Today on The Morning Thing, our hosts tackle another Friday Favorite! This week they are honoring fall, and will share their favorite ways to spend a fall weekend!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear our hosts answers!
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talked with Bob Campbell from MMS Aviation about how the organization uses aviation mechanics, maintenance, and training to support missions around the world!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Bob serves as the facilities manager and works with the apprenticeship program, helping prepare aircraft to serve communities in need. One of his current projects involves repairing the wings of a plane for a ministry in Guatemala. Bob says one of the most rewarding parts of his work is completing a project and knowing the aircraft is ready to go out and support ministry efforts. MMS Aviation also works with organizations such as Flights for Christ and Doctors Without Borders, along with projects connected to Africa and Moody Bible Institute’s pilot program.
MMS Aviation is located near the Coshocton County Airport and welcomes visitors who want to learn more about its ministry. Bob encourages people to get involved by visiting the facility, supporting the organization financially, and praying for its team as they serve around the world. Donations can be made at mmsaviation.org, and the organization can also be found on Facebook. Those interested in learning more can call 740-622-6848. Bob asks for prayer that the team will continue to be used as tools in God’s hands to support ministry and share His love around the world.
Click HERE to learn more about MMS Aviation!
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talked with Vicky Howard Johnson about Pure Desire, a ministry dedicated to helping people overcome sexual brokenness, shame, and isolation.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Through its programs and resources, Pure Desire helps individuals navigate challenges involving addiction, abuse, and betrayal. The ministry encourages people to seek support, find community, and begin the journey toward healing.
Vicky shared about Pure Desire’s eight-week introductory class, which began October 13 at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene. Those interested in learning more about the ministry can visit puredesire.org, where they can find podcasts, counseling services, and resources for men, women, and students. Vicky also encouraged prayer for those struggling to be open and honest about their experiences and to seek the help they need. Pure Desire’s mission is to help people move beyond shame, find healing through community, and become whole in the way God intended.
Click HERE for more information about the class!
WNZR’s Brock Hankins talked with Connie Jackson, Kids Ministry Director, and Jon Whisner, Senior Pastor of the Church at Chapel Hill, about the church’s upcoming Fall Fest 2026!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
he event will take place Sunday, October 18, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at 7530 Johnstown Road in Mount Vernon. The church began using an additional 11 acres of land purchased four years ago to serve the community and share the love of Jesus with local families. Connie also shares her personal story of attending the church’s Trunk or Treat and how that experience helped change the direction of her life.
Fall Fest will feature Trunk or Treat, a Touch a Truck experience with Mount Vernon first responders, a photo booth, hayrides to a pumpkin patch, 16 carnival games, and an inflatable obstacle course. More than 700 pumpkins and gourds will be given away, and food trucks will be available for visitors to enjoy. The event is made possible by more than 75 volunteers, local businesses, and community supporters who have contributed sponsorships, pumpkins, prizes, and other resources. Connie and Pastor Whisner hope families will enjoy the activities, connect with others, and experience the love and welcome of the church.
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Kandee Popham, Executive Director of Place 4 Grace, about the ministry’s mission to support pregnant women in need!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Place 4 Grace provides maternity housing and walks alongside women as they work toward finding safe housing. Located at 790 Fairgrounds Road, the ministry strives to help women find shelter and access the resources they need for everyday living.
Place 4 Grace is also preparing to move its thrift store to 156 North Norton Street, where the organization plans to expand and continue serving the community. The ministry is currently looking for employees and volunteers who share its heart for serving women in need. Community members are also encouraged to pray for Place 4 Grace as it seeks dedicated team members to support its mission.
Click HERE to learn more about Place 4 Grace!
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Dave Maggert from Afterglow Christian Mission House about the ministry’s mission to build friendships and lead people to Jesus!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Located at 114 East Gambier Street in Mount Vernon, Afterglow serves the community by providing meals seven days a week. Breakfast is served daily from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., offering practical support to those in need.
