Air1 Radio News

Billy Graham once said that coaches affect more people in a year than anyone else in a lifetime. “The rest of that quote says, ‘so who's coaching the coaches? Who's pouring into our leaders?' notes Tommy Kyle, Exec. Dir. of Nations of Coaches. The ministry specializes in outreach to the world of college basketball. Volunteers work as Character Coaches, leading biblically-based teachings for staff and student athletes. “A round orange ball filled with air has allowed me to go all around the world and share Jesus.” Closer Look's Brent Adams reports. [2025 All Rights Reserved - K-LOVE inc.]

Most of us think overdose deaths occur out on dark city streets, but an increasing number happen in America's quiet suburban homes. “Mainly children,” says Sgt. Daniel Webb, “but there is elderly too that are being affected, that are buying pills online that they think are something else.” Drug cartels have pill presses that mimic the look of Xanax, Adderall even Grandma's blood pressure medicine. Deadly doses of fentanyl are even showing up in gummies and vape pens. What can we do to stop the flow? Air1's Monika Kelly reports.

A yellow bead for overnight stays in the hospital. A black bead for every needle poke. Colorful glass beads from Beads Of Courage are worn as a visual reminder for brave kids fighting pain or disease. The arts-in-medicine program serves 60,000 children in 400 hospitals in 9 countries. Beads are awarded free of charge, supported by the talents and generosity of local glass artisans. Air1's Jeanice Lee reports.

“We wanted to know more about GenZ,” says Kim Nollan, Dir. of Research and Study at Young Life. The ministry asked people ages 13-24yrs to describe themselves. “The majority of the respondents wrote kind,” Nollan confirms, adding “kindness translates into concern for their neighbor.” Young people put heavy emphasis on relationship. “We just wanna have dinner together and get to know older generations -- and have them get to know us.” Air1's Billie Wright reports.

Your loved one suddenly needs round-the-clock care. “Your whole world can be turned upside down,” says Marvell Adams Jr, CEO of Caregiver Action Network. “I would urge all caregivers to feel okay with reaching out for help,” says Edwin Walker of the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Both agencies provide free advice, assistance and friendly ears to those caring for the elderly, sick or disabled among us. Rafael Sierra reports.[Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

Sending your child off to school can be scary. Will they be safe? Will they be successful? What can a mom do? Moms in Prayer International has prayer groups in all U.S. states and 150 countries. “Our desire, our vision is that every school in the world would be covered in prayer,” says Jennifer Appleton, MIP South Texas State Coordinator. Appleton finds women often form lifelong friendships in the groups. “These women are praying God's promises over our children -- oh my goodness, what that does for a mama's heart!” Felipe Aguilar reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

The Soup Ladies are a faithful group of volunteers trained and certified on incident command. “I just started telling fire departments and police departments that if they were stuck on a scene they could call,” says founder ‘Mama' Ginger Passarelli. When invited, the ladies feed and comfort weary heroes at crime scenes and natural disasters. “There have been many times where I've handed somebody a bowl of soup… they actually get tears in their eyes.” Lexy Smith reports. [Educational Media Foundation]

“God is still God,” declares Pastor Daryl Black of Grace Family Church in Tampa, Florida. Two weeks after 30-thousand people flooded their Easter service at Buc's stadium, they counted at least 947 men, women and children who walked into the ocean at Fort De Soto Beach to be baptized. "I baptized so many people that my back was hurtin' when I was done," he laughs. Passersby also responded to the message of salvation in Jesus. “This is crazy,” he says, people in the water, “they were floating by, going ‘what's happening here? Can we get baptized too?'” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

You've seen college students shout and make demands -- but that's NOT the whole Gen Z story. “I would guess there were a 1,000 students who came forward for salvation,” says ministry founder Tonya Prewett speaking of just one of many recent UniteUS college rallies. Gen Zrs at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State made just one demand -- to be baptized. "A student messaged one of the pastors and said ‘please can I get baptized tonight, I don't want to wait.'" Prewett led mass baptisms at Auburn University, UGA and Florida State, with plans to visit additional colleges and universities later this year. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Brian ‘Pastor B' Sederwall is helping transform lives while bringing people closer to Christ. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Gary Bohling volunteers at the Hall of Flame Museum in Phoenix, teaching kindness as a firefighter. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

A stark loneliness can settle in after a cancer diagnosis. “Our vision is a world where cancer is not a solitary experience,” says Stephanie Lieber, Exec. Dir of Imerman Angels. “That is why we are here -- so that you don't have to face this disease alone.” The international network offers free peer-to-peer friendship for any stage. “We match cancer fighters, survivors, pre-vivers and caregivers with someone who's been through something that they have been through.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

After his own battle with cancer in his 20s, Phil Zielke launched Phil's Friends to support others through their treatment. His organization provides free, hand-decorated care boxes, and follows up by sending monthly greeting cards every month for a year. The ministry also offers Hope On Call, where a friendly person will listen on the phone and offer prayer to people going through treatment. Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Billie Wright talks with Lt. Enrico Dixon about the Inner-City RCP program which allows teens and police to race RC Monster trucks as a way to build ties within the community in Chicago.

