Tag: Jesus

Ben Fuller Talks Faith, Struggles, and The Black Sheep Tour

When Ben Fuller talks about his Black Sheep Tour, there’s one thing that stands out right away—he doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out.

In a recent conversation with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger, Fuller described each night of the tour as something like “Christmas morning.” Not because of the lights or the music, but because he genuinely doesn’t know what God is going to do. And honestly, that’s what excites him most.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

“It’s like, okay God, have your way… this is your show,” Fuller said. “He pours His Spirit out differently in every city.”

That mindset shapes everything about The Black Sheep Tour. It’s not just another concert—it’s a night designed for people who feel like they don’t quite fit. The outsiders. The ones carrying heavy stories. The ones who might not even be sure they belong in a church setting.

That message is especially clear in his song “Black Sheep.” It’s raw. It’s honest. And by his own admission, it’s not the kind of song people expected to hear on Christian radio. But that’s exactly why it’s connecting.

People hear it and think, that’s my life. Struggles with addiction. Family pain. Questions about faith. Fuller doesn’t shy away from any of it—because that’s where he says God met him.

After years of battling drugs, alcohol, and hopelessness, Fuller describes encountering God in a way that changed everything. He compares it to the feeling of taking off heavy football pads after a long, exhausting game—suddenly, you can breathe again. There’s a lightness. A freedom.

And that’s the experience he hopes people find on this tour.

In fact, he had a simple challenge for listeners in Lancaster: if there’s someone in your life you’ve been thinking about inviting to church… this is the night to do it.

“This is going to be church, but not church,” he said. “God is going to meet that person in that place.”

Beyond the stage, Fuller also spoke about the role Christian radio played in his own journey. Long before he gave his life to Christ, songs were already reaching him—planting seeds he didn’t even realize were there at the time. Now, he sees it clearly: God was speaking, even then.

That same authenticity is something he believes is growing across Christian music today—artists being more real, more open, and more willing to tell the full story.

And that’s exactly what you can expect from The Black Sheep Tour.

Ben Fuller will be in Lancaster on Sunday, April 19th at Fairfield Christian Church. The night will also feature special guest Reeves, with music that’s honest, encouraging, and full of hope. Doors open at different times depending on your ticket, and the concert begins at 7pm.

Click HERE to find out more about the Black Sheep Tour!

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FirstNaz of Mount Vernon’s Executive Pastor Mark Owen on Trusting God and Letting Go of Fear

Sometimes the biggest lessons in life are the simplest ones—trust God, don’t be afraid, and let Him lead.

That’s what Executive Pastor Mark Owen of FirstNaz of Mount Vernon shared in a recent conversation with WNZR’s Zane Menzie.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Mark talked about how God has been faithful in his life, reminding him that there’s no need to fear. Instead, he’s learned to leave everything in God’s hands and trust that He will follow through on His promises. For Mark, it comes down to something simple but powerful—God is true to His word, and all we need to do is ask.

Part of that journey took him away from Mount Vernon for a time, living in Cincinnati and serving as a part-time worship pastor. During that season, it became clear that God was calling him to pursue worship as a full-time path, and that became evident to him over time.

Now back in Mount Vernon, Mark sees how God has been at work in his story all along.

He also shared something else God has been teaching him—people aren’t drawn to faith by something we create. It’s not about what can be manufactured. Instead, it’s God who draws people to Himself.

Even in a world filled with misinformation and mistrust, Mark says he still sees a hunger for truth. And for him, that truth is found in the Bible. It’s a reminder that while everything else may change, God does not.

And through it all, Mark says God continues to prove faithful.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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Through Loss and Faithfulness: The Heart Behind ‘God Did It’ and WNZR’s Theme for Lifeline 2026

There’s something special about a song that doesn’t just sound good—but means something deeply personal. For Micah Tyler, that’s exactly what this year’s Lifeline theme song, “God Did It,” represents.

Micah tells WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger that the heart behind the song is simple, but powerful—God loves it when we remember. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His provision. Remember what He’s brought us through

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

And for Micah, that remembering has taken on a whole new depth this past year.

He shares openly about walking through the heartbreaking loss of his little brother, Daniel. In the middle of grief, questions, and pain, Micah says he has seen God remain steady and faithful. That’s not just a lyric—it’s his reality. “God Did It” became a way to mark those moments… to look back and say, even here, even now—God was working.

That’s why this year’s Lifeline theme verse hit him so hard.

Micah admits he was honestly taken aback when he first heard it. It wasn’t just a nice verse—it felt personal. Like a reminder placed directly in his path at just the right time. The kind of reminder that says, “You’re not alone in this story.”

And that leads right into one of the most meaningful lines in the song:
“New mercies each morning, re-writing my story.”

For Micah, those words are a daily reset.

