Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

At 85 years of age, Pastor John Bomar takes us down the trail of his life and ministry recalling God’s steadfast faithfulness. He recalls responding to a church vote of prohibiting blacks from joining their congregation as members.

Dr. James Netters, served as pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church Westwood for more than 60 years. Dr. Netters was on stage in Washington, D.C. as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. He was elected to the Memphis City Council as the first African American councilmen. Dr. Netters was part of the negotiating team during the Sanitation Workers strike in Memphis the night Dr. King was assassinated. Dr. Netters transitioned from this life on 12/13/20 at the age of 93.

Keith Getty talks about composing hymns for worship in the church. Keith and wife Kristyn Getty are known as modern hymn-writers. Keith Getty and Stuart Townend co-wrote the song "In Christ Alone". It was actually the first song that they wrote together.

88-year-old Shirley James shares her life, love for Christ, and why we should celebrate Christmas. She regularly visited our radio station to collect listener guides that she joyfully passed out all over Memphis to anyone she came across.

Pastor Al Nucciarone of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Israel talks about life and ministry in Israel.

Pastor Al Nucciarone of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Israel talks about life and ministry in Israel.

Ronnie Collier Stevens, Associate Pastor of Harvest Church in Memphis talks about his latest book, “From Jerusalem to Rome- A Year in the Book of Acts”. This is the fourth book that he’s authored. Ronnie is a native of Atlanta Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia, and Dallas Theological Seminary. Ronnie has his wife Jane have served as missionaries in Munich, Moscow, and Budapest. He formerly pastored the First Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Olga Lutsenka and husband Fred share their story at the collapse of the former Soviet Union. When Communism fell, Dr. Lutsenka was working as a Professor of History with the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences in Russia in 1991, when she was contacted by the Russian government and asked to develop a system for teaching morals in the Russian schools. After extensive research, Dr. Lutsenko and her colleagues identified the Bible as the best resource to develop a morals and values curriculum.

Carole Ward of Favor International Ministries, an indigenous mission movement in Northern Uganda and South Sudan shares how Christmas is celebrated among Christians in Africa, where she’s made her home for the past 22 years. Carole shares a terrifying experience when two armed rebels overtook their vehicle and how the power of God’s overwhelming love and power through His Word was her only defense.

As we draw close to that big day, it’s easy to get busy with the parties, traditions, and gift buying that we just want to get it over and return to normal again. Normal, for many is too painful. You’re hoping that the tinsel and songs of the season may spark some excitement, but things have gotten too complicated. Work, a failed relationship, or the death of a loved one, Christmas just isn’t the same for you. I recently heard Wil Franco talk about what Christmas is ultimately all about. Wil Franco is the lead pastor at Mission Church Memphis, and he addresses the question, “What is Christmas All About?”

Don Gilbert from Kingdom Quality Builders shares his life and ministry living in the historic Orange Mound Community where Don and his family serve the least of these for the greatest Kingdom.

Krystal Ribble and Katheryn Notestine talk about the Advent season from a new book from Dexterity, "Dwell- Celebrating the Arrival of Advent". The book puts a new light on how your family can celebrate Advent in your homes.

Author, Frances Marshall shares her life’s journey through her book, “Who Gave the Last Slap”? The book explores the themes of love, hate, loss, healing, and forgiveness. Frances grew up on a farm in Arkansas and witnessed the domestic violence her father took out against her mother. At twelve years of age, Frances convinced her mother to leave the trap of being verbally and physically abused. Moving to Memphis, Frances and her mother set out to rebuild their lives. Frances recalls being promoted to manager at a local Krystal Restaurant at the age of thirteen, after only working at the establishment for two weeks. Frances discovered through God, she was able to have the home she dreamed of when she met Bill Marshall and had a wonderful marriage together for fifty-three years. She hopes to encourage other women and men who are caught in an abusive relationship.

