Air1 Radio News

Billie Branham talks with Josh Clayton, an online gamer using platforms to walk with people through hard times and share his faith.

By Richard Hunt A ministry event called “Late Night Pancakes” has been an annual event At EKU for years, but the most recent pancake dinner saw an explosion of student interest. “We ended up serving about 5,000 pancakes to about 2,500+ students.” That’s unheard of. Jake describes the patiently-waiting students outside BCM’s building as “a large swarm of people” and shares that “we were trying to cook the pancakes as fast as we can - on as many griddles as we had…and got to build a lot of really great relationships” along the way. And relationships are what matter. They can lead people to Jesus.

By Richard Hunt It takes a lot of prayer and planning for a 15-member mission team to get ready for a 2,000 mile trip from Georgia to Montana. “I went over with them what conditions would be, which meant 100-degrees during the day, down to 40-degrees at night,” explains Richie Howard, who is on the Mission Staff at First Baptist Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta. Each team member understood they’d be sleeping in teepees that they had to build first, “no air, no heat, no running water.” On the spiritual level, Richie shared that the pow-wow they were attending as volunteer workers, was not particularly warm toward the Christian faith.

Monika Kelly speaks to Pastor Anthony Mullins of County Line Community Church in Kentucky. Pastor Anthony and his church members are helping those impacted by the recent devastating flooding in Kentucky. Despite great loss, he's also witnessing a great faith revival among community members. Many are coming to Jesus during this time of great trial.

The unlikely rescue of Baby Jessica from a well back in 1987 remains one of the world’s most watched news stories of all time. There were “multiple miracles,” says her father Chip McClure, “more than you can count…God’s hand was evident.” In the days and months after, the family received thousands of calls and truckloads of mail from all over the world, people in personal distress who were encouraged by the McClure’s faith and the good news of Jessica’s rescue. Air1’s Jack Church talks to Chip. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

Gambling addiction is a leading cause of suicide in the United States. The thrill of the bet buries vulnerable gamblers deep in debts matched only by their secret shame. But stats prove you can win recovery, as 2 outta 3 people who seek treatment are able to stop. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Derek Longmeier of Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and Keith Whyte of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Need to talk? Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: (800) 522-4700. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

By Richard Hunt The wreck was near Georgia’s Rome High School. One car was smoking and leaking liquid. The driver was trapped and clearly panicking. In a nearby car were members of the school football team. They hopped out without hesitation and with a lot of effort, and gridiron teamwork, forced open the jammed door and freed the injured driver. “I feel like my family and my coaches, they raised me to be the type to help out for like anybody,” one rescuer, Tyson Brown. Teacher Luis Goya, who called 9-1-1 and saw the students perform the rescue offered admiration, “This just shows what kind of kids we have, because we constantly get bombarded with negative stories about today’s kids – and seeing the students doing that (the rescue) sets an example for all upcoming generations.”

By Richard Hunt The damage to the ‘no skateboarding’ sign and the concrete was all caught on security camera video. We could call the cops. What do you think we should do?” After a reflective pause and maybe flashing a silent prayer, Portland YFC leader Joey replied, “Honestly, why don’t we skate with them if that’s what they want to do.” The pastor smiled big and said, “I was hoping you’d say that.” This act of unconditional love, the Jesus kind, has led to encouraging results among neighborhood kids.

Surveys in 2021 found a sharp rise in the number of church leaders who have seriously considered leaving full-time ministry, citing debilitating stress, anxiety or depression. Air1's Rafael Sierra talks with Savannah Kimberlin of Barna Group and Air1's Pastor Randy who says rest and other self-care should be a guilt-free part of your life as a spiritual leader. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

By Richard Hunt The sweet corn project has raised more than $227,000 since 1998, with the money going to missions and outreaches. “A whole lot of people in our church are involved in it and put a lot of time and effort in. Picking sweet corn is a hot, dirty job on a July morning,” chuckles Dan, “And people have to stand out here and we have to bag it, sell it, clean up and it’s quite the project, but it’s all for the good.”

Monika Kelly speaks to Jamie Dill, the co-founder of Be Kind for Ollie, a non-profit organization dedicated to remind people not to leave children or pets in the rear seat of a hot car. Unfortunately, the Dills lost their three-year-old child Ollie after his dad went on autopilot and forgot to drop him off at day care. The Dills don't want any other family to experience this devastating loss. They are advocating for rear seat alerts to become standard in new cars by 2025.

‘Can Play’ gives kids with health and special needs issues a ‘chance to be a kid.’ Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

By Richard Hunt Beth Leleck is a hiker, a fighter, and an encourager. “I’ve had the opportunity over time to talk to others who have been newly diagnosed. That’s probably the most terrifying moment because there’s just so much uncertainty - you don’t really necessarily know what you’re facing.”

By Richard Hunt “We have eight kids under-our-roof that are adopted – ages 21 to 6 – (she smiles), so it’s been a busy household, but we enjoy it. It’s a blessing, and we believe that we’re being obedient to God’s calling on our lives.” Their life experiences with fostering and adoption, as well as marriage and serving God, are detailed in their new jointly-written book “Uncommon Influence: Saying Yes to a Purposeful Life.”

By Richard Hunt “Tommy’s Toolbox Ministries,” a non-profit, in Albuquerque: “We do a Bible study and we provide dinner. We go out into the shop and we have some mentors set up to teach the kids welding, pinstriping, we’ve worked on cars for car shows.”