Air1 Radio News: Recent Episodes
Air1 News Team
Billy Graham once said that coaches affect more people in a year than anyone else in a lifetime. “The rest of that quote says, ‘so who’s coaching the coaches? Who’s pouring into our leaders?’ notes Tommy Kyle, Exec. Dir. of Nations of Coaches. The ministry specializes in outreach to the world of college basketball. Volunteers work as Character Coaches, leading biblically-based teachings for staff and student athletes. “A round orange ball filled with air has allowed me to go all around the world and share Jesus.” Closer Look’s Brent Adams reports. [2025 All Rights Reserved - K-LOVE inc.]
Most of us think overdose deaths occur out on dark city streets, but an increasing number happen in America’s quiet suburban homes. “Mainly children,” says Sgt. Daniel Webb, “but there is elderly too that are being affected, that are buying pills online that they think are something else.” Drug cartels have pill presses that mimic the look of Xanax, Adderall even Grandma’s blood pressure medicine. Deadly doses of fentanyl are even showing up in gummies and vape pens. What can we do to stop the flow? Air1's Monika Kelly reports.
A yellow bead for overnight stays in the hospital. A black bead for every needle poke. Colorful glass beads from Beads Of Courage are worn as a visual reminder for brave kids fighting pain or disease. The arts-in-medicine program serves 60,000 children in 400 hospitals in 9 countries. Beads are awarded free of charge, supported by the talents and generosity of local glass artisans. Air1's Jeanice Lee reports.
“We wanted to know more about GenZ,” says Kim Nollan, Dir. of Research and Study at Young Life. The ministry asked people ages 13-24yrs to describe themselves. “The majority of the respondents wrote kind,” Nollan confirms, adding “kindness translates into concern for their neighbor.” Young people put heavy emphasis on relationship. “We just wanna have dinner together and get to know older generations -- and have them get to know us.” Air1's Billie Wright reports.
Your loved one suddenly needs round-the-clock care. “Your whole world can be turned upside down,” says Marvell Adams Jr, CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “I would urge all caregivers to feel okay with reaching out for help,” says Edwin Walker of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Both agencies provide free advice, assistance and friendly ears to those caring for the elderly, sick or disabled among us. Rafael Sierra reports.[Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]
Sending your child off to school can be scary. Will they be safe? Will they be successful? What can a mom do? Moms in Prayer International has prayer groups in all U.S. states and 150 countries. “Our desire, our vision is that every school in the world would be covered in prayer,” says Jennifer Appleton, MIP South Texas State Coordinator. Appleton finds women often form lifelong friendships in the groups. “These women are praying God's promises over our children -- oh my goodness, what that does for a mama's heart!” Felipe Aguilar reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
The Soup Ladies are a faithful group of volunteers trained and certified on incident command. “I just started telling fire departments and police departments that if they were stuck on a scene they could call,” says founder ‘Mama’ Ginger Passarelli. When invited, the ladies feed and comfort weary heroes at crime scenes and natural disasters. “There have been many times where I've handed somebody a bowl of soup… they actually get tears in their eyes.” Lexy Smith reports. [Educational Media Foundation]
“God is still God,” declares Pastor Daryl Black of Grace Family Church in Tampa, Florida. Two weeks after 30-thousand people flooded their Easter service at Buc’s stadium, they counted at least 947 men, women and children who walked into the ocean at Fort De Soto Beach to be baptized. "I baptized so many people that my back was hurtin' when I was done," he laughs. Passersby also responded to the message of salvation in Jesus. “This is crazy,” he says, people in the water, “they were floating by, going ‘what’s happening here? Can we get baptized too?’” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
You’ve seen college students shout and make demands -- but that’s NOT the whole Gen Z story. “I would guess there were a 1,000 students who came forward for salvation,” says ministry founder Tonya Prewett speaking of just one of many recent UniteUS college rallies. Gen Zrs at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State made just one demand -- to be baptized. "A student messaged one of the pastors and said ‘please can I get baptized tonight, I don’t want to wait.’" Prewett led mass baptisms at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State, with plans to visit additional colleges and universities later this year. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Brian ‘Pastor B’ Sederwall is helping transform lives while bringing people closer to Christ. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Gary Bohling volunteers at the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix, teaching kindness as a firefighter. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
A stark loneliness can settle in after a cancer diagnosis. “Our vision is a world where cancer is not a solitary experience,” says Stephanie Lieber, Exec. Dir of Imerman Angels. “That is why we are here -- so that you don't have to face this disease alone.” The international network offers free peer-to-peer friendship for any stage. “We match cancer fighters, survivors, pre-vivers and caregivers with someone who's been through something that they have been through.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
After his own battle with cancer in his 20s, Phil Zielke launched Phil's Friends to support others through their treatment. His organization provides free, hand-decorated care boxes, and follows up by sending monthly greeting cards every month for a year. The ministry also offers Hope On Call, where a friendly person will listen on the phone and offer prayer to people going through treatment. Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Billie Wright talks with Lt. Enrico Dixon about the Inner-City RCP program which allows teens and police to race RC Monster trucks as a way to build ties within the community in Chicago.
Billie Wright talks with Kevin Tuerff about his 9/11 story and how it inspired him to create the Pay If Forward 9/11 non-profit.
A small meow tugs at a soldier’s lonely heart. A bony pup cowering nearby begs for a bite of ration. U.S. combat vets adopt battlefield pets they must leave when deployment is done. Paws of War runs missions to find the soldier’s beloved cat or dog in countries like Iraq and Syria, Jordan, Kosovo. “We do it, we do it at no cost to our active military members; we get those animals back here and we reunite them.” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]
Guide Dogs of the Desert is one of just 14 schools in the U.S. for certified canine companions. Labradors are the main breed, but it specializes in standard poodles, which are hypoallergenic. Dogs are paired with the blind in need at no-charge. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]
Billie Wright talks with Chicago's Josh Beaton about his non-profit, Tween Esteem Project.
We’ve heard the chances of staying married are like flipping a coin. Christian author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn believed it too. But when she wanted to cite an original source for the 50/50 divorce rate, she was surprised none could be found. After eight years of study, Feldhahn is confident the true divorce rate is currently no greater than 25%. Hear her conversation with Marya Morgan. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]
Pastor David Wheeler’s RevStoration is not only picking up viewers, but is restoring people’s faith in God. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Wright talks with Shannon Joy about utilizing llamas and alpacas for therapy in Ridgefield, Washington. Joy and her mom, Lori, recently paid a visit to Portland International Airport to help passengers with stress.
“We started out our first week on the topic of identity,” explains Erin, “because, through and through, if we can truly understand our identity and where that comes from – and where it doesn’t come from – and understand who we are in Christ, if we could hone in on that, all of the other issues that they’re dealing with all comes down to understanding who they are” in the Lord.
The Bible explains that there truly is such a thing as “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and Cindy Mullins, from Lincoln County, Kentucky, has without-a-doubt-in-her-mind experienced that.Cindy is a wife, a mom, a nurse…and dramatically and unexpectedly has lost both her legs and hands.“I can’t put my own Chapstick on,” is one of the simple things she is no longer able to do.What happened?
“This country created the majority of its schools during the 1940s, 50s and 60s,” says Jill Hardy-Heath, President and CEO of Heart of America. Disrepair deeply affects learning. “If you walk into a school where you have peeling paint and ceiling tiles that are falling, and things have not been updated – think about how that would make you feel.” HOA is committed to raising the spirits of those students and teachers. “We transform spaces,” she smiles. “Think about Extreme Home Makeover, but School Edition.” Rafael Sierra reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Air1's Monika Kelly speaks to Ahndrea Blue, founder of Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank in Tacoma, Washington. Ms. Blue is an attorney who noticed some of her tenants seemed malnourished. Making sure that they were fed was just the beginning of a food bank that now feeds 70,000 people every month.
He even made it weatherproof so it could be enjoyed throughout the year. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Wright talks with Bryson Reine and his dad, Shawn about the 15-mile hike in Colorado. Bryson raised $28,000 for a missions irrigation project.
Children feel the thrill of seeing their scripts come to life with the help of creative-writing mentors and local actors who volunteer to perform. Though based primarily in Los Angeles, the arts program Young Storytellers works to scale its success to other cities by providing free online videos educators can use to help students shape stories. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Convoy of Hope arrived in Lahaina, West Maui with emergency supplies days after the fire, trading their trademark big rigs for big boats. The Christ-centered ministry also remains involved in dozens of disasters and war zones in the U.S. and worldwide. “We are on the ground working in the Middle East,” confirms Convoy spokesman Ethan Forhetz, and though he ‘can’t say much’ in order to protect the safety of local partners, he says more than 40,000 pounds of food was recently delivered by cargo plane to Israel and Gaza. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Hawaiians are eager to say ‘aloha’ to mainlanders says Leanne Pletcher, Dir of PR and Marketing at the Maui Visitor and Convention Bureau. Though the historic town of Lahaina remains closed, she invites newlyweds, adventure hikers, families and surfers to enjoy a sunset from one of Maui’s other white sandy beaches. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Ezra is 8 years old, a Christian, and loves to do interviews with community leaders and personalities. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Heroes on the Water takes soldiers up a creek with paddles or pedals. “Kayak fishing really helps veterans who are struggling with PTSD,” notes Zack Clift. H.O.W. surveys show 88% of participants say the free expedition gave them confidence to develop new relationships and a whopping 98% say it helped them relax. Kindra Ponzio reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
WildOps invites combat vets to gather in places like Ansel Adams Wilderness or 11,000 ft in the Sierras or rural Montana. “We seek the isolated veteran – a big chunk of them that don’t wanna be found,” says founder Jeff Morris. Team leaders don't preach to the battle-worn soldiers but find "they come to life out in the Wild.” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Billie Wright talks with Pastor Steven Bell who won big on Wheel of Fortune and used the national spotlight to promote foster care and adoption.
Monika Kelly speaks to the founder of Emergency RVs, Woody Faircloth. Woody's organization brings used, refurbished RVs to people who've suffered through natural disasters (Maui Fires, Paradise Fire) and have become homeless. He has especially helped first responders, veterans and the elderly. He's given away more than 130 RVs.
When Gilberto Corredera firs came to America, he never imagined how God would change his life. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
“Just so you know, some kids that are trafficked actually aren’t taken from their home – they still live at their house.” How does this happen? Social media chats. Expert tricksters spend months -- or even years -- lying to build friendship. Your good and smart kid may believe their online friend is their age “by the time they went to meet this person, it wasn’t who they thought they were.” Once the youth is tricked into sexually explicit activities they may be too afraid to tell you. Air1's Felipe Aguilar reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
How do you approach a teen without getting a door slammed in your face? “A trusted adult is what a youth needs more than anything,” says Lori Butterworth of AIM, which strongly recommends all adults get certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. She compares it to CPR. “What if we worked really hard to raise the probability that when a child or teen has a mental health crisis that there is someone there to help them and save their life?" Air1's Kindra Ponzio reports. [Education Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Billie Wright talks with Billy Cheplic, who has autism, and his mom Tina about how he bakes for family, friends, and his community.
incent Mercer aims to build strong and meaningful relationships between these dads and their children via the ‘Father to Father’ program. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Monika Kelly has a conversation with Pastor Mike Sourwine and Stephanie Murdoch of House of Prayer Lutheran Church about their new initiative, the Little Free Food Truck. They've recently brought the truck out to various underserved neighborhoods in Aliquippa, PA to share the love of Christ and free food.
AmpleHarvest.org is nationally recognized for successfully recruiting backyard gardeners to fight food insecurity. The site lists 8,000 local pantries which accept donations of fresh fruits and veggies. The non-profit also works to involve pastors and churches nationwide through the Faith Fights Food Waste campaign and recently added a program to feed malnourished people on Native American reservations. Air1's Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
One of your kids is on drugs. Getting in trouble. Calling you to bail them out. You don’t know what to do. Parents Of Addicted Loved Ones bring people together to swap stories and share strategies -- online or in-person. “When we found PAL we’re like okay, we’re not alone, there’s other people who’ve been down this road.” Air1's Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation]
Billie Wright talks with David Heflin, a pastor living with chronic pain. They discuss his ministry, Broken & Mended that connects the church with those living with chronic pain or illness.
Your idea for a great small business needs a good plan. If you already opened your shop you may be stumped on how to grow. SCORE mentors offer free, one-on-one advice for turning a profit. “What we have seen is that when someone meets with a mentor for 3 hours or more, they are 5x more likely to increase their revenue and stay in business.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
When Teresa Baur noticed families asking for diaper support, she knew she had to step in to help. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Wright talks with Patrick Bardsley, who co-founded Spectrum Designs, a Long Island non-profit printing business, who employs those on the Autism spectrum.
Air1's Monika Kelly speaks with the courageous and fearless couple, Robin and BJ McCoy about their recent decision to sell everything they own and headed south to Central America to teach in a Christian missionary school that they've never been to. Hear about how their faith is carrying them through.
Convoy has been very busy so far this year. Devastating tornado outbreaks slammed several U.S. states. “Convoy is now working long-term to get people what they need -- appliances, furniture, roofs -- whatever it is.” The ministry sent aid and comfort when twin earthquakes in Turkey and Syria drove 2.6 million people into tents near the rubble of their homes. Convoy continues to care for war refugees in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries. Convoy is also committed to an ongoing effort to fight global famine. The Children's Feeding program provides meals in 33 countries for more than 500k+ hungry kids. Air1's Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - 2023 All Rights Reserved]
David Droll leads Hope Beyond Bridges, feeding and ministering to people living in the streets. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Wright talks with Sherry Lankston, who lives in Seattle, about why she felt led to drive 2,600 miles to adopt Harvey the Husky, who had been in a shelter in San Diego for six months.
“Prevention is what we really want, right?” says Geri Henchy, Director of Nutrition Policy at the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). “We want kids to be in environments that are not obesogenic; where they’re gonna get healthy meals, where there isn’t a lot of junk food, where they have activities -- that’s really gonna make a difference for kids.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [All Rights Reserved - Educational Media Foundation 2023]
Without family and often lacking lifeskills, former foster kids become homeless adults by the thousands, turning to drugs and crime on the streets just to survive. Dream Makers links aged-out foster kids with practical assistance by connecting them with the generosity of strangers. Air1's Lexy Smith reports. [All Rights Reserved - Educational Media Foundation 2023]
By Richard Hunt And he explains all states have Good Samaritan laws to protect bystanders who offer help in such situations. Even if you have not had formal CPR training, “Any CPR is better than no CPR.” Basically, “Just put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Put the other hand on top and start pushing.” Dr. Hooker recommends thinking of the Bee Gees hit song Stayin’ Alive – and moving your hands up and down with that rhythm. Hands-only CPR.
By Richard Hunt And he explains all states have Good Samaritan laws to protect bystanders who offer help in such situations. Even if you have not had formal CPR training, “Any CPR is better than no CPR.” Basically, “Just put the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Put the other hand on top and start pushing.” Dr. Hooker recommends thinking of the Bee Gees hit song Stayin’ Alive – and moving your hands up and down with that rhythm. Hands-only CPR.
By Richard Hunt “South Padre Island is always one of the top-5 ranked destination beaches for Spring Break,” explains Joe Osteen, one of the coordinators of this year’s Beach Reach project. The students from around the country gather to “blow off steam, to party, to go to the clubs to meet new people - and from a Christian perspective, to often make decisions and do things that are destructive.” That can involve abuse of alcohol and risky intimate casual relationships.
Joe Burkhead is giving people with mobility issues the freedom to get around more freely. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Monika Kelly talks to Special Olympics athlete Kaitlin Dykes and her mom Patrice about the special role that the organization and God play in Kaitlin's life. Kaitlin recently took the Polar Plunge in order to raise awareness for Special Olympics.
Billie Wright talks with John Heading with the Ohio Southern Baptist Disaster Relief about how they jumped in to clean up homes after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
By Richard Hunt“My main goal,” explains Marc, “is to spread awareness that…there is hope during an unexpected pregnancy. That can be a pretty stressful time.”
By Richard HuntThe Belgian government created a campaign to prevent suicides. It features the character Warme William, a big blue friendly-looking bear. His purpose? To alleviate stress and worry - and point people to mental health help. “Something bothering you? Talk about it. Warme William listens.” But he doesn’t. Cute, but mute.But there are two real people ready to listen, empathize, and offer a troubled person life-changing hope and prayer. Don and Pam Lynch are Americans, IMB missionaries in Ghent, Belgium. They have rigged up an electric bike to become a coffee cart. They roll into a park and serve up free cappuccino “so that we can offer conversations” that can eventually point to a reason for hope, a relationship with Jesus Christ.
By Richard HuntJason Williams, publisher of the Oregon Faith Report, traveled 2,482 miles to see for himself what was taking place at Asbury University. “I could tell from the testimony of the people who were speaking that a lot of people were overcoming anxiety and fear and extreme isolation.” It was then that Williams fully comprehended how the fallout from the COVID-19 Pandemic “really damaged the younger generation more than I ever possibly imagined.” Citing an example, “One guy was saying that he lived in such extreme loneliness that he ‘built a brick wall to the sky full of alcohol and drugs,’ but the moment he walked into that revival meeting with other students, that wall crashed, and he felt connection.”
By Richard HuntRoberto Allen is the head boys’ varsity basketball coach at Withrow University High School in Cincinnati. His Tigers team has had a very good year, and he’s proud of his players’ accomplishments. But much of his work, his heart work, takes place off the basketball court.“I go the extra mile for my kids because somebody did it for me.”“I get calls sometimes when my boys can’t sleep at night because their anxiety is on a high due to a loved one dying, or a close friend being shot.”
By Richard Hunt“Children do what they do for a reason…” explains Keisha Lee, the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. “I even had one child to say, ‘well, my father saw me in the store… and walked right past me.’” Things like that can lead to finding approval from ‘friends’ who are into bad stuff. Just as she gives guidance to kids, Keisha seeks guidance from God to keep herself going. “I know that myself, alone, I can’t do a lot of the things that I do. So, I go to God and I ask Him for strength and I ask Him for peace..”
By Richard HuntConvoy spokesman Ethan Forhetz shares what the relief ministry is actively doing to provide as much food and necessities as possible during this time of extraordinary need.
By Richard Hunt“If our only diet is headlines of things going wrong in the world, it can cause us easily to lose heart and lose hope in what ultimately matters…” – Pastor Matt Smethurst
By Richard Hunt Loving On Her Community: Katelyn Offers Laundry Station In Her Home’s Basement One of the homeless men she helps mentioned how important clean clothes are because “If you smell bad, you can’t get a job.” Katelyn tells us, “He’s right.”
Nearly 200 elderly horses get free hay and healthcare at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown. Current residents include famous thoroughbreds Silver Charm and Touch Gold, but also others not-famous but whose owners could no longer care for them. “We owe it to them," says farm founder and caretaker Michael Blowen. "These horses are to Kentucky what the automobile is to Detroit.” Air1's Jack Church reports. [Educational Media Foundation - 2023 All Rights Reserved]
Children in foster care often arrive at a new placement with just the clothes on their backs. Cathy Hamilton founded San Antonio Threads to give brand-new clothes to older youth(12yrs-21yrs) who have no family to take them shopping. “I’ve had kids say things like ‘old clothes have bad memories, new clothes have good memories -- thank you for the fresh start.” Air1's Bob Dittman reports. [Educational Media Foundation - 2023 All Rights Reserved]
Billie Wright talks with Allen Green, Chattanooga, Tennessee firefighter about the department’s Read to Succeed program. Green shares how the program provides educational support and fire safety information.
By Richard Hunt“We’re giving them hope. We’re telling them that somebody cares – around the world – we’re here to help. We’re going to do the best we can to aid you as you go through this horrific event. And we do our best to point them to the true hope (Jesus), because that’s what drives us, our hope in the Lord,” shares Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement with our ministry partner Convoy of Hope.
Monika Kelly speaks to Heather Schaefer, a U.S. Army wife who made the spontaneous decision to donate her kidney to a perfect stranger after reading a prayer request on Facebook. Hear Heather's positive take on organ donation and how thrilled she was to find out that Roy was such a warm and friendly man of faith.
By Richard HuntDave Donaldson shares that Ukrainian churches “have become literal lighthouses.” The CityServe ministry is actively bringing in generators and food to keep people alive as Russian forces continue to shell power facilities and cut-off supply routes.
