Community Spotlight

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Pastor Mack from Roadside Ministry as he prepares for their third annual 40-day crusade. Traveling in an RV with a portable early-church-style chapel, Pastor Mack and his wife stop at gas stations, malls, rest areas, and more to share the simple gospel message, pray with people, and meet practical needs. This year’s theme, from Luke 10:2, focuses on the plentiful harvest and the need for more laborers. Pastor Mack shares powerful stories from past crusades, including lives saved from despair, thousands of Gospels of John distributed, and unique outreach methods like giving bottled water, children’s gifts, and gift cards to those in need. He also details how listeners can partner financially, donate supplies, or join them for the September 11th launch in Mooresville, NC.

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Melanie Burr, leader of the Totally Free Clothing Store in Shelby, NC—a volunteer-run ministry providing free clothes, accessories, and essentials to anyone in need. Melanie shares how she stepped in to keep the store open after COVID, expanding to a larger space and serving the community through God’s provision. From helping the homeless and disaster survivors to supporting foster families, the store has become a place of hope, prayer, and practical help. She explains how the store operates without paid staff, relies on donations and fundraisers, and is now preparing to open a thrift store to help cover expenses. Melanie also invites volunteers to join in serving, from sorting donations to packing backpacks for school kids, demonstrating how one act of faith can make a big difference in a community.

In this Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Chris Fota from The Singles Network about the exciting growth of singles ministry in Western North Carolina and beyond. Chris shares how God is opening doors for churches to reach singles—whether never married, widowed, or single parents—through new Sunday school classes, Bible studies, and retreats. They discuss the upcoming Flat Rock Labor Day Singles Retreat with its theme “Truth and Lies,” designed to help attendees recognize God’s truth over the enemy’s deception while building friendships and community. Chris also highlights her other ministry events, including the Restoration Experience for women, and ongoing outreach efforts for hurricane relief.

In this unique Community Spotlight episode recorded live at Atlanta Bread Company in Asheville, Braxton chats with Bob Machen of the Asheville Gideons. Their convo dives into how Bob and fellow Gideons are sharing the gospel in bold but gentle ways — literally on the sidewalks outside graduation ceremonies and through everyday encounters.

Bob shares powerful moments from recent outreaches, like giving out over 1,600 New Testaments during Asheville-area graduations and having spontaneous prayer sessions with students and families — many of whom were surprisingly open and hungry for deeper connection.

In this inspiring episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Melanie Bell, founder and director of City Lights Ministry in Winston-Salem, NC. What started 11 years ago as a simple neighborhood outreach to kids has now grown into a multifaceted ministry meeting real needs—everything from mobile food distribution and clothing closets to building beds for children and supporting new moms with essential baby supplies.

Amanda Gopel of The Hundred Movement joins Braxton to share how God is working in the fight against human trafficking across North Carolina. From trauma-informed counseling to community partnerships and creative housing solutions, this episode explores how local churches—and ordinary people—can be part of the healing journey for survivors. Plus, get the details on their upcoming fall fundraiser: a family-friendly puzzle competition in October.

In this episode, Braxton speaks with Amanda Newcomb of In His Steps, a faith-based dance ministry that’s been serving Western North Carolina since 1998. What started with a few preschoolers dancing in church has grown into a full studio where worship, discipleship, and community collide. From summer camps and nursing home tours to powerful moments of transformation, Amanda shares how God is using movement to minister to hearts and heal lives.

Legacy of Hope International is working to prevent child trafficking and empower families—right here in our own backyards. Bryn joins Braxton to talk about their upcoming June 29th safety party in Columbia, SC, how trauma affects generational cycles, and why teaching kids the power of "no" and identifying five safe adults can be life-changing. Through education, community outreach, and the love of Jesus, this ministry is helping bring light to the darkest places.