Pastor Mark Rogers sits down with his daughter, Taylor Rogers, a college freshman, to talk about living out faith on a public campus. Together, they share honest reflections on finding community, facing challenges, and growing spiritually in a new season of life. A heartfelt father–daughter conversation about trusting God, letting go, and walking faithfully in a changing world.

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

Part 2 of 2. 

In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, we sit down with Tracy and Ruthie Salter, members of Lighthouse church and the family of Russell Salter, who died by suicide. Together, we enter into a raw and heartfelt conversation about grief, faith, and the painful journey of navigating life after such a profound loss.

This episode is for those who are grieving, and those who need to hear that they are not alone in their sorrow, their questions, or even their struggles with faith. Tracy and Ruthie speak with honesty and vulnerability about what it means to hold on to God in the darkest valleys, and how their journey continues to unfold.

Please note: This episode contains sensitive discussion about suicide. Listener discretion is advised.


If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, we sit down with Tracy and Ruthie Salter, members of Lighthouse church and the family of Russell Salter, who died by suicide. Together, we enter into a raw and heartfelt conversation about grief, faith, and the painful journey of navigating life after such a profound loss.

This episode is for those who are grieving, and those who need to hear that they are not alone in their sorrow, their questions, or even their struggles with faith. Tracy and Ruthie speak with honesty and vulnerability about what it means to hold on to God in the darkest valleys, and how their journey continues to unfold.

Please note: This episode contains sensitive discussion about suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

This is Part 1 of 2 of our conversation. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In this episode, we’re joined by Pastor Ric Eddings of Cherokee Baptist Church, who will be the featured speaker at our upcoming Renewal Service (or as we call it throughout this episode "Renew") Of course, we don't know why, but it didn't stop us. We spend time getting to know Ric and his family, hear the story of how they came to Cherokee Baptist, and dive into his heart for ministry.

Ric shares about his unique teaching and preaching style, how he leads and cultivates growth within his church, and his passion for missions. It's a meaningful and encouraging conversation we believe will bless you as we prepare for Renewal.

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

Join Pastor Mark and Ruthie Salter as they finish the discusion as they revisit the events at Lighthouse Church during Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the response to the community that followed.  Months after the event, Pastor Mark and Ruthie shared how God used Lighthouse in a mighty way to love the community of Western North Carolina.  

During this episode, Ruthie and Pastor Mark share some of the takeaways, encouragements, and personal lessons from the Hurricane Helene event. 


This episode is part three of three. Thank you for listening to it all.  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

Join Pastor Mark and Ruthie Salter as they continue to discuss and revisit the events at Lighthouse Baptist Church during Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the response to the community that followed.  Months after the event, Pastor Mark and Ruthie shared how God used Lighthouse in a mighty way to love the community of Western North Carolina.  

During this episode, Ruthie and Pastor Mark share stories of people and interactions through that time.


This episode is part two of three. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

Join Pastor Mark and Ruthie Salter as they discuss and revisit the events at Lighthouse Baptist Church during Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the response to the community that followed.  Months after the event, Pastor Mark and Ruthie shared how God used Lighthouse in a mighty way to love the community of Western North Carolina.  

This is part one of three. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

So maybe you have some of the basics down and are now looking at what is next in your Christian walk or what more you can do?  

Pastor Mark and special guest Taylor Rogers take on the idea of doing more in the coming year.  They cover the concepts of financial giving, Bible study, and serving. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

How many times have you entered a new year with the goal of getting healthier, losing weight, or even beginning a spiritual activity like reading the Bible?  

Pastor Mark and special guest Taylor Rogers take on the ideas of reading scripture, prayer, and church attendance with an eye on making lasting changes so that these disciplines can be permanent.  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 22, Beckie Langston joins us to discuss and promote the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center. In this episode, we discussed some of the history and challenges facing young ladies in and around our community. We also talk about the importance of churches and how pastors can make a difference through some of their verbiage and provide opportunities to minister in this area. 

We also want to encourage you to keep the Center, volunteers, staff, and especially the clients in your prayers. 

The following are the addresses and phone numbers of the two physical locations: 

Franklin Location: 226 E. Palmer St. Franklin, NC 28734       828.349.3200

Sylva Location: 1165 West Main St. Sylva, N.C.    828.293.3600

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 21, LaTasha Queen joins us for the first episode of Light1031 in 2024. This episode will cover Heritage Christian Academy. We discussed some exciting aspects of the school, including its history and current status. LaTasha also addresses some misconceptions about the school. Eventually, we end our talk with how you, the listener, can be praying for the students, teachers, and administrators at Heritage. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 20, Ruthie Salter joins us at the one-year recording of Light1031. This episode will cover the 2023 year in review. We look back and think about all the wonderful things God has done in and through the podcast and Lighthouse church. We also discuss some of our favorites and what we look forward to in the coming year.    

