didn't even listen to the radio at all. I was so depressed I was wishing I could die. Through a lot of prayer by friends and church members I was lifted from my depression and hopelessness. I turned the Z back on and now it keeps me looking up everyday. I feel the Lord's presence everyday as I listen and sing praise to Him. I am reminded everyday that He is in this with me. Praise God for the Z.”
Lisa writes…
“On December 11, 2006, my great-nephew/God-Son, Robbie, passed away at the age of 12. He lived in Georgia. I was listening to the Z from my home in Michigan that morning after my brother phoned me with the sad news. I heard a woman say she was saying this prayer at her grandmother's memorial service. I took a copy of the prayer with me to Georgia. I showed it to my niece (Robbie's mother). She was so touched that she used it on memorial cards made up for Robbie and the poem was read during his service. Thank-you for all you do and all the lives you touch throughout the world.”
Rachel writes…
“My husband and I love the Z and it's pretty much the only station I ever listen to. We live in Lake Mary, but are currently in Astrakhan, Russia, finalizing the adoption of our new son, Alex. I've been homesick and sad over missing the entire Christmas season back home. But, we've been able to listen to the Z and all the wonderful Christmas music! We got Alex yesterday, and this morning the first song we heard was "Speechless" by Stephen Curtis Chapman. It could not have been a more perfect song by the perfect artist! We truly are speechless over the amazing gift God has given us this Christmas season. Thank you so much for all that you do!”
Lesa writes…
“Thanks to all of you for being there! You all saved my life when I stumbled across your station back in 2002. At the time, I had became a single parent of a newborn and a 2 year old. Now, God continues to speak to me through you. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer back in June and one night when I was feeling particularly scared and overwhelmed I heard my favorite three songs in row on your station. Those songs were: Praise You In This Storm, Healing Rain, and Heal Me. As I sat there crying, and I felt God's arms wrap tightly around me. I have completed my 8th chemotherapy and will begin radiation soon and your station is a large part of my support through all of this! Again, thank you for all you do!”
Janee writes…
“Four years ago, at the age of 17, my youngest son Brian was killed by a drunk driver. I was so depressed, I felt so lost. I didn’t understand how my God could take my son away at such a young age. I felt Brian and I had so much more living to do together and I wasn’t prepared to loose him so soon. Being a Christian, I understood that my son was in heaven and rejoiced at that thought, but the human side of me was angry and selfish and I wanted my son back. I became depressed and withdrawn. About 2 months after Brian died; I was driving down I-4 when I saw a billboard for Z88.3. Something in my heart told me to tune in, so I did. As I heard the songs of faith and worship, the words of encouragement and love coming from my radio, I KNEW in my heart I had found exactly what I would need to help me as I worked through the pain and despair. The Z pointed me to the hope, faith and never ending love and inspiration my heart so desperately needed.”
“On October 8, 2006, my oldest son Joshua (24) passed away from complications after he suffered a brain aneurysm. During my son’s brief hospital stay, I diligently listened to the Z. As I drove in to the hospital each morning at 5am, I listened. As I drove home at night, often at midnight or later, I listened. I felt the Lord was speaking to my heart through the songs. He was telling me to remain faithful and to stay strong in Him. Joshua’s time on earth, like Brian’s, was much too short. Once again, I found myself facing a painful journey of grief and loss. But this time, my journey would be a different one. I knew that evening when my son died, he was not alone. I was there holding his hand, but Christ was there, too. As Christ gently took Joshua’s hand to lead him home, He placed a peace in my heart.”
“I KNOW that Joshua and Brian are in Heaven with our Father and it is because of all of you at the Z that I can, once again, take this journey of sadness, healing and understanding knowing I will not be alone. Christ and the Z are there with me every step of the way and I will come out of this stronger as a Mother and as a Christian.”
Angela writes…
“I just moved here with my family from Massachusetts. We didn't have a radio station like this back there and I'm so happy I found this one. We were listening to a station my husband likes but it really wasn't very appropriate for my 9 year old and 4 year old little girls. I kept seeing the Z bumper stickers every where at my daughters school, so one day I flipped the station on and my husband and the girls and I have been hooked ever since. My 4 year old walks around singing "Our God Is An Awesome God" all day. I thank you so much for what you are doing.”
