NATCHEZ — Jerome Myles said he feels God’s existence every day when he sits behind the mic of his WPRL 91.7 FM morning radio show titled “He’s Worthy to Be Praised.”

“Every time I go on air, it is because of God,” Myles said. “I always feel God when I sit behind the mic.”

Myles has been in the radio business for more than 25 years. He has hosted numerous jazz and R&B shows. However, Myles said he loves to host a gospel show more than anything else he has done because of his upbringing.

“I grew up in the church,” Myles said. “Plus, I started singing gospel music when I was 13-years-old, and I’ve continued to do so.”

The WPRL gospel music director said he has encountered God thousands of times throughout his career. But one story sticks with him.

“A few years ago, during my morning show, I played a song called, ‘He’s There All the Time,’” Myles said. “Going into the particular show, I had a feeling that I was going to impact someone’s life, because every time you go on air you are impacting someone. But that day just had a different feel.”

After the song ended, Myles said the phone immediately started to ring.

“I picked up and did my usual introduction,” Myles said.

Yet when he picked up the phone, Myles didn’t hear a voice on the other line. Myles said all he could hear was crying. So, he did his introductory speech again and asked, “What’s wrong? How can I help you?”

After the crying settled down, Myles said a girl said, “Thank you.”

“I was confused as to why this girl was telling me thank you,” Myles said.

Myles said the girl told him she had been going through a lot lately.

“She told me how she felt no one cared about her,” Myles said. “Not her family or friends. She told him she was contemplating taking her life before she heard that song.”

Myles said the girl told him the song reminded her God will always be with her, no matter what.

Those are the type of stories Myles said makes his job special.

“You affect people’s lives every day you are behind that mic,” Myles said. “You must leave your personal life at the door. Listeners are listening to my show to be lifted up by God. You can’t be in a negative mood. You must be in a positive mood. I must encourage people as much as possible.”

Myles said he will continue to encourage people as he sits behind his mic and loves life.

“I love my job,” Myles said. “It’s not a job for me. It’s a love.”