They remind him that no matter the struggle—or even the mistakes we’ve made—God is still writing something good. The story isn’t over. There’s still purpose. There’s still a plan. And there’s still grace for today.

Looking ahead, Micah says his prayer is simple but focused. He wants to stay centered on the mission. Not the platform. Not the numbers. Not even the music itself.

It’s about lifting up the name of Jesus in everything he does.

That perspective didn’t just appear overnight. It was shaped over time—going all the way back to his days as a youth pastor. Micah remembers encouraging students to be intentional about what they listened to, filling their lives with music that pointed them toward God.

And then something unexpected happened—God opened doors.

What started with local Christian radio eventually led to more stations, more listeners, and ultimately a record deal in Nashville. It’s a journey that makes you think of the parable in Matthew Chapter 13—the farmer scattering seeds. Micah sees Christian radio, including stations like WNZR, as part of that process. Planting seeds. Not always seeing the immediate results, but trusting that God is working beneath the surface.

And sometimes… those seeds grow in ways we never expect.

Micah shared a story that puts everything into perspective. A woman, feeling completely alone and abandoned, found herself at a breaking point. But in that moment, she heard something on the radio. A song. A message. A reminder that she wasn’t forgotten.

That moment changed everything.

She chose life—for herself and her unborn baby.

Stories like that are why Micah does what he does. Sure, people may compliment the music or his voice—but that’s not what drives him. It’s moments like those. Lives changed. Hope restored.

Because at the end of the day, the message is bigger than the music.

And if you ask Micah, it all comes back to one simple truth:

God did it!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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MVNU President Shares Perspective on Lifeline 2026

When Dr. Carson Castleman, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, talked with WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger about Lifeline 2026, the conversation centered on a simple theme: giving God the credit.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Dr. Castleman shared how the song “God Did It!” speaks to him. He said it’s a reminder that God is in and through all things, and that everything ultimately points back to Him. He connected that idea to Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” For Dr. Castleman, that message calls him to humility and to recognize God’s faithfulness.

He also talked about his own journey, saying that God is rewriting his story each day. He emphasized that he isn’t held to past failures, but instead sees each day as a renewed opportunity to continue forward.

That same perspective carries into his view of MVNU. Dr. Castleman said the campus is continuing to be shaped and that its mission—who MVNU is and why it exists—is becoming clearer. He noted that the university is growing and pointed to God as the reason for that growth.

Looking ahead, he said he would like to see God continue to have His hand on MVNU and that it would be evident. He also expressed a desire that gatherings on campus would reflect God’s presence.

Dr. Castleman also spoke about the impact of WNZR. He described the station as a gift in his life and said it has helped redirect his focus toward what’s important.

He added that Christian radio can be a quiet way to bring hope and truth into places people can’t physically go, and that God is present in those places as well.

For Dr. Castleman, that’s part of what Lifeline 2026 represents—continuing that work and pointing people back to God.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR Matching Challenge Conversation: Eric Street in honor of Harry Street

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sits down with her brother, Eric Street, during Lifeline 2026—where he’s offering a $5,000 matching challenge in honor of their father, Harry Street.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The conversation starts light, with a funny family memory. Eric shares a song Marcy made up as a teenager—“I Live in a Trailer”—that’s somehow been passed down to his young son and even made a comeback over Easter. Marcy jokes she might sing it on-air if the challenge is met.

From there, the conversation moves into something deeper

Eric reflects on their dad as a man who truly lived out his faith. One memory that stayed with him—sitting with his father late at night while he read the Bible—didn’t seem extraordinary at the time, but later revealed the depth of his devotion. That example continues to shape Eric’s faith today.

He also talks about the impact of Christian radio, sharing how often a song comes on at just the right moment—meeting him exactly where he is. It’s one of the ways, he says, God connects with people in everyday life.

Music played a big role in their family. Eric remembers his dad’s love for hymns like “Amazing Grace,” but also a powerful moment hearing “My Redeemer Lives” for the first time—watching his dad respond in a way that left a lasting impression.

As the conversation wraps up, Eric points to the importance of legacy—how his father’s example now guides him as a parent, and why supporting WNZR matters. Because through ministries like this, lives are impacted, faith is strengthened, and people are drawn closer to Christ.

Marcy adds that it’s exactly what Lifeline is all about—continuing the work God has already started.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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WNZR’s Meet the Staff Monday with Anna Boynton

Meet Anna Boynton, one of the newest voices you’ll hear on WNZR!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation between Anna and WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart!

Anna grew up in Grove City, but five years ago her family made the move to Mount Vernon. Coming to Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) felt like a natural step—her family are alumni, and she strongly felt that God was leading her here. Now, as a true freshman majoring in Communication: Digital Media (with some CCP experience already under her belt), she’s diving right in.

