Podcast appearances and mentions of faith based programs

Today on Exploring the Marketplace, Shawn Bolz and Bob Hasson interview, Rev. Percy McCray.  Rev. Percy McCray Jr has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caretaker at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership and pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals and oversees Our Journey of Hope®. He also Hosts a popular podcast, 'Health, Hope & Inspiration.  Tune in as Shawn, Bob and Rev. Percy shares his story of seeing his father nearly die which shocked him into a straight path and how he now runs an organization that teaches churches how to do end of life chaplaincy. Being a cancer survivor himself, Rev. Percy shares about the importance of cancer care ministry and how it requires understanding of the impact of cancer, how people react to it, and how God has called HIs people to respond.  Tune in! https://www.ourjourneyofhope.com/  

Do you have questions about the Bible? Dr. Michael Rydelnik will join Dawn and Steve in the Morning to take questions from listeners! Dr. Michael Rydelnik is a professor of Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute and the Bible teacher on Moody Radio's Open Line. The Reverand Percy Wilson McCray Jr. is a guest on Dawn and Steve in the Morning to provide some tips for helping loved ones navigate the challenging world of cancer and hospital visits. Rev. McCray is co-host of the award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration. Rev. McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. Percy W. McCray, Jr. with Health, Hope & Inspiration provides some tips for visiting friends in the hospital. Rev. McCray reminds us to prepare ourselves ahead of time and to be a source of encouragement to patients. Rev. McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association. Every week, Rev. McCray cohosts Health, Hope & Inspiration an award-winning podcast developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Specialty tracks are springing up all over these days, the most common being veterans, first responders, and LGBTQ. Some providers have also embarked on specific faith-based tracks, but these programs are not easy to do well. In this episode, I speak with Devora Shabtai, VP of Clinical Development for Onward Living. Having built both Christian-specific and Jewish-specific tracks at different providers, she walks us through the logistics and complexities of faith-based programming to help providers do it right.

Cancer touches everyone and yet churches are often under-equipped. How can cancer be a blessing? How do we best minister to cancer patients and caregivers? A cancer survivor himself, Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. Ourjourneyofhope.com    Season 5 is sponsored by AGTS and Evangel University. If God is calling you to take your ministry to the next level, visit agts.edu/mlm to learn how the experienced scholars at AGTS can equip and empower you for your Christ-centered service. Connect with Angela at www.angeladonadio.com.  

Host of Health, Hope & Inspiration, Rev. Percy McCray, provides some helpful tools to assist children who have a family member or loved one experiencing cancer. Health, Hope & Inspiration, is an award-winning podcast developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association. He has been recognized as one of the “most influential African Americans in Lake County (IL)” by the People’s Voice newspaper for his religious and leadership roles within the community. Also this second hour, Dawn and Steve explore an article by Ron Block titled "Abiding in God Brings Resurrection."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. Percy McCray Jr. provides encouragement, insight, and hope for those on the cancer journey. Rev. McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, a component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. Finally, he cohosts Health, Hope & Inspiration, an award-winning podcast developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. Also, in this second hour, Daniel Blackaby talks with us about his article "The Religiosity of Fandom." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key but often overlooked component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association.  ____________________________ As a caregiver, do you feel protected for your legal needs? How would you like the assurance of an entire law firm - for less than $30 per month - in five easy steps? 1. Click on the link' www.caregiverlegal.com 2. Select LEGAL SHIELD ( in purple) on the left-hand side.   3. Select GET A PLAN (in orange)  4. Add supplements (optional - leave unchecked if no supplements are needed) 5. Check out and call the law firm for all your legal needs. (Wills, POA, DNR, Medical Power of Attorney, traffic tickets, and any other legal needs you have.)        

