Community Spotlight

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 supp...

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 w...

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 convers...

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 resto...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton and Jamie Shepherd reflect on the incredible life and ministry of Randy Shepherd, who co-founded Crossfire Ministries with Jamie in 1993. Randy's commitment to spreading the gospel through sports, especially basketball, touched countless lives globally. Despite Randy's passing in September, Jamie shares how they will continue their mission, using th...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton interviews Ryan Dirk, the CEO of Miracle Hill Ministries in Upstate South Carolina. They discuss the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene, Miracle Hill's work in providing shelter, addiction recovery, and foster care services. Ryan shares insights from his new book, "Counterfeit Peace," emphasizing the search for true peace through faith...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton speaks with Rachel Heck from Family Care Center in Hickory, North Carolina, a nonprofit that has been providing housing and support to homeless families for nearly 37 years. Rachel shares the unique approach the center takes by offering fully furnished apartments and personalized care plans to help families regain stability. As homelessness grows in...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton talks with Kyle Palmer from Camp Living Water in Bryson City, North Carolina. Kyle shares the inspiring story of how the camp is adapting to a new season of ministry, trusting God’s provision in unexpected ways. From removing financial barriers for local youth programs to offering camp services without set fees, Camp Living Water is stepping o...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton speaks with Pastor Bruce Frank of Biltmore Church about the church's rapid response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. Pastor Bruce shares how the 828 Strong initiative, with the help of countless volunteers, is providing essential resources like food, water, and prayer to those affected. Amidst the storm, Bi...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton interviews Donald Hicks, the Executive Director of Classroom Connections, a nonprofit based in Hickory, North Carolina. Since 2013, Classroom Connections has provided over $1.5 million worth of school supplies to teachers across seven counties, focusing on schools with the highest need. Donald shares the organization’s vision, the challenges t...

Join Braxton as he highlights the incredible work God is doing through Christian Learning Centers in Greenville, South Carolina. Lisa Had shares powerful stories of how the Release Time program is transforming lives within public schools. From middle and high school students forming personal relationships with Jesus to entire families coming to faith, this episode of Community Spotlight will inspi...

In this episode of Community Spotlight, we dive into the inspiring work of Heart for Freedom in Greenville, SC. Join Braxton as he sits down with Julie Ro, the visionary behind this transformative nonprofit. Julie shares her personal journey from a corporate career to tackling the heavy issues of sexual trauma and human trafficking. Discover how Heart for Freedom is making a profound impact by gui...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , host Braxton sits down with Rebecca Moon from the Women of Carolina to discuss the upcoming 15th Annual Women of Carolina Conference . Rebecca shares the heart behind the conference, which is focused on encouraging and equipping women to choose joy in every season of life. They dive deep into the topics of faith, community, and the power of spiritual growth...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Sarah Kelly from Set Free Alliance to shed light on the incredible work they're doing to combat child slavery and provide clean water in West Africa and India. Discover how this faith-based nonprofit is rescuing children, drilling life-saving wells, and planting churches to spread the gospel. Sarah shares inspiring stories of transfor...

In this powerful episode of Community Spotlight , we shine a light on two incredible organizations making a significant impact in Asheville and beyond. Join Braxton as he speaks with Michelle Coleman from the Asheville Dream Center and Bryn Journey from Legacy of Hope International. Discover how these two organizations are joining forces to combat human trafficking and abuse through prevention, ed...

In this heartwarming episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Sarah Blanton from Safe Harbor, a Christ-centered nonprofit in Hickory, NC. Safe Harbor is dedicated to helping women who face homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges find hope and healing. Learn how this remarkable ministry provides housing, recovery programs, and life-changing support to women...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton welcomes back Yaroslav Naco from Restoring Ukraine to provide an eye-opening update on the ongoing war in Ukraine. With the spotlight on the devastation caused by over 12,000 missile attacks, Yaroslav shares the heart-wrenching realities faced by Ukrainians, especially children and families. He also highlights the remarkable efforts of Restoring Ukr...

In this episode of Community Spotlight , Braxton sits down with Melanie from Hope Remains Ranch in Wellford, SC, to explore the transformative power of equine therapy for those dealing with trauma. From PTSD to depression, Melanie shares how horses are helping individuals, from children to adults, heal faster than traditional therapy. Discover heartwarming stories of community impact, including ho...

In this impactful episode of Community Spotlight , host Braxton sits down with Zach Payin, founder of 'More Heart Than Scars', to share the incredible story of pushing limits—both physical and emotional. From wheelchair athletes conquering Mount Mitchell to uplifting those battling addiction and depression, Zach's mission is to show that everyone has the strength to overcome life's obstacles...

What is Israel's significance for Christians today? Braxton hosts an insightful conversation with Sam Nadler from Word of Messiah Ministries, discussing the ongoing conflict in Israel, the importance of supporting God's chosen people, and how Christians worldwide can make a meaningful impact. Learn about the mission to plant Messianic congregations, the role of believers in end-time events, and pr...

In this episode of Community Spotlight, explore the vital role of foster care in Western North Carolina and the Piedmont. Braxton welcomes Debbie Smiley and James Carroll from Davidson Family Services to discuss the urgent need for foster families, the rewarding impact on children's lives, and how you can get involved. Hear heartfelt stories of resilience and discover how fostering can be a transf...

In this episode, Braxton is joined by Kaylin Robinson and Chuck Murray from Sowing Mustard Seeds. Discover how this dedicated ministry is transforming lives by meeting the needs of those struggling with addiction, mental illness, and food insecurity in Charlotte, NC. Learn about their heartfelt journey and how their faith drives them to be the hands and feet of Jesus, providing hope and spreading...

Kris Swiatocho of The Singles Network Ministries returns to share her inspiring journey of ministering in Europe, working with single moms, single adults, and the Gypsy community. Kris also delves into the significance of living life to the fullest and how she infuses humor into her teachings. Discover the transformative impact of the Labor Day Singles Retreat and hear heartwarming stories of fait...

In this episode, Braxton dives into a heartwarming conversation with Hunt Keith, Joshua Beverly, and Jason Beverly from Child Evangelism Fellowship in Asheville, NC. Discover the incredible impact of Good News Clubs, which bring prayer and the message of Jesus back into public elementary schools, and hear about their inspiring mission trip to Uganda. Learn how these dedicated individuals are trans...

In this episode, Braxton welcomes Wally Hartman and Dr. Rich from Pilots for Christ North Carolina. Explore their incredible journey of faith and service, providing free air transportation for those in need of medical care. Listen to inspiring stories of compassion, from flying a child for surgery to helping a cancer patient get life-saving treatment. Discover how their mission of "doing for the l...