PODCAST · religion
Community Spotlight
by The Light FM
This weekly feature highlights the work people are doing in The Light FM’s listening area. You’ll hear interesting and lively conversations with community difference makers.
Episodes
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Baptist Children's Home
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…
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Focus Ministries
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.…
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Mercy and Truth Ministries
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,...
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Life 107
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...
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PS I Love You Ministries
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...
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Asheville Gideon Camp
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...
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Freedom Life Ministries
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,...
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Roadside Ministry
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...
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More Than a Game: How SWNC FCA Is Changing Lives Through Sports
Braxton talks with Danny Wilkins of Southwest North Carolina Fellowship of Christian Athletes about how God is using sports to open doors for ministry across schools, campuses, and communities. From summer camps and weekly FCA huddles to Bible studies for coaches, Danny shares how FCA is…
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Shepherds for Sheepdogs
Braxton sits down with Nicole Davis of Shepherds for Sheepdogs, a Western North Carolina ministry providing professionally trained service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. Nicole shares how these dogs help individuals facing PTSD and anxiety, how the ministry uses those…
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Taking the Bible Beyond the Classroom
What if students could step away from the school day and hear the Gospel? Braxton talks with Dave Johnson, director of Camp Tapawingo, about the growing impact of Bible Release Time across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Dave shares how the ministry serves more than 2,000 students in over…
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Hope That Rebuilds: Restoring Ukraine One Home at a Time
Yaroslav Natusko, founder of Restore Ukraine, joins Braxton to share an update on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the hope that's still being found in the middle of it. He explains how his organization works directly on the ground to provide relief, rebuild homes, and serve…
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West Blvd Ministry
Bart Noonan of West Boulevard Ministry shares how God is transforming lives by meeting practical needs with the love of Christ. From mentoring young men and supporting law enforcement to serving communities across Charlotte and beyond, this conversation is a powerful reminder that living out the...
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Harvesters Ministries
Francois Rauch, CEO of Harvesters Ministries, shares how God is transforming unreached communities by planting churches in some of the world's most difficult places. From hidden tribes in the Amazon to a growing movement across 118 countries, hear how simple discipleship is leading to…
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Davidson Fellows Program
The Davidson Fellows Program is a nine-month Christian leadership and discipleship program for young adults ages 20–24 who are transitioning into the workforce. Based in Davidson, North Carolina, the program combines spiritual growth, career development, mentorship, and real-world work experience...
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Excell College
Excell College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, offers a unique, Christ-centered education that combines academics, practical life skills, career preparation, and spiritual discipleship. Shannon Howard explains that the college focuses on developing wise, mature, and productive followers of...
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Taking Jesus to the Racetrack: FaithFest at North Wilkesboro Speedway
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Craig Church of Craig Church Ministries and FaithFest to discuss an extraordinary outreach taking place during NASCAR race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Through prayer tents, fan engagement, volunteer opportunities, gospel...
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Singing on the Mountain: A Century of Faith, Fellowship, and Worship
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton explores the rich history and lasting impact of the Grandfather Mountain “Singing on the Mountain,” a beloved annual gospel gathering now celebrating its 101st year. Event leaders Harris Prevost, Owen Gwyn, and Pastor Michael McKee share how this…
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Safe Harbor: Restoring Hope for Women and Families in Hickory
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Stephanie Robinson of Safe Harbor shares how the faith-based ministry is transforming lives in Hickory, North Carolina. Through homelessness support, addiction recovery, transitional housing, mentorship, and practical care, Safe Harbor helps women and...
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Promised Land Farm Ministry: Sharing the Biblical Truth of Creation
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Steve Levinson of Promised Land Farm Ministry in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Steve shares how his passion for teaching biblical creation led him into a full-time ministry focused on creation versus evolution seminars in churches across...
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Ashure Ministry: Bringing Hope to Families in Crisis
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Josh Farmer from Ashure Ministry in Newton, North Carolina about the organization’s mission to help individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, and financial hardship. Josh shares how the ministry combines practical assistance...
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Totally Free Clothes Store: Serving Shelby With Compassion and Hope
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Melanie Burr from the Totally Free Clothes Store in Shelby, North Carolina. Melanie shares how the ministry provides free clothing, food, toiletries, and support resources to individuals and families facing hardship, homelessness, and...
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In His Steps Dance Ministry: Worship Through Movement
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Amanda Newcomb of In His Steps Dance Ministry in Asheville, North Carolina. Amanda shares how the ministry combines dance training with faith, creating a Christ-centered environment where students of all ages can worship through movement,...
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Camp Tapawingo: A Place of Joy Changing Kids’ Lives
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Dave Johnson from Camp Tapawingo in East Tennessee about the life-changing impact of Christian summer camp ministry. Dave shares the rich history behind the camp, powerful stories of kids coming to know Jesus, and how Camp Tapawingo...
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Baptist Children's Home of NC
There’s a growing need in Western North Carolina for house parents to care for children in crisis. This episode shares how you can step into a calling that brings hope, stability, and the love of Christ to kids who need it most.
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Unconditional Love: Inside Knoxville’s Focus Ministries
What does real hope look like behind prison walls? In this episode, Focus Ministries shares how they’re bringing the love of Jesus to incarcerated and newly released women—restoring identity, rebuilding lives, and showing what true unconditional love looks like.
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KICKO: Reaching Knoxville’s Next Generation
What if real change starts right where kids live? In this episode, we spotlight KICKO and how they’re bringing hope, faith, and mentorship directly into Knoxville neighborhoods—raising up the next generation to follow Jesus and lead with purpose.