Delvit Rogers with Youth Villages will discuss National Adoption Month and often overlooked teenagers in the adoption process. If you’ve ever considered adoption as an option listen to this show. Youth Villages is a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health committed to building strong families, delivering effective services, and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. Founded in 1986, the organization’s 4,000 employees help more than 39,000 children annually across the U.S.

World War Two Army/Air-Force Veteran Luke McLaurine is our guest. Luke was part of the 464 Bomb Group on B-24 as a Bombardier and Navigator. His crew was shot down after flying over 20 bombing missions in Germany where he became a POW and was listed as MIA. At the time we recorded this show Luke was only 93 years old. His parents started McLaurine’s Bakery in Memphis back in 1922.

Our 4th and final 2023 Christmas Vacation show from Branson with co-host Lisa Rau, (Back-up Quarterback for Lynn Berry @ExploreBranson) Director of Communications at the City of Branson. Our guests include Kortney Neal from Sight & Sound Theatres, Steve Hartley co-owner of Dick's 5 & 10, and a special tribute in memory of the “King of Branson” Shoji Tabuchi.

Patricia Stirnkorb, Travel Liaison for The Bible Comes to Life shares her adventure with eighteen companions and their uncertain departure from Israel during the outbreak of the Israel/Hamas War.

Here’s our 3rd Christmas Vacation show from Branson with Byron Tyler and co-host Lisa Rau, (Back-up Quarterback for Lynn Berry @ExploreBranson) Director of Communications at the City of Branson. Our guests are Brandei Clifton from Silver Dollar City, Sawyer Nichols from Showboat Branson Belle, and Pam Critchfield with Grand Village Shoppes and Branson Meadows. Listen THU 11/16 at 3:00 pm #AM640 #FM93.7 #FM100.7 #MemphisRadio or stream live at https://bottradionetwork.com/audio-player/?stream_id=39#v #explorebranson #bransonchristmas #2023Christmas #christmasvacation

On October 24, 2023, Bott Radio Network 640 AM, Memphis, TN welcomed Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Church and Host of Allen Jackson Ministries, Murfreesboro, TN as guest speaker for their Pastors Appreciation Luncheon. The event was held at Christ Church Memphis where Paul Lawler is the Senior Pastor. The presentation begins with Rich Bott, Chairman and CEO of Bott Radio Network introducing Allen Jackson.

Steve Coplon, Allen West, and Chris Hodges share details from their recent Gospel excursion to Germany, Poland, and Ukraine. They visited some two dozen cities throughout these countries where over 20,000 Gospel tracts were distributed, one-on-one discussions, and other opportunities to share the gospel to small groups.

Here’s our 2nd show from Branson with Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com and our guests, Sheila Baeten from Pink Jeep Tours, Jae McFerron from The Shepherd of the Hills, Jason Hughes with Hughes Brothers Theater, and Colton Cooper from the “Hot Rods and High Heels” 1950’s Show at the Clay Cooper Theater. This is the second of four shows.

Byron Tyler travels to Bott Radio Network Branson studio joined by Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com to unwrap destination details for your family to celebrate Christmas in Branson, Missouri. You’ll meet the people waiting for you to experience their incredible entertainment all nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains cover with the lights, sounds, holiday traditions, and the celebration of God’s greatest gift to the world, Jesus Christ! On this first show we welcome, Jacqui Bell from Kings Castle Theatre, originally from Scotland, Jacqui came to Branson to work with Lord of the Dance. Her shows are all big productions, especially the Christmas show. Jacqui is the theater manager, a choreographer, and is often seen in the shows along with an incredible cast of vocalists. Also on this first show, First Class Maid “Jamie” shares how the Titanic Museum Attraction children’s theme this year continues through the Christmas season. The celebration of the children on the Titanic is highlighted with adorable Red Teddy Bears remembering each child that were on board Titanic’s maiden voyage. The ship is totally decorated for Christmas, all in RED! Trees and everything…. RED!

