Community Spotlight

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.

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton welcomes back Chris Watta 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. Chris 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.