Category: Local

Wendell Brown Highlights Tragedy Intro Triumph 2026!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Wendell Brown, District Superintendent of the North Central Ohio Church of the Nazarene and founder of Tragedy Into Triumph.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation!

Wendell shares about his journey into ministry, serving as a pastor from 1994 to 2017 before being appointed District Superintendent 10 years ago and he explains the process of selecting and maintaining the role ass District Superintendent.

He explains the large footprint of the North Central Ohio Nazarene District, which includes communities from Delaware and Mount Vernon to Port Clinton, Ashtabula, Wooster, and Holmes County.

Wendell shares how the idea for Tragedy Into Triumph began while he was serving in Tennessee. Inspired by the story of former NFL player Siran Stacy, who lost his wife and four children in a tragic accident, Wendell felt God calling him to create an event focused on stories of hope and transformation through Christ.

Wendell shares how God has worked through Tragedy Into Triumph over the years, highlighting stories of people who have overcome addiction, loss, and difficult life circumstances through faith in Jesus Christ.

He tells the story of a woman whose life was transformed after attending an event. Through her faith journey, she found hope, recovery from addiction, and restoration with her children. Wendell explains the ministry’s message that no matter the tragedy, whether caused by personal choices or circumstances beyond our control, God can bring healing and transformation.

Wendell shares details about the 2026 Tragedy Into Triumph event happening November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. with services beginning at 7 p.m. each night. The event will also be streamed worldwide through a nationwide simulcast.

He shares that last year’s event reached more than 1,000 churches and approximately 1.5 million viewers, with over 12,000 making the decision to follow Christ.

Wendell introduces the first featured speakers:

Former Victoria’s Secret model Kylie Bisutti, who will share her testimony about identity, purpose, and finding true worth in Christ.

Carey Nieuwhof, one of the world’s top podcasters and church leadership voices, will share his personal struggle with anxiety, depression, and burnout, and how God brought healing and restoration.

The final night will feature Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D., who will share how God transformed his life despite growing up in difficult circumstances surrounded by drugs and violence and how he overcame it.

Wendell explains how this year’s topics were chosen to address struggles many people face, including identity, mental health, and overcoming obstacles in life.

Wendell reminds us that the services are on November 2, 3, 4 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel/auditorium at MVNU and he shares the mission of Tragedy Into Triumph: to share real-life stories of transformation so people can find hope, believe in Christ, and overcome life’s struggles.

He emphasizes that everyone faces difficult seasons and that hearing authentic stories of God’s work in people’s lives can provide encouragement and direction.

Wendell explains that while people may debate theology or religion, personal testimonies of changed lives provide powerful evidence of God’s transforming work.

Wendell highlights additional resources available through Tragedy Into Triumph, including the book Living in Triumph, podcasts, free Bible studies, and ministry curriculum for churches, youth, and children.

He shares details about the ministry’s growing documentary series, including an upcoming episode featuring Brian “Head” Welch of the band Korn and a future release featuring former football coach Mark Richt.

The Tragedy Into Triumph event is free and open to the public November 2-4 at R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Wendell asks you to pray that people who need hope will attend and that lives will be transformed through the stories shared during the event.

Livestream information, event details, and ministry resources are available at tragedyintotriumph.com.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 10/23/26 – our favorite class in school

The second half of Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Fall semester is here!

For our Friday Favorites, the hosts shared their favorite class they took in school.

Click HERE to hear from Xander, Marcy, Josiah and Ethan OR click on the image below.

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Gentiva Hospice Provides Comfort and Support to Patients and Families

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Dave Matos, chaplain for Gentiva Hospice of Mount Vernon, about the care and support the organization provides to terminally ill patients and their families.

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation in Spanish!

Gentiva Hospice serves patients in their homes and nursing homes, offering assistance and comfort throughout the end-of-life journey. Services include personal care, counseling, and pastoral care to help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.

Dave shares how much he enjoys meeting new people and serving families during such a difficult season of life. Gentiva Hospice also offers volunteer opportunities for those who want to make a difference in their community. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can call 740-263-2248. Dave also asks for prayer for the hospice staff as they serve patients at all hours, as well as for the Lord to provide spiritual strength and comfort to patients and their families.

Click HERE to learn more about Gentiva Hospice!

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Fostering Family Ministries Supports Foster Families Through Local Churches

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talked with Candace Rowe from Fostering Family Ministries about how the organization partners with local churches to support foster families!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

With its main office in Ashland, Ohio, and offices throughout the state, Fostering Family Ministries works to provide practical help and encouragement to foster families in their communities.

With the need for foster families increasing in Knox County, Candace is looking to connect with more local churches. Community members can get involved by providing meals for foster families or encouraging their church to become a ministry partner. Candace also asks for prayer for foster families as they navigate the challenges of fostering and for more churches to connect with Fostering Family Ministries. To learn more, visit fosteringfamilyministries.org, where you can find updates and information about an upcoming mobile app designed to help people stay connected.

