In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton welcomes back Chris Watta 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. Chris shares powerful encouragement for those who may feel left out or overlooked this time of year. Plus, she gives us the inside scoop on the upcoming Labor Day Singles Retreat in Flat Rock, NC—an unforgettable weekend of worship, community, and truth for singles of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're single, grieving, or simply looking to connect with others, this episode reminds us: God sees you, and you’re never alone.
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 spaces for young people to share their faith and find belonging. You’ll hear powerful stories of lives changed—some starting with nothing more than donuts and a gym—and how you can be part of this growing movement to reach the next generation for Christ.
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 belonging. With powerful stories of transformation and a vision for free camps for vulnerable kids, Christine’s work is a beautiful example of how God uses creation to bring healing.
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 of the incarcerated. From redemption to reform, this is a story of hope rising out of the ashes.
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 its founding in 2015, Basics Ministries has served thousands of families, distributing over 12,000 pounds of food per month, while also sharing the gospel with every person they serve. With a focus on both physical and spiritual needs, Barry encourages others to take that first step in faith, trusting God to provide the resources needed for any ministry. Volunteers and donations are key to the success of the ministry, and Barry invites those interested to get involved and make a difference.
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 thriving ministry, providing over 200 cakes each year and touching the lives of children who might otherwise not experience a birthday celebration. Amber explains the impact of this simple yet profound act of kindness, and the organization's vision for future growth, including partnerships with other agencies and potential vocational training for women who have been trafficked. Through the act of baking cakes, Bakeroos is serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, offering hope to children in need.
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 traumatic experiences shaped his ability to help others. Veterans are welcomed into a safe, peaceful environment where horses play a key role in their emotional healing. By the end of their stay, many veterans leave transformed, finding not just peace but a deeper connection with God. Harvey’s work demonstrates the power of faith, animals, and community in the recovery process.
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, all while opening doors for pastors to share Christ’s love. Sarah also discusses the importance of the upcoming World Water Day, local involvement in the upstate of South Carolina, and how individuals can support the mission through resources like a children's book and their annual fundraising gala.
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 stories of children finding comfort, trust, and hope, as well as how the community can get involved in supporting foster care efforts. The conversation emphasizes God’s work in transforming lives through support, volunteerism, and prayer.
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, and crucial support for individuals, along with a heartwarming initiative called "Dispense Love." The campaign encourages everyone in the community to spread God's love through random acts of kindness, with the goal of transforming Cleveland County into a place where love is at the forefront of every action.