Community Spotlight

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Amber Wheat, co-founder of Bakeroos, a nonprofit in Knox County, Tennessee. Amber shares the heartwarming mission of their organization, which bakes and delivers custom birthday cakes to children in foster care, offering them a sense of celebration and hope. What started as a small gesture for one foster child in need has grown into a thriving ministry, providing over 200 cakes each year and touching the lives of children who might otherwise not experience a birthday celebration. Amber explains the impact of this simple yet profound act of kindness, and the organization's vision for future growth, including partnerships with other agencies and potential vocational training for women who have been trafficked. Through the act of baking cakes, Bakeroos is serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, offering hope to children in need.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Harvey Macklin, founder of Peace Mountain Ranch in Mountain City, Tennessee. Harvey shares the unique healing program offered to veterans at the ranch, where they experience a tailored therapeutic approach through animal therapy, ranching, and faith-based counseling. Harvey, a former Chaplain in the Marines, speaks about how his own traumatic experiences shaped his ability to help others. Veterans are welcomed into a safe, peaceful environment where horses play a key role in their emotional healing. By the end of their stay, many veterans leave transformed, finding not just peace but a deeper connection with God. Harvey’s work demonstrates the power of faith, animals, and community in the recovery process.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Sarah Kelly from Set Free Alliance, a Christian nonprofit working to provide clean water and share the gospel in communities across the globe. With a focus on West Africa and South Asia, Sarah shares inspiring stories of how the organization’s efforts have transformed villages by drilling water wells and offering humanitarian aid, all while opening doors for pastors to share Christ’s love. Sarah also discusses the importance of the upcoming World Water Day, local involvement in the upstate of South Carolina, and how individuals can support the mission through resources like a children's book and their annual fundraising gala.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Christie Whitehead from the Isaiah 1:17 House in Knoxville, Tennessee. They provide safe spaces for children removed from unsafe homes. The organization steps in during crisis moments, offering a warm, welcoming environment where kids can experience love and care on some of the toughest days of their lives. Christie shares inspiring stories of children finding comfort, trust, and hope, as well as how the community can get involved in supporting foster care efforts. The conversation emphasizes God’s work in transforming lives through support, volunteerism, and prayer.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Michael Woods, the executive director of Cleveland County Rescue Mission, about the transformative work being done in Cleveland County to help those in need. Michael shares insights on the struggles many people face in the community, including poverty, family trauma, and substance abuse. The Rescue Mission provides shelter, counseling, and crucial support for individuals, along with a heartwarming initiative called "Dispense Love." The campaign encourages everyone in the community to spread God's love through random acts of kindness, with the goal of transforming Cleveland County into a place where love is at the forefront of every action.

Habitat for Humanity of Henderson and Polk Counties has been at the forefront of recovery efforts following the devastating storm, providing vital home repairs and rebuilding homes for affected families. Beyond construction, the organization is making a huge emotional impact by offering comfort and support to those in need. With a significant need for volunteers, especially in repairs, Habitat is calling on the community to step up and get involved. Through its four ReStores, Habitat funds its mission of building homes and transforming lives, all while fostering partnerships with local churches and ensuring transparency in the use of funds. Volunteers, whether experienced in construction or eager to learn, play a crucial role in these recovery efforts.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton interviews Carl Hill, the founder of Adam’s Kids, a transformative ministry dedicated to equipping youth in Honduras through a trade school that teaches carpentry, welding, electrical work, and more. Born from tragedy after the loss of Carl’s son, Adam, the ministry has grown to include building homes, distributing Bibles, and expanding educational opportunities in a community that has embraced the love of Jesus. Carl shares how God has provided for the mission through faith, and the ministry's ambitious future plans, including the construction of a school and dormitories to further support their growing efforts.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Bryce Johnson, founder of Unpacking It Ministries, about using sports as a tool for spreading faith. Bryce shares the mission of his ministry: to help sports fans grow closer to Jesus through devotionals, events, and fellowship, with a particular focus on fantasy football leagues. They discuss how sports metaphors can parallel the Christian faith, and Bryce shares a story of how the ministry is impacting men's lives by combining sports and faith, with an emphasis on real-life transformation.

