Community Spotlight

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...

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...

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 th...

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 t...

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,...

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 stor...

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, a...

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...

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...

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 Christi...

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 deva...

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...

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 i...

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 s...

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. Through...

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....

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 t...

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...