By Richard HuntMany comic, anime, and game enthusiasts believe “people in the church don’t care” because of pre-conceived notions about them. These days the term geek is not necessarily viewed as a put-down says Celeste. “Geeks are beginning to own the word geek and they’re going, ‘Yeah. I’m a geek. I like this, this, and this.”
By Richard Hunt Hody asked the pharmacist to just tell the person helped, “It was a blessing from the Lord.” “It was not for recognition,” shares daughter Tania, “it was freely from his heart wanting to help people.”
By Richard Hunt “I think folks are probably moved to see a community of faith doing good works in this kind of way – and good news is a little hard to come by sometimes.”
Spam on social media. Emails that shout ‘click here!’ from an inbox full of tricks. Modern cybercriminals commit considerable time and talent to hacking your life. ”If you have a gut feeling, if you have an instinct that something isn’t right here – please listen to that.” Don't click! Air1's Monika Kelly talks with Gavina Avila of the Better Business Bureau and Darren Mott, retired FBI agent and expert on cybersecurity. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Monika Kelly speaks with Don Pardew, founder of I Have A Name Ministries, serving people living unhoused in the Kansas City, MO metro. Don first felt led to serve the homeless after reflecting on all that God had done to help get free from drugs over 24 years ago. Don's heart for the homeless is clear.
Drake is giving unchurched families a chance to meet Christ on the ball field. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Wright talks Steve Rubenstein, founder of Crayons to Classrooms that operates in Dayton, Ohio about providing necessary classroom supplies to teachers and students.
By Richard Hunt“We quickly began to mobilize around ‘How do we care for them? What does that look like?’” Grace City Boston church volunteers helped secure furnishings for the family’s first American apartment, made sure the fridge was stocked with food that was acceptable in Afghan culture, and even provided pre-paid cell phones.
By Richard Hunt “For me, it was a fun challenge that I just wanted to see if could do,” explains Thaddeus. But there are reasons why this college student – and future USAF officer – keeps challenging himself.
By Richard HuntThe food team’s determination puzzles some residents. “Last week, it was pouring down rain and they’re like ‘Why are you out here? Why are you doing this?’” The response from Jennifer is simple: “Jesus doesn’t leave us. We’re not leaving. We’re going to keep showing up as long as you’ll open the door.”
By Richard Hunt God told me, “I’m to encourage people with these.”For decades, pastor and cartoonist Joe McKeever has visited churches to share the message of Christ. Often, he will meet and greet and take the time to draw portraits of them, and talk about Jesus while he’s sketching. At some sittings, Joe will do literally dozens of portraits, sometimes dedicating two hours to be sure no one is left out. “I just sit in the corner and draw people.”Besides his in-person church work, Joe has been doing cartoons and editorial cartoons for years. It’s very likely you’ve seen some of his professional work on sites like Baptist Press. And Joe is aware that his cartoon work gets ‘borrowed’ quite a bit by other media sources and just regular folks on social media. And that doesn’t bother him one bit. As a matter of fact, that fits into his guidance from God, who told him, “I’m to encourage people with these.” If people re-post his cartoons, all the better.
‘My Jersey, Your Impact’ gives students a chance to honor school staff with their football jerseys. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt 12 students from Cedarville University spent Fall Break doing some very hard, sweaty work. When they arrived in the damage zone, it was eye-opening. “You just saw peoples’ whole lives on their front lawns, man, just 10-feet high by 10-feet deep on both sides of the road – peoples’ belongings just in their front yard because everything they had been ruined.”
Billie Wright talks with Jeff Mosier, East Central Indiana Director for Fellowship for Christian Athletes about how he leads teenagers toward Christ through the annual event, Fields of Faith in Muncie, Indiana.
By Richard Hunt“When I have my adoptions, I talk about the superheroes that were adopted, fictional characters – Superman, Spiderman and Batman were all adopted in different ways,” which helps the kids being adopted to better understand what adoption is. “The best adoption in the Bible is when we figure out, we can’t make it through this world on our own and we cry out for God’s help, and he adopts us right away and saves us.”
Monika Kelly speaks to Pastor Greg Laurie, author of Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon. The book has been made into a movie to be released December 5-7, 2022 for a limited run in theaters nationwide. Pastor Greg speaks candidly about Johnny Cash's faith in Jesus as well his battles with drug addiction. Johnny Cash left a legacy of sharing the Gospel at Billy Graham Crusades, on his records and even in Folsom Prison.
“Young man, what are you doing to help the poor and suffering?” Hal Donaldson was pierced to his soul by her words. “Everyone can do something.” Donaldson was interviewing Mother Teresa when she asked him the question that would inspire him to launch Convoy of Hope. He went home, bought $600 groceries for hungry neighbors and in the years since 1994, the international ministry he founded has given away $2-Billion relief supplies worldwide. Marya Morgan checks in with Ethan Forhetz, Convoy’s VP of Public Engagement. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt There are plans for seven seasons in all, sticking with “an authentic and intimate picture of Jesus’ life and ministry, seen through the eyes of the people who knew him.”
No arms? No legs? No problem! “Whether you’re an amputee, double amputee, triple amputee, you’re paralyzed, our skydiving, our scuba, our car races -- they are all adaptive capable.” In fact, the leaders and trainers at RR events are themselves disabled vets. “Our skydiving program manager, he’s an 82nd airborne guy, double amputee.” Participation in these events can bring a soldier camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose towards mental health and healing. Air1's Kindra Ponzio reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Collaboration between Nashville Police and mental health professionals are changing the way policing is done. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Monika Kelly speaks to Matt Belwood, National Director Deaf Teen Quest as part of Youth for Christ. Matt is an advocate for deaf and hard of hearing teens and describes how caring Christian adults come alongside of deaf teens to help them navigate their youth and faith.
By Richard Hunt Because Tennessee has a large number of Jeep owners, “In the Jeep community I learned that there is this love language with rubber ducks…when that Jeep owner comes out and they see that rubber duck (on the hood) they’re just so encouraged, they know someone is thinking about them.”
For Pastor David Evans, that generated a question: “How can we use this to introduce people to Jesus?” He saw the cute little yellow ducks as “a very non-aggressive, that’s a key word, a very intentional way to love our community with the Gospel.”
Kids are getting pills that look like Xanax or Percocet online or in the locker room. Often laced with fentanyl, these deadly drugs can be 100x stronger than morphine. “It’s terrifying,” says Pat Aussem of the Partnership to End Addiction. Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie lost his college-aged son to one pill and now helps other parents warn their children. “We still say ‘just say no’ but we spell it K. N. O. W. because many of these young victims are dying from taking a substance they didn’t ask for.’ Air1's Bob Dittman reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt “Our drive and our desire behind that is that everyone, everywhere, could have access to the life-changing story about Jesus … in their heart language.”
When people “see Jesus speaking their own language – and hearing it – in their own language, it becomes a spiritual breakthrough for many many people.”
By Richard Hunt
Daniel Boll shares with seriousness the risk of not explaining the Gospel to children. “The stat comes from Barna Research – 4% of teens accept Christ when given a chance. 6% of adults will accept. But with kids, it’s 32% accept Jesus when they’re given a chance.” So once a child begins to mature, the odds of him or her forming a saving relationship with Jesus diminish greatly.
“I want them to experience what God has for them. I want them to experience that fullness, that love, that acceptance – the belief that they were created for a purpose. That God made each and every one of them, He knit them together so perfectly for a purpose for something greater than themselves.” – Moriah Boll
Billie Branham talks with interior designer, Alysa Butterfield about why she’s donating her services to renovate a women’s shelter in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
By Richard Hunt Isaiah Kofie heard some unexpected music coming from the basement where his son, Jude, had been looking at musical instruments. “I was listening to the news in the living room – and I heard him play something on the keyboard, for the very first time, in the basement.” To his father’s amazement, Jude, then age 10, was playing a Ghanian worship song like an experienced keyboardist. Except he wasn’t.
By Richard Hunt The water from a major flood is contaminated with mud, chemicals, livestock and human waste, bacteria, and many more unpleasant and even dangerous elements. But salvaging essential things, like clothing, is often necessary. So how do you make it safe and wearable? There’s a ministry for that.
Carolyn Gray leads the team that brings this unique blessing.
American Heritage Girl’s Pen Pal Program encourages girls to connect by writing letters to each other. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt
Dr. Robert Clark makes history real, and sometimes he breaks into a song.
‘The Singing Professor?’
Yes, he sometimes sings to explain an historic moment, but he’s not a showman. He’s a teacher who loves his students.
Food costs more these days. COVID-19 shutdowns drove up the price of labor, fertilizer and fuel needed to move crops from farms to factories to stores and eventually to your kitchen. What can you do? Should you panic buy? Comparison shop? Air1’s Billie Branham checks in with Assoc Prof. Joe Balagtas at Purdue University and Jordan Page, lifestyle blogger and mom of 8 for proven tips on cutting your grocery bill. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
Billie Branham talks with Josh Clayton, an online gamer using platforms to walk with people through hard times and share his faith.
By Richard Hunt A ministry event called “Late Night Pancakes” has been an annual event At EKU for years, but the most recent pancake dinner saw an explosion of student interest. “We ended up serving about 5,000 pancakes to about 2,500+ students.” That’s unheard of. Jake describes the patiently-waiting students outside BCM’s building as “a large swarm of people” and shares that “we were trying to cook the pancakes as fast as we can - on as many griddles as we had…and got to build a lot of really great relationships” along the way. And relationships are what matter. They can lead people to Jesus.
By Richard Hunt It takes a lot of prayer and planning for a 15-member mission team to get ready for a 2,000 mile trip from Georgia to Montana. “I went over with them what conditions would be, which meant 100-degrees during the day, down to 40-degrees at night,” explains Richie Howard, who is on the Mission Staff at First Baptist Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta. Each team member understood they’d be sleeping in teepees that they had to build first, “no air, no heat, no running water.” On the spiritual level, Richie shared that the pow-wow they were attending as volunteer workers, was not particularly warm toward the Christian faith.
Monika Kelly speaks to Pastor Anthony Mullins of County Line Community Church in Kentucky. Pastor Anthony and his church members are helping those impacted by the recent devastating flooding in Kentucky. Despite great loss, he's also witnessing a great faith revival among community members. Many are coming to Jesus during this time of great trial.
The unlikely rescue of Baby Jessica from a well back in 1987 remains one of the world’s most watched news stories of all time. There were “multiple miracles,” says her father Chip McClure, “more than you can count…God’s hand was evident.” In the days and months after, the family received thousands of calls and truckloads of mail from all over the world, people in personal distress who were encouraged by the McClure’s faith and the good news of Jessica’s rescue. Air1’s Jack Church talks to Chip. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]
Gambling addiction is a leading cause of suicide in the United States. The thrill of the bet buries vulnerable gamblers deep in debts matched only by their secret shame. But stats prove you can win recovery, as 2 outta 3 people who seek treatment are able to stop. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Derek Longmeier of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and Keith Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Need to talk? Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: (800) 522-4700. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt The wreck was near Georgia’s Rome High School. One car was smoking and leaking liquid. The driver was trapped and clearly panicking. In a nearby car were members of the school football team.
They hopped out without hesitation and with a lot of effort, and gridiron teamwork, forced open the jammed door and freed the injured driver.
“I feel like my family and my coaches, they raised me to be the type to help out for like anybody,” one rescuer, Tyson Brown.
Teacher Luis Goya, who called 9-1-1 and saw the students perform the rescue offered admiration, “This just shows what kind of kids we have, because we constantly get bombarded with negative stories about today’s kids – and seeing the students doing that (the rescue) sets an example for all upcoming generations.”
By Richard Hunt The damage to the ‘no skateboarding’ sign and the concrete was all caught on security camera video. We could call the cops. What do you think we should do?”
After a reflective pause and maybe flashing a silent prayer, Portland YFC leader Joey replied, “Honestly, why don’t we skate with them if that’s what they want to do.” The pastor smiled big and said, “I was hoping you’d say that.” This act of unconditional love, the Jesus kind, has led to encouraging results among neighborhood kids.
Surveys in 2021 found a sharp rise in the number of church leaders who have seriously considered leaving full-time ministry, citing debilitating stress, anxiety or depression. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Savannah Kimberlin of Barna Group and Air1's Pastor Randy who says rest and other self-care should be a guilt-free part of your life as a spiritual leader. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt The sweet corn project has raised more than $227,000 since 1998, with the money going to missions and outreaches.
“A whole lot of people in our church are involved in it and put a lot of time and effort in. Picking sweet corn is a hot, dirty job on a July morning,” chuckles Dan, “And people have to stand out here and we have to bag it, sell it, clean up and it’s quite the project, but it’s all for the good.”
Monika Kelly speaks to Jamie Dill, the co-founder of Be Kind for Ollie, a non-profit organization dedicated to remind people not to leave children or pets in the rear seat of a hot car. Unfortunately, the Dills lost their three-year-old child Ollie after his dad went on autopilot and forgot to drop him off at day care. The Dills don't want any other family to experience this devastating loss. They are advocating for rear seat alerts to become standard in new cars by 2025.
‘Can Play’ gives kids with health and special needs issues a ‘chance to be a kid.’ Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt Beth Leleck is a hiker, a fighter, and an encourager. “I’ve had the opportunity over time to talk to others who have been newly diagnosed. That’s probably the most terrifying moment because there’s just so much uncertainty - you don’t really necessarily know what you’re facing.”
By Richard Hunt “We have eight kids under-our-roof that are adopted – ages 21 to 6 – (she smiles), so it’s been a busy household, but we enjoy it. It’s a blessing, and we believe that we’re being obedient to God’s calling on our lives.”
Their life experiences with fostering and adoption, as well as marriage and serving God, are detailed in their new jointly-written book “Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life.”
By Richard Hunt “Tommy’s Toolbox Ministries,” a non-profit, in Albuquerque: “We do a Bible study and we provide dinner. We go out into the shop and we have some mentors set up to teach the kids welding, pinstriping, we’ve worked on cars for car shows.”
By Richard Hunt Knowing some folks who showed interest in reaching people for Christ in the VR realm probably have little, if any, experience with this tech, an interest session was held with the light-hearted theme, “Virtual Reality Training Experience Kind of Thing,” explains Bracken. “17 different people showed up. And we had a blast!” There were some awkward moments, and that was anticipated.
“When we encounter people in VR, to remember that – there is a real person. There are real emotions. There are real spiritual and physical needs behind that avatar.”
Billie Branham talks to Stacy Lynn Harp, a pickleball player with a heart for sharing Jesus to the sport community.
By Richard Hunt God is at work, even in the chaos. As Water Mission provides thousands of gallons of life-saving water, refuges are coming face-to-face with people who know Jesus. “You are treating me with more love than I’ve ever received – and I’m a complete stranger to you – and because of that, I want your God to be my God.”
Billie Branham talks to Samantha Wisor about how her brain tumor gives her empathy for others going through similar health situations.
By Richard Hunt It could be that many of us have not considered, Jesus often focused on people with special needs. “70% of his miracles were really on behalf of people with special needs – the disabled, those who couldn’t walk, those who were deaf, who couldn’t see, who had epilepsy. And so we think special needs ministry should be mainstream in the church because it’s closest to the heart of Jesus.”
Keeping with that vision, one special needs Kings & Queens Prom was held last Friday at the Liquid Church location in Parsippany, New Jersey, and another prom is set for Friday, June 10th at the church site in Princeton, New Jersey.
Air1's Monika Kelly speaks to David Mubiru, a young man who was orphaned at a very young age, who has opened up his own children's home called Yahweh Children Ministry in Kampala, Uganda. David is now "Father" to 38 children and teaches them scripture, how to pray and worship and feeds them healthy food, has given them shelter and considers them to be "one big, happy family."
By Richard Hunt Talking with us from one of his ‘shop’ locations under Interstate-5, Randy guesstimates that he gives about 1,800 free haircuts on the Seattle streets each year. Randy is in a position to help with a haircut, some encouragement, and sometimes some guidance to get the person connected with those who may be able to help.
By Richard Hunt “I just let them talk. And a lot of times I found that I was silent because they had so much on their hearts, there was so much in their souls just to say, somebody needed just to cry with, just to sit there and pray and give them encouragement.” - Victoria Kolosey
By Richard Hunt Led by native Ohioan Kyle Schlegel, Youth with a Mission Kyiv shares hope in Christ and is meeting needs. As missiles and then shelling hit Kyiv, YWAM’s first goal was to help with evacuations and to make sure people were fed hot meals from the ministry’s commercial kitchen. The circumstances have left many Ukrainians “super open” to hearing the Gospel message.
“People need hope ultimately --and that’s what a full belly gives them – it allows them to plan for the future," says Ethan Forhetz of Convoy of Hope. Truckloads of tuna, beans, rice, fresh water, baby food, hygiene kits even cellphone chargers distributed through European Christians have been crucial to the survival of displaced families. Lead spokesperson Sara Forhetz says this ultimately fulfills the Convoy mission. “The real hope of the world is Jesus -- to make Him famous through the local church.” Air1's Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt “He couldn’t remember the name of our dog. And he would ask the name of our dog about ten times a day. His grandchildren, my kids, my oldest is 17 and my youngest is 12, and every day he would ask them their names. And sometimes he would remember them, but he would ask their names again and again and again.”
And when it came to God, “We would always have him (Paul) pray for dinner, and when he would pray for dinner, it was like there he was. And there was his mind, and it was clear again and he knew what he was thinking and saying. “When I would put him to bed at night, I felt like I was putting my kids to bed when they were four and five, and he would talk to me in the same way, and I’d give him a hug and a kiss, and I’d tuck him in.”
Cattet has a heart for training abandoned dogs and placing them with loving people who need a service dog. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Monika Kelly speaks to Bob Bell, founder of Food for Thought Denver, dedicated to filling the weekend hunger gap for elementary school-aged children. Most of these children receive free and reduced-cost lunches during the week through school-funded programs, but on the weekends, go hungry. Food for Thought Denver has fed thousands of children over the past ten years.
By Richard Hunt In 2007, Cameron Smyly, along with his brother and sister, were being driven to school by his mother in the Mississippi Delta region. At a stop sign, they bowed their heads to say a prayer for the day. Just then, a truck rammed the car. That moment changed his life trajectory forever. Cameron, just a first-grader, had his skull literally separated from his spine, an injury that is often fatal or leads to permanent disability. But today, Cameron is walking, doing workouts, and once he graduates from Mississippi College, he plans to help others with their physical fitness.
By Richard Hunt When Russia attacked, for Ukrainians, “Their world was turned upside down, so I would say my world was turned upside down and I was just heartbroken.” Abigail shares that on the Cedarville University campus she and other students with a Ukraine story are being encouraged, and students and professors alike are eager to know more about the country and its people.
By Richard Hunt “I pray for people where I lived (in Ukraine) who don’t know Christ that they, through this, would be able to hear God’s word - and God’s already answered that prayer. There have been quite a few people from the neighborhood (in Ukraine) that I grew up in who have come to my home church and have heard the Gospel simply through the circumstances that Ukraine is in.”
Billie Branham talks to Beth Langdon about her Christmas project to spread joy to seniors in assisted living.
By Richard Hunt Clarence ‘Robbie’ Robinson brings VR headsets and finds residents ‘don’t want to take them off!’
“They wanted to tour Hawaii. They wanted to experience London form the day. They wanted to tour Antarctica, tour of Italy, Alaskan cruise, Bavaria, Germany, tour of India, experience Paris, tour of England, Ireland, Scotland, see the tulip fields in Holland.” One VR tour request worried Robbie a little. “One lady wanted to see skydiving and I tried to talk her out of it…we don’t want them to get motion sickness.” But he admits, “This lady would not let me off the hook ... and then she jumped out of a plane, virtually. Ha, much safer that way.” Her reaction to skydiving? “She was elated. She loved it!”
By Richard Hunt When it became clear the war was not going to be swift and done, “It quickly changed to which schools do need to evacuate? Which ones can we evacuate? It was the middle of a war zone, right, so we were spending time in bunkers, and it was getting really, really, scary and there were distinct moments that really stand out to me where I was just like, ‘Lord, what are we doing here?’… ‘Lord, I’m ready to go home!’ When I get out of this bunker, I’m out of here.”
But Sherri shares the next morning God showed her just what his plan was for her.