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 19, Taylor Rogers (Pastor Mark's daughter) joins us and takes over the hosting duties because Pastor Mark is the interview chair. This is a version of our "Ask Pastor Mark Series."  This episode generally talks about Pastor Appreciation Month (typically October). Still, we try to give specific examples of what we can do for our pastor.  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 18, we talk to Brandy and Aniston Underwood. Emerie is also in the recording and shares a quick "hi" towards the beginning. This family is about one year after the tragedy of Aniston and Emerie losing their father to suicide. However, they share what it is like to deal with grief, leaning on one another, and finding hope in Jesus. 

We hope hearing this story will encourage you. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 17, we talk to Amanda Martinsen. Amanda discusses some perspectives on Womans Missionary Union (we often will refer to it as WMU) from more of a state level. In the podcast, we discuss some of the worries, concerns, and exciting things happening for WMU. 

We are thankful to have Amanda as a guest on the Light1031 podcast. She graciously recorded this episode a day before Lighthouse hosted a regional WMU Abound Leadership Training event. 

Please check out her podcast, Beyond the Moment.

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 16, we talk to Bill and Sherry Cabe. They discuss the life of their son, Lyle, and the tragedy of his overdose. However, Sherry and Bill's story does not end. Instead of choosing to do nothing, they (after much prayer) decide to be part of a solution of hope. They decided to get behind International Overdose Awareness Day and other local opportunities. 

We hope hearing this story will encourage you. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 15, we talk to Pam Markford. Pam shares a unique side of any medical issue: being a caregiver. It takes a lot of people to help someone get through any medical problem. Often there is a primary caregiver, and in this instance, Pam shares some of her story. Pam and Bob have been very open in sharing their story, and we thank them for being able to talk and possibly help the next person. 

We hope hearing this story will encourage you.

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 14, we talk to Shondra Collini. Shondra shares a personal story of her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life after reconstruction. Because of the subject matter, it was appropriate to have Ruthie Salter as a co-host for this episode to cover some topics. 

We hope that you hear the personal side of Shondra's cancer story and its effect on her and others in her life.  

We hope hearing this story will encourage you.

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 13, we talk to Katie Quiring and Cristy Rogers. Both are public school teachers and members of Lighthouse.  
What is it to be a Christian and a public school teacher? Most of us don't think much about this profession unless our children are in school or someone in our family is a teacher.   What does it mean to be a teacher? What are some of the challenges, blessings, and encouragements of a teacher? We discuss this and more in the episode.   

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 12, we talk to Bob Markford. Bob shares his life over the past year, including a cancer diagnosis. We spoke to Bob specifically about what got him through the treatment and (at this recording) the recovery process. 

As a quick note, Bob does an excellent job trying to say "thank you" to the many people involved in his journey over the past year. In case we forgot someone, please forgive us. 

We hope hearing his story will encourage you. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 11, Taylor Rogers (Pastor Mark's daughter) joins us and takes over the hosting duties because Pastor Mark is the interview chair.  Pastor Mark will try to answer questions  in a new "Ask Pastor Mark Series."  In this episode, we talk specifically about the upcoming generation, which is around Taylor's age.  What frustrations, challenges, and hope should we have about this new group?  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 10, we talk to Jodi Tollie. Jodi shares with us about stepping out in faith to lead/teach something brand new to her. Causing her to answer the question, "Why not you?" 

Often in our Christian walk, we get caught in the world of waiting for someone else to lead or teach when the Holy Spirit is leading in our hearts, and we need to answer. We hope hearing her story will encourage you to step and lead or teach in your local church. 

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 9, we talk to Tracy Salter.  Tracy discusses the change in the local Womans Missionary Union (we often will refer to it as WMU) at Lighthouse and in the Western North Carolina region.  We talk about positives, changes, and how today's WMU is much more than some of our ideas of the program.  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

In episode 8, we talk to Isaac Brooks. Isaac discusses the importance of revitalization from the perspective of leading and pastoring Cove Creek. Additionally, we take on the aspect that his leadership is coming from being 21 years old.     As you listen, it is not "What can we learn, or how can we pay attention?"  We hope you will hear Isaac's plea for people not merely to be church attendees but disciples of Jesus Christ.  

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva

On episode 7 of Light1031, Cristy Rogers (Pastor Mark's wife) joins the podcast to discuss her experience of moving ministries and arriving at Lighthouse.  

In this episode, we will cover topics such as:

• Discuss: We're done vs. You were done. 
• What does it mean to wonder and not know?  
• How does the worry about kids through this time of moving?
• How did covid affect our move/change?
• A moment in TN.
• Parenting PK's (pastor kids) and seeing them serve
• Since coming to Lighthouse

Thanks for listening! Join us at lighthousesylva.com or on social media at https://linktr.ee/lighthousesylva