The Day She Met Jesus

Julie Walden’s life hasn’t been the same since a Moody Radio Indiana cohost led her to trust Christ as Savior in a life-changing phone call

by Nancy Huffine  /  April 15, 2025

“March 10, 2023. I remember the date.”

Julie Walden had been attending a Bible study at her neighbor’s house for several years. She had also discovered Moody Radio Indiana WGNR and started listening regularly. “The music was so helpful, and I really liked the Scriptures that they give every day. I even got them texted to me.” 

But, as she says, “I just felt like there was something missing in my life. I remember going to church for a time [when I was in] late elementary school or early middle school. I honestly don't remember a whole lot about it. When I got married, we would go periodically to a church that my husband's family all go to. It was rough. Do you know what I mean by that? I don’t mean any ill will, but it was all yelling. It was not the love of God. You never heard about that.”

As Julie recalls, the church taught that you had to have some kind of dramatic, emotional “throw yourself on the floor” moment to be saved. For Julie, that was a confusing disconnect. 

A day she’ll never forget

During Moody Radio’s Spring Share 2023 fundraising event, Julie called to make a donation. “I’m a monthly giver, by the way,” Julie chimes in. Then she becomes a bit emotional. “I remember listening that day—I think I’m going to start crying now,” she says.

Gathering her thoughts, Julie continues. “I was sitting in my recliner like I normally do, and something made me pick up that phone. It was like somebody was doing it for me, you know? I made a donation and then I texted because they said to call or text for prayer. Eric, the show’s producer, was there, and I texted back and forth with him a couple of times. Then Steve Hocker (co-host of WGNR’s Kelli and Steve Mornings) called me an hour or two later. He probably spent 20 minutes on the phone with me.”

Steve Hocker remembers that day and that phone call. “Julie had requested prayer in the comment section when giving her gift,” Steve says. “I simply felt led to engage with her personally and had a brief text exchange during which I asked if it would be OK to phone her.

“We played phone tag that morning, but on my way home that afternoon she phoned my cell. I pulled off into a church parking lot that I pass along the way, and we had a long discussion that led to her praying with me to accept Christ as Lord and Savior of her life.”

During her conversation with Steve, Julie shared some of her confusion about the Christian life and about some of the teachings she had heard. “Steve explained to me that that's not the way everybody comes to Jesus, and that just made total sense to me. Then he prayed the sinner’s prayer with me. I didn't have an 'aha moment’ at that time. But my friend, who I've been in Bible study with, told me, ‘It's a long walk. Start with a walk.’”

Nurturing her new faith through radio ministry

For Julie, Moody Radio is a big part of her faith walk, and she’s a faithful morning and afternoon listener. “I particularly enjoy J. D. Greear (Summit Life), and I really enjoy Chris Brooks' show (Equipped with Chris Brooks) too. He just seems like such a kind man. I enjoy the guests that he has on his show.”

When she can, Julie tunes in on Saturday mornings to hear Open Line with Dr. Michael Rydelnik. “He is brilliant!” she says.

As for Kelli and Steve Mornings, Julie maintains a bit of a soft spot for the show and the hosts. “Steve and Kelli, they’re just so kind,” she says. “I’ve really learned a lot about the Bible from the guests that they have on the show.”

‘Hope for a better life’

One episode in particular stands out for Julie. “I don't recall who the guest was, but she teaches Hebrew. Hebrew and Greek don’t necessarily translate perfectly to English. For instance, our English word ‘hope’ could mean ‘I hope I get a raise next week.’

“But the word ‘hope’ in the Bible—and this stuck with me—the guest on the show said it means assurance, like it is going to happen. That has really stayed with me.”

That sense of hope greets Julie every time she tunes in to Moody Radio.
“Given the opportunity, I would listen to it all day long! I just really enjoy the music and the teaching during the day. It’s really uplifting, you know? And it gives you hope for a better life.”