Community Spotlight

Bart Noonan of West Boulevard Ministries joins Braxton to share how God is using their ministry to serve families in Charlotte and Western North Carolina. From providing Christmas gifts to thousands of children to building lasting relationships in underserved communities, Bart shares how their mission is to meet people where they are and demonstrate the love of Jesus through service.

Braxton talks with Heather Ward from Jethro's Community Outreach in Valdese, NC, about how God transformed a ministry originally focused on at-risk youth into a place of hope and practical help for people experiencing homelessness.

Heather shares how the ministry connects people with food, clothing, transportation, and essential services while building relationships and showing the love of Jesus in tangible ways. She also opens up about how serving the unsheltered community has changed her own perspective on homelessness.

Plus, hear about their November 20 Homelessness Awareness event, featuring a meal, pie auction, outdoor movie, and overnight sleep-out experience designed to help the community better understand the challenges of living without shelter.

Find out how you can get involved, donate winter clothing, or support the ministry at jethros.info.

With thousands of children in North Carolina's foster care system, the need for loving families and supportive communities is greater than ever. On this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton welcomes Jeremy Knipe from Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina to discuss how churches can support foster families and help prevent burnout. Jeremy also shares how their annual Christmas celebration brings joy to children who have experienced hardship and how the community can help make this special tradition possible.

After spending 18 years in and out of incarceration, Ashley Sands never imagined the life God had planned for her. On this episode of Community Spotlight, Ashley shares how Focus Ministries in Knoxville, Tennessee, helped her rediscover her faith, rebuild relationships, and find a new purpose. Now a graduate, mentor, and volunteer, Ashley's powerful testimony is a reminder that no one is beyond God's grace and that it's never too late for a new beginning.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Jeremiah from Mercy and Truth Ministries shares how the organization is bringing hope to families across North Carolina through its annual Christmas outreach. Working closely with local schools, the ministry provides children with gifts, families with food, and every household with Bibles—all with the goal of sharing the love and hope of Christ. After serving around 8,000 people last Christmas, Mercy and Truth is once again rallying volunteers, churches, businesses, and donors to help make Christmas possible for families in need. Pasted markdown

Life 107 is bringing hope and practical support to people affected by sex trafficking and exploitation in Asheville and beyond. In this episode of Community Spotlight, Joe Ferris and Bryn Journey share how the ministry works to protect vulnerable people, reach those at risk, and help survivors rebuild their lives through counseling, case management, education, prayer, and basic-needs assistance. They also discuss the realities of trafficking in local communities and Life 107’s vision for “Rehab’s Refuge,” a safe place where survivors can find stability, healing, and a fresh start.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Kay Kirby of P.S. I Love You Ministries about how God turned her family’s foster care experience into a ministry serving children and foster families across Upstate South Carolina. From providing clothing and essentials at no cost to supporting foster parents, hosting community events, and sharing the love of Jesus, Kay explains how the ministry is meeting practical needs while reminding children in foster care that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Bob Maitson of the Asheville Area Gideons about how Gideons International is sharing Scripture far beyond hotel rooms. From handing out thousands of New Testaments at the Mountain State Fair to reaching students on college campuses across the region, Bob shares stories of lives being changed through prayer, personal conversations, and access to God’s Word.

In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Danny Hampton of Freedom Life Ministries to hear how the ministry has grown from a local outreach into a five-county mission across Western North Carolina. Danny shares powerful stories of people overcoming addiction, incarceration, and brokenness through practical support, community, and the hope of Christ—creating change not only in individual lives, but in entire families for generations.

Braxton talks with Pastor Mac of Roadside Ministries as he prepares for the fourth annual God Bless America Crusade, a 40-day journey dedicated to sharing the Gospel with people along the road. This year, the ministry is placing a special focus on honoring veterans, first responders, and law enforcement while distributing thousands of copies of the Gospel of John, food, water, and other resources. Pastor Mac also shares what years of stepping out in faith have taught him about listening to God, trusting His direction, and boldly going wherever He opens the door.