Nadeen writes…
I am a mom of three boys, 9, 6 and 4 and actually expecting my 4th one (maybe a girl!!). My four year old loves singing "open ZHE eyes on my heart Lord" like he says :). Your radio has made such a difference in our lives. My 4 year old son, Remi, made me cry as well as his teacher, when he had a visit at school a few days ago from the firefighters. When it was time for them to leave, my son grabbed the arm of one of the firefighter and told him: "I will be praying for you every night so you stay safe when you go and save people" and he has been faithful to his promise since. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have now a faithful listener in me and my children.
Sara writes…
“I think Z88.3 is the best thing on the radio!! I play it all the time, I listen when I am on my way to work and to drop my daughter off at the babysitters house. My daughter just turn 2 years old, she can speak words and a few phrases. One day my favorite song "How Great is Our God" came on, and as soon as the song came on the station I hear my daughter mumbling. When I looked through the rear view mirror she was trying to sing the song!! She didn't say all the words but was keeping up with the melody. I started to cry and thank God that He is drawing my 2yr old into his loving arms.”
Mary Ann writes…
“Today started out as a really yucky day. I won't go into all the gory details, but the yuckies first started this morning when I couldn't find my Aaron Schust CD to listen to my "theme song," "My Savior, My God." Well, I got in my car to go to work, turned on Z88.3 and what was playing? --- “MY SAVIOR, MY GOD!” From there things got even better. Through the course of my morning I was blessed to talk with several wonderful, kind people (business related), and I could feel the presence of Lord Jesus through every conversation! After hanging the phone up with the last person, I marveled at how many beautiful, fantastic people Our Lord has created and placed on this earth! May God bless all of you at Z88.3!”
Seyi (London) writes…
“My husband, Ade and children, Emmanuel, Grace and I came to Orlando in 2005 for the second time to vacation in Disney. We were taken up with the sights and all the activities until we mistakenly tuned in to your radio station in the car. The kids loved it so much and it caught on quickly with us too. Anytime we were in the car, Z radio had to be on, because the children would automatically ask for it. The songs were refreshing; it was not boring, very entertaining and informative for our stay. There was a particular song that kept coming on again and again; we sang it over and over until we wore it out. Z radio made our holiday/vacation a memorable one. We still listen to you on the internet. God continue to bless your station and all the good people who work there.”
Emily writes…
“My parents raised my brothers and me in church and always taught us who God was. As I got older, I became very involved in church and saw the movement of God. Even though I loved the Lord, I still left him. I backslid from the One who loved me the most. When I was serving God, I listened to Z88.3, but I never saw the true meaning and the impact it had to listeners, until this past year. In 2006, I decided to come back to the Lord. I was in the car driving my two beautiful children to school, and I was not listening to Z88.3. I noticed my 4 year old son singing a song that he should have not been singing. I said, “What am I allowing my children to listen to, what kind of parent am I to allow this?” That is when I decided from now on they are going to listen to Z88.3. The next day while listening to Z88.3 I heard my son singing the song playing on your station, “Open the Eyes of my Heart Lord.” The tears began to roll down my eyes. I gave my heart back to the Lord. God allowed your radio station and my 4 year old son to open my eyes and to go back to my first Love. I thank you.”
Shawn writes…
“I came from a Christian home and had a relationship with Christ then fell away after Graduation. I knew I needed to get back on God's path. So, in 91 I moved down here from the DC area to start up fresh, but bad habits die hard, and for many years I struggled. I was lead back to God by a friend who just got saved. Well, your station was a major part in my transformation and rededication of my life. I believe that what you listen too, directly affects your daily living, decisions, and attitudes. The positive message is defiantly a positive hit with me and now my wonderful wife as well. God is Good.”
Cam and Kristen…
“My wife and I are missionaries to Japan who were on furlough with Campus Crusade in Orlando from August 2005 to July 2006. Our whole family adopted Z88 as our radio station for that year. God did great things in our lives during that time, and whenever we tune in to Z88 on the 'net, the Lord fills us with fond memories of that great period in our lives. Thanks for being a part of it with us in Orlando, and for making it possible for us to carry YOU with us to Japan on the web! Our kids still love to sing the jingle, 'Z eighty-eight...point three!'”
Michelle writes…
“My husband accidentally found your station and instantly fell in love with the music. We love hip-hop but didn’t like the negative lyrics so when we heard 'safe for the little ears in your family' we knew that this would be the station for us since we have a four-year-old son. He loves the songs and knows them all by heart, and when we are not in the car, we go online to enjoy what has become a part of our lives. 'Praise you in the storm' has become our anthem since we are experiencing the biggest storm of our lives. Through the music my husband has accepted Christ and is going to be baptized. We've made the decision to become partners in your ministry through the Sharathon and are very honored and proud to wear the 'Z' sticker on our SUV. Don't ever stop playing the music.”
