Community Spotlight

With thousands of children in North Carolina's foster care system, the need for loving families and supportive communities is greater than ever. On this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton welcomes Jeremy Knipe from Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina to discuss how churches can support foster families and help prevent burnout. Jeremy also shares how their annual Christmas celebration brings joy to children who have experienced hardship and how the community can help make this special tradition possible.

After spending 18 years in and out of incarceration, Ashley Sands never imagined the life God had planned for her. On this episode of Community Spotlight, Ashley shares how Focus Ministries in Knoxville, Tennessee, helped her rediscover her faith, rebuild relationships, and find a new purpose. Now a graduate, mentor, and volunteer, Ashley's powerful testimony is a reminder that no one is beyond God's grace and that it's never too late for a new beginning.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Jeremiah from Mercy and Truth Ministries shares how the organization is bringing hope to families across North Carolina through its annual Christmas outreach. Working closely with local schools, the ministry provides children with gifts, families with food, and every household with Bibles—all with the goal of sharing the love and hope of Christ. After serving around 8,000 people last Christmas, Mercy and Truth is once again rallying volunteers, churches, businesses, and donors to help make Christmas possible for families in need. Pasted markdown

Life 107 is bringing hope and practical support to people affected by sex trafficking and exploitation in Asheville and beyond. In this episode of Community Spotlight, Joe Ferris and Bryn Journey share how the ministry works to protect vulnerable people, reach those at risk, and help survivors rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, education, prayer, and basic-needs assistance. They also discuss the realities of trafficking in local communities and Life 107’s vision for “Rehab’s Refuge,” a safe place where survivors can find stability, healing, and a fresh start.

Braxton talks with Pastor Mac of Roadside Ministries as he prepares for the fourth annual God Bless America Crusade, a 40-day journey dedicated to sharing the Gospel with people along the road. This year, the ministry is placing a special focus on honoring veterans, first responders, and law enforcement while distributing thousands of copies of the Gospel of John, food, water, and other resources. Pastor Mac also shares what years of stepping out in faith have taught him about listening to God, trusting His direction, and boldly going wherever He opens the door.

Braxton talks with Danny Wilkins of Southwest North Carolina Fellowship of Christian Athletes about how God is using sports to open doors for ministry across schools, campuses, and communities. From summer camps and weekly FCA huddles to Bible studies for coaches, Danny shares how FCA is equipping athletes and leaders to boldly live out their faith—including more than 700 young people who have made decisions to follow Christ through the ministry’s work. As a new school year begins, FCA is preparing to step through even more open doors to reach coaches, athletes, and families with the Gospel.

Braxton sits down with Nicole Davis of Shepherds for Sheepdogs, a Western North Carolina ministry providing professionally trained service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. Nicole shares how these dogs help individuals facing PTSD and anxiety, how the ministry uses those relationships to share the hope of Jesus, and the incredible story of an unexpected $50,000 grant that will help them serve even more people in the year ahead.

What if students could step away from the school day and hear the Gospel? Braxton talks with Dave Johnson, director of Camp Tapawingo, about the growing impact of Bible Release Time across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Dave shares how the ministry serves more than 2,000 students in over 30 schools, the powerful stories of children and families coming to faith, and how communities across the country can launch similar programs of their ow

Yaroslav Natusko, founder of Restore Ukraine, joins Braxton to share an update on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the hope that's still being found in the middle of it. He explains how his organization works directly on the ground to provide relief, rebuild homes, and serve families whose lives have been devastated by the war.

The conversation also highlights Restore Ukraine's current campaign to help families repair damaged homes before winter arrives. Yaroslav shares how every donation can make a lasting impact—not just by restoring shelter, but by giving families hope and the opportunity to begin rebuilding their lives.

Bart Noonan of West Boulevard Ministry shares how God is transforming lives by meeting practical needs with the love of Christ. From mentoring young men and supporting law enforcement to serving communities across Charlotte and beyond, this conversation is a powerful reminder that living out the Gospel often begins with simply showing up.

Francois Rauch, CEO of Harvesters Ministries, shares how God is transforming unreached communities by planting churches in some of the world's most difficult places. From hidden tribes in the Amazon to a growing movement across 118 countries, hear how simple discipleship is leading to extraordinary stories of faith and multiplication.

Excell College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, offers a unique, Christ-centered education that combines academics, practical life skills, career preparation, and spiritual discipleship. Shannon Howard explains that the college focuses on developing wise, mature, and productive followers of Christ through internships, character formation, and a biblical worldview. As a nonprofit, Excell College also partners with donors to help students graduate debt-free. The conversation concludes with an invitation to learn more, support the ministry, and pray for the next generation of Christian leaders.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Craig Church of Craig Church Ministries and FaithFest to discuss an extraordinary outreach taking place during NASCAR race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Through prayer tents, fan engagement, volunteer opportunities, gospel presentations, and partnerships with organizations like Mercer Transportation, the ministry is bringing the message of Christ directly to thousands of racing fans. Craig shares powerful stories of lives changed through previous race events, explains this year’s outreach plans for the FaithFest 250 Truck Race, and highlights the ministry’s mission of reaching “one more soul” with the hope of the Gospel.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton explores the rich history and lasting impact of the Grandfather Mountain “Singing on the Mountain,” a beloved annual gospel gathering now celebrating its 101st year. Event leaders Harris Prevost, Owen Gwyn, and Pastor Michael McKee share how this free community tradition brings thousands together for worship, gospel music, prayer, and biblical teaching in the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Listeners will hear inspiring stories of lives changed through the event, learn about this year’s featured artists and speaker Edward Graham, and discover why this unique day of faith and fellowship continues to draw generations of attendees.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Stephanie Robinson of Safe Harbor shares how the faith-based ministry is transforming lives in Hickory, North Carolina. Through homelessness support, addiction recovery, transitional housing, mentorship, and practical care, Safe Harbor helps women and children find stability, healing, and hope in Christ. Stephanie highlights inspiring success stories, including a young woman who overcame homelessness to join the U.S. Marines, and discusses the ministry's upcoming Haven cottage project designed to provide safe, temporary housing for women and families in crisis.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Steve Levinson of Promised Land Farm Ministry in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Steve shares how his passion for teaching biblical creation led him into a full-time ministry focused on creation versus evolution seminars in churches across the country and around the world. Through interactive presentations, gospel illusions, and engaging teaching, Steve encourages believers to strengthen their faith in Scripture and equips young people to confidently defend biblical truth.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Melanie Burr from the Totally Free Clothes Store in Shelby, North Carolina. Melanie shares how the ministry provides free clothing, food, toiletries, and support resources to individuals and families facing hardship, homelessness, and tragedy. The conversation highlights powerful stories of lives being impacted through prayer, volunteer service, and practical help, while also discussing the ministry’s growing thrift store outreach and future plans to expand through a newly funded donation van.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Dave Johnson from Camp Tapawingo in East Tennessee about the life-changing impact of Christian summer camp ministry. Dave shares the rich history behind the camp, powerful stories of kids coming to know Jesus, and how Camp Tapawingo continues to create unforgettable experiences through worship, mentorship, outdoor adventures, and community support. They also discuss volunteer opportunities and how families can get involved this summer.