Expensive vet bills can force a heartbreaking choice. “The tragedy is that a lot of these pets are surrendered to a shelter -- or they are euthanized – because their family cannot afford their medical care,” says Carla Isenberg, program manager at For The Love Of Alex. “We are trying to help those who are financially unable to help their pet.” Air1's Billie Branham reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt “Throughout scripture we see that God sets nine boundaries around human innovation that cannot be violated.” Tony Reinke explains “I find among Christians there’s this myth floating around that this world is sort of booby-trapped with things God didn’t want us to discover – genetics, nuclear power, you name it. And I think that’s a misreading of the material universe and God’s governance of it…”
Richard Salkind has just one word to explain his longevity and he is very blessed with his large family. But why did it take the better part of a century to finish his college studies?
Koerner is Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Commission. Her hope is to helps military veterans connect with fellow veterans who may feel alone or disconnected. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
A girl searches the internet: 'how do I know if I’m pregnant?' “Our mission is to have these girls be able to find life-affirming information through us -- and then we connect them with pregnancy centers in their neighborhood," says Dawn-Marie Perez, executive director of StandUpGirl.com. Quick response is essential. “If you go google the word ‘abortion’ right now there are millions of websites that are gonna come up. Our goal is to have StandUpGirl show up on that first page of their google search.” Air1's Marya Morgan reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved)
The Catch-A-Dream Foundation provides all-expense paid trips for terminally-ill children who crave outdoor adventure. “Our job is to give them that opportunity to have what one child once called, a ‘vacation from being sick’-- he said, ‘when I’m huntin’ and fishin’ I don’t really feel bad.” Catch-A-Dream was specifically founded as a Christ-centered organization weaving the message of God’s love and salvation into everything they do. Air1's Phil O’Bryan speaks with founding board member Dr. Marty Brunson. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]
By Richard Hunt Police were knocking on doors in a Fayetteville, Arkansas, neighborhood. They were trying to locate a missing elderly man who has Alzheimer’s. It was especially urgent because a big storm was coming. When they knocked on the door of the McCulley residence, they got a clue that may have saved the man’s life.
Billie Branham talks to special education teacher Robin Hughes about her snowman, Lucky, and the joy he brings to students and the world.
By Richard Hunt “He’s been on dialysis since he’s been born.” Mother, Jeanne Backer, shares that Jaxon, age 3, has end-stage kidney disease. He’s been doing at-home dialysis every night for about 12 hours. “For a 3-year-old that’s a lot to stay in one spot for, but he’s finally big enough for a kidney transplant.”
Of course, that requires a kidney donor. “So, we went through the whole process to see if anybody we knew was a match – and, thankfully, we found out that I was a perfect match for him!” Since Jaxons’ parents aren’t biological parents, “we didn’t think it (a match) was possible at all – it’s definitely a God thing.”
Monika Kelly speaks to Rev. Joshua Austin, a homeland missionary who works with West Point (United States Military Academy) cadets. Recently, two female cadets were so fired up about their faith in Christ (one after suffering a mental crisis and the other after losing ground even though she grew up in a religious household) that they decided to get baptized in the icy Hudson River. Jenny Ma and Brooke Parker's baptism impacted the entire West Point campus.
By Richard Hunt 1,700 people attended the star power sold-out event. “And then we ended the night with a really special version – just having everyone join us – and singing Great is Thy Faithfulness…remembering that together that this is the hope that we have through all of this, is God’s faithfulness.”
By Richard Hunt “I mean to be 13 or 14 years-old, and your prayer request is to make it to 19 or 21 without being shot, just really touched me!”
Bob and those he serves alongside have found that a book by Christian artist Lecrae called “Unashamed” is helping point to truth. “A lot of them relate to him because Lecrae grew up without a dad and had a grandmother that prayed for him. And he went through a series of ups and downs – in and out of the system – before he got on the right track.”
By Richard Hunt In “The Last Supper on the Moon,” Pastor Levi Lusko uses the moon to help explain God’s plan for us here on earth.
In 1969, Neil Armstrong was the first human to set foot on the moon, but Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was the first human to take Communion on the moon. So, in a sense the first footprints on the moon were dedicated to Jesus, who the Bible explains created the moon and everything else in space.
As NASA prepares to return to the moon after 50 years, there’s renewed interest in space travel, in visiting Mars, and even setting up habitation on the moon.
More than 4-million teenagers are homeless every year, though not always by choice. “Whether it’s that they don’t feel safe in their own home, or whether they’ve been kicked out, this is not something young people generally want,” says Jeff Stern of the National Runaway Safeline. NRS helps kids looking to get off the streets. Air1's Monika Kelly reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved)
Father and Son Team, Nathan and Alex Johnson wanted to give non-wheelchair users a chance to attempt to do their normal tasks in a wheelchair. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt It’s an all-volunteer mission to raise the spirits of people who lost their homes in Colorado’s recent Marshall Fire. Many are still living in hotels or other temporary locations. The late December fire was stoked by winds near 100 m.p.h. and claimed 1,084 homes in Boulder County. Why the project name “Operation Hotel Sanity?”
Adopting a child is beautiful -- but messy. “We’re not always looking at it from the adoptee’s side,” cautions Jenn Hook, co-founder Replanted Ministry. Vanessa Joy Walker was adopted as a baby. “Grief is woven into an adoptee’s journey,” she says, adding desperate questions about birthparents are sometimes suppressed by pressure to be grateful. Walker advises parents to coach even young adopted children on how, when and with whom to share their own stories. “The grief and the gratitude can co-exist.” Air1’s Billie Branham reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved)
By Richard Hunt “All kinds of trash; plastic bottles, plastic bags, cigarette butts,“ were floating in the water. But, according to 12-year-old conservationist Cash Daniels, “Fishing line is one of the worst pollutants – and especially in Tennessee because we have a lot of bass fishing tournaments here.” To offer sports fishers a better way, Cash arranged for fishing line recycling bins to be available, keeping the monofilament from becoming part of the river junk. Money from thousands of pounds of recycled aluminum cans helped pay for the bins and other projects.
By Richard Hunt The ability of technology to help emergency responders was proven recently in eastern Tennessee. A teenage girl, who was walking her dogs in a mountain area, went missing. Volunteers with Bean Station Fire and Rescue were called in to assist in the search. “We were probably on the scene within 10 minutes of being dispatched and within another 10 minutes we had the girl located.” That’s because of the drone being piloted by Brandon Ramsey.
By Richard Hunt 60% of the Lighthouse Snow Fort workforce was under the age of 10. Nolan Wiersma explains he and wife, Katie, like to ”wrap their faith” into family projects as an example to their children and even the community. “We also like the picture of a lighthouse and how that relates to our faith in Jesus ... the true light in life.” As part of the project, they also shared awareness of a cause they support: Living Water Wells.
You see trouble, you hear it – now believe it. “Trust your intuition…you know when a situation is different,” says Hector Alvarez, an expert in workplace security with more than 25 years of experience in threat assessment. “One of your best bets for surviving these incidents is thinking about it before it happens.” Preparation is key says Mindi Russell, exec. dir. of the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Sacramento. “Instead of, ‘it will never happen here,’ have the mindset that if something happens, this is what we’ll do.” Air1's Bob Dittman reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved)
By Richard Hunt “People can freeze to death, and they do every year, more so before we started this program. What we do is try to keep people alive and warm and provide them heaters and make sure they have fuel to keep those heaters running.” - Joe Stevens, the CEO and co-founder of Joppa
By Richard Hunt What’s in John Konkel’s heart as he works long odd hours and maintains numerous relationships with students? “My parents were divorced when I was 12. My dad was an alcoholic…and I lacked that father figure growing up – and I tell this to the fraternity brothers and I tell this to a lot of guys that are in our ministry as well, I want to be there for them in ways that maybe my dad wasn’t able to be. And I think that drives a lot of what I do – is to be sort of a father figure and just to display God’s Father heart for these young men.” John prays those he ministers to can grow up to become great fathers and husbands – those kind of life changes that often happen not too long after graduating from college.
Monika Kelly hears Meredith Ard's story of trusting God in faith to carry her unborn twins after the doctor tells her a rare condition would most likely take the lives of her children. After prayer, Meredith makes the decision to keep her unborn babies, putting her own life at risk. Find out what happens as Meredith tells her poignant story.
The mission “for us, specifically…it’s spiritual fitness,” says Dave Eatman, Marine veteran and CRU National Director. The ministry offers “discipleship, education and mentoring and encouragement to serve Christ well and walk with Christ well while in uniform.” The CRU tactical plan hinges on partnership with on-base chaplains and local pastors who wish to serve military members. Air1's Monika Kelly reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2022)
By Richard Hunt “I’m sort of in a living laboratory” filled with Gen Z-ers, explains ORU President, Dr. Billy Wilson. He sees great promise in Gen Z, who have already endured many storms in life. “The truth is, Generation Z has never known a time on planet Earth when things are just normal.” The generation, a person born between roughly 1995 and 2015, “has been born into a world of terror, formed by life-changing events like 9/11, school shootings, and danger around them all the time. They went through an economic downtown in 2008. They’re of course young adults, and emerging young adults as teenagers, in a global pandemic.” That’s why Dr. Billy Wilson’s guidance book is called “Generation Z: Born for the Storm.”
By Richard Hunt The tornado that destroyed 75% of Dawson Springs, Kentucky was the kind that makes houses literally explode. Winds hit an incredible 190 m.p.h.! At least 13 lives were lost. Hearing how extensive the damage was in nearby Dawson Springs, Whitney Shaw and her sister-in-law felt God was leading them to help with food.
Billie Branham talks with Pastor Tim Lucas from Liquid Church in New Jersey about hitting their goal to feed people in Haiti
By Richard Hunt When a student would approach Jordan for a hug, “mostly I just told them how loved they were and a lot of times that just seemed to open the floodgate and they would just share with us why the hugs meant so much.” And sometimes that led to prayer over family or school situations. “There were some really hard things…”
Pastor Corey Brooks aims to raise awareness for street violence and poverty and build a much-needed community center in Chicago’s Woodlawn community. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Monika Kelly speaks to Executive Director of Youth For Christ, Minot David Pellenwessel about the mental health crisis among youth in America and the ways in which Youth for Christ is making a difference.
By Richard D. Hunt “They are talking about their fears. They are talking about they ‘have an 8-year-old daughter…I’m her mother and she’s all I have.’ There are people who are concerned about their own safety, concerned about finding any way to replenish their faith, if you will, to have any kind of connection with the outside world and with Christian content and fellowship,” shares Dr. Rex Rogers, President of SAT-7 USA. And the ministry receives deep spiritual questions like, “Does God exist? Does he care about what’s happening here? Why is God allowing this to happen to me?” Rogers says some of the worries and questions they receive are “gut-wrenching” and “tear you up real fast.”
Monika Kelly speaks with Ethan Forhetz, VP Public Engagement - National Spokesperson, Convoy of Hope about tornado relief after the devastation in six U.S. states.
By Richard D. Hunt The effervescent host of The Happy Home podcast shares ideas and concepts to make your Christmas season shine. Arlene tells you about practical and fun ways to help your kids or grandkids come to appreciate giving, maybe even more that getting. And you’ll hear about the great Christmas get-together peacemaker: food!
By Richard D. Hunt “What a neat idea to be able to build twin size beds to give to children who don’t have a bed to sleep in.” Pastor Robbie Perkins notes that some kids are sleeping on a couch, maybe a recliner, or in bed with their mom or dad.
By Richard Hunt First-grader Graeme helps make sure classmates’ families, community, have enough food. “I’m sad to think some of my friends might not have enough food at home.”
“He likes math. He likes numbers,” Amber explains, “And when I said ‘one-in-six kids [may be going hungry],’” Graeme immediately realized: “’That’s three kids in my class. That’s this many kids on my baseball team.’” That personalized the statistics for Graeme, “that he probably knows kids who didn’t have food at home,” says Amber. The canned food drive was on!
By Richard Hunt “Is God still awake?” That’s a question little Sheila Walsh asked her mother while growing up in Scotland. “I’d gone on up to bed, but I wanted to talk to God about something … I didn’t know what hours God kept.” And mother assured her that “God is open 24/7.”
Sheila has crafted a book for children, featuring an adorable little girl named Poppy. “I want little ones to know that they can talk to God at any point in their life,” and talk about all the stuff that happens. “I want kids to learn at a really early age that there’s nothing that’s off-limits with God, that if they’re angry, if they’re sad, if they’re confused, that they can talk to God and he is always listening.”
But in our podcast, Sheila goes deeper and shares her own experiences with mental health: “I went to being the co-host of The 700 Club one morning…by that evening, I was in the locked ward of a psychiatric hospital.” There, in a situation she never wanted to experience, she locked-on to a Psalm, written by King David, that gave her assurance and hope for a future.
Hope is to ensure these aged-out foster kids find hope and encouragement and don’t drop-off the radar. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt “Why was I made like this? And for many years, I was mad at God. I didn’t understand,” but now Marissa does. Marissa Conrad is a successful college sophomore, but “I am so obviously different that sometimes people assume I can’t do much.” That difference is her lack of hands. However, people are very mistaken if that means Marissa is unable to do much. For example, she won an award for “Best Handwriting” in pre-school. She can use a laptop computer and has tried football, playing the cello, and can row a boat. How does she do these things?
Monika Kelly speaks with Chad "Doc" NeSmith, diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a form of "tunnel vision" at age 12. He eventually lost his sight, but God had big plans for this man and his wife. Doc got his doctorate in counselor education, opened a private clinic helping children with disabilities and eventually learned how to play golf, blind. He went on to win several national championships and formed a non-profit called AVID-A Vision in Darkness, helping children, adults and veterans who've lost their sight learn the game of golf.
Billie Branham talks with Tammi Regan about why she takes Hank, the rescue horse, inside local libraries for reading time with kids.
By Richard D. Hunt Zoe Zimmerman recalls making a boy go home crying, and spraying another boy ‘who smelled bad’ with air freshener. She knows she’s forgiven by God and wants to help others with their issues.
Zoe, now a junior at Cedarville University, is reaching out to girls in middle school through the STARS mentorship program. “We just go through a lesson. We talk. We talk about life. And there’s so many influences going on in their world, so it’s cool to just be able to dissect those things and ask the big questions like, ‘What does matter? What do you want your life to be about?’”
By Richard D. Hunt
One factor that may surprise many, Matthew Holgate shares that “labor trafficking” is the biggest form of trafficking.
‘Human trafficking is one of the most tangible forces of evil that we can see today. Trafficking at its core is people hurting people – and people taking away the freedom that God gave everyone – and using another person’s freedom for their own personal gain.’
The COVID-19 pandemic pressed the accelerator on a pre-existing trend in the United States. Americans are on the move. Not all of us and not from everywhere, but “we’re seeing the very early stages of a sort of ‘reshuffling’ in the country." People have clearly begun “re-evaluating where they live: looking at housing costs, they’re looking at tax structure -- they’re looking at lifestyle.” Air1's Bob Dittman reports.
By Richard Hunt https://bit.ly/3Bqv16J High school can be challenging, especially if you don’t have any friends. For Andrew Schultz, who has autism, the lunchroom was especially lonely, “pretty much mostly sadness,’ he shares. “For a mom, that’s very hard.” Lisa was motivated to go to God for help, on her knees, “asking God just to send Andrew one friend…just for one, to fill that loneliness.” Lisa’s heartfelt mom-to-Jesus prayer was soon answered and the blessing was “multiplied beyond my imagination.”
By Richard Hunt “People will be saved who didn’t even expect to be saved. We’ve heard stories of people coming with a friend and they just met God right there… and they’re like ‘whoa!’” https://www.air1.com/news/faith/october-football-fields-become-fields-of-faith-podcast-26197 For nearly 20 years, student-led prayer and worship has been taking place on cool autumn days or nights at schools across America.
By Richard Hunt Randy and his wife are making a difference in lives, creating friendships and fun. Years back, when he bought an inexpensive bike at a big box store, Randy Fry had no intention of creating a very active bicycle club with as many as 60 riders hitting the road. But once he experienced riding on the roads and trails around Battlefield/Springfield, Missouri, Randy was hooked on cycling. “You know, when you’re talking to somebody as you’re riding down the road, exercise doesn’t even feel like it’s exercise a lot of the time.” And, yes, he upgraded his bike. https://www.air1.com/news/good-news/randy-fry-a-community-leader-on-2-wheels-podcast-26167
By Richard Hunt Now married, and a new mom, Sadie wants to share things she’s experienced and learned in her new devotional, “Live on Purpose.” Sadie knows that many people often wonder, “Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” In our podcast, she has a simple – yet powerful- answer to that mental dilemma.
Youth for Christ NYC’s Daniel Sanabria teaches business skills to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated young people to help them change their risky behavior. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt With hundreds of school venues taking place nationally, we share the plans in one Midwest region, East Central Indiana. Ethan, a senior musician, acknowledges that it takes “a lot of courage” to gather with others at the flagpole, publicly displaying faith in Jesus. Ethan says at some schools, not his, he knows standing-up for Jesus “is not cool.” Kayla, a senior vocalist, describes SYATP: “I think it’s beautiful. Absolutely amazing. I love being part of it every year.”
The Hidden Genius Project began when five business and tech titans, all black men, partnered to mentor black boys for careers in science and technology in Oakland California. Not only do 95% of program participants graduate from high school, but many go on to head up other impactful social and educational outreach in their communities. Air1's Kindra Ponzio talks with founding exec. director Brandon Nicholson. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
GenZ Christians have questions about practical faith. They want Scripture-based solutions for the issues they face alongside their friends. “I can no longer avoid truths about racial injustice, about environmental destruction and I do not know if the Church cares about this.” For them it’s pastoral – not political. Air1's Monika Kelly reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt After losing a job, 24-year-old Ken Walker was low on money and confidence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He found help and encouragement at the Union Gospel Mission. “Up and Running” - a half marathon - gives Ken Walker confidence for his life!
Monika Kelly talks to Mark Martin, the founder of Build Up Birmingham, an early-college workforce high school, equipping youth and communities to determine their own future. The organization provides a pathway for youth of color to get a great high school education, an associate's degree and learn skills to rehab homes and eventually be able to own one of the homes.
Billie Branham talks with chef Michael Casper about how and why he created Milk Crate Kitchen, a non-profit helping feed thousands in Portland, Oregon.
Tim Carentz worked as a young Air Force medic at the Pentagon crash site. He suffered his first panic attack the next year and was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After struggling with nightmares, fits of rage and suicidal thoughts, he finally reached out to a chaplain for help. Leaning on faith in Jesus and the support of his military community, he retired from the USAF as a Chief Master Sergeant and now operates Kaiserslautern Military Resiliency Center for families stationed in Germany where he currently resides. He is also the NATO Director of The Warrior's Journey. Air1’s Marya Morgan reports. Closer Look weblink may be shared or posted to social media and/or organization website, but audio may not be duplicated, altered or re-broadcast without prior approval. May not be used for organizational fundraising purposes. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
Kevin Ellers D. Min, stood in sacred silence alongside firefighters and chaplains at Ground Zero when human remains were found in the rubble of what recovery workers called ‘The Pile.’ His experience revealed the awful truth that most first responders are not properly trained to process their own very normal human emotions in the face of tragedy. He then dedicated his life to trauma care, eventually designing curriculum with titles like Spiritual First Aid, now used to train first responders internationally. Air1’s Marya Morgan reports. Closer Look weblink may be shared or posted to social media and/or organization website, but audio may not be duplicated, altered or re-broadcast without prior approval. May not be used for organizational fundraising purposes. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives as four airliners were hijacked by Islamic terrorists on September 11, 2001. Pastor Mickey Stonier explains, “9/11 drew us together as a nation 20 years ago. People of faith and even different faiths united together for the sake of loving one another.” He also notes America is not that way these days.
In our podcast, Pastor Mickey offers advice to cope with these unusual times of pandemic and social stress – and recommends we all show appreciation for law enforcement and other first-responders who continue to risk their lives to serve others.
By Richard Hunt “We’re glad and we’re proud and we’re honored to do it…but our ultimate hope – and our only hope – is in our risen Savior. And that’s what we want to offer people for healing,” declares Pastor Scott Brown of Waverly (Tenn.) First Baptist Church.
In the time since the dramatic flood roared through town taking more than 20 lives, the church has served as a shelter, then developed into a feeding station, and also a base for disaster relief teams from the Tennessee Baptist Convention, the Red Cross, and Samaritan’s Purse.
By Richard Hunt “Crime doesn’t stop just because it’s 3 in the morning, so I have to be ready to be able to go 24/7.” And Molly knows, too. Perhaps, like never before, law enforcement members need encouragement. They often deal with the dark side of humanity and see and experience things that can only be compartmentalized for so long.