Dawn and Steve talk with Reverend Percy McCray about some great tools to combat anxiety and stress in the cancer journey.  You can hear Reverend McCray's award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration each week to find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello Friends! As we continue our year-long series – all about helping you to live healthily. I urge you to reflect on the positive and negative things in your life. Recently, I celebrated another birthday, which was a reflection time for myself. I examined what I wanted to bring into my life and what I needed to let go off? Sometimes, to be truly healthy, we need to let go of things that aren't working for us and try some new things. In today's episode, I'm talking with Rev Percy McCray, a pastor, podcaster, and cancer survivor. This episode discusses his work with the Cancer Treatment of America, how he got started working with cancer patients, and how caregivers can prevent fatigue. Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 26 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key—but often overlooked— component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. His engaging personality and deep passion for pastoral care ministry have made Rev. McCray a favorite among patients, pastors, and his podcast audience. Listen in to learn more about : Misconceptions regarding cancer patients Cancer is not a punishment from God It the importance to schedule annual exams and stay current on regular checkups with your medical team. Resources Connect with Rev. Percy Website: http://www.ourjourneyofhope.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OJOHministry Podcast: https://www.healthhopeandinspiration.com/ Connect with Melissa Instagram: @MelissaClarkCounseling Website - www.melisaaclarkcounseling.com

Our guest today is Rev. Percy McCray, who has spent more than two decades ministering to thousands of cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America ® (CTCA). An ordained minister and a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association, Rev. McCray serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all CTCA hospitals. He also oversees the nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program for church leaders, Our Journey of Hope®, and hosts an award-winning weekly cancer support podcast,Health, Hope, & Inspiration. COFRP airs: http://podsearch.com/listing/challenges-of-faith-radio-program.html

The Reverand Percy Wilson McCray Jr. is a guest on Dawn and Steve in the Morning to provide some tips for helping loved ones navigate the challenging world of cancer. He is co-host of the award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration. Rev. Percy McCray Jr. has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev. McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training, and support program. An ordained minister, Rev. McCray is a member of the U.S. Chaplain Association.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev Percy McCray with Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a guest on Dawn and Steve Mornings to tell us how we can support those with cancer.  Rev McCray hosts an award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration, developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. Rev McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). He considers faith a key but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suffering is not something we long for. In fact, we often run, avoid, hide, and pretend all day long. But when someone hears the big C diagnosis - CANCER - suffering is no longer a word or a concept they can ignore. It becomes a new reality. That is why our guest, Dr. Reverend Percy McCray started the award-winning Health, Hope & Inspiration podcast and pursued a life of ministry - dedicated to serving cancer patients and their families.   Cancer is the number 2 killer next to heart disease. Research shows that 1/3 of all people will be diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is not something we need to fear or ignore, but rather to be a part of serving and learning from those who are suffering.   Reverend Percy McCray Jr., has spent more than 20 years ministering to thousands of cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key—but often overlooked— component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA® and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. Rev. McCray also oversees Our Journey of Hope®, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. In addition, he hosts Health, Hope & Inspiration, an award-winning podcast developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention and overall healthy living.   In this episode, Rev McCray shares about how believers are to suffer well and move through grief and loss. He addresses when cancer survivors live and when they go home to Jesus. He says some are not giving up, they are just being called up. For anyone who has personally battled cancer, is walking with a loved-one who is fighting cancer, has lost someone to cancer, wants to help those with cancer or just plain fears getting cancer. This episode is for you!   To connect with Rev. Percy McCray and with Our Journey of Hope, visit: ONLINE - www.healthhopeandinspiration.com www.ourjourneyofhope.com SOCIAL - Facebook - @HHIpodcast (https://www.facebook.com/HHIpodcast/) @OJOHministry (https://www.facebook.com/OJOHministry)   PODCAST - Health Hope & Inspiration with Rev. Percy McCray    Subscribe to the #living_wholeheartedpodcast anywhere you find your podcasts (link in bio)   Instagram @TerraMattson @Living_Wholehearted @MyCourageousGirls #living_wholeheartedpodcast #shrinkingtheintegritygap Facebook @MyCourageousGirls @WeAreLivingWholehearted Websites LivingWholehearted.com TerraMattson.com MyCourageousGirls.com MyCourageousBook.com   Resources Shrinking the Integrity Gap (book) Shrinking the Integrity Gap e-Course Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace (book) Dear Mattsons (youtube series)

