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For centuries, members of the B’doul Bedouin tribe lived in the caves around the ancient city of Petra, Jordan. Then, in the 1980s, the government forced the tribe to move in the name of preserving the geological site for tourists. But if the residents are forced to leave, and if their heritage has been permanently changed, then what exactly is being preserved? SHOW NOTES: Meet The Man Living in The Lost City Carved in Stone Jordan: Petra's tourism authority cracks down on Bedouin cave dwellers The tribes paying the brutal price of conservation “There is no future for Umm Sayhoun” Jordan’s Young Bedouins Are Documenting Their Traditions on TikTok Check out Sami's company Jordan Inspiration Tours Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…
Weekly updates and conversations from Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries!
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Ep #262 – Leading with Faith: Meet Zack Bowles
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The transformative power of faith takes center stage as Zack Bowles, Executive Director of Resurrection House in Chickasha, Oklahoma, shares his journey from trucking business owner to rescue mission leader. Serving a rural community of 16,000, Resurrection House proves that small towns can address homelessness effectively without merely relocating…
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Ep #261 – Serving with Heart: Stories from the Men's Shelter
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The journey from living under a bridge to leading others toward hope isn’t just a story—it’s Jacob Harmon’s reality. Now the Assistant Director of Men’s Services at Topeka Rescue Mission, Jacob once arrived at TRM seeking relief from the summer heat after living in a tent. What he found was a program that rewrote his life, transforming his world fr…
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Ep #260 – Drawing Near in the Season of Lent
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In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness and Discipleship, shares a powerful message: What if drawing closer to God were simpler than we make it? During this Lenten season, we unpack the profound simplicity of spiritual connection—one that transcends denominational boundaries and religious comple…
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Ep #259 – Sheltering Hope: Meet Lisa Bryant
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In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Lisa Bryant, Assistant Director of the Hope Center, to hear her powerful story of transformation. From battling addiction and experiencing homelessness to becoming a leader in shelter services, Lisa’s journey gives her a deep, personal connection to the guests she serves. She shares ho…
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Ep #258 – From Burnout to Compassion: Kaleb Chockley’s Journey
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This episode of Our Community, Our Mission was recorded prior to the incident on March 4th, in which an unsheltered neighbor was injured during a city-mandated encampment abatement. Our hearts are heavy over what happened, and while we are deeply grateful that he is okay, we are saddened that this situation occurred at all. We are also incredibly t…
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Ep #257 – Faith, Fatherhood, and Second Chances
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This week on Our Community, Our Mission, we hear the powerful stories of Chris Harstad, Marcus Molinar, and Marvin Blanchett—three men who overcame addiction, homelessness, and uncertainty through faith, mentorship, and the support of the Rescue Mission community. Chris, a single father, found himself homeless while struggling with addiction and th…
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Ep #256 – Warming Centers: Lifesaving Sanctuaries in Extreme Weather
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In this episode, Barry Feaker and La Manda Cunningham along with Christian Stringfellow, Deputy Director of Shelter Services, and Marcus Molinar, Deputy Director of Facilities & Security, explore the critical role of warming centers in our community. What exactly is a warming center, and why are they essential? How do we decide when and where to op…
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Ep #255 – Collective Compassion: A Conversation with Pat Yancy
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In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Pat Yancy, Executive Director of Let’s Help & Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, to explore the impactful work of Let’s Help since its founding in 1969 and the many ways it continues to serve the community today. Pat shares insights on Let’s Help's current initiatives, incl…
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Ep #254 – Faith, Leadership, and Mentorship: A Conversation with Jordan Smith
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Have you ever wondered how emerging leaders in rescue ministries are shaping the future? Join us as we welcome Jordan Smith, Chief Development Officer at Tree of Life Ministries, who reveals the transformative mission of supporting the poor and needy in Purcellville, Virginia. Jordan shares powerful, faith-driven stories of how Tree of Life Ministr…
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Ep #253 – Warming Centers, Housing Navigators, and the Power of Community
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In this episode, we delve into the incredible efforts of the Topeka Rescue Mission and its dedicated community partners to protect the unsheltered population during extreme weather. From the meticulous planning and outreach involved in preparing warming centers to the vital collaborations with community organizations, we highlight the critical stra…
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Ep #252 – Rooted in Community: A Conversation with Marc Giffin
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In this inspiring episode of Our Community, Our Mission, Pastor Marc Giffin of Rooted Community Church shares his journey of starting a church plant and stepping into a community to serve as "the Church" in action. Marc highlights the importance of answering the call to serve and asking, “What is our assignment?” He challenges us to live out our fa…
