Interviewed Zack Nicholson with Minding the Gap in Kansas City a ministry that addresses literacy in schools, supports school staff and does after school christian clubs in Kansas City.

Zack highlighted the alarming statistic that only about a third of U.S. students read proficiently by third grade, increasing their likelihood of dropping out of high school by four times. Completing high school can lead to a $200,000 higher lifetime income, emphasizing literacy's crucial role in education and daily life.

They focus on the literacy crisis, particularly in Kansas City, and discuss addressing this issue through tutoring and mentoring programs to help struggling students.

Zack shares his experiences working in Hickman Mills and Grandview, areas with high poverty rates where all students qualify for free or reduced lunches. He emphasizes the need for targeted literacy interventions, connecting literacy with social issues such as military eligibility.

Nathan and Zack also explore the intersection of literacy and Christian values, advocating for viewing and treating others with respect and dignity. They stress the importance of serving the poor and marginalized, referencing biblical teachings to support their mission.

The podcast discusses the growth of the Mind the Gap organization, which provides mentorship, tutoring, and teacher appreciation in schools. Nicholson's personal experience with his son's dyslexia inspired the creation of the 180 Club, focusing on improving literacy scores and spiritual development.

The program aims to provide hope and build relationships with students. Nathan and Zack also discuss the broader impact of the Minding the Gap ministry, emphasizing the importance of local church involvement and community partnerships to support literacy and reduce crime rates, ultimately aiming to meet both practical and spiritual needs in schools.

I would highly recommend getting involved in this organization.
https://www.mindinggaps.org/

More resources for this ministry can be found on Faith Horizons episode page:
https://www.faithhorizons.com/minding-the-gap

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Got to discuss Kansas City transportation with Michael Miller!!!

We addressed transportation challenges in Kansas City, particularly in the east side of the city where a lack of jobs and labor force forces residents to seek employment elsewhere.

We have noticed the city's efforts to address this issue through the development of a new ride public ride system called Iris. Later, we discussed the importance of parental guidance in navigating life's challenges, particularly for single mothers, and the potential advancements in transportation systems to benefit low-income areas.

Conversation about the difficulties faced by individuals without transportation, including the economy of time, cost, and complexity of public transportation, as well as the potential drawbacks of car ownership.

We also discussed ways to create jobs in underserved neighborhoods through improved urban transportation, emphasizing the potential of entrepreneurship and small businesses.

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Nola Wood shares her personal journey into politics, highlighting the importance of stewardship and the sanctity of life. She recounts her involvement in picketing an abortion provider in Wichita and distributing pro-life messages. Additionally Nola emphasized the need for Christians to vote for candidates based on shared values rather than party lines.

KC Conservatives
Nola started the KC Conservatives after running for state representative in 2010. Both speakers stress the significance of Christian involvement in politics, advocating against a passive "sit and wait for Jesus to return" attitude.

Government Overreach
The discussion also touches upon political ideologies, government overreach, and its impact on the population. In the podcast Nathan and Nola discuss the importance of staying informed and registered to vote, highlighting recent bipartisan voting defeats against government overreach.

It affects us all
Nola expressed concern about negative influences leading to lawlessness and stresses the importance of voting for competent candidates. We also discussed the school-to-prison pipeline issue and the significance of electing trustworthy candidates in local elections.

To subscribe to Nola Woods newsletter/email.
Who do you know who would like to learn more about conservative issues in our area? Please invite them to contact me.
Nola.Wood@sbcglobal.net

To learn more about Nola you can find her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/nola.m.wood

Here is some additional information...

Biblical Principles: The Bible encourages believers to be good stewards of their resources and to seek the welfare of their cities (Jeremiah 29:7). Voting in local elections is a practical way for Christians to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of their communities.

Influence and Impact: Local elections often have a direct impact on issues that Christians care about, such as education, public safety, social services, and moral values. By voting, Christians can help shape policies and priorities that align with their beliefs and values.
ChatGPT. (2024 April 14)

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United in Crisis Kansas City!

During this interview, the initiative "United in Crisis KC" becomes apparent as a focused effort to prepare and empower the local church in responding to disasters. In times of crisis, the church has the chance to take the lead in serving the community of its city.

The aim of United in Crisis KC is to provide Christians with the necessary infrastructure and training to actively respond to crises in our city.

Greg's explanation highlights the practicality of the approach, which includes a 24/7 crisis hotline and the use of innovative software like UIC Connect, empowering churches to respond swiftly and efficiently to local crises.

The call for volunteers highlights the significance of establishing a resilient core team within each church to provide sustained support for survivors, with diverse roles including emotional and spiritual care.

For further information on this revolutionary organization, please visit.

Website
https://uickc.org/

Really enjoyed interviewing Daniel Geraci and Greg Topping! Faith Horizons aims to reveal God's work in Kansas City, enabling the local people of faith to be aware, support, and participate in it.