One man and one dog are doing their part to make a difference. Chaplain Ron Leonard and therapy dog, Molly.
By Richard Hunt Was pilot Joel Boyers fearful? No. “Something just told me that, like, ‘it was going to be okay.’ That God was going to be with me.” Joel plucked 17 people from rooftops and other uncomfortable places. One flood survivor he helped told him about a girl clinging to a tree, with a dog. They found her, still holding that dog she had rescued, and got both to safety. It wouldn’t be fully known until some days later, but 22 lives were lost in the dramatic flood that floated cars and wrecked homes.
In our podcast, Joel shares how his faith has grown as God has directly answered prayers. He also tells us how people he rescued responded, including one fellow who simply said, ‘Thanks for the ride, man.”
By Richard Hunt Would this be a particularly good time to talk with children about God? “Absolutely. I think if we can help them to see that – even in the midst of the most crazy times – we have help, we have strength from God, then we’re setting them up for success – we can model that for them, too.” The thoughts of pastor and author Levi Lusko.
“I am gravely concerned about my own mental health, and especially kids, too. These last couple of years have been tough, but all of life is hard. And I know for a fact that kids read their parents and all of us seem to be on edge…”
Hope is to teach their own 2 children with Down Syndrome basic life skills while raising awareness for special needs. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Doctors say your disease can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Your life becomes a swirl of appointments and pills. Finances suffer. Even your faith takes a hit. You feel alone, as loved ones can often be the last to accept the diagnosis. But there's hope for living well with chronic illness. Air1's Billie Braham talks with licensed clinical social worker Susan Rodriguez and Pamela Piquette, founder of Chronic Joy Ministry. Closer Look weblink may be shared or posted to social media and/or organization website, but audio may not be duplicated, altered or re-broadcast without prior approval. May not be used for organizational fundraising purposes. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt When Jennifer saw the text from the recruiter asking if her son, Peyton, would be interested in a military career, “I laughed, actually. I laughed out loud for half-a-second, then it just hit me with a little bit of sadness.” You see, Jennifer’s son is non-verbal special needs. Now while all this might have become unpleasant, it didn’t. That’s because the heart of a loving mom, and the kindness of a military professional, turned the awkward situation into a real blessing for Peyton!
By Richard Hunt More than a million people have been affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck this past Saturday “and 540,000 of those are kids who are displaced,” explains Forhetz, “and the Lord blessed us in such a way that we already have a children’s feeding program going on on the island … we’ve been in Haiti operating since 2006.”
“When people hurt, you hurt.” – Pastor Eric Camp Camp, who pastors Collective Church in Pascagoula, tell us, believers from at least 10 churches took part in the car-based evening prayer at three hospitals. “We were asking God, first of all, to strengthen the medical personnel, to bless them, keep them safe, to heal those who have COVID in the hospital…and bring relief during this pandemic.” In our podcast, Pastor Eric offers a pointer from the Bible that could be very useful in toning down the debate about wearing masks and other precautions.
By Richard Hunt Faith: “It’s a part of who I am, and so that means a lot of just giving my life, my workouts, my competitions over to God … there’s a lot more peace that comes with that.” – Grace Norman
In our podcast, Grace offers her take on the current buzz-topic of athletes’ mental health and she describes the way she focuses with cues, “seeing yourself into the moment and the now, instead of getting caught up in what’s coming next” during a triathlon. You’ll also hear her advice about the importance of setting goals for yourself in life, including those goals that are “way out of our comfort zone … and not setting limits on you or what God can do through you.”
Billie Branham talks with Chicago Eco House founder and president Quilen Blackwell about his impact on neighborhoods in Chicago
Christian-based Jail to Jobs Austin successfully redirects teenagers caught breaking the law, dropping the local recidivism rate to just 20-percent. JTJ goes into juvenile halls and offers young men and women a chance to show up on a jobsite and learn a trade when they are released. “If we can get them to us, and mentor them and teach the word of God,” says Jeremias Cooper, Travis County director, “then we can start making some changes in their lives.” Air1's Felipe Aguilar takes a Closer Look.
Why do two-thirds of freed prisoners go right back in? “The key is breaking them free of the ‘criminogenic thinking’ typical of people with criminal history,” says James Ackerman, President and CEO of Christ-centered ministry Prison Fellowship. To offer hope behind bars, hip-hop artist Lecrae partners with PF to perform concerts in prison yards, speaking directly to inmates about his own family to urge men and women to embrace a second chance. “They’re still human beings - with dignity - who’ve made mistakes.” Air1's Monika Kelly gives us a Closer Look.
By Richard Hunt As Muhlenberg South Middle School in Greenville, Kentucky, moves into a new facility, Principal Brian Lile wanted to provide a message of encouragement to students. “With mental fitness and social emotional learning being buzzwords right now in schools, and even more so since COVID, every time I listened to Matthew West’s song Truth Be Told, I kept thinking, ‘I could do something with that thought on our steps.’” “So we started with his Lie #1, Lie #2, on the steps…” See the steps and full story: https://www.air1.com/news/good-news/principal-takes-a-cue-from-matthew-west-creates-truth-stairs-24610?
By Richard Hunt “Imagine yourself if you were confined to a wheelchair,” says founder Kevin Schwieger. The Ohio-based non-profit is blessing people who are extremely limited as to where they can go when it comes to the great outdoors. Much like Star Trek’s well-known theme, “where no one has gone before,” people who lead daily lives in a wheelchair often can only dream about what’s out there – a peaceful lake, a meadow, squirrels, songbirds. But that is no longer true. Dreams are becoming a reality because of Luke 5 Adventures! With the use of a special one-wheeled chair device imported from France, ministry volunteers - known as “Sherpas” - take people who are disabled on hiking adventures, with safety being the first priority.
By Richard Hunt Derek Demmler teaches creative writing at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Georgia, one of the top private boarding and day schools in the country. For tapping into better creative writing the challenge was to get students out of warp drive. That “pause” involved something creative in order to write creatively: manual typewriters. But, why?
The realities of internet missteps by younger and younger children exposes an urgent need to teach kids how to spot and report suspicious activity. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Patrick Craven of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and Eliza McCoy with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about their age-appropriate training program called Netsmartz.
By the time a student reaches 8th grade a little over 80% of their value system in place – meaning the way they look at morality, sexuality, integrity – so where are we focusing our intention with Dare to Dream? Middle School.” D2D school assemblies rely heavily on the power of the personal experiences of artists and athletes, starting with the unlikely success Randy Rich enjoyed as a professional football player for the Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns. “I’m this short little 5ft 9’ guy who made it, right? So if a kid can see themselves through a speaker who’s presenting to them then it serves as an encouragement to them.” Air1's Monika Kelly reports.
Monika Kelly chats with Pastor Steve Lummer, Adventure Pastor, based in Prescott, Arizona. Pastor Steve heads out with a team or alone every day to hit the trails, rivers, and mountains and shares Jesus outdoors. Pastor Steve says he brings people outdoors to get God in to their inside.
By Richard Hunt The Ark Encounter, a life-size exhibit replica of Noah’s Ark, located in Williamstown, Kentucky, is seeing pre-pandemic-size crowds as it celebrates its 5th anniversary. CEO Ken Ham believes there’s a growing hunger for biblical truth and reality. Referring to exhibit visitors, Ham says, “They say when you see the culture deteriorating before our eyes, we want a spiritual legacy for our families.”
A new project, “Tower of Babel,” will show visitors the biblical truth that we’re all one race, biologically.
By Richard Hunt “When we come together, as men – not as white men, black men, Latino men, Asian men…but as men, we can change America. We really can. And change the world as a result.” The passionate thoughts of one of the keynote speakers, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez. The unique men’s ministry founded in 1990 by Coach Bill McCartney is experiencing a rebirth. Promise Keepers will hold its first major nationwide event in years this week at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. A definite masculine site for guys-oriented worship and teaching.
By Richard Hunt “They want to meet Jesus in the scriptures and they want help doing it. And they want help speaking to God and listening to God in prayer.” Join us as InterVarsity Christian Fellowship explains the ramifications of what they’ve found.
Billie Branham talks with Christy Lucas about why she left her career of 17 years to serve veterans, active duty and military families.
Youth Pastor Will Standridge challenged his students to ‘shred’ the Bible and build a stronger relationship with Christ. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt “I think it’s a good way to warm peoples’ hearts, spirits…and bellies. You get all three,” explains Brian Rock. The Army veteran owns the Elevated Pie Company, currently a pop-up pizza kitchen using his red 1983 Chevy pickup with a wood-fire pizza oven mounted in the bed. When a strong tornado damaged homes in suburban Chicago, Brian grabbed ingredients and headed to the scene. There, he baked 75 hand-tossed pizzas and gave them to storm victims free-of-charge. Brian loves does this and has a dream to own a full-size food truck to improve his business and help more people in disaster situations.
Agriculture+Technology+Employment = ‘Win, Win, Win’ By Richard Hunt Students at a number of high schools in Appalachia are getting a leg-up on technology and a possible future career through the generosity of AppHarvest, providing “container farms” free-of-charge to help students understand hydroponics, literally farming without dirt. The refurbished shipping containers are controlled by an app, and maintain perfect growing weather inside 24/47, with no concerns about frost, hail, drought, or pests.
Beyond the school support, AppHarvest has some huge facilities in place doing the same thing. Their first facility near Morehead, Kentucky is “60 acres under glass, 2.8-million square feet, and about 50 football fields inside.” CEO Jonathan Webb says to picture “tomatoes growing vertically, we’re using AI (artificial intelligence) and robotics…and ultimately we’re able to use 90% less water than open-field agriculture.
By Richard Hunt The flood destroyed virtually everything in the church building, but ramped-up the determination of church leaders and members! In time, big blessings resulted. “You kind of go back and you add it all up – like, wow! – sometimes you got to be pushed out so that God can pull others in.” - Pastor Jarod Smith, New Tribe Church
By Richard Hunt “We’re coming out of a season where nobody knows what to believe. Nobody knows who’s telling the truth. Nobody knows what’s right, what’s wrong.” – Evangelist Nick Hall
Former high school student Steven Nava’s act of kindness helped “Mr. V” get back on his feet and off the street. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Branham talks with a father/daughter team about why they create YouTube videos to help autism awareness
By Richard Hunt Although she’s legally blind, Hannah refuses to allow her eyesight to stop her from pursuing her goal of becoming a licensed social worker, with a focus on domestic violence. And she’s getting a lot of experience and encouragement from Cedarville University.
Monika Kelly chats with Pastor Chuck Kish, also a chaplain, at Bethel Church in Carlisle, PA about a recent "Smiles Project" where members of his church posed for a "SmilesfromBethel" poster to bring joy to local, isolated nursing home patients. Pastor Chuck also discusses his chaplaincy program.
By Richard Hunt The boys’ outdoor program, built on biblical values, encourages camping ‘out or in’ Friday, May 21st, and sharing the live video fun and encouragement.
The event will kick off at 9:00 p.m. EDT with a performance by for King and Country and appearances by special guests Dennis Rainey, Daniel Huerta from Focus on the Family, and Franklin Graham from Samaritan’s Purse.
There are Trail Life troops in all 50 states, with over 900 churches involved, and more than 30,000 members. “Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens.”
By Richard Hunt Physician Matthew Sleeth has seen most every situation that requires an emergency room visit, including people who have tried to take their own lives. He believes that we are now experiencing a “culture of suicide.” To a large degree, hope depends on ‘the church’ and individual Christians who are willing to share and listen.
“One of the problems, and particularly in the last year as a country and as a world, is isolation. And as we’re beginning to come out of that, I think we’ve got to be intentional about extending hospitality to others. You know, you can go to a church and feel isolated, but when somebody says, ‘Hey, how about coming with me to get pizza or coming to my house for a meal,’ that’s a very powerful invitation.” By doing so, you might keep a person from harming themself by providing some comforting conversation, perhaps sharing your own struggles and solutions, and if the time feels right, sharing about your relationship with Jesus.
Crossroads Career Services relies heavily on biblical principles, meeting in support groups for mutual encouragement and offering free training to help jobseekers stay up-to-date and on track. Air1's Bob Dittman talks with Crossroads spokesman Dave Sparkman. "When you have an interruption of being laid off or COVID 19 shutdown your entire industry, let’s open up your mind to what you still have the capacity to do in learning new things.” (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt Driving along Highway H, Zac Walton believes God put him in the right place at the right time - just as a pickup truck missed a curve and disappeared. As he crawled down the embankment to the twisted truck wreckage, Zac was not really concerned about his own safety, “cause I know that God’s kept me safe before and if he put me there for a reason, I was going to be okay.”
By Richard Hunt “Mady saved my sweet baby boy and I’m forever indebted to her!” At age 16, Mady Alcock saved a life. The Cicero, New York teen was babysitting two children, 2-year-old Lyla and 6-month-old Sonny, when something very unexpected took place. Sonny started some “extreme crying and all of a sudden stopped, like, abruptly.”
Lt. Col. Michael Jackson, aka “M.J.” spent 22 years in the United States Air Force. Leaving the service was difficult. Coming home was even harder. “Just because someone doesn’t have a PTSD diagnosis doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling in one way or another.” Air1's Billie Branham talks with M.J. about his work connecting vets with other vets. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021).
Crisis Response Care(CRC) offers free, expert workshops on self-care for first responders. Class titles include Enhancing Resilience, Managing Relationships During a Crisis and Psychological First-Aid. More than 22,000 police, fire, EMT and other critical incident personnel have completed the courses in cities -- and online -- nationwide. Monika Kelly talks with CRC director Pastor Mike Henderson of K-LOVE Radio. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt Most of the time, Sam Whitehead serves as a math teacher at Rowan County High School in Morehead, Kentucky. But these days he’s experiencing his other role as Second Lieutenant Sam Whitehead, a member of the Kentucky National Guard. And the Guard is allowing Sam to continue his teaching duties by video from Washington, D.C., where he and fellow soldiers are protecting the U.S. Capitol Complex.
It’s clear Sam is a positive guy and he has some thoughts about staying positive, which you can hear in our podcast.
By Richard Hunt When a school official noted the big birthday coming up for Geraldine Henry, in his heart, he wanted to do something special to honor her. But, “What can you do for somebody who’s 108 years old? … I saw a note in our records that she enjoyed getting birthday cards.” That triggered an immediate idea. “I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be neat if we could bring her 108 birthday cards for her 108th birthday!’”
There is no substitute for real human blood. “We can’t make it in a lab – it can only come from a donor willing to give it,” says Rodney Wilson of the American Red Cross. What's it like to give blood? Takes about 10 minutes. "When the needle enters your arm, you feel a quick pinch and then you don’t feel pain." Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Wilson about the need to build up the post-COVID19 blood supply. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
“Patients come to me every single day saying, ‘I wish I knew when I was laying out in the sun with babyoil..’ says Dr. Christina Feser of Cumberland Skin Surgery and Dermatology in Lebanon, TN. She worries about sun exposure. “For men, the most common area to develop skin cancer is on the back. For females, it’s on the lower legs.” Why? “Because it’s an area that you don’t look at everyday.” Air1's Frank Hammond talks with Dr. Feser about skin protection. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
Brooks began Project H.O.O.D., hoping to bring change to some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods . Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Billie Branham talks with Tyler Hays about how he uses his videography skills to help foster kids find their forever homes
By Richard Hunt “We like to think that what we do is a little bit special because we bring Jesus with us!” That’s what MoD Team Leader Darin Kroger tells us about helping people “clean up from mud and silt and wet insulation & drywall” before the mold develops. “Get your hands dirty work, without a doubt.” Learn what motivates these members of the multi-campus Crossroads Church to help others in our complete podcast.
By Richard Hunt “The blessings of God were like a hot potato.” Pastor Matthew Barnett shares the amazing story. “We kept our food line going for over 350 straight days in a row, people coming by to get meals, food, diapers, everything. And what we thought would last for one week has turned into over a year and, even today, cars are lined up everywhere coming through.”
Monika Kelly chats with Lisa Scarpinato, founder of Kitchen on the Street based in Phoenix, AZ. Kitchen on the Street provides weekend 'bags of hope' to children who are food-insecure. It's making a huge difference for more than 2000 children in 30 partner schools.
By Richard Hunt So many homes with frozen, burst pipes and no water - some residents had not experienced an actual bath or shower for 2 weeks. In some cases, ceilings were brought down by free-flowing water from broken pipes, walls were damaged, as were household belongings.
Paul, and others who volunteered, worked in conjunction with 2 organizations, Water Mission and Plumbers Without Borders.
In our podcast, Paul shares how the Lord, and his wife, encouraged him to go on his first mission trip, which was to Africa some years back. He knew God was asking him to use his skills to show the Love of Christ to others. And that can-do mindset continues today for both the Mitchells.
Robert Beeson was suddenly a single dad. “My wife left me -- and left me with our three daughters who were 9, 7 and 4 at the time. It was the darkest season.” He turned to his church for comfort and support but was saddened to find very few Christian resources address the deep loneliness and doubt many single parents endure. Out of his own need to be part of a welcoming faith community, he founded the Solo Parent Society. “The number one need (as a single parent) is for you to know you are not alone.” Air1's Marya Morgan reports. (Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2021)
By Richard Hunt Dr. Beth Delaney, associate professor of nursing at Cedarville University, also shares her firsthand observations of what some patients seem to be seeing and doing moments before entering eternity. It could well be described as supernatural.
As part of their End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) undergraduate curriculum, the school of nursing conducts simulation experiences for senior nursing students during their Leadership and Management class. In these simulation experiences, the school of nursing is transformed into Cedarville University Medical Center. Students role play a clinical care situation with a computerized mannequin who is described to have cirrhosis of the liver.
Learn about “The Pause,” where caregivers gather bedside to honor the life of the patient with a moment of silence after family has left.
By Richard Hunt “Now my only goal is to use every ounce of who God made me to bring Him glory and help others do the same.” We caught up with Chantelle as she was visiting San Diego Christian College to do some team building with the Women’s Basketball Team.
Kreienkamp aims to inspire those who’ve lost their job and trust in God for a better tomorrow. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with Kevin Drake about working through the organization Upward Sports to provide a safe, Christian environment for kids across the country
By Richard Hunt Water Mission usually operates overseas, but sees the big need in Texas after an intense winter storm overtook Texas and nearby bordering states on Valentine’s Day weekend. Millions of people lost power. Perhaps even worse, pipes burst in homes and businesses, and city waterworks were marginalized. And that means toilets don’t flush!
Air1's Monika Kelly speaks with Bradley Lum, CEO of MS Prison Industries Corporation about job training behind bars and the Hope Alliance which helps ex-offenders stay successful after release.
Can a family live happy and healthy on what seems to be less money per month? Budgeting expert Mary Hunt firmly believes they can. Consider the net pay of the second income minus job-related expenses like daycare and fast food because you're too tired to cook. Are you really getting ahead? Is it driving you into a higher tax bracket? Air1's Billie Branham talks with Hunt about life on one-income.
By Richard Hunt Oasis Church is sending a special digital image onboard NASA’s moon rover.
“We became aware of a YouTube influencer who had purchased space on a NASA rover that’s going to the moon.” He offered fans an opportunity to send him a picture or video that would be placed in a digital time capsule that will be on that rover. “And so we thought, ‘You know what, let’s do that. Let’s build some memories here. Let’s do something fun and creative – particularly when physical distancing is such a challenge.’ We thought, ‘Let’s get together. Let’s do a Zoom call and let’s take a picture together… and send that image to the moon!’”
In our complete podcast interview below, Pastor Jody Skogen will share the specific Bible verses that were written on the outer border of the Zoom still image that’s going to the lunar surface.
Soldiers For Faith launched ‘call-in’ bible studies back in 2012, but stay-at-home orders in 2020 crystalized the ministry purpose and mission. They deliberately avoid video. “There’s something about just picking up the telephone, not having that judgement,” explains ministry founder Kelly McAndrew. “It’s just absolutely pure to be on the phone, to hear people’s voices, to hear their hearts.” Air1's Rafael Sierra reports.
By Richard Hunt What’s it like treating very sick COVID-19 patients day-after-day? “We can only speak about it. Our eyes can’t even show you what we see, but the pain that health care workers are feeling today…I’ve seen so many healthcare workers suffer from compassion fatigue and secondary trauma because of what they’ve experienced having to be the gap-to-close between the family and the patient, when they’re dying, holding their hand when they die - and to experience that over-and-over-and-over again is exhausting.”