In addition to meals, Afterglow Christian Mission House provides emotional support and hopes to add Bible studies and support groups in the future. The ministry encourages community members to get involved and help support its mission. To learn more, visit afterglowmissionhouse.com or find Afterglow Christian Mission House on Facebook. Community members are also encouraged to pray that the ministry continues to serve others with God’s spirit of friendship and wisdom.
Click HERE to learn more about Afterglow Christian Mission House!
Domestic violence can affect anyone, and recognizing the warning signs can be an important step toward helping someone find support. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart spoke with Halle Fike, Director of Programs for New Directions of Knox County, about the organization’s work and an upcoming community event, “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story.”
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.
New Directions of Knox County serves as the area’s domestic violence, rape crisis, and human trafficking center. The organization provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, hospital and court accompaniment, ongoing support for survivors, and prevention education throughout the county.
Fike also oversees the organization’s prevention team, which works with young people in nearly every school in Knox County. Through these programs, students learn about healthy relationships, personal boundaries, consent, and ways to recognize unhealthy behaviors.
Sharing Gabby Petito’s Story
“Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” will take place Wednesday, October 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon.
The event will feature Nicole Schmidt, Gabby Petito’s mother, and Tara Petito, her stepmother. They will share more about Gabby’s life and reflect on warning signs they recognized in hindsight following her death, helping attendees better understand the complexities of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing concerning behaviors.
Although Gabby’s story received national attention, Fike explained that many victims and their families never receive the same level of recognition. The event emphasizes that every survivor has a story that matters and that domestic violence is not always obvious to those outside the relationship.
The program will also include a local community panel and the voice of a survivor, connecting Gabby’s story with the experiences, resources, and challenges within Knox County. The discussion will explore how the community can recognize warning signs, support survivors, and work together to prevent domestic violence.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Fike emphasized that domestic violence is often about patterns of power and control rather than isolated incidents. Warning signs may include extreme jealousy, monitoring a partner’s phone or location, controlling finances, limiting someone’s freedom, or isolating them from friends and family.
Friends, neighbors, and loved ones may notice these behaviors before a person experiencing abuse feels comfortable talking about them. Learning to recognize these patterns can help people respond with care and concern.
While October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fike stressed that education and prevention must continue throughout the year. Conversations about healthy relationships, consent, boundaries, and warning signs can help people recognize unhealthy dynamics and understand where to turn for help.
Supporting Survivors with Compassion
One of the most important messages Fike shared is the need to listen to survivors without judgment, believe them, and offer support without pressuring them to make decisions before they are ready.
Leaving an abusive relationship can be a particularly dangerous time. Instead of telling someone what they must do, friends and family can offer a listening ear, help them explore their options, and remind them that they do not have to face the situation alone.
Fike also encouraged anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out to New Directions, even if they are not ready to leave a relationship or make a police report. Advocates can listen, discuss available options, assist with safety planning, and connect individuals with community resources while respecting their decisions.
New Directions of Knox County’s 24-hour crisis line is 740-397-HELP (4357).
Every Voice Matters
Fike hopes attendees leave “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” with a greater understanding of how domestic violence affects individuals, families, workplaces, and entire communities. She also hopes they feel empowered to make a difference.
Changing the story does not always begin with a major action. It may start by speaking up when something is not right, learning to recognize warning signs, believing a survivor, or simply being present when someone needs a person who will listen.
Everyone has a role to play in building a safer, healthier community, and every person deserves to be heard and supported.
Community members are encouraged to attend “Change the Story: Gabby’s Untold Story” on Wednesday, October 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Woodward Opera House. Registration information is available on the New Directions of Knox County website at newdirectionsknox.org and through the organization’s social media pages.
You can also register HERE.
To learn more about New Directions’ services or speak with an advocate, call 740-397-HELP (4357).