Listen to Dawn and Steve Mornings for a devotional from Blackaby Ministries International about our choices. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mathew 19:22 Reverend Percy McCray is in-studio this morning to talk with Dawn and Steve about supporting our friends with cancer. Rev. McCray serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, he oversees Our Journey of Hope, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. Rev. McCray is also the co-host of Health, Hope & Inspiration, an award-winning podcast developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn and Steve welcome guest, Rev Percy McCray, to the morning show! Rev McCray hosts an award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration, developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living. Rev McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). He considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reverend Percy McCray Jr. joins the morning show this hour to share hope and encouragement for people with a cancer diagnosis. Rev McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). He recognizes cancer care ministry as a special calling from God and considers faith a key, but often overlooked component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program.  Rev McCray has an award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration, developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention, and overall healthy living.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn and Steve welcome guest, Rev Percy McCray, to the morning show. Rev McCray will tell us about his award-winning podcast, Health, Hope & Inspiration, developed to help people find answers to questions about cancer, cancer prevention and overall healthy living. Rev McCray has spent more than 20 years ministering to cancer patients and their caregivers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). He considers faith a key, but often overlooked, component of cancer treatment. He now serves as the Director of Faith-Based Programs at CTCA and provides leadership to the pastoral care staff at all five CTCA hospitals. In addition, Rev McCray oversees Our Journey of Hope, a nationwide cancer care ministry training and support program. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twanna brings back a very timely episode on Faith during the time of storms. It is hard to believe that one year ago, our world was being affected by the Coronavirus one way or another, and yet today, we are still facing those same effects. Listen to this episode to understand how faith and medicine don't have to be competing entities but work best when understood individually and how they make a positive impact when put together. 0:05 Twanna welcomes everyone to T Time and introduces a past episode from one year ago on "Faith During the Times of Storms." 1:18 Twanna introduces special guest Rev. Percy McCray, National Director of Faith-Based Programs. 2:21 Rev. McCray shares his story of his journey and how he ended up becoming the National Director of Faith-Based programs at Cancer Treatment Center of America. 4:35 Twanna asks Rev. McCray whether there is a conflict between faith and medicine. 5:21 Rev. McCray presents that he believes there is a perceived conflict but the truth is there is no conflict at all. 9:07  Rev. McCray explains that although it is not obvious, many doctors are people of faith but because of the credentials they stand on they may not proclaim it when working verbally but within themselves, many pray and counsel their patients. 10:58 Twanna asks how faith potentially helps people experiencing COVID-19 and even cancer? 13:32 Faith provides patients with the ability to look beyond their own circumstances and limitations. 16:32 Twanna asks: how can we reconcile the fact as ministers that good people are getting something bad? 20:14 Rev. McCray refers to Romans 8:28 and emphasizes the word all. All things, whether good or bad, God will work it for our good. 21:17 Twanna shares how she believes God trusts certain people to suffer. 21:25 Rev. McCray discusses how suffering is a part of the walk of a believer. 23:10 Rev. McCray explains the connection between COVID-19 and cancer. 26:41 How do you encourage people who are encouraging? Asks Twanna. 28:42 Rev. McCray has to consistently remind his team that they are not the healer, they are to direct the people to the healer. 29:47  Rev. McCray defines what makes CTCA different from any other place and that is the fact that they embrace the idea of integrative medicine. 35:02 Rev. McCray closes the podcast in prayer.  

Hey My Krystalline Beings, Just a thought....poverty mindset CANNOT...HAS NOT alleviated the homelessness problem...NEVER WILL. You cannot take someone at the lowest point of their life and tell them they are a wretch and that the locus of control lies outside of themselves...and expect them to PROSPER? PERIODT. ________ I AM Charging you, my Divine Feminine Krystalline Beings with love+union with the love of your life+health+wealth+prosperity! I AM Charging you with the highest frequency, the 528hz frequency of money+love + black light, because black light illuminates the invisible. Cygne~ Join the Discussion! Let's chat, talk and text in Discord! LIFESTYLE: Shop my Metaphysical Bracelets and Buy My Book, I Thought I Was in a Twin Flame Relationship : Astrology & Affirmations Apothecary --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cygne-vara/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cygne-vara/support

Rev. Percy McCray is Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He is an ordained pastor and Founder of Our Journey of Hope Ministries, training literally thousands of workers in the caretaking of cancer patients. Rev. McCray's work is faith and Bible based, bringing God, whenever possible, into people's struggles with cancer. You'll hear about his 26 years of experience in teaching others how to understand and serve those suffering with cancer in today's important conversation on The Walk.