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Ep #251 – The Spirit of Giving: Holidays with Heart
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In this episode, we visit with John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, and Andrew Lucas, Director of Distribution Services, about how their team, alongside dedicated volunteers and supporters, is bringing holiday joy to our guests and unsheltered neighbors. From hosting heartfelt Christmas parties filled with games, treats, car…
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Ep #250: Transformation Tuesday with John Ostenson
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Welcome to the 250th episode of Our Community, Our Mission! On this Transformation Tuesday—our take on Giving Tuesday—we’re joined by John Ostenson, Vice President of TRM’s Board of Directors. John shares how serving on the board has deepened his faith and transformed him into a prayer warrior. He also reflects on TRM’s mission, emphasizing that it…
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Ep #249 – Making Spirits Bright: Stories from the Christmas Bureau
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In this episode, Jessica Lehnherr, CEO of United Way of Kaw Valley, and Brett Martin, Vice President of Community Impact, join us to dive into the incredible work their organization does across four counties. We explore the legacy of the Christmas Bureau, a decades-old initiative that connects donors, adopters, and families in need during the holid…
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Joins us for a special episode with Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Isabell Chronister, Director of Trauma Education & Development, as they share heartfelt stories of transformation, hope, and the power of human connection. This episode dives into the intentional investment in the emotional and spiritual needs of ou…
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Ep #247 – A Season of Service: Holiday Volunteering at TRM
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Join us for a special episode where we talk with John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, and Suzie Paslay, Volunteer Coordinator, about the heart and hands behind the Topeka Rescue Mission. TRM’s team gears up for the holiday season—sorting gifts, wrapping presents, preparing food bags, and creating opportunities for intentiona…
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Ep #246 – Learning, Loving, Living: Serving with Lighthouse Bible Church
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In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Tim Wilson of Lighthouse Bible Church in North Topeka. Pastor Tim shares the core beliefs that shape his church—Learning, Loving, and Living—as well as the church's deep commitment to serving the local community. Since its founding in 2005, Lighthouse Bible Church has supported the Topeka Rescue Mission and …
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Ep #245 – Creating Community and Conversations at TRM's Fall Festival
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Join us as we dive into the heartwarming details of the Third Annual TRM Fall Festival, a joyful gathering for unsheltered neighbors, guests, and families. In this episode, Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, share how the festival has created a safe, inclus…
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Ep #244 – Literacy, Learning, and Connection: A Conversation with Marie Pyko
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In this episode, we’re joined by Marie Pyko, CEO of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, to discuss the vital role the library plays in fostering community learning and connection. Marie shares the Library's mission of being the center of community learning, emphasizing dignity, inclusion, and engagement for all, including those experiencing…
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Ep #243 – Facilities & Security: Behind the Scenes at Topeka Rescue Mission
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In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the Topeka Rescue Mission, highlighting the dedication and hard work of our facilities and security team. Join Marcus Molinar, Deputy Director of Facilities and Security, and Marvin Blanchett from the Facilities Team, as they share the challenges of managing six buildings and a fleet of vehicles, al…
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Ep #242 - Voices for the Vulnerable: How CASA Advocates for Children in Crisis
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In this episode, we’re honored to welcome Molly Petrie, Executive Director of CASA, to share the vital role Court Appointed Special Advocates play in the lives of children navigating the court system due to abuse or neglect. As we explore pressing issues like child homelessness and the growing need for volunteers, Molly highlights how CASA’s work d…
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Ep #241 – Uniting Through Worship: Reflections on Night of Praise
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Join us in this episode as we sit down with Bill Horn, Worship Ministry Lead at Fellowship Bible Church, and Josh Turley, Director of Strategic Development, to dive into the incredible experience of our recent Night of Praise! Get a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and effort that went into bringing the event to life, discover the deeper purpo…
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Join us for a special episode with Josh Turley, Director of Strategic Development, and Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, as they share their excitement for the upcoming Night of Praise! We'll reflect on last year's event and look ahead to what the Lord has in store this year. Mike also highlights the importance of unity…
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Ep #239 – Hope & Housing: Thoughts from the Kansas Housing Conference
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In this episode, Miriam Krehbiel, Deputy Director of Supportive Services, and John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, share insights from the recent Kansas Housing Conference they attended. They explore the meaning of attainable housing, the importance of moving beyond emergency shelters, and the critical role case managers pla…