Christina writes…
“Dear Z, thanks ever so much for playing the music I need to hear. I've been going though some pretty rough times right now, and you all are always there to remind me that God is always with us. Whether it’s Stephen Curtis Chapman or Jars of Clay, the message always comes though!!! My grandchildren and I listen to only your station!”
Amy writes…
“My husband’s job relocated us to Orlando in May 2006. I found your station after being here for almost a month. I was on my way home from the hospital where our son had surgery; this was the first time back home in a few days since I stayed with him the first few nights. I was flipping, trying to find something to listen to. I am so glad that I found the Z. It helps make all the drives in the car back and forth to the hospital for various things and to the Doctor’s offices much easier. All my kids love the music and sing along with most of the songs. I want to thank you for all the wonderful music you play. Thanks.”
Emily writes…
“When I was younger, my dad moved from my church and into another church. When my mother, brother, and I went to see my dad playing with the band at the new church I loved it. Some of the songs I had never heard before, and I asked were the band heard them before and they all said Z88.3. At first, I had no idea what the radio station was, and when we got in the car later I asked my mom to scan for Z88.3 and she did. When she found it Mark Schultz was on. Ever since that day I always chose the one and only full Christian radio station, and I thank God everyday for that. So thank you Z88.3 for bringing God into my heart even more everyday.”
Erica writes…
“First, I want to say that I have been listening to the Z for almost 8 years. It has always been a source of comfort, inspiration, and a blessing to me! Last August my husband and I found out we were pregnant for the first time. We were ecstatic. However, we would be even more excited when in September we found out we were having twins (naturally). On October 14th we had the ultrasound that would tell us girls or boys. We were having identical girls! My dream! It was then that the doctor told us that one of our babies would not live.....she was anencephalic. This is a very tragic defect. We were devastated. It felt like all the joy of my 1st pregnancy was gone. I immediately called family and the prayer chain was begun. There were people all over the world praying for us. Over the next few months our healthy twin, Grace, would have problems and her life would also be threatened as a result of our Leah. The high-risk doctor tried to get us to "selectively reduce" Leah, which is the term for abortion, so Grace would have a better chance. We quite firmly told him we would not consider it at any price. You cannot imagine the pure fear of not knowing what the future would hold. I knew I had to lean on God for strength, peace, and comfort. It was a struggle every day but I grew so close to Him and there were changes in my husband as well, who was not a Christian. During this time, I ONLY listened to the Z. In March, I gave birth to our girls. Grace was first and then Leah. We were told by our high-risk doctor that she would not live. I prayed as they sewed me up that when I returned to my room I would have time with our precious girls, together, and especially Leah. God answered that prayer. Our Leah lived an amazing 2 hours. It is impossible for anyone to comprehend holding your baby in your arm and watching her pass away as you give life to another baby in your other arm. It was joy and sorrow unspeakable. God would see us through every moment. My husband was so changed by the tragedy.....he gave his life to the Lord. Many lives were changed by Leah's! We knew it would be God's grace that would get us through.....hence the name for our girl, Grace Elizabeth. It means God's blessing, God's promise. Thank you, Z88.3 for playing inspirational music and speaking encouraging words through every moment of my pregnancy, my grieving, and the joys of being a mother.”
Shannon writes…
“I wanted to thank you for the unknowing help you gave my family. Two nights ago my husband and I were discussing how great our life is right now and all the blessings God has given us. The next night, however, we received a call that brought us face to face with evil. We prayed on how to handle it and, in the meantime, I had to pick up my son from Gymnastics. On the way, I heard every song I needed to hear to put my faith in God and let him take care of the evil. It is so true that God will fight for us as long as we believe and let Him. We did what we could and handed the rest to God and He gave us such a peace and hope. Thank you so much for the service you provide and I'm so glad I found your station.”
Shaun writes…
“My name is Shaun Barger and I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. I took my family (wife and 2 children) as well as my brother's family to Disney World in 2000, being a born-again believer I never listen to the radio in South Africa as there are no dedicated contemporary Christian radio stations. I was pleasantly surprised to find Z88.3. We did not move the dial for the entire month we were in the area and on our subsequent 3 visits have tuned in as soon as we picked up our rental car. My family also enjoys nothing more than listening online as it always encourages and stimulates us to continue in the GOOD FIGHT.”