Partnership between deputies and mental health professionals changing the way policing is done. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt Matthew is a successful Christian music artist who lends his talent and support to select ministries and projects that help others. “What separates Christian music from the rest of the world is God at work through the lyrics and the melodies, shooting straight to the hearts of people.” And when a song he has written and performed can be of benefit to an outreach helping others, Matthew is often willing to come alongside and lend his name and talent to their project. That’s the case with a ministry called Cancer Companions.
By Richard Hunt When the pandemic closed school, Jonathan Chambers encouraged students who were learning from home. He built them kid-size desks… for free! “I felt God kind of led me, you know, on the whole thing.” Inspired by God and driven by compassion, Chambers, owner of Gateway Construction & Development, wanted to “give these kids something that they can create their own space to do some learning.” He had heard of young students curling into closets and other areas to try and find a quiet and productive place to do their schoolwork. And he realized an appropriate size desk could make a big difference.
By Richard Hunt When the pandemic closed school, Jonathan Chambers encouraged students who were learning from home. He built them kid-size desks… for free! “I felt God kind of led me, you know, on the whole thing.” Inspired by God and driven by compassion, Chambers, owner of Gateway Construction & Development, wanted to “give these kids something that they can create their own space to do some learning.” He had heard of young students curling into closets and other areas to try and find a quiet and productive place to do their schoolwork. And he realized an appropriate size desk could make a big difference.
By Richard Hunt After Robert Sherill’s mother and stepdad got a divorce, Robert found himself living in what was known locally as the “Dodge City” public housing project in Nashville. The nickname pretty much says it all, a real rough neighborhood.
In time, Robert pursued money – he sold drugs. But that caught up with him and he did 5 years in prison. On the other side of confinement, Robert is a changed man, an entrepreneur, a man of faith, and dedicated to helping teens and those being released from prison to pick the right path to life and success.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with Sammie Vance about her Buddy Bench project and how she helped create more than 150 benches
By Richard Hunt It was 2003. Nearly 200,000 American troops were in Iraq. Among those was West Virginia soldier Mark Bland. He and other soldiers were so encouraged to get mail from students back home, kids they didn’t even know, who wished them well, and some promised to pray for them.
17 years later, Mark is making a concerted effort to connect with those who wrote him to thank them for thinking about him so many years ago. And those kids are grown-ups now. This is a vert heartwarming story!
By Richard Hunt People helping people: Artist-designed fridges are stocked with healthy food. It’s free. Just open the door!
People in many geographic areas reside in what are termed food deserts. “Food deserts are areas throughout the country that have less access to a grocery store … or, if they do have a grocery store, supermarket next by, they're not providing fresh vegetation for the community,” explains Fania Celestin, the Director of Development for the Buddy System Community Fridge Initiative in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
By Richard Hunt Principal Brian Lile, Muhlenberg South Middle School in Kentucky, came up with the ‘Challenge’ to help teachers jump-start their day. And their positive attitude can be contagious to students at a time when that unwanted disease contagion has changed life so much.
Teachers take part in a wide variety of games like Let’s Make a Deal, Deal or No Deal, and Press Your Luck. But Brian shares, “Not all of our prizes are good prizes…” (uh-oh)
Air1's Monika Kelly chats with Pastor Stephen Wilson, Prison Campuses Pastor for Gateway Church in Texas. Pastor Stephen and his wife started a prison ministry years ago and now, in partnership with Gateway Church, they've set up four behind-bars prison campus churches where the inmates serve one another and are discipled. These men are met with open arms by Gateway Church members when they're released and loved and supported.
Dogs who sign up with Canines for Christ take car rides with their families to visit sick people in cancer wards, lonely people in nursing homes, stressed people in police stations, forgotten people in prisons and anywhere else tails need to wag. “Our dogs have been able to break through depression to assure people that God really does love them and care for them,” says Chaplain Ron Leonard. “Most of us know, people that pet dogs, the dog provides comfort, they get happy when they do -- and so we wanna make people happy.”
The co-founders of Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team (PAART) didn’t set out to use their 1974 Piper Warrior to relocate dogs from overcrowded shelters, but one phonecall back in 2009 changed the game. Plesset and Childs eventually adopted the motto, “No Dog Left Behind,” and combining their love of flying with their love of animals they created a non-profit network of shelters and pilots.
By Richard Hunt Operation Sing Again specializes in getting hymn-filled DVDs to nursing homes and care facilities free-of-charge, and the results can be wonderful!
“I’ve talked to several people who are in the senior care line of work and they tell me that the part of the brain that houses music and rhyme is the last part of the brain to deteriorate from Alzheimer’s or dementia. So even when people can’t have a conversation with you, they will respond to music or singing,” shares Gerald Wolfe, who saw his own dad trying to sing. “And that’s the last memory I have of being with him, trying to sing, ‘Amazing Grace.’”
By Richard Hunt 9,000 professionally planned church-cooked meals (so far!) have blessed townspeople, schools, and frontline workers in the Olathe, Kansas area. Realizing Journey Bible Church possessed a commercial grade kitchen, professional Chef Greg Reynolds teamed with church staff to launch what would become "The Kindness Kitchen.” To date, thousands of healthy free meals have been provided to single moms, those in need, and frontline workers, but also those who just needed some encouragement. In one case, they were able to bless a single mom and her 12 children!
There’s a constant stream of reliable volunteers to keep the food blessing rolling. “Even people who are maybe a little more skeptical towards religion, towards a church, when they see the light shining, they want to get in on it. We have people daily, calling us or just showing up to serve, and they say ‘I saw something about this’ or ‘My neighbor got a meal from you. I just want to see what’s going on here’ - and you know what, they’re doing dishes before long (chuckle),” shares Pastor Brandon Champagne.
People who are strugging with mental health recieve support through the Betty Hardwick Center. Air1's Felipe Aguilar talks with Betty Hardwick Center Crisis Counseling Coordinator Nikki Parkhill and Mental Health First Aid Outreach Coordinator Sandra Lang KAGT Abilene, TX (All Rights Reserved – Educational Media Foundation 2020)
By Richard Hunt It’s not unusual to use props to illustrate a lesson from Scripture. But a horse? At his horse stable business near rural Grove, Oklahoma, former Pastor Steven Dyer is very active on YouTube. Video topics include “Wild Mustang Challenge” and “Teaching a Pony to Not be Afraid.” With deep experience and plenty of patience, Steve demonstrates various ways to befriend and train a horse. But as he works with horses, he is constantly reminded of God. “The more I’m around horses, I see the beauty of how they are created and how we interact with them.”
There’s a definite backstory to that video teaching. “I guess I got the idea for that from when I was a teenager and people would say, ‘God says don’t do this…and God says don’t do that.’ And I remember thinking, ‘God must not want me to have any fun’ (he laughs)…"
Their mission says it all, "To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens." Air1's Becky Hansen talks with Boys and Girls Clubs of Dundee Township CEO Drew Glassford
By Richard Hunt 2020 was a hard year. And it’s encouraging that many found hope and comfort in the Bible. Pastor Bobby Gruenewald, with Life.Church, founded the YouVersion Bible App, which has been downloaded by 450-million people worldwide and remains free-of-charge. Learn why people picked this particular verse, Isaiah 41:10.
By Richard Hunt Pastor Luke Barnett was on an 800-mile hike along the Arizona Trail with his daughter, Annalee. They were on the long trek to raise awareness and funding for a Dream Center project in Colorado City, once home to an infamous polygamous leader. Just past 500 miles into the hike, Luke and Annalee climbed down at a tricky point on the trail and saw a boulder start to move! Luke immediately went into dad mode and pushed his daughter out of the way, “thinking I could get out of the way as well, but it caught me.” There’s a very happy ending and an incredible sign of God’s provision that links directly to a Bible verse promise.
The official mission of 4-H is to, "provide meaningful opportunities for all youth and adults to work together to create sustainable community change. Air1's Becky Hansen talks with Brittney Ivey, Harris County 4-H Coordinator and County Extension Agent with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service KHJK Houston, TX (All Rights Reserved – Educational Media Foundation 2020)
Air1's Joel Reagan spoke with Genea Stoops, President and Director of Hooves & Paws Rescue of the Heartland. KIMI Malvern, IA (All Rights Reserved – Educational Media Foundation 2020)
By Richard Hunt “If God made us…who made God?” That’s one example of the many questions Dr. Kevin Jones has been tasked with answering. The questions come from kids and the response needs to be appropriate for children in the elementary school age bracket.
The kids’ curiosity about faith is part of a three-year video mission for LifeWay’s “The Gospel Project,” a curriculum used by many churches and Christian schools.
If you’d like to hear how Dr. Jones might respond to the question: “If God made us…who made God?,” click on our podcast for that and much more about this encouraging project to help kids come closer to Jesus.
The digital age exposes modern kids to bad news and bitter opinions their parents never knew. The pandemic made a dire situation even worse. The barrage of mystifying information crowds their minds along with the other pressures of growing up. This can drive kids to anxiety, depression or even suicide. Air1's Monika Kelly gets advice from child mental health experts.
By Richard Hunt ‘We teach that—no matter how scary or hard it is to be in a new place or separated from a parent—God will be there to help.’ To come alongside the millions of children whose parent (or parents) serve, the American Bible Society’s specialized branch, Armed Services Ministry, has launched “Hero Squad.”
Air1's Becky Hansen talks with Comesee Feline Friends Founder and Executive Director Irene Allen
By Richard Hunt “So, ministry jobs, just regular employment, all those kinds of things were very difficult. Relationships-wise, it was hard making friends, understanding people … I had a lot of weird quirks and my wife can definitely tell you they’re weird, and that’s okay (he laughs).”
At age 35, he knew he had to understand what he was dealing with. He found out.
By Richard Hunt University of Iowa Communications Professor Elizabeth Pearce offered to extend her own family’s Thanksgiving dinner ‘virtually’ to any of her students who were staying on campus because of COVID quarantine or other reasons. “I just, honestly, it would have broken my heart to think anyone was alone and missing their family – and with restaurants being closed – not having a Turkey Day meal.” Word of her generous blessing went viral on Twitter and other social media reaching close to a million people!
Little girl with Down Syndrome helping others understand people just like her. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt After a relatively new and very delicate surgical procedure for Parkinson’s disease, Bill Ragle says his wife has “got her husband back, for the time being at least.”
The operation was to enable Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), where small holes are drilled into his skull and electrodes are placed deep in his brain to provide a constant electrical charge.
The results have been remarkable. Bill can once again strum a guitar and his voice is stronger. “I can walk normally. I’m actually playing tennis.” He explains it’s not a Parkinson’s cure, but a “reprieve.”
This is not only a story of modern medicine, but of solid, trusting faith in God. We invite you to share in this journey.
By Richard Hunt Every time Adam donates plasma, it helps 4 people fight COVID-19. For years Adam Clouse has been a faithful blood donor. “I gave last week for the 27th time.” But these days what’s in his blood is even more important for saving lives. “I tested positive for COVID-19 in mid-August.” Adam lost his sense of smell & taste for a while, but really wasn’t hit all that hard by the virus. But his COVID experience is now proving very valuable for others. “So, what the plasma does, is it has antibodies and so when folks come into a hospital setting, they will give them my antibodies with blood to fight off the virus.”
PTSD Foundation of America works to free veterans of debilitating anguish that can lead to a breakdown in mental health. Air1's Bob Dittman talks with Ryan Rogers about healing from the 'moral injury' of combat. Peer-to-peer Warrior Groups are available in cities nationwide. 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line for you or a loved one: Call 800-273-8255, then select 1. Start a confidential chat. or Text 838255. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889.
A unique outreach to injured vets utilizes leather, beads, paint and glue: since 1971, Help Heal Vets has distributed more than 30-million arts and crafts kits – model cars, leather work, jewelry, needlepoint, clock-making – provided to veterans free of charge. But does art therapy work? “Yes,” assures CEO Captain Joe McClain. "Got it’s start in WWI and has been used by clinicians in every conflict throughout." Air1's Bob Dittman reports.
By Richard Hunt As a substitute teacher at a school that serves military families, Chris Martin sees firsthand that some students lack reading and math skills. Chris is Campus Life Military Director with Youth for Christ. And MacArthur Middle School at Fort Meade, Maryland, is the first school to benefit from the tutoring program, which is supported by Youth for Christ.
During break times, the tutors and students can talk about life issues, things the kids are struggling with. When trust is established with a young person, there is often an opportunity to share faith.
In our podcast, learn how Chris’ own “101% Principle” helps him reach kids, getting them to open up about life struggles. And he patiently allows the young people to use the coarse language they normally use with friends - words that might offend someone else. But Chris is convinced it’s important that “they know that they are being heard” in their own way. It’s no time to correct them.
What does the U.S. Constitution say about elections? The electoral college? What are the legal limits on presidential duties? Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Katie Kennedy, retired American government teacher and author of the illustrated children's book The Constitution Decoded. "If we don’t know what the Constitution says, we can’t preserve our government."
By Richard Hunt Louie Giglio is a respected pastor, author, speaker, and founder of the Passion Global Institute. In his years of service to the family of Christ, he has been a visionary, leader, and teacher. Lately, one of his concerns has been boys and girls in the tender and formative pre-teen years – especially with all the unanticipated life changes that 2020 brought.
In response, Pastor Louie’s book, Goliath Must Fall for Young Readers: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants, can provide children, as well as moms and dads, with encouragement straight from the Bible, and plenty of topics to talk about in a family setting.
He uses the Bible’s wonderful example of David’s stubborn faith and courage in responding to the gargantuan Philistine warrior Goliath. Pastor Louie points to challenges and distractions in our own lives that we may perceive as giants, or at least a lot bigger than we can tackle on our own.
Examples of these modern-day life giants? Give a listen.
By Richard Hunt “Just tears and crying out to God and saying ‘God, I can’t handle this. I’m not strong enough for this.’ And from the very beginning, I just felt God so strongly saying ‘You’re not strong enough, but I am strong enough.’”
Those are heartfelt words from Abigail Walker after learning her infant daughter Esther had leukemia. But she firmly declares, “God hasn’t left our side this whole time.”
Abigail is now sharing her family’s personal story of the medical challenge -and God’s reliability- in a book titled “Suffering, Endurance, Character & Hope: A Story of Pediatric Cancer and a Mother’s Love.”
When disaster strikes, CONVOY OF HOPE big rigs show up, hauling so much more than tarps, lumber, bottled water and food. "It's starts with food but ends with Jesus," says COH spokesperson Jeff Nene. "Everywhere they go they just bring encouragement." Record storms, fires and floods kept COH busy this year and added to that.. they're feeding millions of families hit by the pandemic! Air1's Marya Morgan reports.
‘CityServe’ partners with local churches to bring goods, food supplies to families who need it most. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Monika Kelly The members of the First Baptist Church of Oakhurst, California stepped up to help even after some of the members had been evacuated from their own homes.
"We put the meals together and we loaded them up in our vehicles and took them out to distribute," Pastor Greg said.
One of the best things? "Being able to pray with a gentleman who...lost everything. It's devastating. Just being able to share the hope of Christ with him, the gospel with him, has been an encouragement to our church." Pastor Greg said.
By Richard Hunt Before the COVID-19 restrictions, students from Cedarville University were allowed to visit prisoners at the Greene County, Ohio, Jail. On Sunday mornings, “you get about an hour with the inmates…and you break into smaller groups…you just sit outside those cells and talk to them one-on-one…only separated by the bars.”
But, for now, the in-person jail visits have stopped because of pandemic restrictions. The ‘Plan B’ is going to be a letter-writing outreach to the prisoners, hoping to keep some semblance of a one-on-one relationship, sharing friendship and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
By Richard Hunt Farming can be tough – and, at times, some farmers even consider taking their own lives.
It’s not unusual to see a parking lot full of farm tractors at Middlebury Community Church of the Nazarene in northern Indiana. The “Drive Your Tractor to Church” event held each year by the church team honors farming as a very essential and noble field of employment.
Pastor Gary Sheets sees to it the farm families are welcomed, prayed for, well fed - and their tractors, which represent the farm family income, are prayed over, blessed. Recently, a number of farmers privately shared they’ve had major concerns about losing their farms… and some have had dark, disturbing thoughts that have rattled their mental health. The pastor responded with encouragement from Jesus and the Bible.
There’s also been an outreach called “Truckers Bobtail Cruise-In,” where those who drive 18-wheelers are saluted for their essential work – and also receive needed prayer and encouragement.
Special Needs families frequently suffer isolation. Nathaniel's Hope trains churches to provide respite care. Volunteers learn to do crafts and play games with the children for 3-hour blocks of time. "There’s no better cup of cold water you can give to a family impacted by disability than a break," says NH and Buddy Break co-founder Marie Kuck. It starts, she says, with having a willing heart. "Tear down those walls and build friendships." Air1's Monika Kelly reports.
Your teen meets a nice stranger at the mall. Or a guy she doesn't know likes all her posts on Instagram. What begins as flattery and flirtation has led thousands of kids -- just like yours -- down the dark and demeaning path to human trafficking. Groups like Without Permission urge parents to warn their teens about the tricks child predators use to trap victims. Air1's Kindra Ponzio talks with CEO Debbie Johnson, CEO of Without Permission.
By Richard Hunt Cedarville University enlists the volunteer support of faculty, staff, and students to deliver three meals a day to students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in isolation, or to students who had contact with a COVID-19 positive classmate and are in quarantine. Through technology, those students can still continue their education virtually. And when it comes to meals, they even get a choice of what food is going to be safely brought to them. Listen as we get the encouraging story from Tim Abel, an Event Manager at Cedarville University, who oversees the evening meal deliveries.
Socially-distanced schooling in the age of COVID-19 has been bumpy for parents who feel inadequate as teachers. For some families, the shutdown drove disillusionment with public school curriculum, prompting a leap to homeschooling. Whether you homeschool or embrace distance learning, experts insist that school-at-home can indeed work for you. Air1's Billie Branham reports.
By Richard Hunt Meet the amazing woman who now has more than a million fans on Facebook! And as Brenda stands over the stove keeping an eye on her food project, she will share things on her mind – maybe about her family or someone she met, and she often shares about her faith in Jesus. No sermons, just talking from her heart.
Brenda says she never imagined having her own cooking show with a huge social media audience across the country. “But, I can say this. My prayer has always been that the Lord would help me be a positive influence on the people that I’m around and he has made this possible. He’s answered my prayer.”
By Richard Hunt On October 6, a special worldwide prayer event will be held at the site of the Pilgrim’s arrival at Plymouth Rock.
Carter Conlon, Pastor at Times Square Church in New York City, believes the landing of the Mayflower and the fragile colony they founded in the face of many dangers – all for the sake of freedom to believe in God, their way - was also the beginning of America, spiritually speaking.
But he says we have not honored God in so many ways. He’s calling for targeted prayer asking God to forgive our country for a number of specific things that grieve God, major among them, human slavery, which still has ramifications in what our country faces today.
“God gave us freedom and then we took a whole race of people and took away their freedom and made them slaves.”
By Richard Hunt At her school, “We pledge to the flag each morning, but there wasn’t a flagpole.” This year, the annual See You At the Pole (SYATP) faith event celebrates its 30th anniversary. SYATP is a special time where students circle the flagpole at their school and honor God in prayer. And for 8th grader Taylor Harris the event will be super special. A project envisioned and eventually funded by Taylor will be dedicated at her school, Rock Academy in San Diego.
On Tuesday November 3rd 2020, U.S. citizens will exercise their constitutional right to choose their own national, state and local leaders -- by vote. Will you be one of them? Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Andrea Hailey of VOTE.ORG about helping you register in time to cast your ballot for Election 2020. "I would hope that our Founding Fathers would see that we’re really making sure that our democracy stands."
Joel Reagan spoke with Taylar Smith, Child Welfare Specialist with Oklahoma Department of Human Services about foster care and adoption in Oklahoma
Kids First is a non-profit foster care and adoption agency that helps kids in the Fort Worth, Texas community. Air1's Joel Reagan spoke with Carla Johnson, Director of Kids First, about the need for foster, kinship and adoptive parents.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center in L.A. about opening up areas for students distance learning.
By Richard Hunt “…there was already a move of God in place in Kenosha…” Many cities have seen unrest and even violence due to issues with police and claims of racial bias. One of those communities is Kenosha, Wisconsin – just across the border from Chicagoland. There are clear signs God, through his people – ‘the church’- is working to help the people of Kenosha. And, in reality, the plans were being laid well before the controversial incident where Jacob Blake was shot in August.