Music
Intro and Outro Music by Jerry Abah
https://youtu.be/NJFQvXk36oM

Support the Show.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.

In this thought-provoking podcast centered around family structure and its multifaceted impact on society, Nathan Sack and Michael Miller passionately delve into the intricacies of raising children, navigating teenage identity formation, grappling with trauma and mental health, and addressing the systemic challenges faced by urban communities, particularly in Kansas City.

With a focus on the significance of the nuclear family, Nathan and Michael shared personal stories and statistical insights, underlining the importance of a balanced parental dynamic for children's long-term success and well-being. Reflecting on their own experiences growing up, both hosts emphasize the crucial role that stable family structures play in shaping individuals' trajectories, particularly in mitigating the risk factors associated with crime and poverty.

Throughout the podcast, Sack and Miller navigate a diverse array of topics, from the impact of hypermasculinity and the lack of positive role models on crime to the role of sports, education, and literacy in providing alternative paths to success for youth in underserved communities. Michael's poignant reflections on his own upbringing underscore the profound implications of single parenthood, trauma, and economic adversity on personal growth and community development.

In envisioning a more vibrant future for Kansas City's East Side, Nathan and Michael highlight the transformative potential of community development initiatives and micro economies. With a shared commitment to nurturing local businesses and investing in youth programs, they underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that cultivates resilience, fosters economic empowerment, and nurtures the next generation of leaders.

Through their candid conversations Nathan and Michael offer a compelling call to action for listeners to engage in collective efforts to strengthen families, uplift communities.

Effects of Family Structure on Crime
https://marripedia.org/effects_of_family_structure_on_crime 2023

Kansas Cities Deadliest Year
https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-12-28/kansas-city-matches-its-deadliest-year-they-dont-know-the-damage-it-does-to-the-families

Music
Intro and Outro Music by Jerry Abah
https://youtu.be/NJFQvXk36oM

Support the Show.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.

This podcast focused on introducing Chris Ward’s soon to be released book The Path To Purpose. In the podcast Chris and I took a storied approach to unlocking the value this book offers and getting to know Chris as a person.

This book truly is an action-based guide to unlocking new horizons for yourself and those you influence. Maybe it’s time to pivot, make significant changes or redesign your life now so that you can have the desired end game.

https://pathtopurposebook.co

Support the Show.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.

In this podcast episode Scott and I reflected on the recent centennial celebration in Kansas City, it was both a mix of celebration and contemplation, as we acknowledge the collaborative efforts and milestones achieved.

Scott shared that God's Relay Race will no longer host monthly prayer gatherings at Westport Plexpod for the foreseeable future. Scott captured the intent perfectly stating that God's Relay Race doesn't want to presume upon the Lord but intends to wait on God to provide purpose and vision for GRR's future.

We are going to continue the Beachhead Briefs, which provide Wednesday scriptures and prayers tailored for individuals in various workplace settings.

Hoping for Great things for Kansas City:
Scott Stanger shared a transformative story from Waco, Texas, illustrating how a marketplace prayer movement contributed to the city's positive transformation, leading to reduced crime rates and a flourishing community. Our hope is for a similar and greater impact in Kansas City

God's Relay Race is a workplace prayer gathering that meets on the second Saturday every month at the Plexpod in Wesport from 8:00am - 10:00am
Add to Calendar

For more information about this prayer group go to:
www.kcpray.com

Music
Intro and Outro Music by Jerry Abah
https://youtu.be/NJFQvXk36oM

Support the Show.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.

Have you ever heard of Racers for Christ!

I hadn't before meeting Justin Lawson.

Justin Lawson grew up around racing, with his grandfather and father both involved in the sport. Were talking about open wheel racing, on 3/8 to 1/2 mile Dirt Tracks (Open wheel racing refers to exposed tire and wheel cars, different from stock cars like NASCAR.)

In our interview we took a Zig Zagging pathway of discovery through racing details, health struggles, and rediscovering God. Around 23:30 is where we focusing on Racers for Christ.

It's incredible the journey that we are on God always has an intent to bring us into our fullness in partnership with Him.

Our Interview Covers

• Growing up in a Racing Family
• An introduction to the Sport
• Dirt track racing in the Midwest and Kansas City
• Ongoing Health Problems have really impacted Justin.
• Justin's Spiritual growth and personal transformation.
• Dad owning a multiple racing related companies
• Racers for Christ 23:30

To learn more about Justin and what we talked about here are the links

Justin's Media Page
https://www.facebook.com/JDLawsonMedia

Design Source Flooring
https://dsflooring.com/

Chassis Company
https://www.schneelawsonchassis.com/

Motor Haven
https://www.motorhaven74.com/

Support the Show.

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/faithhorizons. Help us discover more of what God is doing in Kansas City.