
Our Community, Our Mission
Weekly updates and conversations from Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries!
Episodes
272 episodes
Ep #272 – Lead Me Home: Reflections from the Citygate Conference
What happens when rescue mission staff from across North America gather under one roof? For the Topeka Rescue Mission team, their recent experience at the Citygate Network conference in Phoenix was more than professionally enriching—it was spir...
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43:53

Ep #271 – Jesus is the Answer: Meet Emily Monroe
This episode features the powerful story of Emily Monroe, a front desk team member at the Hope Center, who brings a deep sense of empathy to her role after walking through her own struggles with depression and anxiety. Her kindness and understa...
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37:36

Ep #270 – Empathy Born from Brokenness: Meet Brandan Thomas
What if your greatest trauma became your greatest ministry tool? Brandan Thomas, President and CEO of Open Door Mission in Houston, shares how growing up with a father suffering from schizophrenia prepared him to walk with compassion and...
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45:32

Ep #269 – Crucified with Christ, Alive in Freedom: Meet Edward Tucker
In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we explore what true transformation looks like through the powerful story of Edward Tucker. Once trapped in 30-years of drug addiction—even while pastoring—Edward longed for freedom but co...
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56:51

Ep #268 – Legacy of Love: Jenny Falk’s Path Through TRM and Beyond
In this heartfelt episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we welcome Jenny Falk, Director of MAP Operations, as she reflects on her 11 years of service with TRM and her recent transition to Compassion Strategies. From humble beginnings ...
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30:51

Ep #267 – Qualified by Calling: Lauren Clouse & the Winchester Rescue Mission
From a simple lunch invitation to leading a life-changing organization, Lauren Clouse’s story is one of calling, courage, and deep faith. As CEO of Winchester Rescue Mission, Lauren never imagined she’d be running a growing nonprofit, expanding...
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51:37

Ep #266 – Heart for the Unseen — Jessica Croner’s Journey to Street Reach
In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, Jessica Croner shares how her heart for the unsheltered has guided her through years of ministry — from the Boise Rescue Mission to the Valley Mission in Pocatello, Idaho, and now as Direc...
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43:30

Ep #265 – A Journey to Serve: Meet Shelly Buhler
As the challenge of homelessness grows more urgent, one leader’s journey offers a powerful example of how diverse experiences can prepare us to serve. Shelly Buhler, a board member at Topeka Rescue Mission, shares insights shaped by a career sp...
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41:20

Ep #264 – Celebrating Volunteers: The Heart of TRM
In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we honor Volunteer Appreciation Month by exploring the vital role volunteers play at TRM. John Roberts, Deputy Director of Community Needs & Services, shares how volunteers impact ever...
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51:50

Ep #263 – From Triumph to Resurrection: The Story of Holy Week
In this Holy Week episode, directors Josh Turley and Mike Schoettle journey through Jesus’s final days—from Palm Sunday’s peaceful procession to the glory of Resurrection Sunday. Along the way, they unpack profound moments like the cleansing of...
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41:52

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