Tammy writes…
“In 2002, I found out suddenly that I had cancer. We were in the process of relocating to TN so my husband could go back to school. This put things on hold and since our home had already sold, but we couldn't leave town, my parents so graciously took us in, pets and all!! God Bless them!! Everyday I had to drive the 30 something miles each way to and from work. A friend at work gave me a couple CD's to listen to and then she told me about the Z!! Now not only could I listen, to the best Christian music I've ever heard (I am a true CCM convert), at work, the long drives to and from work were comforting rather than stressful. They were my 'God time' I would listen, pray, and just openly talk with God, working through my illness and feelings. Your station helped me to grow my faith through what has been the most challenging time of my life! The first time I heard Scott and Lisa pray for the listeners on the radio, I was moved to tears! In all my years living in Orlando, I had NEVER heard anyone pray on the radio, live, unashamed and meaningful prayers to a God that you could tell they believed in wholly! The great news is we have been living the last 3+ years in TN and this coming spring will be 5 years without a trace of recurring cancer!! Thank you Lord!!”
Lesa writes…
“God continues to speak to me through you. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer back in June and one night when I was feeling particularly scared and overwhelmed I heard my new favorite three songs in row on your station. Those songs are: Praise You In This Storm, Healing Rain, and Heal Me. I had been sitting there crying and after I heard those songs I felt God's arms wrapped tightly around me. I have completed my 8th chemotherapy and will begin radiation soon and your station is a large part of my support through all of this!”
Dina writes…
“When I moved back to Florida in 2000, my son Hunter was just 4 years old. I used to scan the dial on the car radio listening to different stations and types of music. But that all ended one day when while we were driving, I had on Z88.3 and wasn't really paying attention to the music, but my son was. It was Crystal Lewis lyrics… ‘people get ready Jesus is coming, soon we'll be going home’… and Hunter shouted ‘Mom, did you hear that? We have to go home. Jesus is coming and we need to pack a suitcase!’ I realized then just how much he was listening and how it so closely affected him. From that point on, it has been and always will be Christian music and Christian radio for us.”
Barb writes…
“In August, my friend Emily was diagnosed with cancer. Her hospitalization for surgery was much longer than anticipated, and listening to your music in the hospital has helped her in this time of suffering. The messages in the music also help me to stay strong when my friend isn’t feeling well. We both know it will be ok regardless of the outcome. She’s ready to go to the Lord, but having her away has shown me how much I’ll miss her if that happens. Just wanted you to know that you have helped. Keep on doing what you’re doing. God bless you.”
Cindy writes…
“This week I heard a lyric that I had heard before, probably many times, it just hadn't hit my heart before... Isn't it funny how God will just reveal something incredibly profound right out of the blue?! I was stopped in my tracks when I heard the words "I'm gonna love You with my life". WOW. That was it. EXACTLY it. Exactly what my life is supposed to be. All I can hope to do is to love Him with my life because He gave His for me. I don't know if I'd be where I am now if y'all hadn't been there with me."
Chris writes…
“I have been through a storm and because of your station and the work that God does through your station, He has seen me through it. Though the outcome is not exactly what I wanted or prayed for, I know that God knows what He is doing. And it is so wonderful to know that when I am down and need a "pick me up" through out the day, all I have to do is turn on Z88 and know that God is still in control no matter the situation. So from the absolute bottom of my heart....Thank you and thank everyone at Z88 for being dedicated to the Lord and providing this so desperately needed ministry to our community."
Kevin writes…
“I’m in the hospital for a long stay for a transplant to cure my cancer. Most of the aides here are college students. I'm streaming Z88 on my computer all day, and one heard it and asked about Christian radio stations. So I showed them YHot and now its blasting in the nurses station, 10+ staff members plus patients "exposed" to hip hop Christian, and waiting anxiously for HD so they can listen in their car. God doesn't cause cancer, but he sure is using it as a venue to spread His Word. Thanks to you for keeping it positive.”
Ginger writes…
“I relocated to the Orlando area in 2005 to start a new job. I only knew one other person in town, but I felt like I had many friends at the Z. You drive with me on my commute Monday through Friday and almost everywhere else I go. At home, I sometimes listen on the internet. My husband, who is working in Iraq, even listens occasionally. The music ministers to me more than I can express, but it’s more than that. Though I’ve never met any of you in person, everyone at the station and all the folks I see driving around with a Z bumper sticker on their vehicle, feel just like family. And we are. We are all a part of Gods family! Thank you.”