Vietnam War veteran, Bob Wieland lost his legs to a mortar mine. In Vietnam in June 1969, his squad walked into a mine field. When a member of his unit stepped on a booby-trapped mortar, Wieland rushed to give first aid but he, too, stepped on an 82mm buried mortar, a round designed to destroy tanks. It severely damaged his legs; they had to be amputated above the knee. In a letter to his parents after his accident, he wrote: June 14, 1969, Dear Mom and Dad. I'm in the hospital. Everything is going to be O.K. The people here are taking good care of me. Love, Bob. P.S. I think I lost my legs. After recovering from his injuries, he was inspired to become a marathon participant. Over his lifetime he has finished many marathons, often taking multiple days to finish. He is the only double amputee to finish the difficult Kona, Hawaii Ironman race without a wheelchair. He "ran" across America on his hands, taking three years, eight months, and six days to travel from coast to coast. Before joining the Army, Wieland was a three-sport athlete on the verge of signing a Major League Baseball contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Wieland has been a strength and conditioning coach for the Green Bay Packers.

TPI founder/president Greg Moore and TPI executive vice president, Mike DeLisle shares the extraordinary ways that God has directed this ministry to train thousands of pastors throughout Central and South America, Africa, and the United States. Training Pastors International believes that a national pastor is best equipped to reach other national pastors in his own country better than a cross-cultural missionary. TPI exist to equip national pastors and leaders to accomplish the Great Commission.

Actor Kevin Sorbo talks about his newest film from Sorbo Studios, “Miracle in East Texas”. Based on a true story of two con-men convincing lonely widows to invest in their worthless oil wells, during the Great Depression. Kevin Sorbo directed the film, co-produced the film, and stars in this film as Doc Boyd. Kevin is joined in the movie by wife actress Sam Sorbo, their son Braedon, along with John Ratzengerger, Tyler Mane, Louis Gossett Jr, and Gwynyth Walsh.

Donald Ballard joined the Navy in 1935 serving during World War II. He retired as a chaplain from the Navy in 1976 as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. While in the Navy, he played on the ship’s baseball team where he was offered a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. He signed the contract and played one summer in Johnson City, TN as a short stop and pitcher before the US entered World War II.

Diane Height with Forever Young introduces, Ninety-Six-year-old James Young WW11 Army Veteran from combat at D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. James remembers arriving in Liverpool England after basic training, combat so persistent he had to keep his boots on for two weeks, getting seasick on D-Day, and capturing a bedridden German lieutenant. In late 1944, during the wake of the Allied forces' successful D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, it seemed as if the Second World War was all but over. On Dec. 16, with the onset of winter, the German army launched a counteroffensive that was intended to cut through the Allied forces in a manner that would turn the tide of the war in Hitler's favor. The battle that ensued is known historically as the Battle of the Bulge.

Pastor Eddie Barlow of Boulevard Baptist Church in Southaven, MS. shares his U.S. Navy service retiring after 26 years of honorable service. Eddie, born in Virginia but raised in Georgia joined the US Navy out of high school and served onboard 5 submarines plus completed a tour of duty in Iraq. Eddie recalls is time on a submarine during the 9/11 attack on America as well as the emotions running through crew members as they headed to sea. As a pastor, Eddie explains his concern for senior adults being overlooked in the ministry of many churches. He is leading efforts to include a special worship service designed to show proper respect to senior adults and provide them with the necessary encouragement that they need.

Dr. Jim Whitmire and former Arkansas Governor and host of “Huckabee” on TBN, Mike Huckabee joins us. Governor Huckabee is guest speaker and honorary chair for the upcoming Mid-America Passion Play Auction Gala on November 14th. We’ll discuss the gala details, life growing up in Hope, AR for young Huckabee, and his thoughts concerning Israel Hamas War.

Steve Coplon from MissionFieldUSA.COM shares a Biblical perspective on the horrific events leading to war after Hamas terrorist viciously attacked Israeli citizens on October 7th. Steve also provides info on an evangelistic effort he’s leading with a team heading to Berlin, Poland, and Ukraine to share the Gospel.

