Community Spotlight
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
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 goal&m...
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 in the DR, which began with two volunteers teaching a small group of women basic skills and has grown int...
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 which open doors for pointing people to Jesus. The episode focuses especially on their annual Toy Store, now in its 21s...
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 healing, reintegration, and Gospel...
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 arres...
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 walked away with $25,000—and learn the n...
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 awa...
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 com...
This week on Community Spotlight, Braxton chats with David Eaton, CEO and founder of Axis.org, about one of the biggest questions parents face today: When should I give my kid a smartphone?
Da...
Hope Chest for Women - Community Spotlight
In this special six-year anniversary episode of Community Spotlight, host Braxton sits down with Pastor David Murray of Glory Land Missionary Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC. Pastor Murray shares how his church is bringing the gospel outside its walls—specifically through a powerful outreach at the Cleveland County Fair. From serving food and engaging fairgoers wit...
Braxton sits down with Todd Cutter—campus pastor, Director of Spiritual Life, and Director of Counseling at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC—to hear how God is moving among college students. Todd shares how students are leaning into faith, engaging in civil conversations, and caring for one another in a post-COVID culture. From a new 24/7 food pantry to weekly chapel gatherings and community c...
In this episode, Braxton talks with Cole Thompson of CPS Construction in Shelby, NC, about how a construction company is making an eternal impact. From organizing the Diaper Run bike ride to support foster families with diapers, to providing Roofs for Veterans at no cost, Cole shares how God has opened doors to serve people in practical way...
Braxton welcomes returning guest Bryn Journey from Legacy of Hope International, a WNC-based, Christ-centered nonprofit fighting human trafficking through prevention, survivor-led education, and global outreach. Bryn unpacks “safety parties” that teach kids body safety and the power of “no,” warns about online grooming, and shares how LOHI’s work in Cambodia has grown into churches...
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Aaron McMahon, founder of CPR Missions and former police officer who left law enforcement to follow God’s call into full-time ministry. Aaron shares how his journey from the streets of Knoxville to international missions began with simply stepping out in faith and sharing the gospel one-on-one. Hear how CPR Miss...
In this episode of Community Spotlight, Braxton sits down with Stacey Fields, owner of Mini Batch Bakery, to share how God has been at work in her life and business. Stacey opens up about stepping out in faith, the joy of serving her community, and how small acts of generosity can lead to big impacts. From supporting local nonprofits to creating a kitchen filled with laughter...
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...
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 ...
In this Community Spotlight, Braxton talks with Kris Swiatocho 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 Si...
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