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!

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.

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!

Pure Desire is Offering Hope and Healing

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!

Church at Chapel Hill Prepares for Fall Fest 2026

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.

Place 4 Grace Provides Housing and Support for Women in Need

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!

Afterglow Christian Mission House Serves the Mount Vernon Community

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!

Lifewise Academy Brings Bible-Based Education to Students in Knox County

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!

Joy of Living Camp Provides Children with Faith, Fun, and Fellowship

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.

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