Rev. Percy McCray is Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. He is an ordained pastor and Founder of Our Journey of Hope Ministries, training literally thousands of workers in the caretaking of cancer patients. Rev. McCray’s work is faith and Bible based, bringing God, whenever possible, into people’s struggles with cancer. […] The post Cancer Care and a Bridge of Hope: A Conversation with Rev. Percy McCray appeared first on Theology Mix.

In a church of 200 people there will statistically be 8 people living with and fighting cancer. In addition 2 more people at that same church will be diagnosed with cancer within the year which is why every church needs a cancer care ministry. Thankfully the process of starting this ministry has already been thought out by the Reverend Percy McCray who is the Director of Faith-Based Programs at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and the person behind the website www.ourjourneyofhope.com which is a coalition of community pastors and clergy who help build bridges from despair to hope. In today's EYFPodcast episode you will learn how to start a cancer care ministry at your church, and what to do and where to go should you or someone close to you is faced with cancer. Most importantly you will no longer see cancer as the big "C" word as you will be reminded that it is "Christ" who is the big "C" in all things. http://www.cancercenter.comhttp://www.ourjourneyofhope.com

Faith provides us with the ability to hope. It provides us with the ability to look beyond our circumstances and limitations, especially when battling sickness and/or disease. For years faith and medicine have been understood as competing entities when in reality we are learning that they work best when understood for what they are individually and how they can work together. 0:10 Twanna introduces special guest Rev. Percy McCray, National Director of Faith Based Programs. 1:33 Rev. McCray shares his story of his journey and how he ended up becoming the National Director of Faith Based programs at Cancer Treatment Center of America. 3:36 Twanna asks Rev. McCray whether there is a conflict between faith and medicine. 4:16 Rev. McCray presents that he believes there is a perceived conflict but the truth is there is no conflict at all. 7:34  Rev. McCray explains that although it is not obvious, many doctors are people of faith but because of the credentials they stand on they may not proclaim it when working verbally but within themselves, many pray and counsel their patients. 10:17 Twanna asks how faith potentially helps people experiencing COVID-19 and even cancer? 13:00 Faith provides patients with the ability to look beyond their own circumstances and limitations. 14:54 Twanna asks: how can we reconcile the fact as ministers that good people are getting something bad? 19:26 Rev. McCray refers to Romans 8:28, and emphasizes the word all. All things, whether good or bad, God will work it for our good. 20:28 Twanna shares how she believes God trusts certain people to suffer. 20:36 Rev. McCray discusses how suffering is a part of the walk of a believer. 22:19 Rev. McCray explains the connection between COVID-19 and cancer. 25:33 How do you encourage people who are encouraging? Asks Twanna. 28:07 Rev. McCray has to consistently remind his team that they are not the healer, they are to direct the people to the healer. 29:20  Rev. McCray defines what makes CTCA different from any other place and that is the fact that they embrace the idea of integrative medicine. 34:10 Rev. McCray closes the podcast in prayer. 

In this final episode of our three-part series, Faith-Based Programs and Their Impact on Rural Communities, which we're doing in collaboration with and supported by The Duke Endowment, Michelle chats with three experts about efforts rural churches are making to narrow the academic achievement gap and improve literacy rates for students in rural North Carolina: Dr. Helen Chen, consultant and researcher, Sharon Locklear, Director of the Sandy Plains United Methodist Church Summer Literacy Program in Pembroke, N.C., and David Reeves, Senior Minister at Cullowhee United Methodist Church in Cullowhee, N.C. During summer months, Dr. Chen notes, there is often a dearth of academic enrichment opportunities in rural communities, and literacy programs implemented by rural churches can help ensure that students meet mandatory grade-level literacy requirements and prevent "summer slide." The Duke Endowment’s Rural Church summer literacy initiative, whose roots date back to 2012, provides churches with grants to host six-week reading camps that ,include 90 hours of instruction, coupled with wraparound services, such as breakfast and lunch, transportation, and family engagement activities. Reeves' church hosted its first camp last year, which was extremely successful. It prompted them to continue the camp this year, albeit with a shorter program and a focus on children who did not have access to remote learning, while also adhering to CDC safety recommendations. Dr. Chen points out that the pandemic accentuates the literacy gap in rural communities and necessitated increased virtual learning this summer. Locklear's program, which also began last year and has continued this year, provides Native American students, "who are more tactile learners," with additional hands-on activities, such as magnet boards for sentence structure and poster boards for vocabulary instruction. This episode is sponsored by The Duke Endowment, www.dukeendowment.org.