By Richard Hunt Stacy Lamb, Convoy of Hope’s Senior Director of Disaster Services, remains based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He says, “there’s still very widespread damage around here as well … there’s still a long road to recovery here.” So far, 1.5 million pounds of relief supplies have been trucked in – and Convoy is working with local churches to see that needs are met.
By Richard Hunt Pastors always need encouragement. But this crazy COVID year, more than ever! With churches not being able to meet in-person, what kind of toll has this taken on pastors‘ work life and vital home life? Brian Kluth, national spokesman for Bless Your Pastor, helps us understand – and he offers ways to come alongside to ease the load on your pastor.
By Richard Hunt Now, “The refuge that we call home is also a classroom, is also the office and it’s beginning to blur the lines.” Dr. Kevin Corsini, the president of San Diego Christian College joins us to share tips that can make online studies more practical, while at the same time keeping home life balanced.
By Richard Hunt Kansas City Pastor Darron Edwards is fully engaged in bringing the city together and bringing down the crime rate. He is intent on restoring trust between the community and police with a 10-step plan he crafted that is already seeing significant traction.
My2020Census.gov. Every 10 years, every person on U.S. soil is required to be counted, by order of the Constitution. For households that don't respond as required, a census taker will knock on their door. No area is too remote. No outskirts too far. “Census takers are in rural parts of Alaska on snowmobiles,” Cook says, and for coastal fringes, “census takers will kayak to communities that are not connected to roads.” Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Michael Cook of the U.S. Census Bureau about how the numbers are used and Rev. Dr. Marlyn Bussey, pastor of St. James AME Zion Church about why she thinks faith leaders should actively encourage people to participate.
Trauma can settle into your mind and affect your conscious or subconscious mind no matter who you are -- or how strong you think you ‘should’ be. Air1's Monika Kelly talks with Jamie Aten, founder of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute which studies mental and emotional reactions to disasters and offers training for Christian leaders preparing to weather societal storms.
Spreading the message of Jesus through cycling across the USA over 15 times and counting. Non-profit organization that offers opportunities to other cyclists to join in the rides across America to share their faith, stay in churches along the way and reach many along the way. Air1's Frank Hammond talks with org founder Dr. Judy Bowman.
Monika Kelly talks to Andrea White, Tennessee Director of the American Canoe Association about paddling safety.
Rest is the root of the word ‘restoration’ – and restoration is a principle that medical internist Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith finds crucial to seven distinct areas of your life. “Rest isn’t just the cessation of activity,” she explains, suggesting that to maintain optimal health “you have to get to the point of knowing what restores you. What fills you back up?” Air1's Marya Morgan talks with the doctor about 7 kinds of rest.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with Angel Flight NE's Larry Camerlin about flying patients across the country and how they've helped Native American tribes during the pandemic.
‘Bear Fruit Bakery’ gave part of their own earnings to other businesses in town, helping them stay afloat. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt “I definitely feel like we’re in the wilderness, so to speak, spiritually. And you know, God does some of his greatest works in our lives in the wilderness. I think we learn lessons.” As for the future? “I hope we’re different in a good way … I hope we’re more dependent on God,” shares Pastor Jud Wilhite.
Nat'l Domestic Abuse Hotline 1-800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org/ Physical bruises are only small part of what some women and men suffer says Annette Oltmans of The MEND Project, which brings awareness to what she calls ‘covert emotional abuse.’ “Victims begin questioning reality and their own sanity,” explains Oltmans, herself a survivor of domestic abuse – and a Christian – who knows firsthand what’s it like to ‘live it.’ Pastor Paul Cole, president of the Christian Men’s Network, has been deeply concerned by the quarantine effect on families already stuffed in a pressure cooker of unhealthy reactions. “A lot of times, we as men act out of anger, rage, disappointment – and we lash out at people,” he says, urging men in this trap to reach out for help. Air1's Billie Branham reports.
By Richard Hunt An app created by a former prisoner is bringing encouragement and hope to those behind bars. And Prison Fellowship is partnering to help more families get ahold of this life-changing technology. Hear our insightful interview with PF’s Heather Rice-Minus.
“The peace and the comfort that the students can bring has a really deep effect.” It’s quite an honor when the county health department calls on a university for help, knowing by previous interaction that the Christian school’s nursing program is first-class. That’s what happened for the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing at Simpson University based in Redding, California.
Church-made videos share important topics at a level kids can understand. Children’s Pastor Jeff Land, who serves at Sugar Creek Baptist Church just outside of Houston, takes a cue from Fred Rogers as he tackles topics and questions in ways younger children can comprehend. Show topics have included: not being afraid to wear a mask, not being spooked when they see a person who’s undergone chemotherapy and has lost their hair, and a general lesson on the importance of manners, of pleasing God.
Pastor Land shares some positive thoughts on what we may value more as we eventually come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 at Lejeune High School in North Carolina turned out to be unlike anything they had ever imagined. The graduates celebrated online, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Senior Class President Abigail Paquin presented her encouraging video speech and then sat down to sing an original song that she wrote for the special and unusual occasion. The Lord gave her a peace about the situation and Abigail then knew “I had to encourage my classmates.”
Now that the schools have closed operations for the summer, Venture Church of Encinitas, Cal. is making a difference in family’s lives.
The church itself has become the summer food pickup location. In the parking lot, “We have a team of volunteers, with the food already bagged, ready to go. So the people come through, and they pop their trunk – they don’t even have to get out of their car – they pop their trunk and our people put the bags of groceries in trunk and then they’re free to go,” explains Pastor Troy Martin. ‘We really want to be Jesus to the community.’
Dr. Mimi Secor didn’t get truly serious about her own weight-management and overall health until entering her early 60’s. Building on her personal success and with a nod to current events, she offers advice corresponding with each of the letters of the word "pandemic." Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Dr. Mimi about what she calls the '8 pillars of health.' P.lanning/Preparing A.ccountibility N.ighttime D.iet E.xercise M.indset I.nspiration/Intimacy C.oritsol
Air1's Billie Branham talks with mom blogger Becky Thompson on how she relates to millions of moms.
“We know in business, we know in work that you have goals you have you have to meet: well what’s your fathering plan?” Air1's Bob Dittman talks with Dr. Ken Canfield of the National Center For Fathering about learning how to be good dad. "We're creating this sense of destiny for our lives that will be played out over and over."
Stay-at-home orders required the Christ-centered 12-step program to adopt virtual alternatives to traditional face-to-face meetings. Air1's Frank Hammond asks Christe Dejorie, CR state rep about online groups, anonymity and confidentiality rules for Zoom meetings and plans to go forward with the annual Celebrate Recovery conference in July.
Stay-at-home orders in Spring 2020 gave millions of new green thumbs a chance to grow. What can you do with all those extra cucumbers and tomatoes? Take them to a participating food pantry! Air1's Marya Morgan talks with ampleharvest.org founder and lifelong backyard gardener Gary Oppenheimer.
By Richard Hunt/Nicole Hackett oda teaching English grammar? Mixed up idea, it is. Unless you’re Cedarville University alumna Heidi Bruder trying to spice up language arts for her suddenly online fifth- through seventh-graders at Calvary Christian Academy in West Branch, Michigan. Then it’s an idea that would make a Jedi master proud. “It was hard for me ... But I was convicted by what I tell my kids all the time: Whatever you do, do it for the Lord.”
By Richard Hunt When it came to share about the pandemic, Rock Church Associate Campus Pastor Becky Aniversario tell us, "Kids pick up a lot more than people realize and so it's really wise just to get ahead of these difficult conversations before they start getting information from other places. She's concerned that many sources kids might find COVID-19 information "are probably not going to be pointing them back to Jesus." it's important that the conversation be age-appropriate and "we tell them why their regular routine, such as going to school, visiting with friends, visiting with family - why all these things have been interrupted." Above all, Pastor Becky says it's important "to share the hope with have in Jesus."
The church kids also encouraged local heroes – first responders – including police.
Events that began in Minneapolis have reverberated around the globe in widespread outrage. Pastor Lance Hahn, who is white, called his longtime friend Bishop Parnell Lovelace who is black. "What can we do?" he asked the reverend. "Help me understand."
By Richard Hunt Before the COVID-19 pandemic, San Diego-based Rock Church was always helping areas of the community with hunger and other needs. But, “when the pandemic hit, we just put that into overdrive,” explains Senior Pastor Miles McPherson.
Air1's Monika Kelly has a fun chat with Michelle Brenner of Gig Harbor, Washington, now called the "Lasagna Lady." After being furloughed from her job in March of 2020, Michelle decided she'd bless her community by fixing homemade lasagnas and giving them away for free. She's since given away more than a thousand pans of lasagna, thanks to donations, to fire crews, medical personnel, prisons, nursing homes and to anyone who asks.
By Richard Hunt There is often an expectation of divine perfection in pastors, but Cody Barnhart emphasizes ministers are very much human. He agrees that pastors need people they can share struggles with, confidentially. “Most pastors absolutely need those people to open up to and I think most pastors don’t have them. I think many pastors, especially the ones I know, I’ve talked to personally, are afraid that they may lose their jobs or be perceived as weak leaders if they share something that is kind of too far for people to feel comfortable with, especially if it’s about some of these bigger issues” like suicide and depression, “intrusive mental health struggles.”
By Richard Hunt Listen to our podcast interview with PK’s President Vance Day to learn the exciting things being planned for Promise Keepers. Also, Day offers biblical wisdom for men who may be newly unemployed, struggling with bills, or just coping with being ‘stuck at home’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with ministry spokesperson Jeff Nene about the COH ongoing commitment to providing for people left hungry by the 2020 economic shutdown.
By Richard Hunt By using the free Church Online Platform thousands of churches stayed connected to congregations. “We were very honored to provide the tool,” says Pastor, Innovation Leader Bobby Gruenewald of Life.Church, who explains for years the church has felt called to use technology “in a missional way.”
By Richard Hunt By using the free Church Online Platform thousands of churches stayed connected to congregations. “We were very honored to provide the tool,” says Pastor, Innovation Leader Bobby Gruenewald of Life.Church, who explains for years the church has felt called to use technology “in a missional way.”
By Richard Hunt As families cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, the homeless need special assistance and encouragement. That’s what they’re getting at the Union Gospel Mission of Sacramento. Listen as we learn more from Pastor Tim Lane, the mission’s director.
Operated by private citizens and committed to being non-political, since 2001, The Presidential Prayer Team has rotated a variety of government officials on its website, listing them by name and specific prayer points. The COVID-19 outbreak added new urgency to PPT regular efforts, which now includes members of the coronavirus task force. “We have their names listed so you can pray for them individually.” Air1's Dan Beck talks with PPT president Jim Bolthouse.
Seth Lewis, business coach and founder of StartTheMo urges owners to reframe the effects of the forced economic pause. “I want them to be able to see how COVID-19 can actually be a good thing for their business.” Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Lewis about how focus and perspective aid recovery.
By Richard Hunt Kathy Branzell is president of the National Day of Prayer Task Force and a spokesperson for Go2020 USA. She shares the importance, the necessity of letting others know about eternal life in Christ.
By Richard Hunt The idea of Go2020 was launched well before the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. But, in what appears to be God’s timing, the massive prayer, evangelism, and discipleship campaign is hitting this month just as America and much of the world continues to wobble with uncertainty and worry. The message from the creators of Go2020 is this: “There is hope beyond fear!”
By Richard Hunt The 2020 National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7th. There will be a main event broadcast on Facebook and other media. If you’re sheltering due to the pandemic, there are ways to take part in prayer from your own home and still be a part of the millions of prayers being lifted up for our nation and world. This year’s scripture theme is from Habakkuk 2:14, ‘Pray God’s glory across the earth.’
By Felipe Aguilar & Richard Hunt In the six weeks since the COVID-19 virus pandemic hit America, more than 30-million people have lost their jobs and filed for unemployment benefits. Along with loss of income, comes a need to adjust the family spending. How to pay a mortgage or rent, buy food, and target bills must be figured out. For some, food immediately becomes a major concern. The modern-day term for it is “food insecurity.”
In this report, we take you to Texas, where the San Antonio Food Bank, like other food banks across America, is making a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of people in a 16-county region. To give you an idea of the need, this food bank held a special event – a “pop up distribution” at Traders Village, a 100-acre marketplace/swap-meet near Lackland Air Force Base, with plenty of parking. The food bank was well-prepared for 6,000 families to drive up… instead they saw 10,000!
Feeding first responders as they fight COVID-19 Coronavirus. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
By Richard Hunt For years now, Joel C. Rosenberg has been writing books that usually have a focus on the Middle East, where the Holy Land is centered. Rosenberg is a Messianic believer, a person of Jewish heritage who has accepted Christ as his personal savior.
Join us as we get into Joel’s brain on what makes the Middle East the fractious place it is – and we also learn about his new novel, The Jerusalem Assassin.
ER nurse Kaitlyn and her fellow RNs bravely endure the anxieties of the mysterious COVID-19. "I'm showing up. All healthcare workers are. That's what we do." Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Kaitlyn.++PLUS: Pandemic Nurses In NYC Get PTSD Counseling. Victims of the virus are completely cut off from family so in those last moments of life, nurses become their sole emotional support. Crisis counselor Robert Moore of 10-33 Foundation comforts healthcare providers as they come of their 12-hour shifts. Air1's Monika Kelly reports.
Air1's Billie Branham talks with Pastor Bob Griffith from Journey Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin about how they provided free groceries to thousands affected by COVID-19.
By Richard Hunt Showing appreciation for those on the front lines of health. At a busy intersection near three Detroit medical centers, Allen Marshall did something unusual and very generous. He made arrangements with a gas station, then stood outside with his “Free Gas For Nurses” sign. “A lot of nurses waved. A lot of them held up their badges as they drove by and honked. People came up and donated money - homeless people came up and donated money,” Allen explains with a smile. “They (the homeless) had gone to these hospitals in the past.” Why did he do it?
By Richard Hunt You may not have heard how our armed forces deployed overseas are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help fill that knowledge gap by way of someone who is there. Chaplain Dan Thompson, a USAF Lt. Colonel, is based in Afghanistan. His ministry to the men and women serving our country has, out of necessity, changed a great deal since precautions got underway due to global pandemic. Even though the chaplain is now sharing faith wearing a mask and keeping social distancing, God is not hindered. “I tell you this last Sunday was just amazing. God literally rocked the house."
By Richard Hunt Just like many families, a family in California's Central Valley is staying close to home as much as possible nowadays. They're having lots of family time and found an artful way to honor God and share their faith during these unusual times!
Men’s pastor launches online series to help guys cope…and wives comprehend
Kenny Luck, the founder of Every Man Ministries, understands some of the unique challenges men are experiencing with social-distancing and staying-at-home during the COVID-19 pandemic. And it might be smart for women to take note of this as well to get a sense of what the men in your family might be going through.
Pastor Eric Camp of Action Church joined more than 20 other churches to encourage beleaguered medical workers at two hospitals in coastal Mississippi. 500-to-600 people drove to the hospitals to specifically pray and encourage. Those in the crowded parking lots prayed, praised, and sang aloud. "It was surreal to be honest with you," says Pastor Eric, "and what happened was really unexpected to us."
Air1's Monika Kelly chats with Jennifer Owens, a mom and kindergarten teacher, who has been battling cancer in the midst of COVID-19. When she ended her chemo treatments, Jen's friends and family organized a drive-by parade to let her know how much she's loved. Jen credits her faith in Jesus for bringing her this far.
Pastor Bill and Pastor Dave urge us to stay 6ft apart – but close in heart. Your emotional and spiritual health depends on deliberately connecting to family and friends through hi-tech video chat or old-fashioned lawn chair meetups.
Dr. David Stevens has decades of medical expertise including missions work overseas treating epidemics. He currently serves as the CEO Emeritus of Christian Medical and Dental Association. Air1's Marya Morgan gets his take on the spread and response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Air1's Monika Kelly speaks to Pastor Carter Conlon of New York City's Times Square Church about their weekly online prayer service at tsc.nyc. People from more than 200 countries join in each Tuesday to pray and receive peace and answers from God.
Air1's Monika Kelly chats with Bob Hawker, Associate Pastor at Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio. The pastor encouraged the congregation to be generous givers and in doing so, they raised more than $40,000 to pay off the lunch debt for 11 local school districts. The church even set up at Angel Fund for future debt cancellation.
California online tech school trains students with an emphasis on faith values. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.
20-yrs ago the first Safe Haven laws passed allowing a woman who cannot care for her baby to walk away. Anonymously. Laws vary state-to-state but hospitals are approved surrender locations everywhere. Air1's Monika Kelly talks with exec dir. of The Hope Box, Sarah Keoppen and Heather Burner, exec dir of the National Safe Haven Alliance. They find the parents scared and desperate to secure a better life for their child. Call to Safely Surrender a Child: HOTLINE 1-888-510-BABY(2229) or Text SAFEHAVEN to 313131
By Richard Hunt So many of us - always busy, always connected, never unplugged. Dallas Pastor Robert Morris experienced an embarrassing moment of just what over-doing-it can lead to! “I was so tired and when I opened my sock drawer, I didn’t have any socks. And I actually felt myself beginning to cry, admits Pastor Morris. “So, I talked with a friend of mine and said, ‘I think I’m losing my mind.’” And he said, “You’re not losing your mind Robert. You’re just tired.”
The uncomfortable sock incident led Morris to look again at the 4th Commandment in the Bible, where he says God tells us, actually commands us, to take a break, honor Him, and recharge.
Morris is the founding lead pastor of the 17,000 member Gateway Church, which has multiple campuses in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Clearly a man of God, but also a man who needs recharging like everyone does, he decided to share his experience and solution with a guidebook, "Take the Day Off; Receiving God’s Gift Of Rest."
Ever Heard Of A ‘Kindness Tunnel?’ We Think You’ll Love This Story! (by Richard Hunt) Students at Summit Hill Elementary in Milton, Ga. welcomed first-responders and the mayor - and surrounded them with encouragement in a long hallway designated as the “Kindness Tunnel.” Assistant Principal Mary Beth Burns says, “To see just those precious little ones showing gratitude towards them, it really touched them. They were smiling and waving, taking selfies with the kids, they seemed to be living it up.”
She smiles and calls what happened the morning after the disastrous fire: “Salon Gano.”
Teacher Michelle Gano welcomed her classroom of third graders with a very special Monday morning of fun and encouragement. That’s because many of the children were still stunned and sleep-deprived from what had just happened overnight. A raging inferno struck Bound Brook, New Jersey, in January.
“I didn’t see it, but I can only imagine the site that these kids saw… right out their windows!” Michelle knows it was a “terrifying image.” After learning the full extent of the fire situation, Michelle says “all I wanted to do was be with my kids in my classroom and just know that everyone was safe.”
As she considered what to do as a teacher, she realized “academics were out the window” that day, so she gathered supplies in case any of her students needed to get cleaned-up, wash their hair, or brush their teeth. That was what became known as “Salon Gano” – complete with a shampoo station, a hair-drying station, and then some “fancy hairdos.” The result? “It really was a special way of being together and taking care of really their physical needs, but also their emotional needs, they were so shaken by the night before.”
By Richard Hunt Tim Tebow is known for a lot more than football and baseball. One of the winning things he’s responsible for is an event called Night to Shine. It’s a prom night for people with Special Needs that’s centered on God’s love. Join us as Tim Tebow shares the vision.
Vaping is marketed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, but 'dual use' plus dramatic surge in teen addiction and recent links to lung disease send most e-cig claims up in smoke. Air1's Billie Branham talks with Linda Richter of the Center on Addiction and Dr. Michael Blaha, cardiovascular research director at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Crushing loneliness and lack of purpose has seized millions of young adults in recent years, causing a frightening spike in teen suicides. Air1's Monika Kelly gets advice from Maureen Underwood with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide who serves as a social worker and psychotherapist.
By Richard Hunt A particular Bible verse stands out as the one that has helped the most people during 2019: It’s Philippians 4:6. That’s according to the YouVersion Bible, which has seen 400-million app downloads in the past 11 years. The man behind the popular app, Pastor Bobby Gruenewald, shares his take on the topic.