Dr. Tim and Nino Fincher talk about their lives and medical service living in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. At the time this show originally aired, Dr. Fincher was the CEO of Kanad Hospital in Al Ain, a hospital started by Christian missionaries in 1960. The concern of high infant and maternal mortality rate along with other endemic diseases like tuberculosis and malaria was causing a declining population and created a desperate need of quality healthcare. The Finchers discuss the hospitality shared among their Muslim neighbors while engaging them with stories of Jesus' love and kindness towards people, especially the character of His nature where His actions matched His words. This show originally aired on July 13, 2021.

Mike Studdard, a former corporate guy who fell in love with the African people shares his first experience in Africa knocking on a witch doctor’s house to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mike along with Pastor Monday Bernard, a pastor in Namayingo District, Uganda, Pastor Okumu Waddy David Wanyama, pastor of Busia Town Baptist Church, and Reverend David Isais, serving with American Bible Society (ABS) have teamed together to create Africa Bible Ministries. The purpose of Africa Bible Ministries is to provide a shepherded Bible for the people of God who are thirsty for His Word so that they can engage with God and impact their communities.

Join Pastor Marron Thomas and his wife Tori Thomas from Innovation Church in Memphis as they continue their discussion on the common challenges couples face in marriage and offer biblical insights on how to overcome them. In this second part of the interview, delve deeper into their upcoming stage play, "Her Needs, and His Needs," and further explore the intricate dynamics of marital relationships. This is the follow-up episode of a two-part series on strengthening marriages through faith.

Join Pastor Marron Thomas and his wife Tori Thomas from Innovation Church in Memphis as they delve into the common challenges couples face in marriage and offer biblical insights on how to overcome them. In this episode, get a sneak peek into their upcoming stage play, "Her Needs, and His Needs," and explore the intricate dynamics of marital relationships. Tune in to discover valuable wisdom for navigating the conversations that occur within the walls of your home. This engaging discussion is just the first part of a two-part interview on strengthening marriages through faith.

On this 5th Friday edition of Sponsor Spotlight, we welcome two of our great advertisers, Sam Mullins with Automatic, Heating, Plumbing, & Air- also Electric, Serving the Memphis Area Since 1943. We’ll ask Sam about how I know if your heating system is working at its max capacity, importance of HVAC maintenance, what to consider before having a home emergency generator installed, thoughts on smart thermostats, and so much more. We also welcome Richard Hamlet with Meridio Media. Do you have a great idea, product, or service you want the world to know about, but you don’t have time or the desire to learn how to record, edit, and market digitally, then listen to Richard as he explains all of the professional video and audio services that Meridio Media has to offer.

Pastors Dan Henley, James Brodnax, and Terry Tieman share exciting details about LifeWise Academy coming to Memphis. LifeWise is a program design to teach the Bible, legally, in public schools. More than 300 public schools nationwide with 35K students enrolled will learn from the Bible this year.

Did you know that the Salvation Army serves our community in a variety of ways? Majors Tim and Cheryl Gilliam along with Amy Speropoulos from Salvation Army Memphis share how their services, Purdue Center Of Hope, drug addiction recovery program, shelter and services to homeless women and children, Angel Tree program, support for seniors, and disaster relief are greatly maintained through their Red Kettle drives each holiday season.

Pastor Al Nucciarone of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jerusalem, Israel is back to continue our conversation about what it’s like to pastor a church in a city where Jesus did much of His earthly ministry, mama’s Italian gravy, meeting Billie playing a mandolin, ministering to prostitutes in Telavi, visiting favorite archeological sites, riding my electric bike in Jerusalem, and sharing faith in Christ with Jews and Arabs. This is part two of a two-part interview.

Pastor Al Nucciarone of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Jerusalem, Israel discusses what it’s like to pastor a church in a city where Jesus Christ did much of His earthly ministry, including His sacrificial death and resurrection for the sins of the world, ministering to prostitutes in Telavi, his latest book, “Holy Land Encounter”, opposition to believing Jesus is the Jewish Messiah, and running Polish/Ukrainian youth sports camps. This is part one of a two-part interview.

