Tag: Faith

Interchurch Social Services’ Director Talks Surging Need, Community Support, and Hope in Knox County

Interchurch Social Services Executive Director Carolyn Fergus recently sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about the growing need they’re seeing across Knox County.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Fergus, who has been with Interchurch for three and a half years and oversees all four branches, says the number of families asking for help has more than tripled since last year. So far in 2025, Interchurch has already provided more than 189,000 meals, a number she says shows just how challenging things have become for many local families.

Right now, Fergus says volunteers are their biggest need. Some days, the Mount Vernon pantry alone serves up to 50 families, which puts a huge strain on their team. Mount Vernon has seen the largest spike in need, but thankfully the other branches have been able to step in and support where they can.

Fergus also shared the story behind the two pop-up food distributions they held this fall. These events were created to help people who couldn’t get to their main locations but still needed immediate support.

Donations continue to be important, especially canned goods like beans, which always seem to run out quickly. Fergus pointed out that even small financial gifts go a long way—every $1 donated turns into about $4.56 worth of food through their partnerships.

Interchurch offers more than food, too. Fergus talked about the other services they provide, including rental and deposit assistance, help with utilities and prescriptions, gas vouchers, and more. She’s already looking ahead to 2026 and hopes they’ll be able to expand their storage space to meet the rising demand.

When asked how people can pray for them, Fergus mentioned rest for their volunteers, patience, and the ability to show Christ’s love to everyone who walks through their doors. She’s been connected with Food For The Hungry almost since its beginning and says she’s passionate about serving local missions.

Fergus ended the conversation with a story that gives a glimpse into the lives of the people Interchurch serves. She hopes more people will get involved, reminding listeners that everyone deserves a good meal—and to know that someone cares. She says Food For The Hungry’s slogan, “Working together to care for our neighbors,” perfectly captures why this work matters so much to her.

Click HERE to learn more about Interchurch Social Services!

Click HERE to learn more about Food For The Hungry!

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Mariya Tatarin talks to WNZR about Operation Christmas Child

Mariya Tatarin is from Ukraine and received a shoebox at the age of 10 and she talks about how she felt from this, the box had hygiene items, school supplies and toys.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mariya talks about her favorite toy when she got her shoebox growing up as well as some of her story when she grew up and the massive impact receiving the shoebox made on her life. She also talks about the book she received “the greatest story ever told” and she ended up gifting that book to her neighbors and it helped share the gospel to them.

Mariya shares more of her story and because of the shoebox, the kids around her saw that God knew who needed that shoebox and how people all over the world who do his work.

She talks about how she moved to America due to religious persecution and the how the process took a long time. Now she travels to Churches, schools and communities to share her story and get to be a real person to see the impact of Operation Christmas Child. Mariya shares how you can pray for the people of Ukraine struggling with the war, she says to pray for God to intervene and bring and end to the war.

Mariya shares a message for people packing shoeboxes, she’s very grateful and thankful for people taking their time to help pack shoeboxes; so many people who receive the shoeboxes have never even heard of the gospel and it makes a huge impact on the lives of kids. She says 11.5 million shoeboxes are packed each year and she talks about how important it is to see the people who sent the shoebox. She still keeps the picture of the family who packed the shoebox for her in her bible in hopes of meeting them.

She talks about why you should take the step to help support Operation Christmas Child and shares a message to people who haven’t ever packed one before. Its intimidating at first, but Mariya says to just start with the basics and you’ll start coming up with new things to put into your box. It makes an impact and it makes a difference.

Mariya Tatarin is sharing her story this Friday at 7pm at Gilead Friends Church, and she talks about how you can pray for her and how she wants God to speak through her to the people listening. Pray for Operation Christmas Child to have all their volunteer needs filled with people trying to share God’s love and good news.

Click HERE to learn about Operation Christmas Child.

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Are you feeling grateful today?

For some of us, it might be difficult to say yes to that question.
As we approach Thanksgiving next week, The Morning Thing is spending time to focus on gratitude.
Crosswalk.com has a list of 5 scriptures to help guide our gratitude this Thanksgiving.

Click HERE to read the full article.

From Crosswalk Author, Whitney Hopler

Thanksgiving invites you to reflect on God’s goodness and give thanks for the blessings in your life. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a spiritual discipline to give thanks. The Bible repeatedly encourages you to give thanks – not only when in good circumstances, but in all situations. Practicing gratitude is a powerful act of faith, reminding you that God is present, faithful, and good. Here are 5 scriptures from the Bible to guide your Thanksgiving gratitude. They can inspire you to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but on every day that God gives you to enjoy.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

James 1:17

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

Hebrews 12:28

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28

Click HERE to read Whitney’s valuable insight on each bible verse.

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Are you stressed? These bible verses will help!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared 5 bible verses to reflect on when you are stressed.

Stress impacts all areas of our lives – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. God wants us to come to Him when we find ourselves in stressful situations. He is there, ready to take the burden.

Please take a few minutes to read this full article from author, Vivian Bricker. Click HERE to read her insight and the full article shared on Christianity.com

1. Matthew 6:34

 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

2. Matthew 11:28

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

3. John 14:27

In this Bible verse, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

4. 1 Peter 5:7

 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 

5. Exodus 14:14

This passage from the Old Testament says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

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Sharing Our Faith

The Bible calls us to share our faith with others. Jesus tells us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 8:19) and that we are Christ’s ambassadors on Earth (2 Corinthians 5:20). Sometimes sharing the Gospel can seem intimidating, but we found some great advice from Focus on the Family and prayers from Crosswalk that can help!

Here are Focus on the Family’s 5 simple steps to share the Gospel:

  1. Pray for guidance
  2. Build a relationship with the person you want to share with
  3. Share your story with them
  4. Share the Gospel with them
  5. Offer to pray with them and invite them to church

Click HERE to read more about sharing the Gospel.

We also shared 5 prayers that you can pray specifically for the next generations of believers. Click HERE to see the prayers from Crosswalk.

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Answering the tough questions

Have you ever been asked a question about your faith? Have you struggled to find a good answer? On Thursday’s show, The Morning Thing shared insight from author and speaker, Josh McDowell about how to speak up for your beliefs.

Click HERE and check out Josh McDowell’s website as you search for answers on these questions.

Find other Free Resources.

 

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