
Our Community, Our Mission
Weekly updates and conversations from Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries!
Episodes
262 episodes
Ep #262 – Leading with Faith: Meet Zack Bowles
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 communit...
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54:07

Ep #261 – Serving with Heart: Stories from the Men's Shelter
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...
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48:37

Ep #260 – Drawing Near in the Season of Lent
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...
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38:22

Ep #259 – Sheltering Hope: Meet Lisa Bryant
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 leade...
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56:11

Ep #258 – From Burnout to Compassion: Kaleb Chockley’s Journey
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...
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1:02:41

Ep #257 – Faith, Fatherhood, and Second Chances
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 ...
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1:01:16

Ep #256 – Warming Centers: Lifesaving Sanctuaries in Extreme Weather
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 i...
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59:26

Ep #255 – Collective Compassion: A Conversation with Pat Yancy
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...
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51:43

Ep #254 – Faith, Leadership, and Mentorship: A Conversation with Jordan Smith
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...
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51:03

Ep #253 – Warming Centers, Housing Navigators, and the Power of Community
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 preparin...
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50:29

Ep #252 – Rooted in Community: A Conversation with Marc Giffin
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 ...
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59:35

Ep #251 – The Spirit of Giving: Holidays with Heart
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...
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38:39

Ep #250: Transformation Tuesday with John Ostenson
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 ...
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53:28

Ep #249 – Making Spirits Bright: Stories from the Christmas Bureau
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 Christ...
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51:00

Ep #248 – The Impact of Connection
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 h...
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53:18

Ep #247 – A Season of Service: Holiday Volunteering at TRM
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 h...
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44:22

Ep #246 – Learning, Loving, Living: Serving with Lighthouse Bible Church
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 c...
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50:28

Ep #245 – Creating Community and Conversations at TRM's Fall Festival
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 S...
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39:46

Ep #244 – Literacy, Learning, and Connection: A Conversation with Marie Pyko
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 t...
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52:50

Ep #243 – Facilities & Security: Behind the Scenes at Topeka Rescue Mission
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 fr...
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55:10

Ep #242 - Voices for the Vulnerable: How CASA Advocates for Children in Crisis
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 e...
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51:14

Ep #241 – Uniting Through Worship: Reflections on Night of Praise
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-...
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54:59

Ep #240 – Night of Praise 2024
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 yea...
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23:13

Ep #239 – Hope & Housing: Thoughts from the Kansas Housing Conference
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 a...
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44:28

Ep #238 – Changing the Status Quo: A Conversation with Pedro Concepcion
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. Ped...
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52:50