Billie Wright talks with Kevin Tuerff about his 9/11 story and how it inspired him to create the Pay If Forward 9/11 non-profit.

A small meow tugs at a soldier's lonely heart. A bony pup cowering nearby begs for a bite of ration. U.S. combat vets adopt battlefield pets they must leave when deployment is done. Paws of War runs missions to find the soldier's beloved cat or dog in countries like Iraq and Syria, Jordan, Kosovo. “We do it, we do it at no cost to our active military members; we get those animals back here and we reunite them.” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]

Guide Dogs of the Desert is one of just 14 schools in the U.S. for certified canine companions. Labradors are the main breed, but it specializes in standard poodles, which are hypoallergenic. Dogs are paired with the blind in need at no-charge. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved 2024]

Billie Wright talks with Chicago's Josh Beaton about his non-profit, Tween Esteem Project.

We've heard the chances of staying married are like flipping a coin. Christian author and social researcher Shaunti Feldhahn believed it too. But when she wanted to cite an original source for the 50/50 divorce rate, she was surprised none could be found. After eight years of study, Feldhahn is confident the true divorce rate is currently no greater than 25%. Hear her conversation with Marya Morgan. [Educational Media Foundation – All Rights Reserved]

Pastor David Wheeler's RevStoration is not only picking up viewers, but is restoring people's faith in God. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Billie Wright talks with Shannon Joy about utilizing llamas and alpacas for therapy in Ridgefield, Washington. Joy and her mom, Lori, recently paid a visit to Portland International Airport to help passengers with stress.

“We started out our first week on the topic of identity,” explains Erin, “because, through and through, if we can truly understand our identity and where that comes from – and where it doesn't come from – and understand who we are in Christ, if we could hone in on that, all of the other issues that they're dealing with all comes down to understanding who they are” in the Lord.

The Bible explains that there truly is such a thing as “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and Cindy Mullins, from Lincoln County, Kentucky, has without-a-doubt-in-her-mind experienced that. Cindy is a wife, a mom, a nurse…and dramatically and unexpectedly has lost both her legs and hands. “I can't put my own Chapstick on,” is one of the simple things she is no longer able to do. What happened?

“This country created the majority of its schools during the 1940s, 50s and 60s,” says Jill Hardy-Heath, President and CEO of Heart of America. Disrepair deeply affects learning. “If you walk into a school where you have peeling paint and ceiling tiles that are falling, and things have not been updated – think about how that would make you feel.” HOA is committed to raising the spirits of those students and teachers. “We transform spaces,” she smiles. “Think about Extreme Home Makeover, but School Edition.” Rafael Sierra reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Air1's Monika Kelly speaks to Ahndrea Blue, founder of Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank in Tacoma, Washington. Ms. Blue is an attorney who noticed some of her tenants seemed malnourished. Making sure that they were fed was just the beginning of a food bank that now feeds 70,000 people every month.

He even made it weatherproof so it could be enjoyed throughout the year. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Billie Wright talks with Bryson Reine and his dad, Shawn about the 15-mile hike in Colorado. Bryson raised $28,000 for a missions irrigation project.

Children feel the thrill of seeing their scripts come to life with the help of creative-writing mentors and local actors who volunteer to perform. Though based primarily in Los Angeles, the arts program Young Storytellers works to scale its success to other cities by providing free online videos educators can use to help students shape stories. Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Convoy of Hope arrived in Lahaina, West Maui with emergency supplies days after the fire, trading their trademark big rigs for big boats. The Christ-centered ministry also remains involved in dozens of disasters and war zones in the U.S. and worldwide. “We are on the ground working in the Middle East,” confirms Convoy spokesman Ethan Forhetz, and though he ‘can't say much' in order to protect the safety of local partners, he says more than 40,000 pounds of food was recently delivered by cargo plane to Israel and Gaza. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Hawaiians are eager to say ‘aloha' to mainlanders says Leanne Pletcher, Dir of PR and Marketing at the Maui Visitor and Convention Bureau. Though the historic town of Lahaina remains closed, she invites newlyweds, adventure hikers, families and surfers to enjoy a sunset from one of Maui's other white sandy beaches. Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Ezra is 8 years old, a Christian, and loves to do interviews with community leaders and personalities. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Heroes on the Water takes soldiers up a creek with paddles or pedals. “Kayak fishing really helps veterans who are struggling with PTSD,” notes Zack Clift. H.O.W. surveys show 88% of participants say the free expedition gave them confidence to develop new relationships and a whopping 98% say it helped them relax. Kindra Ponzio reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

WildOps invites combat vets to gather in places like Ansel Adams Wilderness or 11,000 ft in the Sierras or rural Montana. “We seek the isolated veteran – a big chunk of them that don't wanna be found,” says founder Jeff Morris. Team leaders don't preach to the battle-worn soldiers but find "they come to life out in the Wild.” Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Billie Wright talks with Pastor Steven Bell who won big on Wheel of Fortune and used the national spotlight to promote foster care and adoption.