WNZR thanks Halle Fike and New Directions of Knox County for helping raise awareness, encourage important conversations, and support survivors throughout our community.
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Jane Fricke from Lifewise Academy about the ministry’s mission to provide students with Bible-based education during school hours.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the conversation!
Fricke has been involved with Lifewise for five years, helping with organization and teaching before recently taking on a leadership role. The program operates off school property, typically at local churches, and allows students to attend with parental permission. Lifewise Academy began classes on September 9 and currently serves students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, providing transportation so children can learn about God and explore a biblical perspective.
Fricke shares a powerful story about a young student who accepted Jesus on Good Friday after learning about Christ during an Easter lesson. She explains how important it is for children to discover the hope found in Jesus, especially when they might not otherwise have the opportunity to hear about Him. Lifewise Academy is active in 29 states, and Fricke discusses the efforts that helped make the ministry possible in Ohio. She also highlights the need for Tuesday drivers, classroom volunteers, and financial support as the program continues to grow. Fricke asks the community to pray for the ministry’s finances, workers, and its mission to reach more children with the love of Jesus.
Click HERE to learn more about Lifewise Academy!
WNZR’s Daniel Russell talks with Casey and Melinda from Joy of Living Camp in Knox County about the camp’s mission to provide children with meaningful summer camp experiences, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the conversation!
Joy of Living Camp offers scholarships that allow children to attend camp for free, giving them opportunities to enjoy activities such as archery, horseback riding, tubing, and canoeing. Beyond the fun, the camp focuses on sharing love and support, building leadership skills, and teaching children about the Word of God. Casey and Melinda also discuss preparations for next summer and upcoming winter camps. They encourage community members to get involved by volunteering, providing support, and praying for the ministry as it continues reaching more children.
Click HERE for more info on Joy of Living Camp.
Today on The Morning Thing, we celebrated this year’s WINNERS of the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, featuring artists like Brandon Lake, Josiah Queen, Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans, and more!
Congratulations to this year’s Dove Award Winners! Check out some photos from this year’s artists at the bottom of our blog!
BIGGEST WINNERS
Josiah Queen
Brandon Lake
SONG OF THE YEAR
Dusty Bibles
Writers: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, John Michael Howell
Publishers: Josiah Queen Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, John Michael Howell Publishing, ZVC SONGZ, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing LLC, Dylan Thomas Publishing Designee
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST)
Brandon Lake
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (NON-ARTIST)
Jacob Sooter
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Phil Wickham
Record Label: Fair Trade Services
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jamie MacDonald
Record Label: Capitol CMG Label Group
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan Smith
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
No Survivors
Jeremy Camp (ft. Skillet)
Writers: Jeremy Camp, Jordan Sapp, Paul Duncan, Emily Weisband
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Dusty Bibles
Josiah Queen
Writers: Josiah Queen, Zac Lawson, Dylan Thomas, John Michael Howell
INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
The Blessing
Andrea Bocelli, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe
Writers: Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick
SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
No Rock
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Writers: Sheri Easter, Jason Cox, Kenna Turner West
COUNTRY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
The Jesus I Know Now
Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson
Writers: Brandon Lake, Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, Luke Laird
BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Broken Angels
The Grascals, Dolly Parton
Writers: Dolly Parton, Jamie Johnson
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Still (Live)
Jonathan McReynolds, Jamal Roberts