In this Community Spotlight segment, Braxton interviews Scott Whitley from C12, a network of Christian business owners in Western North Carolina. Scott explains how C12 helps business leaders integrate faith into their work by focusing on building great businesses for a greater purpose. He shares stories of how businesses in the area have come together to help each other after the storms that devastated parts of the region in 2024. Scott also highlights the importance of work-life balance, personal growth, and community service. The C12 model brings together a group of 12 non-competing businesses each month to discuss challenges and opportunities for honoring God through their work. Scott encourages other local businesses to get involved and join this supportive network.

In this Community Spotlight segment, Braxton speaks with Rick Norman from the Baptist Children's Home of North Carolina about their mission to help children in foster care and adoptive families. Rick shares his personal experience of fostering and adopting children with his wife, emphasizing the spiritual transformation that comes through this work. He discusses the Every Child ministry, a program that encourages churches to support foster care and adoption efforts across the state. Rick also highlights the urgency of the need, with thousands of children waiting for homes, and invites others to consider fostering as a way to serve both the children and their families, bringing healing and hope through the love of Christ. He provides resources for those interested in learning more about fostering, partnering with the Baptist Children's Home, and how pastors can get involved in addressing this issue within their congregations.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Sarah Keel, the Executive Director of the Renew Clinic in Knoxville, Tennessee, shares the powerful work God is doing through the clinic to bring healing and transformation to those struggling with addiction. Renew Clinic, founded by a coalition of local churches, offers Christ-centered addiction treatment through outpatient programs, focusing on both the individual and their families. Sarah highlights moving stories of redemption, like the transformation of a mother who came to Christ before passing away, and shares how the clinic is contributing to the broader revival in Knoxville. She also discusses ways the community can get involved, including mentoring, meal donations, and joining in educational workshops about truth and faith in recovery.

Danny Wilkins, from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Western North Carolina, shares the profound impact that FCA has on local communities, particularly on student athletes and their families. He reflects on the ministry’s rich history, from its roots as a summer camp to its current work in nine counties. FCA provides support to coaches, athletes, and students by offering Bible studies, camps, and leadership programs. Wilkins highlights several moving stories, including one where a young athlete, impacted by FCA, led his entire family to explore faith. Additionally, he shares how FCA members came together to support a displaced family after a storm. Wilkins also provides ways for listeners to get involved through volunteering and donations to sustain these life-changing initiatives.

Zach Payin of More Heart than Scars shares his inspiring story of overcoming personal struggles and helping others with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs, to achieve things they once thought impossible. He discusses their upcoming Spartan Race event, where participants will carry a couch to raise awareness about addiction, isolation, and the need for real human connection. Throughout the conversation, Zach emphasizes the importance of fellowship, faith, and breaking free from the comfort zone of a “couch” mentality to embrace real life and challenges.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton interviews Alex Poole from Cameron’s House of Hope in Indian Trail, NC. The organization was founded in honor of Cameron, who tragically died from a fentanyl overdose. The mission of Cameron’s House of Hope is to support children who are affected by addiction, often due to parents being incarcerated, deceased, or absent due to addiction. The children receive academic tutoring, therapy, and spiritual guidance. The house also offers support to caregivers, primarily grandparents raising these children. With a focus on mentorship and community, Cameron’s House of Hope provides a nurturing environment where children can heal, grow, and discover their unique talents, while also spreading the message of faith and hope.

Annamarie Jack Bilski discusses the mission of Bounty of Bethlehem, a community Christmas dinner that has been serving those in need for 40 years in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Hosted at the Salvation Army, the event provides a free, home-cooked Christmas meal for anyone who needs it, including dine-in and to-go options. Annamarie shares how her family has been involved for over 15 years and the meaningful experience of giving back on Christmas Day. She also explains how the community has supported the event with donations, volunteer work, and food contributions, including turkeys, hams, and desserts. With an expected 2,500 people to be served, Annamarie highlights the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event and the joy that comes from bringing the community together to help those in need. 

Jacob Willis from High Country Caregivers shares how their ministry has expanded in response to a growing need in the Appalachian region. Originally focused on respite care for families caring for critically ill loved ones, the organization has shifted its focus to help grandparents and relatives raising children. Following a devastating hurricane, High Country Caregivers has provided crucial support—offering mobile homes, food supplies, and financial assistance—to families in need. Jacob details the miracles, partnerships, and the importance of prayer, donations, and volunteers to continue their mission of keeping children with family and avoiding the trauma of foster care.

