Small Town Big God

Samantha Richardson shares her powerful testimony of faith through life's struggles. Samantha recounts her story of enduring loss, navigating the challenges of her pregnancies, and witnessing God's hand in her family's life. Despite facing significant hardships, including the loss of a child and her daughter Amelia's rare lung disease, Samantha's unwavering faith in God's promises helped her emerg...

In this episode of 'Small Town, Big God,' host Mikel Collins introduces the story of Stephen Johnson Thorne. Stephen's journey is a rollercoaster of excitement, heartbreak, addiction, and redemption. The episode delves into Stephen's wild early years, and his struggles with an abusive father, ultimately highlighting his path to restoration both with his earthly father and his faith. Stephen shares...

In this episode of 'Small Town, Big God,' host Mikel Collins introduces Randy Southwick, a pastor dedicated to supporting other pastors through Solitude Place Ministries. Randy shares his and his wife Laurie's journey through personal and professional struggles, highlighting God's guidance in their lives. The conversation touches on the importance of community, mentorship, the unique challenges fa...

Mosaic Hope, a remarkable ministry making a significant impact on foster care in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Emily Wood, the executive director of Mosaic Hope, who shares her incredible journey from personal struggles to founding a life-changing organization. Emily's story is a heartfelt testimony of how faith, community support, and innovative approaches are transforming the experience of...

In this episode of 'Small Town, Big God,' host Mikel Collins explores how big businesses can play a vital role in small-town life through a faith-driven approach. The guest, Sam Siegler, owner of the Chick-fil-A in Forest City, North Carolina, shares his journey from being a team member to an operator, inspired by the values of Chick-fil-A's founder Truett Cathy. Siegler discusses his dedication t...

Host Mikel Collins and guest Devon Raisch, the Rutherford County Airport's Director of Operations, recount the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the subsequent relief efforts. Devon shares firsthand experiences of managing the airport during the disaster, including the chaos of fuel shortages, emergency rescues, and unexpected visitors. He highlights the community's incredible res...

In this special episode of Small Town Big God, host Mikel Collins presents an unedited interview with Tom Calton, founder of The Forge, a men's ministry in Polk County emphasizing godly masculinity. The conversation covers the history and mission of The Forge, influenced by 'Wild at Heart' by John Eldredge, and its evolution since 2000. The episode delves into the significance of community and dis...

In this episode of 'Small Town Big God', Mikel Collins introduces Tom Calton, the founder of The Forge – a ministry aimed at discipling men and promoting biblical masculinity in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The episode covers the origin and growth of The Forge, starting from small group gatherings to significant ministry events. Key discussions include cultural changes, the fatherless epidem...

In this episode of Small Town Big God, host Mikel Collins introduces the remarkable journey of All Things All People (ATAP), a ministry in Rutherford County, North Carolina, dedicated to equipping Christians to spread the gospel to the least reached and darkest communities. We hear from Jeremy Jenkins, founder and executive director of ATAP, who shares the ministry's transformation from a consulti...

In this episode of Small Town, Big God, host Mikel Collins highlights the incredible journey of Cortney Jenkins, a special needs advocate and founder of Awe and Wonder. The episode covers Cortney's return to Rutherford County, her transition from a special education teacher to a full-time mom, and eventually starting a ministry-centric business aimed at creating special education curriculums for c...

Michelle Rippy, a local woman who battled severe addiction for over two decades. Michelle recounts her chaotic upbringing, struggles with methamphetamine, and her miraculous survival after a dire health scare. Despite her initial reluctance, and guided by key community figures and the support of Hope Network and Hope House Coffee, Michelle found her path to recovery and faith. Through her journey,...

In this episode of Small Town, Big God, host Mikel Collins dives into part two of the Hope Network story. He interviews Jessalyn Ramsey, a participant in the Hope Network’s recovery program. Jessalyn shares her tumultuous past, her experiences with multiple recovery centers, and how she finally found stability and hope with Hope Network. The discussion covers Jessalyn’s struggles, the critical rol...

Ashley Nichols is the Executive Director of Hope Network, a ministry providing transitional housing and support for women in recovery in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Ashley shares her journey with the organization and elaborates on the programs designed to help women overcome addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. The episode provides insights into the history of Hope Network, their cur...

In this episode of 'Small Town, Big God,' host Mikel Collins continues the inspiring story of Hope House Coffee in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The focus of this episode is Carl Schultz, the coffee shop's manager, who shares his remarkable journey from feeling called to ministry while working as a chef to becoming a pivotal figure at Hope House Coffee. Carl discusses the challenges and confi...

Hope House Coffee is a relatively new coffee shop in Forest City that serves more than just great beverages—it's a ministry aimed at fostering community and supporting global missions. Mikel speaks with J.R. Blanton and Eddie Nichols, key figures behind the coffee shop's creation, as they recount the journey from its inception as a mission trip idea in 2017 to its current status as a non-profit in...

Rutherford Count, NC, also known as Small Town Friendly. Is an incredible place where God is doing some amazing things. Stick around to hear about all the incredible things God is doing in Small Town Friendly.