Writers: Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson, Orlando Joel Palmer, David Lamar Outing II, Britney Delagraentiss
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Church
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend
Writers: Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kenneth Leonard Jr, Brunes Charles, Jonas Myrin, ANTHNY, Annatoria Chitapa
GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
More Than This [Radio Edit]
CeCe Winans (ft. Todd Dulaney)
Writers: CeCe Winans, Todd Dulaney, Kyle Lee
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
ROB HELL
indie tribe, nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun (ft. Jon Keith)
Writers: nobigdyl., Torey D’Shaun, Jon Keith
SPANISH LANGUAGE RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Tu Voz
Sarai Rivera
Writer: Sarai Rivera
SPANISH LANGUAGE WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Solo Hay Uno
Joel Rocco, Enoc Parra
Writers: Andreu Pradas, Marcos Andrés Salice, Joel Rocco
WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
God I’m Just Grateful
Elevation Worship, Chandler Moore
Writers: Chandler Moore, Pat Barrett, Steven Furtick, Abubakar Baker Shariff-Farr, Joshua Coleman
CHILDREN’S RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
Follow The Light
Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham, Angel
Writers: Brock Monroe Baker, Molly Kate Kestner
CHRISTMAS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR
We Three Kings
We Are Messengers
Writer: Traditional
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
COULD BE TONIGHT
Hulvey
Producers: xander., Micah Palace, Zac Lawson, Michael Howell, Ace
ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Plastic Wine
Strings & Heart
Producers: Angelo Espinosa, Emmanuel Espinosa, Scott Mills
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
King Of Hearts
Brandon Lake
Producers: Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Micah Nichols, Rodrick Simmons, Pete Mol
SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Good Answers
Karen Peck & New River
Producers: Wayne Haun, Kris Crunk, Cliff Duren, Johnathan Crumpton
BLUEGRASS/COUNTRY/ROOTS ALBUM OF THE YEAR
American Morning: Side A – EP
Chosen Road
Producer: Dave Clark
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
TASHA
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Producers: Kenneth Leonard Jr., Zaytoven, Juberlee, B.A.M., Adale Jackson, Alexandria Dollar
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Revival: Live in Dallas
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
Producers: Lisa Knowles-Smith, Frederick Perry Jr
GOSPEL WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Live at Redemption Church
Red Worship
Producers: Terrance White, Adale Jackson, Elijah Humphries
SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Lamento en Baile
Daddy Yankee
Producers: Daddy Yankee, OMB, XOUND, La Companioni, Nando Pro, OBRINN, Subelo NEO, Sergio George, JBD JBD, Abel Xanders, Nekxum, Nayhlo, Orlan Navarro
WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Song Of The Saints
Phil Wickham
Producers: Jonathan Smith, Shane Becker, Micah Nichols
CHRISTMAS/SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
DAVID (Soundtrack from the Angel Original Film)
Various Artists
Producers: Chad Carouthers, Joseph Trapanese, Jonathan Smith, Bryan Lawson
MUSICAL/CHORAL COLLECTION OF THE YEAR
We Shall Behold Him: A Tribute to Dottie Rambo
Creators: Bradley Knight, Dusty Wells, Johnathan Crumpton
Arranger/Orchestrator: Bradley Knight
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Mt. Zion
**Josiah Queen
Art Director: Aaron Stearns
Graphic Artists: Aaron Stearns, Nathan Blaine, Trent Nicholson
Photographer: Rashun Ludgood
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (CONCEPT)
World On Fire
for KING & COUNTRY, Taylor Hill
Director: Kadin Tooley
Producers: Katie Babbage, Fadwa Ward, Patrick Tohill, Crashbang
SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR (PERFORMANCE)
Have Your Way
Katy Nichole
Directors: Greg Fromholz, Joey von Meding
Producer: Joshua Wurzelbacher
LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
The Resurrection Of A King
Tommee Profitt
Director/Producer: Tommee Proffit
FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR
DAVID
Directors: Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham
Producers: Jacqui Cunningham, Phil Cunningham, Tim Keller, Rita Mbanga, Steve Pegram, Timothy Hoffman, Nikky Kho, Edelgard Slabbert
TELEVISION SERIES OF THE YEAR
The Chosen
Director: Dallas Jenkins
Producers: Jamie Elliott, Adam Drake, Kerri Navarro
Click HERE to learn how you can watch the first episode of The Chosen Season 6 EARLY at Mount Vernon Nazarene University!
Check out these photos from the Dove Awards Broadcast!