By Richard Hunt One city has found a way to cut the call volume, while still helping those in need. The issue of non-emergency 911 calls is fairly common around the country. We’re not talking about crank or abusive calls, we’re referring to people who rely on 911 for needs that can often really be met by other agencies. One city that was pummeled by frequent 911 callers is Chattanooga, Tennessee, population 179,000.
Project Night-Night fills thousands of tote bags with cushy comfort for kids in homeless shelters. Each tote comes with a cuddly stuffed animal, a brand-new warm blanket and a new children’s book for bedtime reading. Air1's Billie Branham hears from PNN founder Kendra Stitt Robins about how they help kids have sweeter dreams.
An alarming number of college students report thoughts of suicide, as cellphones, social media and pressures of school or sports distract many from enjoying basic human connection. Concerned adults are teaching them how to live face-to-face. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Greg Jao, Sr. Asst to the President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
When Shirley Raines lost her son to an accident, she struggled to regain a sense of purpose in life. She realized the only way out of her deep depression was to serve others. Air1's Kindra Ponzio talks with Shirley about sparking hope for chronically homeless women through Beauty2theStreetz.
By Richard Hunt Health experts have major concerns about the foods we eat. Wrong foods and ingredients are a major cause of obesity and related debilitating problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Wanting to make a difference and disrupt the status quo in the food industry is Mike Teel. And he has a powerful platform as the owner of Raley’s, a grocery chain with more than a hundred stores in western states. One of the first areas of concern Teel tackled: too much sugar.
By Billie Branham A red salon chair is attracting some interesting looks for being hauled around the streets of Minneapolis. The chair provides a place for homeless men and women to get free haircuts. A few years back, Katie Steller had an idea. I have all these chairs. What if I stick one into the back of my car and drive around and just offer free haircuts to people who are asking for help?
By George Rath/Richard Hunt Highly screened volunteers help with the all-important task of human contact for newborns. Several hospitals across the country have developed a program that allows volunteers to hold those infants. Many call them cuddle buddies or NICU Cuddlers.
(* This is one of the last stories produced by George Rath before his untimely passing in the summer of 2019. We believe his story work is a lasting testament to his faith in Christ and caring for others.)
By George Rath How one man's love for his great niece led to an ongoing ministry! If you have children you may have used a bumble seat. They are a softshell seat that supports a child on a chair. It helps them sit upright. When Marty Parzynski’s great niece, Bella, was diagnosed with spina bifida, he came up with an idea to use a bumble seat to build a mini wheelchair. He lovingly called it Bella’s Bumba. ( This is one of the last stories produced by Air1's George Rath before his untimely passing in the summer of 2019. We believe his story work is a lasting testament to his faith in Christ and caring for others.)
By Susan Miller You grew way too many tomatoes this year. Your zucchini went crazy. And what in world will you do with all those cucumbers?
What if you could donate all your extra veggies?
“The gardeners across America hate wasting food,” says Gary Oppenheimer founder of an innovative online matching service called AmpleHarvest.org. He is a lifelong gardener who once saw his own bountiful backyard as both a blessing and a curse. “I found out the hard way,” he laughs, “you can only give so much zucchini to friends and still call the them a friend.” So along with fellow growers he devised a solution: connect local backyard gardeners with food pantries, women’s shelters or feeding programs that would welcome fresh vegetables.
By Billie Branham A garage in Texas is fixing women’s cars for free. God’s Garage also provides cars to women who are in need. Pastor Chris Williams says he wants to help so those who need it don’t end up at dishonest repair shops. God’s Garage serves women from all over the area. He says the garage serves, “Single mothers with 16-year-old children or younger, living at home with them. Widows and wives of deployed military. And they’re from every walk of life. We just want to help these ladies get a foot up in life.”
When soldiers trade their uniforms for civvies, they lose access to the human bonds unique to military service. Vets are forging new friendships and finding new purpose through Christian-based Celebrate Recovery 'Welcome Home' groups. Air1's Frank Hammond talks with Quint Pitts, Iraq war veteran and National Dir. of CR Welcome Home.
U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs has struggled with public trust after years of inefficient VA hospitals and slow response to a rising tide of soldier suicides. But comprehensive new laws seem to be making a difference in quality of care. Air1's Ed Lenane checks in with the VA’s cabinet-level commander.
By Richard Hunt A regional grocery chain invests in customized shopping carts after a heartfelt request from a mom! Parents, who have children with special needs, can often face an uphill challenge doing everyday things, like shopping for food. Wegmans Food Markets listened to an idea, an appeal, offered by a mom in Buffalo, New York.
Barely a month after racing boss J.D. Gibbs died of a devastating neurological disease, his team made NASCAR history by finishing 1st-2nd-3rd at Daytona 500. His legendary dad, NFL Coach Joe Gibbs celebrates J.D. as one of his personal faith heroes. Air1's Ed Lenane has that story.
Welcome Home Initiative retreats are entirely free for a veteran or their spouse to attend, meals and hotels provided. “One of the biggest things we do is to anoint the trigger finger of the veteran or the thumbs of a 50 cal gunner,” says Rev. Nigel Mumford, a symbolic act he told Air1's Ed Lenane has delivered many men from painful memories.
By Richard Hunt Instead of a black trash bag for their personal things, kids removed from their homes can get a ‘Comfort Kit’ courtesy of the encouraging people at Love Modesto. “When you think about it, you’re being taken away from everything you’ve ever known and placed in a home with strangers.” Children may be separated from a brother or sister and “you don’t know what’s happening next. You don’t know when you’re going to be able to go back home – if you ever are. And it can be very traumatic.” -- Crystal McKiernan
"Change in a city comes through loving the city, being kind." Planners aspire to create a space where low-income families feel loved and accepted adding fun services like nail salons, kid zones and free family portraits to the festivities. Volunteers are committed to treating attendees with dignity and respect, which begins with an enthusiastic welcome at the gate. Air1's Richard Hunt talks with Jeff Nene, national spokesman for Convoy of Hope and Michael Redmond, Vice President of Community Events.
By Richard Hunt Understanding real life, real responsibilities, and real financial dangers. For young people, in the ‘school of hard knocks,’ these things might be learned, but with significant stress. Now there’s a more practical way. It’s called a Financial Reality Fair, offered by many Credit Unions nationwide. Teens are given online personas, faux families, employment… and bills!
By Richard Hunt Pastors and their families often have financial stress, along with demand on their time. The calling to serve God is an honor. And when God’s people let their pastors know they matter, it makes a huge difference! There are many ways to support your pastor. In our podcast we learn some valuable ideas from Brian Kluth, the founder of Bless Your Pastor, which offers free resources to make a blessing happen.
Prayer Hugs and 'staff meetings' can make your marriage better. Pastors Dave and Bill explain. The Air1 Pastors are available 24/7/365. Call: 844 364 HOPE (4673)
While women tend to have supportive friends to process divorce, men tend to isolate. Anger, shame and loneliness can drive a man into deep depression. "Whether that man caused the divorce himself or is the victim of a divorce, the issue really is how we handle pain." Air1's Ed Lenane talks Dr. Dale Brown, divorced pastor and author of a 90-day devotional entitled The Daily Survival Guide For Divorced Men.
Immediately after Dorian made landfall, Convoy of Hope ferried emergency food and water to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The global relief org has also flown teams to the Bahamas, carrying additional necessities like diapers, toothbrushes and solar lanterns. Air1's Marya Morgan talks with Jeff Nene of Convoy of Hope about ongoing hurricane relief efforts.
By Susan Miller Working together to meet a basic need for kids can change your perspective. Members of Trace Creek Baptist Church in Kentucky have learned that first hand by building and delivering bunk beds for families with no safe beds for their kids to sleep in.
By Susan Miller Working together to meet a basic need for kids can change your perspective. Members of Trace Creek Baptist Church in Kentucky have learned that first hand by building and delivering 200 bunk beds for families with no safe beds for their kids to sleep in.
Uncle Sam actively partners with faith-based groups to help people in need, providing training and connecting them with taxpayer dollars. Air1's Ed Lenane gets details from faith office directors Kevin Smith of Homeland Security (DHS) and Shannon Royce of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Supernatural beings exist – and there are some misconceptions. Did you know angels don’t have wings? Working to explain and demystify scripture, The Bible Project offers an array of free videos on multiple biblical topics aiming for clarity. “People are very very hungry and thirsty for true knowledge of who they are and why they’re here and what this whole purpose is for us being alive.” – Mike McDonald, The Bible Project, shares with reporter Richard Hunt
Human error costs 40,000 lives every year on American roads. Safety and tech experts eagerly observe current tests of self-driving cars with hopes the vehicles will someday prevent deadly crashes. Kelly Nantel of the National Safety Council and automotive tech expert Tim Spell talk with Air1's Rafael Sierra about how autonomous vehicles work -- and how far away we are from trusting them.
Reading program sees kids coming in for a haircut and leaving with a little more confidence.
By Air1's Richard Hunt Cedarville University’s Dr. Dan DeWitt worries about an atheist’s book for kids, and shares tips for Christian parents to help their kids understand just who Jesus is. And why they believe what they believe.
Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. From the moment you strap your baby into her first carseat -- to the day you let her sit behind the wheel -- experts encourage you to steer kids towards a strong commitment to safety. Air1's Billie Branham talks with Lorrie Walker of SafeKids Worldwide and Catherine MacDonald, Senior Fellow at The Center for Injury, Research & Prevention at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
By Richard Hunt It’s said that horses have a different perception about people - they don’t necessarily react to a person’s physical appearance or their limitations. So, you might say, horses are not judgmental, as some human beings can be. One outreach with specialized equine therapy is called “Ride to Walk,” located in Lincoln, California. They see definite results.
After an extraordinary heyday years back, PK’s new CEO Ken Harrison is enthused and ready to help men be all they can be for Christ. Ken shares his vision and the upcoming Texas mega-event with Air1’s Richard Hunt.
Half of Americans report feeling like ‘no one knows’ them. What can you do? Air1's Rafael Sierra gets some practical advice.
After a decade of secular oversight, the singing vegetables you loved are back to tell Bible stories. Air1’s Richard Hunt talks with co-creator and voice actor Phil Vischer about the upcoming reboot of tales from the beloved cucumber and tomato. “It’s time for a new generation to meet Bob and Larry.”
Air1’s Ed Lenane visits Washington D.C., office of the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Secretary Ben Carson is a former neuro-surgeon who calls himself a man of ‘deep faith’ and now helps to remove red-tape for families pursuing the American Dream.
Mike Teel, owner of Raley’s - a grocery company with over a hundred stores in the west - is an advocate for healthier food. He even hosts YouTube videos helping consumers understand what’s in food… that shouldn’t be. And he challenges food makers to do better. By Richard Hunt
New episodes of the Bible-teaching cartoons are coming. Before we get into the good news about the reset of the franchise, you might be interested in knowing how the concept of vegetables talking about God came to be.
Video games are designed to hook you into playing time and again. Despite the addiction risks there are benefits.“Kids who play games for an hour or less per day tend to have more friends and they tend to be more satisfied with their life than kids who don’t play games at all.” K-LOVE’S Billie Branham talks with Bob Hoose, tech editor for Plugged In/Focus on the Family and child-psychologist Dr. Scott Benson.
Loneliness is a painful feeling of inner emptiness and intense longing for relationship. “Most of the time when we walk into a room, we look for somebody we know,” says Pastor Bill of K-LOVE Radio. “It’s in our heart, soul and it’s in our desires to belong to a group.” Dr. Kristen DeWitt, psychologist at Cedarville University says relief can come by “embracing loneliness as a sign that something needs to change.” K-LOVE’s Rafael Sierra Jr. asks for practical advice.
Health experts have major concerns about the foods we eat. Wrong foods and ingredients are a major cause of obesity and related debilitating problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Wanting to make a difference and disrupt the status quo in the food industry is Mike Teel. And he has a powerful platform as the owner of Raley’s, a grocery chain with more than a hundred stores in western states. One of the first areas of concern Teel tackled: too much sugar.
More and more churches are opening their parking lots as 'safe parking zones' to those who are living in their cars. There are strict guidelines. Air1's George Rath tells us about two such ministries.
Hope was born in China, without a complete left arm. She got by okay, but tended to hide her arm when out in public. Eventually, life changed for her in two big ways. Hope was adopted by an American family and then, at age seven, loving hearts and technology combined to help complete that left arm!
“Our mission is not just to provide a service, it’s to create a friendship built on trust and an understanding that our Lord came and healed the sick and disabled out of love – and that we happily follow His example!” - Connor Hart
Rob Perez only hires cooks and servers working to beat drug or alcohol addiction. “They have an opportunity to give great service, a smile, awesome food and impact the way the general public feels about recovery." K-LOVE'S Monika Kelly talks to the business owner about DV8 Kitchen in Lexington, KY.
Policemen get greasy with local at-risk kids to teach automotive repair and restoration. D.R.A.G.G. (Drag Racing Against Gangs & Graffiti) offers highschool credits and positive relationships with law enforcement. Air1's Kindra Ponzio spoke with co-founder Police Sgt. Charles Woodruff, Oxnard Police Dept.
Comedy writer Martha Bolton wrote her first funny book when she was 9-yrs-old. She went on to a career of crafting jokes for world-famous comedians like Bob Hope and Phyllis Diller and she’s worked with Christian comedians Chonda Pierce and Mark Lowry. She tells K-LOVE’s George Rath about her faith and her time in Hollywood.
Cancer-survivor Phil Zielke was just 22 when he endured chemo for Stage 4 Lymphoma. After that he launched a ministry to send free comfort boxes and greeting cards to thousands of other cancer patients nationwide. K-LOVE’s Tanya Bohannon asks him about his health and his mission of hope.
Disaster strikes. Homes destroyed. Families hungry and overwhelmed. Convoy Of Hope rolls 18-wheelers into fires and floods loaded with FREE food, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes and towels in the name of Jesus. Air1’s Richard Hunt talks with COH spokesperson Jeff Nene and fleet manager Frank Senkinc about the ministry impact.
Disaster strikes. Homes destroyed. Families left hungry and overwhelmed. Convoy Of Hope rolls 18-wheelers into fires and floods loaded with FREE food, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes and towels in the name of Jesus. K-LOVE’s Richard Hunt talks with COH spokesperson Jeff Nene and fleet manager Frank Senkinc about the ministry impact.
Listen as Air1's Monika Kelly chats with Jennifer McConn and her 7-year-old son, Roman McConn. who is making a huge difference in the lives of shelter dogs as he stars in countless YouTube videos. Roman's sweet engagement with each dog lets viewers know that the four-legged friends are safe for children. Project Freedom Ride, a non-profit founded by Roman and his mom, Jennifer, have rescued more than 1400 dogs.
Police Officers Suffering PTSD, Anger, Addiction Get Help Accidents. Assaults. Police officers see the worst of what happens to humans. That regular dose of tragedy breeds anger that can drive first responders to addiction, abuse -- and even suicide. Serve & Protect provides a confidential hotline to get trauma off their chest. K-LOVE's(Air1’s) Frank Hammond talks with retired cop Rob Michaels, CEO of Serve & Protect and Andy Green, retired police detective, Franklin Police Dept.
As thousands of people fled from the deadly path of the Camp Fire in California, some evacuees arrived in the city of Roseville. There, they found safety and incredible blessings from local residents.
The Eliza Hope Center was inspired by the short life of Eliza Hope Darby. Eliza's mom Aimee Talks with Air1's George Rath about her life, the center and Crosswalk Church offering a Sunday class for families who have a special needs child.
Veterans Community Project operates in Kansas City, Missouri to supply employment and mental health resources regardless of discharge status. Men and women live in 'barracks-style' homes specifically-designed for vets suffering P.T.S.D. Air1's Joel Reagan asks Brandonn Mixon, himself a disabled vet, about how VCP successfully rehabilitates America's forgotten soliders.
With the motto 'proud to serve again' veterans can choose to transition from military life to active duty as highschool teachers. Participating vets say Troops To Teachers gives them a way to continue their service to the country. Air1's Billie Branham finds out how from new teachers Betsy Vane, RN and Dr. Christopher Perrin.
Many churches have community gardens but few can come close to the scale and success of Shiloh Field in Denton, Texas. Shiloh is a 14-and-a-half acre plot of land that produces enough food to feed 5,000 people a year.
A married couple felt called by God to become foster parents. Air1's Tim Luttrell says over the course of the next 22 years Pastor Ron and Terri Robinson helped more than 65 kids.
Listen as Air1's Monika Kelly talks about an Ashland, Kentucky student leadership plan to renovate a box truck into a food truck that will serve fresh, hot meals to hungry and homeless students on weekends and during school breaks.
A unique ministry is teaching teenagers all over America how to share the Good News of Christ. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report
Inspired by the story of young King Josiah in the Bible, Fields of Faith is similar to a school pep rally. Air1's Tim Luttrell says it’s not about getting students fired up for a football game. It’s about getting them fired up for Jesus.
Brian Smith is Social Media Director for Athletes In Action and is campus director at University of Wisconsin-Madison. He talks with Air1's George Rath about a variety of ways athletes can keep their focus on glorifying God in their lives and in their sport.
A 10-year-old fell from tree and impaled himself on a metal rod. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Xavier Cunningham survived after a worldwide outpouring of prayer.
Simple Church was looking for a place to hold worship services but kept hitting brick walls. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a building designed for death helped the young church come to life.
Rachel McDowell, consumer and retail food safety specialist with North Carolina State extension tell Air1's Billie Branham what to keep and what to throw out
The Foresthill Bridge towers 730 ft above unforgiving earth. Armed with colorful paper and zip ties, Brittney Hendricks and Notes of Hope volunteers go to the edge to leave messages for lonely souls. At least one suicidal person so far called the hotline after seeing a note. “We don’t want anyone to feel like they’re so alone they don’t have any other choice but to jump.” Air1's Marya Morgan reports from the bridge.
A man's passion for his animals leads him to share Jesus with hundreds of thousands. Hear Air1's Billie Branham share his story.
Some players from the Philadelphia Eagles have a drive to win and live out their faith.
For foster children tossed by parental abuse or neglect, learning to play a musical instrument can be welcomed relief. “They’re able to put the pain and the trauma that they’ve been through into songs that they’re performing," says Laura Wood of Kids In A New Groove. Air1's Felipe Aguilar tells us how KING works.
Older kids in foster care ages 8-18 too often spend their childhoods between homes and 'age out' unprepared with no place to go for Thanksgiving. CAFO helps Christians reclaim their historic reputation for comforting vulnerable children. Air1's Joel Reagan asks Jedd Medefind about the goals and work of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Some students were so eager to serve others that they paid to do it. Air1's Tim Luttrell says the students spent part of their summer improving local neighborhoods.
Serving God: A father-daughter team’s unique way to bring fresh water to places where it’s needed most. Air1's Rafael Sierra reports
It was supposed to take 5 minutes for Clarkridge, Arkansas resident Eldon Cooper to check his pond and the dam. But when the rear left tire got too close to the edge, the tractor rolled left into the pond. He describes the experience of being trapped in the tractor, under water.
From sleep schedules to lunch prep, Air1's Billie Branham gets expert tips from a pediatrician about getting your kids ready for school.
You grew way too many tomatoes this year. Your zucchini went crazy. And who's gonna eat all those cucumbers? What if you could donate all your extra veggies to a hungry family near you? Air1's Susan Miller finds out how.
Jesus Summer 2018 is a 40 day outreach event aiming to stop gun violence in the Chicago area. Pastor Dimas Salaberrios is one of the organizers and talked with Air1 News about how the effort is going so far.
The school year starts sooner for our kids. August is the new September, so we have less time to plan things out. Air1's Tim Luttrell shares back-to-school shopping lessons learned the hard way.
In the years since addiction wrecked his sports career, Darryl found relationship with Jesus and met and married his wife Tracy. The Strawberrys are both recovering addicts who travel speaking to gov'ts and churches about their curriculum called “Clean, Sober and Saved.” Air1's Marya Morgan asks them to share their story.
The U.S. Dept of Agriculture is alarmed about the staggering number of opioid overdoses in America's farming towns. Desperate for answers, the USDA established a faith-based team which regularly discusses how local church leaders can tackle addiction in their home communities. Air1's Billie Branham gets the latest from Anne Hazlett, Asst. to the Secretary for Rural Development of the USDA.
Air1's Billie Branham talks about retired troops transform into teachers through Department of Defense program.
Many churches in America are struggling to reach 18 to 29-year-olds but Pastor Jesse Norman of My City Church seems to have cracked the code.