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Ep #238 – Changing the Status Quo: A Conversation with Pedro Concepcion
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In this episode, we sit down with Pedro Concepcion, CEO of NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, who shares his journey from Chicago to Topeka and his role in transforming the city's cultural landscape through The Burger Stand and beyond. Pedro discusses the importance of collective growth, emphasizing that a thriving city requires a foundation of mo…
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In this episode, Barry Feaker, CEO of Compassion Strategies, and Brett Martin, VP of Community Impact for United Way of Kaw Valley, dive into the "All Hands on Deck" initiative, a bold response to Topeka's homelessness crisis. They discuss the origins, challenges, and community's role in this united effort to find real solutions, emphasizing collab…
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Ep #236 – Trauma & Transformational Research
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Have you ever wondered how trauma affects those experiencing homelessness and what steps can lead to true transformation? In this eye-opening episode, we speak with Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Kodee Bloom, Director of Trauma Education and Development. They share their deep knowledge on trauma education and their…
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Ep #235 – You are Valuable: A Conversation with Mick Ballinger
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In this episode, we offer an inside look at the daily challenges and triumphs at the Topeka Rescue Mission. We sit down with Mick Ballinger, Assistant Director of Men’s Services, as he shares his inspiring journey from the construction industry to becoming a Housing Navigator at TRM, and ultimately, the Assistant Director of the Men’s Shelter. His …
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You've heard his voice, now hear his story! Join us for an inspiring episode where we delve into the life and journey of Issiah Thurman, TRM's Creative Communications Coordinator. Issiah opens up about his experiences growing up and staying at the Mission, revealing how those formative years profoundly influenced his life. He takes us through his p…
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Ep #233 – Home is the Key: A Conversation with Janice Watkins
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Listen in this week as we visit with Janice Watkins, CEO of Topeka Habitat for Humanity, about her transformative initiatives and the organization's extraordinary track record in homeownership preparedness and foreclosure prevention. We delve into an innovative aging-in-place program that goes beyond home repairs to offer comprehensive support, fro…
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Ep #232 Back to School and Beyond: Community Efforts to Combat Hunger.
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Join us for an insightful episode as we talk with Andrew Lucas (Director of Distribution Services) and Scott Bryant (Assistant Director of Distribution Services) about our upcoming Back to School event, a crucial initiative supporting students and families in our community. We'll take a deep dive into the essential operations of our distribution ce…
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Ep #231 – Innovative Partnerships for a Healthier Community with Bill Persinger
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Join us as we visit with Bill Persinger, the outgoing CEO of Valeo Behavioral Health Care. We begin by expressing our gratitude for Bill’s work as CEO as he prepares for retirement, and then delve into his extensive career in mental health. Bill shares insights into the evolution of behavioral health care and the history of community mental health …
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Ep #230 – The Supreme Court's Impact on Homelessness: Navigating Compassion, Law, and Community Solutions
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Join us for a special episode as we unravel the intricate layers of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that could impact our unsheltered neighbors. Our guest host, Brett Martin, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Kaw Valley, guides the conversation as La Manda, Barry, and Miriam discuss compassion and practicality in homelessness…
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Ep #229 - Citygate Conference 2024: Empowering Leaders and Building Connections
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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring La Manda Broyles, Miriam Krehbiel, John Roberts, and Josh Turley as they share the transformative impact of the recent Citygate Network Conference. We'll dive into how Citygate Network connects and empowers rescue ministries nationwide, with insights from the annual conference in Kentucky where over 1,200 …
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Ep #228 – Empathy-Driven Solutions for Lasting Change
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Can understanding trauma transform the way we address homelessness? Join us in this deeply impactful episode as we visit with Kourtney Barr, Deputy Director of Transformational Services, and Kodee Bloom, Director of Trauma Education & Development. We dive into trauma-informed care, how we implement Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) techniq…
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Ep #227 – Faith and Recovery: Kenny's Transformative Path
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Meet Kenny, our extraordinary guest who takes us through his incredible journey from the depths of a 43-year-long addiction to heroin and meth to his pivotal role at the Topeka Rescue Mission. Kenny's story is one of unimaginable struggles, from homelessness to a transformative plea for help in October 2014. Kenny's narrative underscores the euphor…
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In this special episode, Mike Schoettle, Director of Spiritual Wellness & Discipleship, shares a childhood memory of a night filled with both fear and deep reassurance from his father. Reflecting on that experience, Mike draws a parallel to the profound love of our Heavenly Father. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of how a parent's unwave…
