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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
SONG OF THE YEAR – Dusty Bibles
POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR – Dusty Bibles
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR – Mt. Zion
Brandon Lake
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (ARTIST)
COUNTRY/ROOTS RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR –The Jesus I Know Now, with Lainey Wilson
POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR–King Of Hearts
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
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 HEREto 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!