Interestingly, Anna wasn’t always sure about joining the station. She was a little skeptical at first—but that quickly changed. What started as uncertainty has turned into a truly enjoyable experience. She’s currently an on-air DJ and is also exploring other ways to get involved around campus as she finds her footing.

One of her favorite memories so far? Serving as a runner during Food for the Hungry. She loved getting to meet generous donors on Drive Day and seeing firsthand how the community comes together to make a difference. Those moments left a big impression on her.

When it comes to music, Anna’s top pick is for King & Country. She’s even seen them live in concert! Two of her favorite songs are Priceless and God Only Knows—both meaningful tracks that she keeps on repeat.

Outside the studio, Anna loves ice cream (especially Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip), spending time with friends, and working on photography. She enjoys heading out into nature to capture beautiful moments through her lens. Above all, she says her favorite people in the world are her parents, whose love and support mean everything to her.

Having moved several times—including living in Missouri—Anna reflects on how those transitions, along with homeschooling and CCP classes during high school, have shaped her. She feels that God has been teaching her patience and what it means to let Him take control. Her favorite Bible verse, John 14:27, reminds her daily to rest in God’s peace:

“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.” – John 14:27

You can catch Anna on air every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon!

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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A New Beacon for Families: Inside Mount Vernon’s Salvation Army Learning Lighthouse

Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army in Mount Vernon is excited to share news about a long-awaited project that’s finally becoming a reality — the brand-new Learning Lighthouse.

She spoke to WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about what started back in 2017 as a vision to better serve the community and expand social services has now grown into a place designed to meet one of Mount Vernon’s biggest needs: quality childcare.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The Learning Lighthouse reflects the same mission as The Salvation Army itself: “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name, without discrimination, upholding the dignity of all people.” Simply put, this new space allows that mission to continue in a very practical way. The Lighthouse will provide a safe, nurturing environment for children from as young as six weeks old through 5th grade, offering both childcare and opportunities to learn about Christ.

Captain Moretz walked through the journey of bringing the Lighthouse to life, from early planning to construction and staffing. Ground was broken in 2024, and the building is now in its final stages, with just a few finishing touches left. The official opening will be Monday, January 26, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m., followed immediately by a dedication service.

Once open, the Learning Lighthouse will serve up to 112 children, offering not only childcare but also meaningful programs that support families and help children grow in a loving, faith-centered environment. Captain Moretz shared how this project has shaped her personally, especially in learning more about childcare, trusting God fully, and depending on Him through every phase of the process.

She also spoke warmly about her team, expressing gratitude for their dedication and support. While challenges came along the way, she credits the strength of the team and her faith for helping her stay focused on doing good and not growing weary.

Thanks to incredible community support, $5.4 million has already been raised toward the project’s just-over-$6-million total cost. The team even came in under budget, though they are still working to raise the remaining $649,000 needed to fully complete the project. Captain Moretz continues to ask for prayers and community support as they move toward the finish line.

She extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make the Learning Lighthouse possible and looks forward to thanking supporters in person during Sunday’s dedication ceremony. The community is warmly invited to attend and celebrate this milestone together.

Click HERE to stay connect on Facebook!

Click HERE to visit their website!

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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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The Morning Thing has Information on How to Be Romantic for Valentine’s Day

On the Morning Thing Thursday, Marcy and Eric continued our discussion of alternative ways of being romantic. These are a little different and “think outside the box.”
• Obvious: Buy flowers. You typically can’t go wrong with red roses, but you should pick your partner’s favorite color if its available.
• Go on a long walk or a long drive.
• Write them a heartfelt letter
• Take them to do their favorite activity. It could be dancing, it could be karaoke, maybe skydiving (just kidding).
• Make them a playlist. This is the 21st century version of a mix tape (remember those?)
Click HERE for 100 Ways to be Romantic from Romantic Retreats. It Is an English site, but it does have some good ideas.

We also had some great ideas for fun valentine’s day activities for the kids.
• Love Jar: When you or the kids see an act of kindness or God’s love demonstrated, write it down and put it in a jar. At the end of the month, pull out the notes and talk about the memories over pizza.
• Written Notes for the Overlooked: Have the kids make valentines for special people in your life. Make sure to include those who may be overlooked like a widow or widower who are celebrating their first valentine’s day without their spouse.
• Show love to others: Play a simple game like love bingo. Write a characteristic of love into each block. Then explain the way God loves us and expects to treat them with dignity. The author of this comment went on to say that they bought a pizza and drink for a homeless person, and their daughter write, “God loves you!” on the box.


Also, don’t forget about the love of God and the fact he loves you unconditionally,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
Click HERE for Practical Activities to Do with Kids for Valentines Day from Focus on the Family.com

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