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Ep #225 – The Why and The How: A Conversation with Connor Kraus
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Join us for a special conversation with Connor Kraus, the lead pastor of Topeka Bible Church. In this episode, we delve into the strategic transition of pastoral leadership, TBC's dedication to its missions and the gospel, and Connor's vision for the church's future. Discover how he is guiding the church towards enhanced discipleship, increased loc…
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Ep #224 – Compassion and Professionalism: A Conversation with Kim & Miranda
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Meet Kim and Miranda, two dedicated staff members from TRM, who share their journeys to where they are today! Kim takes us through her transition from working with volunteers, to serving as La Manda's Executive Assistant, and finally to her current role in HR. Meanwhile, Miranda offers a heartfelt look at her path from being a guest at TRM, to trai…
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Ep #223 – Uniting Community to Address Homelessness: A Conversation with Topeka JUMP
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Tackling homelessness can't be done in isolation. This episode is a testament to that, as we delve into the grassroots efforts of Topeka JUMP (Justice Unity & Ministry Project), supported by 29 faith communities, and their bottom-up approach to societal concerns. We visit with JUMP organizers Sarah Balzer, Jason Maymon, and JUMP Executive Committee…
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Step into an engaging discussion with John Schardine, the Property Maintenance Director for the City of Topeka. Discover his heartfelt approach to property management, prioritizing education over penalties and striving to understand the root causes behind property complaints. John shares with us how he navigates the wide ranging complexities of pro…
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Ep #221 - The Impact of Volunteers at Topeka Rescue Mission
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Have you ever pondered the profound influence of a helping hand? Join us as we delve into the remarkable contributions of the volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time at TRM! Accompanied by Suzie Paslay, our Volunteer & Staff Engagement Coordinator, we delve into the pivotal role that volunteers play across all facets of our ministry, enrichin…
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Ep #220 – Nurturing Change in Culinary Services
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There's something special about the TRM kitchen—it's where hearts connect, and change is embraced with open arms. In this episode, hear how Chef Sean Hall is passing the baton of Director Food Services to Chef Sally Herrera. Through the bittersweet news of Chef Sean's departure, we revisit some of his time here, as well as look to the future with a…
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Ep #219 – Grace in Change: Holton's Farewell, Andrew's Arrival
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Join us for a beautiful episode as we sit down with Holton Witman, the outgoing Director of Distribution Services at TRM. Delve into his journey within the organization, from his beginnings in the street outreach team to his conscious choice to prioritize his role as a father and family man. Experience the thrilling narrative of following one's fai…
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Ep #218 – Unpacking the Ordinance: A Discussion on Policing and Advocacy
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Join us for a critical conversation with Topeka Police Department's Major Mike Cross, a 23-year veteran with profound insights into community and law enforcement collaboration. Our discussion paints a vivid picture of the interplay between local ordinances, unsheltered populations, and the role of the police in addressing these societal challenges.…
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This episode is a journey of reflection and inspiration, tracking the footprints of a man whose childhood curiosity in a seventh-grade science class blossomed into a career in engineering which shaped a path to full time ministry in Topeka. Johnathan Sublet, Interim Executive Director and Board Chairman for SENT and Servant Pastor at Fellowship Hi-…
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Sunday wouldn't have mattered if Friday didn't happen. In this episode we reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Jesus paid for all of us. We are joined by Mike Schoettle who shares from his "Sacred Steps" devotional series written for TRM staff in the weeks leading up to Easter. Mike's devotionals, steeped in authenticity and reverence, help gui…
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Ep #215 – Recovery, Relationships, and Reintegration with Matt Baldwin
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Navigating mental health and community outreach, we're honored to welcome Matt Baldwin from Breakthrough House to our dialogue. We explore partnerships and the balance of support and independence in mental wellness. Matt shares Breakthrough House's core belief: community guidance for reintegrating individuals. Hear stories of resilience, highlighti…
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Ep #214 - Donor Relations: Meet Jamie Wiegert
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Cherished connections and understanding people's motivations are the bedrock of any thriving non-profit, and we uncover just how these elements fuel our Mission. We take you behind the scenes to visit with TRM Donor Relations Specialist, Jamie Wiegert. Hear about his background in growing relationships in sales, leading into nurturing a family of s…
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In this episode, La Manda Broyles, TRM Executive Director, visits with her Deputy Directors, Kourtney Barr, Miriam Krehbiel, and Christian Stringfellow about unity and vision for those we serve! This impactful conversation hits on a recent retreat the leadership team were able to go on and the insights and renewal they were able to glean from it. L…
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