Community Spotlight

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...

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...

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 l...

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-...

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 sc...

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 heartb...

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...

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 sp...

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 belongi...