Community Spotlight

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.

There’s a growing need in Western North Carolina for house parents to care for children in crisis. This episode shares how you can step into a calling that brings hope, stability, and the love of Christ to kids who need it most.

What does real hope look like behind prison walls? In this episode, Focus Ministries shares how they’re bringing the love of Jesus to incarcerated and newly released women—restoring identity, rebuilding lives, and showing what true unconditional love looks like.

What if real change starts right where kids live? In this episode, we spotlight KICKO and how they’re bringing hope, faith, and mentorship directly into Knoxville neighborhoods—raising up the next generation to follow Jesus and lead with purpose.

This Community Spotlight shares the story of The Hope Center in Hendersonville, where a simple calling turned into a life-giving space for individuals with disabilities and their families. What began with just a couple of people has grown into a thriving program offering connection, activities, and a sense of purpose for those often overlooked. From meeting in borrowed spaces to stepping out in faith for a permanent home, every part of the journey reflects trust in God’s provision. Today, The Hope Center stands as a reminder that when people are seen, valued, and given community, lives are genuinely transformed.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Jeremiah Simpson of Mercy and Truth Ministries about how a simple Christmas outreach grew into a year-round mission impacting families across Elkin, Wilkes, and surrounding counties. Through providing toys, food, and Bibles to those in need, the ministry opens doors to share the lasting hope of Jesus. Hear how their work with local schools helps reach the right families, the powerful role of community volunteers, and how you can be part of bringing light and hope to children and families right in your backyard.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Jeff and Natalie from Power Cross to hear how their sports-based ministry is transforming lives in Statesville and Salisbury, NC. What started as a small Bible study has grown into a program impacting over 400 young men weekly—using athletics, mentorship, and discipleship to point them to Jesus. Hear how God is breaking generational cycles, raising up young leaders, and creating full-circle stories of transformation. Plus, learn how you can get involved through volunteering, mentoring, or supporting their growing mission.

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with John Hayes of Strong Life Ministries to unpack how a simple act—coffee in a park—grew into a life-changing mission serving the homeless in Hickory, NC. Since 2012, Strong Life has focused on building real relationships, offering practical support like meals, clothing, and job assistance, while ultimately pointing people to lasting transformation through Jesus. John shares powerful stories of redemption, the importance of walking alongside people in their struggles, and how the community can get involved to make a real difference.

Braxton sits dow to talk with Christian Emergency Relief Team.

Braxton talks to Excell College about their impact in the community!

Braxtons sits down with Joni and Friends for this weeks Community Spotlight!

Braxton sits down with Wings of Mercy on this weeks Community Spotlight!

Braxton talks to Shepherds for Sheepdogs about their impact in the community!

Braxton talks to The Singles Network about their impact in the community!

Braxton Critcher talks about the works of Embrace Grace in the community!