
Our Community, Our Mission
Weekly updates and conversations from Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries!
Episodes
283 episodes
Ep #283 – Loving in the Gap
What does it truly mean to love someone through their darkest moments? In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, Mike Schoettle, TRM’s Director of Spiritual Wellness and Discipleship, explores the transformative idea of “Loving in...
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51:29

Ep #282 – Unity in Worship: Night of Praise 2025
What makes Night of Praise more than just another event? In this episode, John Ostenson, TRM Board President; Greg Armbruster, Vice President; and Mike Rinehart, Treasurer, join CEO La Manda Cunningham and Deputy Director of Supportive Services...
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54:48

Ep #281 – More Than Supplies: Transforming Lives at TRM
When a child shows up ready for the first day of school, the impact lasts far beyond the classroom. In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with Hope Bency, Distribution Center Administrative Assistant, to talk about...
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39:58

Ep #280 – Foundations of Care: Building a Purpose-Driven Team at TRM
What inspires someone to devote their career to serving people experiencing homelessness? In this episode of Our Community, Our Mission, we sit down with TRM’s HR Director, Kim Turley, to explore the unique challenges and deep rewards of staffi...
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52:05

Ep #279 – Leading with Heart at Turlock Gospel Mission: Meet Thomas Hall
Thomas Hall’s unexpected path from applying for what he thought was a janitor position to leading as Director of Emergency Shelter and Outreach at Turlock Gospel Mission is a testament to the power of purpose-driven work. In California’s Centra...
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54:40

Ep #278 – Law Enforcement with Heart: Officer Razo and the Power of Relationship
In this inspiring episode of Our Community, Our Mission, hosts Barry Feaker and La Manda Cunningham sit down with Officer Robert Razo of the Topeka Police Department and Daniel Dobson from TRM’s Outreach Team to explore the power of co...
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1:07:04

Ep #277 – The Rainbow After the Storm: Meet Nancy Johnson
When Nancy Johnson stepped away from her role as CEO of Community Resources Council, she could never have imagined the new chapter God was preparing for her. A season of personal struggle opened the door to an unexpected conversation with Barry...
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42:55

Ep #276 – Heat, Hope, and Humanity
As temperatures rise, so does the risk for our unsheltered neighbors. This episode of Our Community, Our Mission highlights how TRM’s outreach teams are responding to the dangerous summer heat with practical care and deep compassion. Y...
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53:14

Ep #275 – Purpose in the Pain: Meet Billy Brown
In this powerful episode, Billy Brown shares his raw journey through addiction, trauma, and redemption. From a broken home and early substance abuse to multiple suicide attempts, Billy offers a vulnerable glimpse into the mental, emotional, and...
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53:06

Ep #274 – The Caring Place: Meet Antonio & Leah
What happens when someone has nowhere else to turn? In this heartfelt conversation, we’re joined by Antonio Villasuso, President, and Leah Sigillo, Media Manager, from The Caring Place – Miami Rescue Mission, where friendship and faith l...
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45:28

Ep #273 – Backpacks of Hope: Preparing Children for School Success
Back-to-school season means more than pencils and backpacks—it’s about restoring dignity, structure, and hope for children facing difficult circumstances. In this episode, the TRM team shares the heartfelt stories and behind-the-scenes work of ...
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57:49

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