Monika Kelly speaks to the founder of Emergency RVs, Woody Faircloth. Woody's organization brings used, refurbished RVs to people who've suffered through natural disasters (Maui Fires, Paradise Fire) and have become homeless. He has especially helped first responders, veterans and the elderly. He's given away more than 130 RVs.

When Gilberto Corredera firs came to America, he never imagined how God would change his life. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

“Just so you know, some kids that are trafficked actually aren't taken from their home – they still live at their house.” How does this happen? Social media chats. Expert tricksters spend months -- or even years -- lying to build friendship. Your good and smart kid may believe their online friend is their age “by the time they went to meet this person, it wasn't who they thought they were.” Once the youth is tricked into sexually explicit activities they may be too afraid to tell you. Air1's Felipe Aguilar reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

How do you approach a teen without getting a door slammed in your face? “A trusted adult is what a youth needs more than anything,” says Lori Butterworth of AIM, which strongly recommends all adults get certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. She compares it to CPR. “What if we worked really hard to raise the probability that when a child or teen has a mental health crisis that there is someone there to help them and save their life?" Air1's Kindra Ponzio reports. [Education Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

Billie Wright talks with Billy Cheplic, who has autism, and his mom Tina about how he bakes for family, friends, and his community.

incent Mercer aims to build strong and meaningful relationships between these dads and their children via the ‘Father to Father' program. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Monika Kelly has a conversation with Pastor Mike Sourwine and Stephanie Murdoch of House of Prayer Lutheran Church about their new initiative, the Little Free Food Truck. They've recently brought the truck out to various underserved neighborhoods in Aliquippa, PA to share the love of Christ and free food.

AmpleHarvest.org is nationally recognized for successfully recruiting backyard gardeners to fight food insecurity. The site lists 8,000 local pantries which accept donations of fresh fruits and veggies. The non-profit also works to involve pastors and churches nationwide through the Faith Fights Food Waste campaign and recently added a program to feed malnourished people on Native American reservations. Air1's Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

One of your kids is on drugs. Getting in trouble. Calling you to bail them out. You don't know what to do. Parents Of Addicted Loved Ones bring people together to swap stories and share strategies -- online or in-person. “When we found PAL we're like okay, we're not alone, there's other people who've been down this road.” Air1's Monika Kelly reports. [Educational Media Foundation]

Billie Wright talks with David Heflin, a pastor living with chronic pain. They discuss his ministry, Broken & Mended that connects the church with those living with chronic pain or illness.

Your idea for a great small business needs a good plan. If you already opened your shop you may be stumped on how to grow. SCORE mentors offer free, one-on-one advice for turning a profit. “What we have seen is that when someone meets with a mentor for 3 hours or more, they are 5x more likely to increase their revenue and stay in business.” Air1's Billie Wright reports. [Educational Media Foundation - All Rights Reserved]

When Teresa Baur noticed families asking for diaper support, she knew she had to step in to help. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Billie Wright talks with Patrick Bardsley, who co-founded Spectrum Designs, a Long Island non-profit printing business, who employs those on the Autism spectrum.

Air1's Monika Kelly speaks with the courageous and fearless couple, Robin and BJ McCoy about their recent decision to sell everything they own and headed south to Central America to teach in a Christian missionary school that they've never been to. Hear about how their faith is carrying them through.

Convoy has been very busy so far this year. Devastating tornado outbreaks slammed several U.S. states. “Convoy is now working long-term to get people what they need -- appliances, furniture, roofs -- whatever it is.” The ministry sent aid and comfort when twin earthquakes in Turkey and Syria drove 2.6 million people into tents near the rubble of their homes. Convoy continues to care for war refugees in Ukraine and those who have fled to neighboring countries. Convoy is also committed to an ongoing effort to fight global famine. The Children's Feeding program provides meals in 33 countries for more than 500k+ hungry kids. Air1's Marya Morgan reports. [Educational Media Foundation - 2023 All Rights Reserved]

David Droll leads Hope Beyond Bridges, feeding and ministering to people living in the streets. Listen to Air1's Rafael Sierra's report.

Billie Wright talks with Sherry Lankston, who lives in Seattle, about why she felt led to drive 2,600 miles to adopt Harvey the Husky, who had been in a shelter in San Diego for six months.