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Building a Place to Belong: The Heart Behind The Hope Center
This Community Spotlight shares the story of The Hope Center in Hendersonville, where a simple calling turned into a life-giving space for individuals with disabilities and their families. What began with just a couple of people has grown into a thriving program offering connection, activities…
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A Light of Hope: How Mercy and Truth Ministries Is Reaching Families One Home at a Time
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Jeremiah Simpson of Mercy and Truth Ministries about how a simple Christmas outreach grew into a year-round mission impacting families across Elkin, Wilkes, and surrounding counties. Through providing toys, food, and Bibles to those in...
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More Than a Game: How Power Cross Is Reaching Hundreds of Young Men for Christ
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton reconnects with Jeff and Natalie from Power Cross to hear how their sports-based ministry is transforming lives in Statesville and Salisbury, NC. What started as a small Bible study has grown into a program impacting over 400 young men weekly—using...
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Set Free Alliance: Fighting the Global Water Crisis & Child Slavery
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Alison Storm from Set Free Alliance about how a local Upstate South Carolina ministry is making a global impact. From drilling wells to rescuing children from slavery, their mission is rooted in sharing the gospel through tangible action....
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From Brokenness to Hope: How Strong Life Ministries is Changing Lives in Hickory NC
In this Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with John Hayes of Strong Life Ministries to unpack how a simple act—coffee in a park—grew into a life-changing mission serving the homeless in Hickory, NC. Since 2012, Strong Life has focused on building real relationships, offering practical…
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Christian Emergency Relief Team (CERT)
Braxton sits dow to talk with Christian Emergency Relief Team.
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Excell College
Braxton talks to Excell College about their impact in the community!
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Joni and Friends
Braxtons sits down with Joni and Friends for this weeks Community Spotlight!
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Wings of Mercy
Braxton sits down with Wings of Mercy on this weeks Community Spotlight!
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Shepherds for Sheepdogs
Braxton talks to Shepherds for Sheepdogs about their impact in the community!
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The Singles Network
Braxton talks to The Singles Network about their impact in the community!
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Embrace Grace
Braxton Critcher talks about the works of Embrace Grace in the community!
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S2L Recovery
In this Community Spotlight episode, Braxton talks with Sarah Keel about her faith-driven transition from Renew Clinic Knoxville to Spring to Life Recovery in Middle Tennessee. Sarah shares how God led her through an uncomfortable season of change, her calling as a ministry builder, and her…
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NC Baptists on Mission
In this Community Spotlight episode, Braxton sits down with Mark Abernathy from North Carolina Baptists on Mission to highlight the impact of the Appalachian Christmas Outreach. The conversation covers how churches across North Carolina partner together to serve families in Appalachia through...
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Mission Christmas
Community Spotlight with Braxton Critcher shines a light on Mission Christmas, a year-round outreach based in Statesville that’s been serving families across North Carolina for more than a decade. Braxton talks with Ben Loomis about how his wife Kate started Mission Christmas with a simple…
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One Vision International
Braxton talks with Rachel Cox, who oversees Brazil and the Dominican Republic for One Vision International, a Knoxville-based ministry that meets practical needs—like medical care, education, and job skills—as a bridge to sharing the gospel. Rachel highlights their Christ-centered sewing program…
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Bounty of Bethlehem
Braxton talks with Dr. Christopher Wilson, the new executive director of Bounty of Bethlehem in Hendersonville, a 43-year-old Christmas Day meal ministry that brings the whole community together to serve anyone in need. Christopher shares how he first got involved as a junior high student and how...
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Wilkes Ministry of Hope
Braxton talks with John Triplet from the Wilkes Ministry of Hope about how the ministry meets practical needs in Wilkes County while sharing the gospel. John describes their food outreach, financial assistance, baby closet, wood-cutting efforts, and their growing ramp-building ministry, all of...
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From PTSD to Purpose: A Ministry Connecting Heroes with Healing
In this powerful episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Earl and Nicole from Shepherds for Sheep Dogs, a ministry based in Lenoir, NC that provides professionally trained service dogs to disabled veterans and first responders. But these aren’t just dogs—they’re doorways to…
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Focus Ministries
In this Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Catherine and Jody from Focus Ministries in Knoxville and Powell, Tennessee — a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside women during and after incarceration. Jody shares her powerful story of a 27-year drug addiction, early...
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Scam Call Warning
Braxton sits down with Sheriff Ricky Buchanan to break down how today’s scammers spoof legit numbers (even banks and sheriff’s offices), pressure victims to stay on the line, and demand payment via gift cards or cash drops. Hear real cases—from fake jury-duty warrants to an “FBI” impersonator who...
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Autistic Faith
Braxton sits down with Jameson Healy, founder of Autistic Faith, to unpack how churches can welcome and disciple people with autism and ADHD. Jameson shares his story, why so many neurodivergent adults feel unseen on Sundays, and practical steps—like buddy systems, volunteer training, and…
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Camp Living Water
In this Community Spotlight episode, Braxton reconnects with Kyle Palmer, director of Camp Living Water in Bryson City, NC. Kyle shares how the camp has fully surrendered its mission and finances to God—opening its doors to families, ministries, and the community without setting a price tag,...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This weekly feature highlights the work people are doing in The Light FM’s listening area. You’ll hear interesting and lively conversations with community difference makers.
HOSTED BY
The Light FM
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Community Spotlight have?
Community Spotlight currently has 385 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Community Spotlight about?
This weekly feature highlights the work people are doing in The Light FM’s listening area. You’ll hear interesting and lively conversations with community difference makers.
How often does Community Spotlight release new episodes?
Community Spotlight publishes regularly with 385 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Community Spotlight?
You can listen to Community Spotlight on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Community Spotlight?
Community Spotlight is created and hosted by The Light FM.
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