This is the second episode in a new series called Faith-Based Programs and Their Impact on Rural Communities, which we’re doing in collaboration with and supported by The Duke Endowment. This private philanthropic organization serves North Carolina and South Carolina in four distinct grantmaking areas: health care, child & family well-being, higher education, and rural United Methodist churches. Michelle chats with Heather Kilbourne, Program Manager of the Faith in Rural Communities Initiative at the North Carolina Rural Center; Nicole Johnson, Associate Director for the Partners in Health and Wholeness program of the North Carolina Council of Churches; and Michelle Osborne, the Program Manager for Come to the Table, one of many initiatives of the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA. Their conversation focuses on how rural congregations are filling gaps in local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and covers a wide range of critical issues, including food systems, public health, and community development. Kilbourne says her program helps churches and other faith communities use their resources to meet the significant needs of residents and that “rural churches thrive when they help their communities thrive.” She also describes how, during COVID-19, churches have purchased meals for community members in need, delivering them directly to residents or via drive-throughs. Johnson says her program assists faith communities in addressing a variety of essential issues, including food security, mental health, and substance abuse, and that faith communities are particularly gifted in “reminding people that they are whole.” She also discusses how her program and local churches have pivoted during the pandemic to offer food drops, deliver COVID-19 kits, and establish testing sites. Osborne describes how her organization works to connect the hunger relief programs of churches to local agriculture to address food security, poverty, and strengthen justice in the state’s food system. She also shares details about a grant program designed to provide churches with funds to purchase food from local farmers and give it to families in need.  The Duke Endowment (http://www.dukeendowment.org) sponsored this episode.  

This is the first episode in a new series, called Faith-Based Programs & Their Impact on Rural Communities, which we’re doing in collaboration with and supported by The Duke Endowment, a private philanthropic organization that serves North Carolina and South Carolina in four distinct grantmaking areas: health care, child & family well-being, higher education, and rural United Methodist churches. Michelle chats with Robb Webb, Director of The Duke Endowment’s Rural Church program area, and with Kristen Richardson-Frick, Associate Director of the Rural Church program area. Webb discusses how churches can be more than just places of worship and instruction. Their physical assets can eventually be used for a variety of purposes, including women’s and children’s shelters, retail spaces such as church-run coffee shops, and even as commercial kitchens, according to Webb. Richardson-Frick relates how pastors are seeing signs of hope during the COVID-19 pandemic as more worshipers congregate through online platforms than previously gathered in pews on Sunday mornings. She also describes how spiritual leaders have pivoted to offer counseling and other key services online in order to maintain appropriate social distancing. Webb also sees signs of hope. For example, he notes, churches recognized that local farmers needed support as the restaurants they supplied struggled, and so they reached out to buy food from farmers for needy local residents. He also discusses an exciting program called Hope Restorations, in which local ministries help men who have worked through addiction obtain certification and training in construction and who then can work on houses the church buys for needy local residents. This episode is sponsored by The Duke endowment, www.dukeendowment.org

What role does faith based programs play in supporting young people in preparing for college career and life?Join host Little L and guests Sister Desire Ann Marie Findlay and Brother Patricio Chacon as they discuss the power of opportunities, Faith Based Programs edition! Check out the Albuquerque Norbertine community here!Check out the Felician sisters here! HUGE THANK YOU to Sister Desire and Brother Patricio for being on this episode!

Percy McCray, Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his calling to spiritually help those with cancer as well as help train churches for the ministry of cancer care.

Percy McCray, Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his calling to spiritually help those with cancer as well as help train churches for the ministry of cancer care.

Percy McCray, Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, talks with Wayne Shepherd about leading a team of spiritual counselors in helping cancer victims find hope and healing.

Percy McCray, Director of Faith-Based Programs at Cancer Treatment Centers of America, talks with Wayne Shepherd about leading a team of spiritual counselors in helping cancer victims find hope and healing.