An incredible story of heroism, patriotism, honor, and sacrifice as filmmaker Austin Rich and Frank Allen, discuss their documentary film project, Ramblings Of A Bomber Pilot. It’s the story of Frank’s uncle, World War II hero, Arthur Allen, Jr. who as an Army Airforce Pilot at 23 flew bombing raids over Germany in 1943. One World War II assigned to the 94th Bomb Group said after watching, Ramblings Of A Bomber Pilot, “I love that it’s not Hollywood… this isn’t made up. It’s the real deal. It all really happened.”

Amy Simmons, Kari Osborn, and AnaLyn Elliott from the Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child join us. This ministry collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way. Amy Simmons, Kari Osborn, and Analyn Elliot from the Samaritan's Purse project Operation Christmas Child join us. This ministry collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God's love in a tangible way.

Actor Ulises Larramendi who portrays Paul in the TV series, “Paul, The Last Apostle” shares how he landed the role. Larramendi grew up in Cuba and later studied acting and theater during his time in university. He and his wife own and operate a restaurant in Hoston, Texas. Memphian, Oscar Gonzalez is the Executive Producer, creator, and writer for this TV series. The remarkable story of the life of the Apostle Paul is repeated every day as sinful and broken people throughout the world are transformed by God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus. That’s exactly what the creators of “Paul: The Last Apostle” want to capture in this series, because there are many today who need to hear and see how God’s love can change their lives, just as it did with Paul.

Pastor Rob Mullins of Crossroads Baptist Church is on the show to discuss their Fall Awakening with guest Dr. Dennis Swanberg, “America’s Minister of Encouragement”. Our conversation also covers, why schedule an awakening, what does the Bible say about awakening, are people looking for a reason to live, Jesus Christ- our soul’s true satisfaction, and input into Rob’s life by the late Dr. Adrian Rogers.

Ben Jared, Director of Development and Intern, Jason Keeling from Heartland Adult Teen Challenge discuss their journeys through drug addiction, time incarcerated, and how Jesus Christ transformed their lives with the help of Teen Challenge.

Chris & Nicole Peterson are back for the second part to discuss the hard work in making their blended family work. Together they’ve discovered the Biblical definition of marriage is key to understanding how to make a covenant marriage work through the strain, struggles, selfishness that seeks to destroy marriage. Nicole is originally from the island of Guam and Chris is originally from Corinth, Mississippi, so how did these two get together to create this blended family? Listen to their story in this part two of two interviews.

Chris & Nicole Peterson discuss the hard work in making their blended family work. Together they’ve discovered the Biblical definition of marriage is key to understanding how to make a covenant marriage work through the strain, struggles, selfishness that seeks to destroy marriage. Nicole is originally from the island of Guam and Chris is originally from Corinth, Mississippi, so how did these two get together to create this blended family? Listen to their story in this part one of two interviews.

Luke Saunders, Executive Pastor of Multisite Ministries at Colonial Hills Church in Southaven, Ms. talks about the importance of Biblical discipleship and offers details on launch of their new program "Discipleship Academy."

Tom Nachtergaele of 18.26 Network set down with us at during the 2023 Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly held in Memphis, TN June 12-16 at the Renasant Convention Center in Downtown Memphis. The 18.26 Network is committed to developing and sharing resources about global marketplace ministry for our present missionaries, those preparing to serve, and those interested in vocational missions. Tom is the chief operating officer for the 18.26 Network for Europe and the Middle East.

Denine Blevins, Executive Director of Parakaleo Ministries explains how Parakaleo helps women build gospel-rooted resilience and feel less alone in their church planting journey.

Dr. Lee Brand, Jr. Senior Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett. We’ll discuss Dr. Brand’s first year at Faith Baptist, writing his dissertation based on the First Black Puritan, growing up in Nettleton, MS., values learned from his parents, and transitioning from vice president and dean of a seminary to the pastorate. In 2021, Dr. Brand was elected at the Southern Baptist Convention as First Vice-President.