Chicago Police shot a barber in the South Shore neighborhood after attempting to question him. The incident sparked protests and demonstration from the community. Pastor Dimas Salaberrios and his team of responders are on the scene in the city praying for people in unrest.
Minneapolis coffee shop invites those in need of a little help to “come as you are.” Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report
Since last May, lava damage from Hawaii’s Kilauea has devastated over six hundred homes, but it couldn’t stop the local churches of Pahoa from sharing the love of Christ with their neighbors.
Living in an area prone to wildfires carries a variety of health risks – beyond the obvious danger of the fire itself.
There is a lot to consider before adopting a dog, a new four-legged member of the family can be expensive. But the one thing you can’t put a price on is your child’s huge smile when they meet their new friend. Air1's Tim Luttrell shares everything he learned after his child asked for a puppy.
First Baptist Church Viburnum, Missouri heads up the Love Thy Neighbor ministry to change lives. Air1's George Rath talks with Pastor Justin Perry.
Wisdom is timeless, as proven by the ongoing ministry of world-famous Christian psychologist Dr. James Dobson. For more than 40yrs his unwavering biblical perspective on marriage and parenting has guided families, first as founder of Focus On The Family and now as host of FAMILY TALK Radio. Hear our Closer Look conversation with this renowned grandfather-in-the-faith.
Imagine going to the World Cup…and returning home with the greatest victory of all time: eternal life. Ministry hopes to distribute over a half-million scriptures on Russian soil.
A unique Bible camp in the Middle East reaches out to children in that part of the world. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Triumphant Mercy shares the love of God with kids who live in refugee camps.
A regular mom in a regular town launched worldwide hospitality when she painted a picnic table an unusual hue and plopped it down in her front yard. Air1's Monika Kelly hears how Kristen Schell gathers neighbors and makes friends at The Turquoise Table.
If your child coughs and sputters in the pool or ocean, monitor breathing and behavior for 24-hrs to spot potential dangers. Air1's Billie Branham asks emergency pediatrician Dr. Michael D. Patrick about symptoms and signs.
Dig a well in Africa. Build houses in Mexico. Offer disaster relief in the United States. Short-term missions trips transform the lives of those who get -- as well as those who give. Air1's Kindra Ponzio checks in with Ron Ashpole of Helping Hands International.
“We build ramps for people who haven’t been out of their homes in months.” Texas Ramp Project provides precious freedom for the elderly or disabled with just a few slats of wood. Air1's Felipe Aguilar finds out how from project founder John Laine.
Have you just graduated or know someone who is about to start looking for their first job? Air1's Jonathan Ellyson has some tips.
Take a listen to hear who inspired this tiny church to feed people both physically and spiritually. It’s a real-life case of “loaves and fishes” as a small church of less than 50 people feeds literally hundreds of needy people every week
The stretch of life that follows the end of a show has consumed many young actors. Air1’s Tim Luttrell says Atticus Shaffer, who played ‘Brick Heck’ on the popular ABC sitcom ‘The Middle,’ looks to forge a different path for himself with a much brighter future.
An expert’s view on how your brain and body reacts after eating highly processes foods. Air1's Rafael SIerra reports
Community Rebuilders had just two weeks to make 21 homes move-in ready for military veterans. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a nearby church helped accomplish an impossible mission
Another Kilauea eruption sent ash 30,000 feet into the air. Churches are meeting the needs of those evacuated. Air1's George Rath talked with Puna Baptist Church pastor Alan Tamashiro.
Air1's George Rath talks about the dangerous growing trend of paintball wars moving to city streets. Police warn it isn't safe or legal.
Author Arlene Pellicane shares tips and wisdom learned from being a mom with Air1's Billie Branham
Air1's Monika Kelly gets an update from Dr. John Cook, founder of Indigenous Ministries which works in nations like Iraq, Syria and Egypt to provide for families devastated by persecution and war.
The non-profit 'Just Cuz Helmets Matter' is in memory of Gage Duke's cousin. Air1's George Rath has Gage's story, the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike and the rules of two.
An Ohio mom shares her approach to serving her city and making a difference with kids in need. Air1's Rafael Sierra reports.
Listen as Air1's Monika Kelly chats with Kristin Schell, author of the Turquoise Table: Finding Community and Connection in Your Own Front Yard, about easy hospitality that can start with a picnic table
If you’ve thought about praying for the 1.8 billion Muslims in the world, but didn’t know what to pray for, Prayercast wants to help. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Prayercast's upcoming internet video series will help Christians understand Muslim needs
From violent intruders to thieves stealing the Sunday offering, houses of worship can be prime 'soft targets' for crime. How can your church balance welcome with watchfulness? Air1's Alex Gregory gets advice from Glenn Evans of Church Security Alliance and Hector Alvarez, workplace violence expert for Alverez Associates LLC.
Pastor Kelly Payne's dream was to create an outreach vehicle people were excited to see because they knew fun had arrived. Air1's Tim Luttrell says the community embraced the unique ‘church-on-wheels’
The museum (430,000 sqft) exhibits 3,000 artifacts celebrating the global impact of the Bible on ancient and modern culture. Air1's Marya Morgan gets a virtual tour from Steve Green, CEO of national retailer Hobby Lobby and the co-founder of the Museum of the Bible.
Too many children grow up without a positive male influence. A group of fathers are stepping up to change that. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Watch D.O.G.S. serve as male role models for students
Some singers are hearing or vision impaired, some were born with Downs Syndrome and others are autistic, but what they have in common is a fierce commitment to rehearse for statewide performances. Air1’s Joel Reagan goes to choir practice to meet them and talk with choir director Jennifer Johnson.
Washing clothes, cooking a meal, reading a map, hammering a nail. Teaching kids basic skills can make them more competent, confident and independent adults. Air1’s Tracey Lynn gets tips from Diane Debrovner, deputy editor of Parents Magazine.
A pastor and his wife use an unexpected opportunity to help a young couple’s relationship.
Hurricane Harvey nearly destroyed the Henderson family's home. A week later their teenage son broke his neck playing football. Air1's Tim Luttrell says their house was completely rebuilt by eager volunteers.
Listen to why one parent felt guilt and what her research pointed out. Air1's Billie Branham reports
Fewer than 200,000 Christians are left in Iraq after the brutal invasion by ISIS terrorists. Attacks destroyed most of their homes and jobs and left their church buildings in ashes. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Iraqi believers chose to forgive after being targeted by ISIS.
Your unwanted items or surplus inventory could be collected and shipped to people in need around the world. Air1's Dan Beck talks with Lance Lanning about Montana-based Provision International.
Hundreds of abandoned kids in Cambodia, Thailand and India live in local orphanages styled like real homes where Christian workers call them all sons and daughters. Air1's George Rath talks with Asia's Hope founder John McCollum about the success of family-style orphan care.
About a hundred pastors gathered for a summit to pray for Chicago. Pastor Dimas Salaberrios from a church in the Bronx, New York tells Air1 News this is step one leading to a major ministry event this summer.
The attack on a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas was one of the deadliest in a place of worship in U.S. history. Air1's Tim Luttrell says the church members were determined not to let their story end with suffering and pain.
The water shortage in Cape Town is so dire that Christians in South Africa are calling on Christians worldwide to join them in praying for rain. They’re planning a massive prayer effort called “It’s Time” for March 24th. Meanwhile the City of South Africa is planning to turn off most of the taps on "Day Zero" - May 11, 2018. Air1's Laura Daniels reports.
Ministry CEO Mike Novak chats with Pastor Bill and Pastor Dave about the Air1 Pastoral Care Team. Our on-staff pastors connect with listeners who call about about marital problems, chronic illness, addiction, family issues or questions and doubts about God. The Air1 Pastors are available 24/7/365. Call: 844 364 HOPE (4673)
Nick Vujicic was born with no arms or legs due to a genetic condition called tetra-amelia syndrome. Defying the challenges of life without limbs, he lives to the fullest as a husband, father of four and passionate Christian global evangelist. Air1's George Rath spoke with Nick about encouraging millions to find their hope in Jesus.
Nick Vujicic is a husband, father of two boys and newborn twin girls. He is also an evangelist and author of the new book "Be the Hands and Feet Living Out God's Love For All His Children." Air1's George Rath talks with Nick about life and plans for the future.
Air1's Laura Daniels talks with Andrew Wonders, professor of sports management at Cedarville University. He was behind the scenes working for the International Olympic Committee in both Sydney and Salt Lake City. Wonders shares his thoughts on N. Korea joining the 2018 Games, how prepared S. Korea is, and the new direction the IOC is now taking to keep the Games viable for the future.
Michael Vick was in the prime of his football career when he was sent to prison for his part in a dog-fighting ring. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a psalm his mother shared with him helped Vick find redemption
"Evoking Humanity Not Vanity" is the tagline for a ministry giving free hair, makeup and skin care to women on the streets. Air1's Kindra Ponzio hears from Empowering Through Beauty founder Tanisha Akinloye.
Pastor Bill and Pastor Josey talk about self-esteem and what God says about your looks. Contact the CLOSER LOOK PASTORS (888)YES-AIR1.
We all know the drill when it gets cold. Turn up the heat now, grumble later when you get hit with the bill. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a group of men didn’t want their neighbors to freeze, so they grabbed axes and got to work.
Canine heroes sniff out seizures, calm tantrums, comfort wounded veterans and nab evil slave traders. Air1's Tracey Lynn talks with Jennifer Lutes of 4 Paws For Ability and Todd Jordan of Jordan Detection K-9 about the wonderful work of service dogs.
A van labeled 'There's A Better Way' drives up to panhandlers in Albuquerque and offers minimum wage to clean up local streets and parks. Hundreds of people hungry for opportunity have jumped at the chance to do an honest day’s work. Air1's Felipe Aguilar talks with Allan Armijo of Mayor's Office about the city's cash-for-work program.
Prayer Hugs and 'staff meetings' can make your marriage better, Air1 Pastors Dave and Bill explain.
Senior citizens with RVs criss-cross the country to work at camps and Christian missions. Air1's Monika Kelly talks with retirees staying busy as Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service (RVICS)
Kids teach other kids about dangers of distracted driving and speeding to curb deadly car crashes. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Russell Henk, founder of Teens In the Driver Seat and program national co-chair, highschooler Liz Stephens.
Ed Tandy McGlasson, founder of Blessings of the Father Ministry knows all about family struggles and regularly works with people who have suffered a loss in the family.
A local church blessed kids in need for Christmas. Air1's Billie Branham says 1,500 children received free bikes ahead of Christmas.
Art ministry aims to inspire, bring hope through very special paintings. Air1's Rafael Sierra reports
Listen as Air1's Billie Branham shares why a pastor says service caters to these families because children’s noises are the light and life of the church
Christmas day is usually just another day for underprivileged kids in Haiti. Air1's Tim Luttrell says they've been invited to a special Christmas celebration
Family gatherings like birthdays or holidays can be tense and uncomfortable. Pastors Bill and Dave say boundaries and exit strategies can help you keep the peace.
Business and Law students mentor willing L.A.-area homeless to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs. Air1's Alex Gregory talks with Keith Obilana, Director of the Pepperdine Microenterprise Program to find out how the university helps these men and women change their lives.
Admin dir. Sal Azavedo tells Air1's Alex Gregory the mission is especially helpful for homeless people who are are sick.
Interim Exec. Dir. Jason Conway tells Air1’s Alex Gregory that years ago he himself was sleeping on park benches in Modesto.
Air1's Alex Gregory talks with Jason Conway, the Interim Director of the Modesto Gospel Mission
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian based transportation ministry that helped save a pair of conjoined twins in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Millions of Americans will live beyond 80. Most will need younger help with basic tasks. Some will suffer dementia or Alzheimer's disease. What do you need to know?? Frank Hammond asks Helene French of the Alzheimer's Assoc. of KY/IN and Dan Beck chats with Kay Owen Larson of Crossroads about training chaplains to visit abandoned elders in nursing homes.
Residents are seeing more and more of these along the East Coast and it’s spreading. Air1's Billie Branham reports.
They see some of the worst situations life has to offer. If you’ve seen it on the news, a chaplain has seen it in real life. Air1's Tim Luttrell shares how a ministry supports God's first responders.
Christians courageously face hostile laws and threats, especially in Asia. We'll look at Christian faith in Russia, SE Asia and Africa through conversations with missions managers Burt Reed and Keith Townsend of Int'l Cooperating Ministries and Jim McBride of With Open Eyes/Mobile Messengers. Air1's Marya Morgan and George Rath report.
His next trick will amaze and astound you, 'Joseph the Illusionist' will put Jesus in your pocket. Air1's Tim Luttrell talks with Joseph Lawski, a professional illusionist who created a card trick and a fun new way to share your faith.
Switching back to Standard Time can affect your family’s sleep schedule. Listen to Air1's Monika Kelly share some helpful tips to make the transition easier.
Depression can strike anyone, even faithful Christians. Pastor Bill tells Pastor Dave what happened to him. CALL THE CLOSER LOOK PASTORS 888-YES-AIR1(888-937-2471)
"I think people sometimes forget that pastors are as human as everybody else." Air1's George Rath talks with Denny Howard, Dir. of Counseling with Full Strength Network which helps pastors stay emotionally and spiritually strong.
A 6-year-old plans to do something many adults can’t do. Air1's Tim Luttrell says young Jarek Compston plans to run a half marathon to help kids in Africa.
More than 30,000 people die every year from addiction to Rx pain pills. Who's to blame? And how do we fix it?? Air1's Billie Branham talks with Andrea Boxill of the Ohio Governor’s Cabinet Opiate Action Team and Jean Krisle of 10,000 Beds which offers financial assistance for rehab.
A legitimate medical condition can lead to something much worse. Air1's Pastor Josey tells Pastor Bill her husband's heroin problem began as a simple addiction to prescription pain pills.
Some kids live with the deck stacked against them -- 'ACES' or 'adverse childhood experiences' cause anxiety and anger which can lead to a legacy of bad behavior. Air1's Alex Gregory hears from Tina Mitchell about how the KidPOWER afterschool program breaks the cycle in inner-city Nashville.
Dogs with behavior problems get obedience training from men who understand how it feels to be locked up. Air1's Kindra Ponzio visited Stephanie Leth about the mission of the Inmate Dog Alliance Project of Idaho (IDAPI).
Pastors Bill and Josey share their thoughts on your search for love and romance. Call the Closer Look Pastors tollfree 888-YES-AIR1.
You wouldn’t expect a self-proclaimed hillbilly to speak 3 foreign languages. Air1's Tim Luttrell says faith in God helped him become a 2-star Major General in the military.
After Category 4 Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, supplies are badly needed, but there are only two ways to get supplies onto the island – by plane or ship. Convoy is providing relief both ways. Air1's Laura Daniels talks with Convoy's Jeff Nene about the ways the ministry is helping.
Free code camp’s Oklahoma City Branch is doing a lot to help coding students train and fill programming jobs.
Ministry is helping teens impact their communities with the Good News of Jesus. HEAR Air1's Rafael Sierra's report
Young children join other volunteers who cook and deliver food and love to needy senior citizens via Edmond Mobile Meals in Oklahoma. Air1's Monika Kelly talks with Cristi Twenter about the Little Chefs Learn to Serve program.
Korean immigrants in the U.S. can find it especially difficult to talk about issues like domestic abuse or mental illness. Air1's Dan Beck talks with Connie Jung Cho of Korean American Family Services about KFAM's commitment to help to this very traditional and linguistically-isolated community.
We’ve seen the heartbreaking images… people leaving their homes in waist-high water. Some with their pets in hand, but other pets were left behind. But you might be surprised where many of them have landed. A mass effort to move Florida’s current shelter population to other shelters around the country is happening. Some of those shelters, flooded and damaged themselves by Irma. Hear the love people around the country have for homeless pets, and learn just how there is hope for pets made homeless by Irma.
Closer Look Pastors Mike, Josh and Dave encourage you to seek healing for emotional injuries. CONTACT the CLOSER LOOK PASTORS>> 888-YES-AIR1
Troubled teens attend ‘Challenge Academy.’ Air1’s Alex Gregory shares about how the National Guard offers a free 6-month live-in program for youth struggling with gangs or drugs. Zero military service required.
Air1's Bertrum Gillings is in Miami. He describes conditions as Florida preps for Hurricane Irma.
WeatherBELL's Joe Bastardi shares about the strength and path of Category 5 Hurricane Irma
Air1's George Rath tells us as president of the National Day of Prayer Dr. Floyd is calling on all of us to unite in prayer for our country 365 days a year.
Epidemiologist and disaster expert helps us understand the risks associated with standing water, the 3 phases of water-related health risks, and how to stay safe.
HOUSTON (Air1 News) - “I’ve grown up with and around boats, but I’ve never gone, ya know Jesus said you’d be fishers of men, I’ve never literally gotten in a boat thinking we’re going fishing for people -- but that is exactly what’s taking place. ” The words of Scott Jones, Senior Pastor of Grace Church. He spent all day Wednesday floating down the streets of Houston area communities, in a boat with other pastors, looking for stranded people and taking them to the nearest dry ground.
Harvey Survivor Was About To Rob To Get Necessities - But Then He Heard About Hope! by Air1 News Team
Harvey has grown into a major hurricane. Air1/Weatherbell Meteorologist Joe Bastardi says the storm will likely hit hard and stay around awhile.
Encouraging children to learn to cook, Edmond Mobile Meals is in its third year of a very special cooking program.
Guam is a key location for American military. But Guam it also beams the message of Christ directly into North Korea
Research has found 70 percent of incoming college freshmen walk away from their faith. Air1's George Rath tells us about the new online tool to decrease that number. It's called Campus Ministry Link.
A ministry in a cold-weather part of the country is keeping their town warm. Air1's Tim Luttrell says all it took was a big heart, hot bowl of soup, and a warm fire.
Even one minute of chest compressions/CPR can keep a person alive til help arrives. A 5th grade girl used CPR training from summer camp to save a boy from drowning. Air1's Rafael Sierra hears from cardiologist Dr. Diane Sobkowicz of Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute and CPR Hero Skylar Berry tells her rescue story.
Closer Look Pastors Mike and Dave explain why some kids use sharp objects to relieve stress. Call the CloserLook Pastors 888-YES-AIR1.
It doesn’t take a big time commitment to make a difference. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a day dedicated to serving others has had a big impact on a community.
Listen as Air1's Billie Branham shares tips to make your kids’ mornings (and yours) run smoothly
We were called in the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all the nations, K-LOVE/Air1's Jonathan Ellyson has some tips.
A pro football player and ‘Dancing with the Stars’ winner is encouraging kids to reach for their goals. Air1's Tim Luttrell says Rashad Jennings is giving back to the community he grew up in with education programs, mentoring, and football camps.
Your child sees a wheelchair, a prosthetic leg or a service dog and they have questions. “A Touch of Understanding” teaches school kids what to say when they meet a person with a disability. Air1's Billie Branham talks with ATOU founder Leslie DeDora and board members Bob Schultz and Darlene O'Brien, a woman who is blind and shares her story with students.
Three out of every five fire-related deaths can be tied to issues with the smoke alarm. Air1's Tim Luttrell says a ministry is blessing their town with a gift that can save lives.
A ministry is helping refugee families who've escaped terrorism adjust to life in America. Air1's Tim Luttrell says the families are being blessed with laptop computers.
The Golden State Warriors have been called one of the best basketball teams in history. So how do they keep from getting caught up in the hype? Air1's Tim Luttrell says they hold a regular Bible study.
Air1's George Rath tells us about Faith Day at New York's Citi Field after the Mets host the Los Angeles Dodgers. Several Mets players will speak at the event led by Times Square Church.
"What does God want me to do with my Life?" Closer Look Pastors Dave and Bill have advice for finding answers. CALL THE CLOSER LOOK PASTORS 888-YES-AIR1
When mom or dad is addicted to 'medicine' it distorts a child's reality and often creates deep resentment. Kids whose parents can't care for them are flooding the foster system. Air1's Phil O'Bryan talks with Kate McQueen, pediatric therapist of Salus Care, Ft. Myers FL.
Nathaniel’s Hope aims to give kids with special needs free practical assistance. LISTEN to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report
A gang ministry came up with a unique way to deal with the violence in their area. Air1's Tim Luttrell says the difference they made caught the attention of federal officials
From the ground up, an 11-year-old girl is making a difference in a Minneapolis community, with an idea to provide fresh food to a local food pantry. Air1's Bob Dittman shares more on the story.