Community Spotlight

In this Community Spotlight episode, Braxton sits down with Mark Abernathy from North Carolina Baptists on Mission to highlight the impact of the Appalachian Christmas Outreach. The conversation covers how churches across North Carolina partner together to serve families in Appalachia through winter essentials, backpacks, and the hope of the Gospel. Mark shares how the initiative has grown from 5,...

Community Spotlight with Braxton Critcher shines a light on Mission Christmas , a year-round outreach based in Statesville that’s been serving families across North Carolina for more than a decade. Braxton talks with Ben Loomis about how his wife Kate started Mission Christmas with a simple goal—to help kids in need—and how God has grown it far beyond what they imagined. From pro...

Braxton talks with Rachel Cox, who oversees Brazil and the Dominican Republic for One Vision International, a Knoxville-based ministry that meets practical needs—like medical care, education, and job skills—as a bridge to sharing the gospel. Rachel highlights their Christ-centered sewing program in the DR, which began with two volunteers teaching a small group of women basic skills and...

Braxton talks with Dr. Christopher Wilson, the new executive director of Bounty of Bethlehem in Hendersonville, a 43-year-old Christmas Day meal ministry that brings the whole community together to serve anyone in need. Christopher shares how he first got involved as a junior high student and how the love and unity he experienced back then drew him back to lead the ministry today. The event, hoste...

Braxton talks with John Triplet from the Wilkes Ministry of Hope about how the ministry meets practical needs in Wilkes County while sharing the gospel. John describes their food outreach, financial assistance, baby closet, wood-cutting efforts, and their growing ramp-building ministry, all of which open doors for pointing people to Jesus. The episode focuses especially on their annual Toy Store,...

In this powerful episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Earl and Nicole from Shepherds for Sheep Dogs , a ministry based in Lenoir, NC that provides professionally trained service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. But these aren’t just dogs—they’re doorways to healing, reintegration, and Gospel conversations. Hear how this grassroots ministry went f...

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Catherine and Jody from Focus Ministries in Knoxville and Powell, Tennessee — a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside women during and after incarceration. Jody shares her powerful story of a 27-year drug addiction, early arrests, and ultimately a life transformed by Jesus. Her experience fuels her passion to remind incar...

Braxton sits down with Sheriff Ricky Buchanan to break down how today’s scammers spoof legit numbers (even banks and sheriff’s offices), pressure victims to stay on the line, and demand payment via gift cards or cash drops. Hear real cases—from fake jury-duty warrants to an “FBI” impersonator who walked away with $25,000—and learn the non-negotiables: law enforc...

Braxton sits down with Jameson Healy , founder of Autistic Faith , to unpack how churches can welcome and disciple people with autism and ADHD. Jameson shares his story, why so many neurodivergent adults feel unseen on Sundays, and practical steps—like buddy systems, volunteer training, and awareness tools—that help congregations move from “good intentions” to genuine inclu...

In this Community Spotlight episode, Braxton reconnects with Kyle Palmer , director of Camp Living Water in Bryson City, NC. Kyle shares how the camp has fully surrendered its mission and finances to God—opening its doors to families, ministries, and the community without setting a price tag, trusting that the Lord will provide. Hear powerful stories of faith in action, from housing hurrican...

This week on Community Spotlight , Braxton chats with David Eaton , CEO and founder of Axis.org , about one of the biggest questions parents face today: When should I give my kid a smartphone? David shares insight into how parents can wisely guide their kids through technology, build trust instead of tension, and keep faith at the center of family conversations. They unpack practical tools, like t...

Hope Chest for Women - Community Spotlight

In this special six-year anniversary episode of Community Spotlight , host Braxton sits down with Pastor David Murray of Glory Land Missionary Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC. Pastor Murray shares how his church is bringing the gospel outside its walls—specifically through a powerful outreach at the Cleveland County Fair. From serving food and engaging fairgoers with Bible questions to...

Braxton sits down with Todd Cutter—campus pastor, Director of Spiritual Life, and Director of Counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC—to hear how God is moving among college students. Todd shares how students are leaning into faith, engaging in civil conversations, and caring for one another in a post-COVID culture. From a new 24/7 food pantry to weekly chapel gatherings a...

In this episode, Braxton talks with Cole Thompson of CPS Construction in Shelby, NC, about how a construction company is making an eternal impact. From organizing the Diaper Run bike ride to support foster families with diapers, to providing Roofs for Veterans at no cost, Cole shares how God has opened doors to serve people in practical ways. Hear how partnering with ministries like the One More O...

Braxton welcomes returning guest Bryn Journey from Legacy of Hope International, a WNC-based, Christ-centered nonprofit fighting human trafficking through prevention, survivor-led education, and global outreach. Bryn unpacks “safety parties” that teach kids body safety and the power of “no,” warns about online grooming, and shares how LOHI’s work in Cambodia has grown...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton talks with Aaron McMahon, founder of CPR Missions and former police officer who left law enforcement to follow God’s call into full-time ministry. Aaron shares how his journey from the streets of Knoxville to international missions began with simply stepping out in faith and sharing the gospel one-on-one. Hear how CPR Missions is reaching the...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Stacey Fields, owner of Mini Batch Bakery, to share how God has been at work in her life and business. Stacey opens up about stepping out in faith, the joy of serving her community, and how small acts of generosity can lead to big impacts. From supporting local nonprofits to creating a kitchen filled with laughter and encouragement, S...

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Pastor Mack from Roadside Ministry as he prepares for their third annual 40-day crusade. Traveling in an RV with a portable early-church-style chapel, Pastor Mack and his wife stop at gas stations, malls, rest areas, and more to share the simple gospel message, pray with people, and meet practical needs. This year’s theme, from Luke 10:2,...

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Melanie Burr, leader of the Totally Free Clothing Store in Shelby, NC—a volunteer-run ministry providing free clothes, accessories, and essentials to anyone in need. Melanie shares how she stepped in to keep the store open after COVID, expanding to a larger space and serving the community through God’s provision. From helping the homeless...

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Kris Swiatocho from The Singles Network about the exciting growth of singles ministry in Western North Carolina and beyond. Chris shares how God is opening doors for churches to reach singles—whether never married, widowed, or single parents—through new Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and retreats. They discuss the upcoming Flat Roc...

In this episode of Community Spotlight on The Light FM, Braxton sits down with Pastor Steven Buys of The Orchard Church to explore the real-world impact of Acts of Summer — a movement encouraging believers to live like the early Church. Pastor Steven shares inspiring testimonies of transformed lives in Western North Carolina, including a powerful story of a bank teller whose encounter with a...

In this unique Community Spotlight episode recorded live at Atlanta Bread Company in Asheville, Braxton chats with Bob Machen of the Asheville Gideons . Their convo dives into how Bob and fellow Gideons are sharing the gospel in bold but gentle ways — literally on the sidewalks outside graduation ceremonies and through everyday encounters. Bob shares powerful moments from recent outreaches,...

In this inspiring episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Melanie Bell , founder and director of City Lights Ministry in Winston-Salem, NC. What started 11 years ago as a simple neighborhood outreach to kids has now grown into a multifaceted ministry meeting real needs—everything from mobile food distribution and clothing closets to building beds for children and supporting n...

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 f...