Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

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.

William Carey sparked the modern missionary movement when he set sail for the shores of India in 1793. Today’s India is very different from Carey’s time. India’s diverse cultures, languages, and people groups (122 major languages and 1,599 functional languages!). With a population of 1.2 billion, India is the world’s largest democracy. Ed Raju from Serve India Ministries describes his life growing up in India and the challenges he faces today serving and supporting local pastors and presenting Christ in such diverse and resistant cultures.

Dr. Hunter Townsend Brewer of Trinity Church in Collierville, TN discusses his ministry leading into planting churches, challenges through initial outbreak of Covid, the demanding work and pressure associated with planting a church, and meeting at a temporary location while building growth. In the spring of 2019, several families in Collierville/Germantown began meeting on Sunday evenings with the vision of starting a new church, now called Trinity Church that meets at the Collierville YMCA.

Jan Hamilton, Programs Director of Delta Fair & Music Festival, provides details on this year’s Crafts, Culinary & Collectibles Competition. From children to seniors, you could be the next blue-ribbon winner!

Frank Sindler, Executive Director of Equipping Farmers International, a ministry that engages communities in agricultural discipleship for food security and improved livelihoods.

Clint Greene founder of Native American Indigenousness Ministry discusses life leading to the start of his work among indigenousness peoples across North America, as well as some of the challenges faced trying to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Clint grew up on a reserve in Canada before his parents moved to New York State. A major thrust behind Clint’s mission is to support Native American churches and find indigenousness pastors to shepherd these congregations, most of which are located on reservations.

David Jordan, President, and CEO Agape Child & Family Services discusses the upcoming Global Leadership Summit AUG 3-4 and the ongoing work of Agape to address poverty through community-based wrap-around services to lift and strengthen families.

Lynne Rienstra, Regional Director for Samaritan's Purse and serves alongside her husband, Rob, senior pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Covington, Georgia. Samaritan's Purse stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. They specialize in meeting critical needs for victims of conflict, disaster, famine, and epidemics throughout the world, often working through ministry partners on the ground. They provide food, water, shelter, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This show was recorded live from the 2023 PCA Convention at the Renasant Convention Center- Downtown Memphis.

Kenny Vaughn and Soup Campbell share their journey of discipleship. Roy “Soup” Campbell, Kaleo Director with Kids Across America and Kennon Vaughn, lead pastor of Harvest Church Memphis and founder of Downline Ministires. Kennon started Downline Ministries in 2006 to help churches more effectively train their leaders to make disciples. He was commissioned to plant Harvest Church in Memphis in October 2013.

Lori Wildenberg, author of “Messy Hope”, Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. This show was recorded from the 2023 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Nard Pugyao shares how having the Bible changed his entire life. It was 1956 when Wycliffe Bible translator Dick Roe arrived in Nard’s Mountain village of Dibagat in the Philippines. Nard watched Dick learn his language called Isnag and begin to translate the Gospel of Mark. Nard was curious about God, so he began to study the booklet Dick was working on. He learned that when Jesus dies on the cross, He didn’t stay dead; He was risen! Nard was amazed, and he decided he wanted to give his heart to Jesus. It wasn’t long before Nard knew that he wanted to be a part of helping others get the Bible in their own language too. He went into aviation (that’s learning how to fly airplanes) and joined Wycliffe in 1977 — over 20 years after Dick Roe first came to Nard’s village to start translating the Bible! On June 24, 1982, Nard got to fly the first 500 copies of the Isnag New Testament into his home village and give them to his community. This interview originally aired in 2009.

Dr. Mikey Mewborn and Dr. David Allen from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary discuss the upcoming Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference combined with their Founders’ Day 2023.

William Levi. William, a Messianic believer is the Founder and Overseer of Operation Nehemiah Missions. Their primary goal is to rebuild & restore the Biblical family and the Church in the republic of the South Sudan which is recovering from the ashes of war and Islamic persecution. Produced from the 2023 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Orlando Florida.

Young adults pastor Ryan Abone from Mission Church shares his insight and Biblical knowledge on the difficult topics such as Bible inerrancy, guidance for Christians when in doubt, and practical instruction on how to speak to others in a world of religious pluralism.

Recorded live at First Assembly Memphis with David Barton, Author and President of WallBuilders. Discover the rich Christian history that makes our nation so extraordinary.

5th Friday Sponsor Spotlight with Michell Shaver, Senior Real Estate Specialists with Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS and Anthony Cales, Operations Manager of Lucius Complete Home.

TN Highway Patrol Officer, Jamie Jarrett is our guest. Jamie discovered Bott Radio Network 20 years ago and accredits AM640 for how God has deepened his understanding of scripture. Jamie says, he wants to bring, “a new twist” to law enforcement by witnessing to people and serving God in positive ways.

Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Francisco Muniz from U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command Chaplain Recruiting. He shares an exciting story how while growing up in Puerto Rico, he listened to Adrian Rogers Love Worth Finding Ministries on the radio that's helped him as a pastor today. LCDR Muniz also provides details for a rewarding career as a military chaplain. This interview is one of multiple interviews conducted at the 2023 PCA (Presbyterian Churches in America Convention) held at the Renasant Convention Center, Downtown Memphis.

James Kirkwood, Director of Memphis Christian Pastors Network and Vanessa Sweet of Breakthrough Leadership discuss ways their organizations are working together to address high crime in our city. They also share ways an Expungement Clinic through local churches is providing means for Memphis residents to get a fresh start by reinstating their driver’s license.