Kris Swiatocho, a local leader in Western North Carolina, has been actively involved in hurricane relief efforts, serving communities in Asheville, Hendersonville, and beyond. Despite facing personal challenges like a mudslide in his own neighborhood, Kris mobilized volunteers and resources to help with recovery, including the construction of tiny homes for displaced people. Alongside his relief work, Kris is organizing a special Christmas event for singles to share their stories, encourage one another, and raise funds for continued relief efforts. The event will highlight both the challenges faced by the community and the faith-driven resilience that has emerged. Through his ministry, Kris continues to offer hope, faith, and a sense of community during one of the toughest seasons in the area.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Hope House Coffee in Forest City, NC, is not just another coffee shop—it’s a nonprofit business with a mission. JR Blanton, its founder, shares how the idea began during a mission trip to Guatemala and has since blossomed into a community hub that supports other local nonprofits. By serving great coffee and creating a welcoming space for conversations, Hope House Coffee has become a beacon of hope and connection. The coffee shop’s profits fund initiatives like transitional housing for women in crisis, and it’s making an impact in the local community. Through its nonprofit model, Hope House is able to give back, support other organizations, and spread a message of hope in a way that’s both practical and powerful.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton interviews Steve Ward, the founder of Man Cave Ministry, a unique outreach program designed to help men struggling with life's challenges. What began as a small gathering in Steve’s backyard man cave has grown into a thriving ministry that impacts men’s lives through faith, support, and accountability. From overcoming addiction to restoring marriages, Steve shares how God has guided the ministry through challenges, and how men are finding community, healing, and purpose. The program now extends to families, veterans, and even other states, making a lasting impact on communities and individuals alike.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton and Jamie Shepherd reflect on the incredible life and ministry of Randy Shepherd, who co-founded Crossfire Ministries with Jamie in 1993. Randy's commitment to spreading the gospel through sports, especially basketball, touched countless lives globally. Despite Randy's passing in September, Jamie shares how they will continue their mission, using their platform to reach others through sports and personal testimonies. The episode highlights Randy's passionate evangelism, the legacy he leaves behind, and the future of Crossfire Ministries.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton interviews Ryan Dirk, the CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries in Upstate South Carolina. They discuss the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, Miracle Hill's work in providing shelter, addiction recovery, and foster care services. Ryan shares insights from his new book, "Counterfeit Peace," emphasizing the search for true peace through faith in Jesus. The conversation dives into stories of transformation, the importance of community support, and how volunteers can get involved in making a difference.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Rachel Heck from Family Care Center in Hickory, North Carolina, a nonprofit that has been providing housing and support to homeless families for nearly 37 years. Rachel shares the unique approach the center takes by offering fully furnished apartments and personalized care plans to help families regain stability. As homelessness grows in the community, the center is planning to expand with more apartments to meet the increasing need. Rachel discusses the importance of keeping families together and the various ways the community can get involved, from volunteering to donating household items.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Kyle Palmer from Camp Living Water in Bryson City, North Carolina. Kyle shares the inspiring story of how the camp is adapting to a new season of ministry, trusting God’s provision in unexpected ways. From removing financial barriers for local youth programs to offering camp services without set fees, Camp Living Water is stepping out in faith to serve its community. Kyle’s testimony offers a powerful reminder of how trusting God’s plan, even when it seems daunting, can lead to incredible blessings and transformation for both the camp and the people they serve.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Pastor Bruce Frank of Biltmore Church about the church's rapid response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. Pastor Bruce shares how the 828 Strong initiative, with the help of countless volunteers, is providing essential resources like food, water, and prayer to those affected. Amidst the storm, Biltmore Church is serving both practical needs and spiritual support, showing God’s love in action. Learn how you can get involved in these relief efforts and witness how God is working through the hardest of times.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton interviews Donald Hicks, the Executive Director of Classroom Connections, a nonprofit based in Hickory, North Carolina. Since 2013, Classroom Connections has provided over $1.5 million worth of school supplies to teachers across seven counties, focusing on schools with the highest need. Donald shares the organization’s vision, the challenges they've faced, including a recent building transition, and the impact of their mission on teachers, students, and even senior citizens who volunteer. Donald’s passion for education and belief in bridging generational gaps through mentorship continues to inspire as Classroom Connections grows in its mission to serve the community.