Community Spotlight

Most Recent Episode

Community Spotlight

The Hundred Movement

Amanda Gopel of The Hundred Movement joins Braxton to share how God is working in the fight against human trafficking across North Carolina. From trauma-informed counseling to community partnerships and creative housing solutions, this episode explores how local churches—and ordinary people—can be part of the healing journey for survivors. Plus, get the details on their upcoming fall fundraiser: a family-friendly puzzle competition in October.

Jun 15, 2025 8:30 PM

More Episodes

Community Spotlight

In His Steps

In this episode, Braxton speaks with Amanda Newcomb of In His Steps, a faith-based dance ministry that’s been serving Western North Carolina since 1998. What started with a few preschoolers dancing in church has grown into a full studio where worship, discipleship, and community collide. From summer camps and nursing home tours to powerful moments of transformation, Amanda shares how God is using movement to minister to hearts and heal lives.

Jun 8, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Legacy of Hope International

Legacy of Hope International is working to prevent child trafficking and empower families—right here in our own backyards. Bryn joins Braxton to talk about their upcoming June 29th safety party in Columbia, SC, how trauma affects generational cycles, and why teaching kids the power of "no" and identifying five safe adults can be life-changing. Through education, community outreach, and the love of Jesus, this ministry is helping bring light to the darkest places.

Jun 1, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Back on Track

In this powerful Community Spotlight, Braxton speaks with Misty Oliver from Back on Track, a ministry in Henderson County, NC, that walks alongside individuals and families battling addiction. Born out of personal tragedy, this ministry offers real hope—facilitating recovery, providing family support, and pointing people to Jesus. With a thrift store that helps fund the mission and an open-door policy for those in need, Back on Track has helped countless lives find healing, including mothers, the homeless, and those struggling with dual diagnoses. Misty shares moving stories of transformation and invites listeners to get involved, volunteer, or support their growing insurance program that helps provide comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment.

May 25, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Power Cross

Jeff and Natalie Dorman from Power Cross Ministries share how a simple Bible study with a few neighborhood boys in 2006 grew into a thriving ministry serving over 300 young men in Statesville and Salisbury, NC. Through sports, meals, academics, and discipleship, Power Cross is breaking cycles of poverty and fatherlessness—raising up a generation of Christ-centered leaders with a 100% high school graduation rate and millions in college scholarships.

May 18, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Choosing Life, Offering Hope: Behind the Scenes at Ascend Women’s Center

In this powerful episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Christie Brown from Ascend Women’s Center (formerly Mountain Area Pregnancy Services) to talk about the real, raw, and redemptive stories unfolding every day in their ministry. From women on the verge of abortion to those still healing from past decisions, Christie shares how God is moving—even in the most heartbreaking situations. Plus, hear how Ascend is expanding, what volunteers can do to help, and why choosing life is about more than just saving babies—it’s about saving hearts.

May 11, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Redefining Motherhood & Embracing the Single Life: Hope for Hurting Hearts

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton welcomes back Kris Swiatocho from The Singles Network to talk about navigating the hard side of Mother’s Day—grief, unmet expectations, and the many ways motherhood shows up beyond biology. Kris shares powerful encouragement for those who may feel left out or overlooked this time of year. Plus, she gives us the inside scoop on the upcoming Labor Day Singles Retreat in Flat Rock, NC—an unforgettable weekend of worship, community, and truth for singles of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're single, grieving, or simply looking to connect with others, this episode reminds us: God sees you, and you’re never alone.

May 4, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Fueling Faith on Campus: How Youth for Christ Is Reaching the Next Generation

In this energizing episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Scott from Youth for Christ Western North Carolina to talk about how God is moving in the hearts of middle and high school students across the region. With student-led Campus Life clubs, partnerships with local churches, and a passion for seeing youth come to know Jesus, Youth for Christ is creating safe, Christ-centered spaces for young people to share their faith and find belonging. You’ll hear powerful stories of lives changed—some starting with nothing more than donuts and a gym—and how you can be part of this growing movement to reach the next generation for Christ.

Apr 27, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Healing Hooves: How Cabin Creek Homestead is Bringing Hope to Foster Kids in Shelby

In this inspiring episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Christine Hand, founder of Cabin Creek Homestead in Shelby, NC—a teaching farm born out of her own healing journey from foster care and chronic illness. Christine shares how rescued horses, garden beds, and a whole lot of love are helping children—especially those in foster care—find peace, purpose, and belonging. With powerful stories of transformation and a vision for free camps for vulnerable kids, Christine’s work is a beautiful example of how God uses creation to bring healing.

Apr 20, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

From Prison to Purpose: How God Gave Chris Johnson a New Mission

What happens when Jesus meets you in the darkest place? In this powerful episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Chris Johnson—currently incarcerated but on fire with purpose. Chris shares how a traumatic experience in prison led him to surrender his life to Christ, and how that encounter sparked the birth of New Hope Initiative, a ministry bringing real change to the lives of the incarcerated. From redemption to reform, this is a story of hope rising out of the ashes.

Apr 13, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Basic Ministries

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Barry Yin from Basics Ministries in Rutherford County, North Carolina, to discuss the powerful work being done through their food pantry, thrift store, and spiritual outreach. Barry shares the story of how the ministry began after a young boy collapsed from malnutrition, sparking a community effort to address hunger in the area. Since its founding in 2015, Basics Ministries has served thousands of families, distributing over 12,000 pounds of food per month, while also sharing the gospel with every person they serve. With a focus on both physical and spiritual needs, Barry encourages others to take that first step in faith, trusting God to provide the resources needed for any ministry. Volunteers and donations are key to the success of the ministry, and Barry invites those interested to get involved and make a difference.

Apr 6, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Bakeroos

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.

Mar 30, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Peace Mountain Ranch

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.

Mar 23, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Set Free Alliance

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.

Mar 16, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

The Isaiah 1:17 House

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.

Mar 9, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Cleveland County Rescue Mission

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.

Mar 2, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Habitat for Humanity

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.

Feb 23, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Adam's Kids

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.

Feb 16, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Unpacking It Ministry

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.

Feb 9, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Christian Business Leaders United

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.

Feb 2, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Fostering Faith

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.

Jan 26, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Renew Clinic

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.

Jan 19, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Impact

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.

Jan 12, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

More Heart than Scars

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.

Jan 5, 2025 8:30 PM

Community Spotlight

Cameron’s House of Hope

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.

Dec 29, 2024 8:30 PM

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