Click HERE to learn more about Fostering Family Ministries!

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WNZR Highlights The Least Of These Ministries!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer is joined by Amy McDougle with Least of these ministries.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation!

Least of these provides a sober living home for women, the home is not actually located in Knox County, but it is open to women of all around to support people there and they help with women at the county jail to reach Christ. They’re currently working on preparing the house and developing their programing.

Amy founded and is the sitting president of Least of These Ministries, she started by just doing Bible study at the Knox County jail, the women were coming to jail and hating it, vowing not to come back yet still returning; it was at this moment that she realized how powerful addiction is and it inspired her help others deal with addiction, have a place to go, and be transformed in Christ.

You can reach out to Amy at their website at tlot2540.org to volunteer. She asks that you pray for them to remain faithful to what the lord asks them to do and that the right women would find their program.

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Praisestock Spotlight: The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon

The Salvation Army has been serving the Mount Vernon community for more than 135 years, offering practical assistance and sharing God’s love with those in need. Josiah Styer got the chance to sit down with Captain Christine Moretz to discuss the organization’s ministry, community outreach, and exciting plans for the future.

Listen to the conversation HERE!

The Salvation Army helps meet a variety of needs throughout Knox County, including providing food for the hungry, assisting with utility bills and rental expenses, and responding to emergencies. Through these efforts, the organization continues to serve individuals and families during challenging times.

One exciting development is the Salvation Army’s new childcare center. Captain Moretz looks forward to helping meet the childcare needs of Knox County families, providing a safe place for children while helping parents continue working and making ends meet. The center is also hiring for available positions.

There are several ways to get involved with the Salvation Army, including volunteering to serve hot meals at the food pantry. Those interested in volunteering or learning more can call 740-392-8716.

Captain Moretz also shares how her parents influenced her connection to the Salvation Army and how she later felt God calling her to serve as a pastor. She also encourages the community to pray for the Salvation Army, asking God to provide the wisdom and strength needed to carry out its ministry.

The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon is located at 206 East Ohio Avenue in Mount Vernon, Ohio. To learn more about its programs, volunteer opportunities, and ministry, search for the Salvation Army of Mount Vernon online or on Facebook.

Listen to both parts of this Praisestock conversation with Josiah Styer and Captain Christine Moretz, and discover how the Salvation Army continues to serve our community through faith, compassion, and practical care.

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Food For the Hungry: Bringing Hope to Knox County

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger is joined by Tanner Cooper Risser, the new Annual Drive and Community Relations Director for Food For the Hungry, to talk about the organization’s mission of caring for neighbors throughout Knox County!

Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!

Food For the Hungry is an annual food and financial drive that brings the community together to support local needs. Tanner shares about his role working with the board and connecting with the community to spread the word about Food For the Hungry and its mission. He also highlights several upcoming opportunities to get involved, including the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Fire and Ice in December, and the Food For the Hungry Drive and Snowflake Gala on Friday, December 11.

There are many ways to support Food For the Hungry, whether by donating, volunteering, or contributing food. Tanner also encourages the community to pray for open and generous hearts as people consider how they can give their time, energy, food, or financial resources to help their neighbors.

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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WNZR Highlights Faith Baptist Church in Knox County!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger is joined by Sherri and John Penko from faith Baptist Church to talk about the ministries they have there.

Click HERE to listen to the conversation, or click the image below!

At Faith Baptist, they help with the Children’s ministries including Awana club, they have handbook time, game time, and large group lessons. Sherri helps with American Heritage girls, while John helps with Trail Life USA, they’re both faith based scouting programs focusing on God. Awana club is designed to come along side families to help kids come to Christ. All their ministries are located at 8764 Martinsburg road in mount Vernon. Both American Heritage Girls and Trail Life have annual service projects in the community; their Awana Club helps with food for the hungry.

You can get involved with their Trail Life, and American Heritage Girls on Tuesdays at 6:45 and Awana Club on Wednesdays at 6:30 and you can show up a little bit early to learn about the program and get registered. You can get connected by calling the Church at 740-397-4502. To get connected with trail life, visit traillifeusa.com, and for American Heritage Girls, visit americanheritagegirls.org. You can pray for young men and women to learn about integrity, hope, and truth in Christ; they want to stay focused on teaching them. Trail life wants to build relationships between leaders and young men’s, they want to build Godly men. Awana wants kids to have fun and learn about God.

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Knox County Ministry Highlight – Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center

The Morning Thing continues our highlights on Knox County Ministries. Today, we shared a conversation with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator with Starting Point.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

She shared about the many services that Starting Point offers to the community. These services are available for both women and men. They are free and completely confidential. The ministry is located at 11 Woodlake Trail in Mount Vernon. Their website is www.friendsofksp.com

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MMS Aviation Uses Its Skills to Support Missionary Work Around the World

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!

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