In this episode of Community Spotlight on The Light FM, Braxton sits down with Pastor Steven Buys of The Orchard Church to explore the real-world impact of Acts of Summer — a movement encouraging believers to live like the early Church. Pastor Steven shares inspiring testimonies of transformed lives in Western North Carolina, including a powerful story of a bank teller whose encounter with a churchgoer led him to Christ.
The heart of the Orchard Church is “to be the church to the community,” a mission that fuels their outreach, including a bold new church plant in West Asheville. Pastor Steven details how this initiative, born from a legacy of church revitalization, is set to empower a fresh, independent congregation. He also shares about his book The Doorway of Prayer, written to help believers move from a “prayer life” to a life of prayer.
This episode is a compelling call to bold faith, everyday evangelism, and the power of sharing your story. Whether you’re walking into a bank or planting a church, God moves when we step out in obedience.
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Asheville Gideons
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.
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City Lights
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.
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The Hundred Movement
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.
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In His Steps
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.
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.
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