Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

Travis Moody, founder of Forward Memphis, a new non-profit designed to help folks move forward in their financial lives by breaking the entrapment of payday loans. Many payday loans trap you with their high interest rates, from 300%-500% annually.

Coming from the 2023 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Orlando, Florida with Kimberly Genau, Executive Director, and Founder of Alabaster House. The mission of Alabaster House is to provide spiritual resources to government leaders in our nation’s capital through confidential prayer, biblical devotionals, and friendship.

EpochTV Producer Cindy Drukier shares behind the scenes of “The Unseen Crisis”, a feature-length documentary that provides an intimate, uncensored look into the lives of those who live with the debilitating after-effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. Also, award-winning director, Tobias Elvhage talks about “Gender Transformation: The Untold Realities”, an Epoch Original docudrama examining the complex issues surrounding transgenderism and youth.

Broadcasting from the 2023 National Religious Broadcaster’s Convention in Orlando, FL. Pastor Greg Davis from Treasures of Truth, heard Sundays at 8:30 am on AM640 in Memphis is our guest. Greg Davis is a gifted pastor and Bible teacher known for his ability to communicate fresh insights from God's Word. Greg and his wife, Nancy, have served in ministry together for over thirty years. They grew up together in a very small town in the south and have been sweethearts since the 2nd grade.

Dr. George Murray former President and Chancellor of Columbia International University. Also, Dr. Murray formerly served as executive director for The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and serves as general director of Bible Christian Union (BCU), a mission agency which merged with TEAM. In addition to these ministry opportunities, Dr. Murray and his family served as church planters in Italy for 13 years.

Your Vacation isn't just calling—it's begging for you to take it to Branson! On today’s show Byron Tyler and Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com welcome, First Class Maid, Jamie and Mary Kellogg from Titanic Museum Attraction. Jamie shares what it was like to be a first-class passenger on the Titanic, passenger Violet Jessop who survived three maritime disasters in her life, and a partnership with Samaritan's Feet International. The show wraps with Mingo Arvizu from Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain, offering a variety of exciting adventures including snow tubing, free falling 100 feet, or ziplining through the Ozark Mountains. Discover more about vacationing in Branson at explorebranson.com

Your Vacation isn't just calling—it's begging for you to take it to Branson! On today’s show Byron Tyler and Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com welcome, Comedian Yakov Smirnoff, after escaping communist Soviet Union in the 1977, Yakov came to the United States with nothing but a dream. As his English improved, he made a daring move to Hollywood where the owner of The Comedy Store, Mitzi Shore, spotted him and advised him to stay. His lovable view of life through the eyes of a poor immigrant captured the hearts of America. He soared to the top of the comedy world, performing on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and countless other television programs. Pink Jeep Tours Operations Manager, Sheila Baeten. They take you off-road and behind the scenes of some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Branson, Award-winning Producer, Creator of "ALL HANDS ON DECK! Show", Jody Madaras. Jody has worked on stage on the Broadway production, Drowsey Chaperone and he’s creating and directing a new work this fall, “ALL ABOUT RAY CHARLES”. Discover more about vacationing in Branson at explorebranson.com

Your Vacation isn't just calling—it's begging for you to take it to Branson! On today’s show Byron Tyler and Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com welcome, New South Quartet, from Grand Country featuring Mark McCauley, David Ragan, Jon Drockelman, and Luke Menard, From the Tony Award winning production, “Million Dollar Quartet”, Matt Joyce who portrays Sam Phillips and Lindsay Perencho who portrays “Dyanne”, Brother and sister, Benjamin and Kaitlyn Hughes from the Hughes Brothers Theatre, share their fresh spin on the music you love with their hit show Re-Vibe. Discover more about vacationing in Branson at explorebranson.com

Your Vacation isn't just calling—it's begging for you to take it to Branson! On today’s show Byron Tyler and Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com welcome, Emily Baker from Sight-Sound Theatre about their newest production, Queen Esther, which Emily portrays, Candace Miller from “Once Upon a Fairy Tale”, brings to life all your favorite storybook songs at Americana Theatre, and Branson Mabe from the Baldknobbers. Their show is one of Branson’s oldest, over 64 years ago. Discover more about vacationing in Branson at explorebranson.com

The Battle of the Bulge marked the last German offense on the Western Front. Less than four months after the end of the Battle of the Bulge, Germany surrendered to Allied forces. British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill stated, "This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory." James H. Young, now 97 years old recalls his experience at the Battle of the Bulge with Diane Hight from Forever Young, the organization grants veterans, both men and women wishes and returns them to the places where they once fought. Forever Young Senior Veterans has now honored thousands of veterans since it began honoring those who served.

May is Foster Care Awareness Month, Andrecia Gibbs, Regional Manager at Youth Villages shares their mission to help every child reach their full potential. If you’ve considered becoming a foster parent this show will provide information to help you start the process. Andrecia discusses the need for foster care parents in the Memphis area, the keys to helping 36,000 children with behavioral and emotional challenges and their families each year, and the challenge to find foster homes for teens and sibling groups.

Guest host, Amy Speropoulos, welcomes Executive Director Cordell Walker of Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. The mission of Alpha Omega Veterans Services is to empower displaced and homeless veterans in the Mid-South with the tools, skills, and services they need for successful reintegration into society. They seek to reduce or eliminate the number of displaced and homeless veterans by empowering them to regain self-sufficiency through the provision of holistic, supportive, and rehabilitative services that promote their health, security, happiness, and usefulness in society.

Karen Vogelsang, director of ARISE2Read shares their efforts of engaging students at risk in the battle of literacy by serving elementary students at risk for reading failure. They do this by recruiting and training volunteers to provide students with focused support to acquire the literacy skills needed. Additionally, Karen discusses her trip to the 2023 World Literacy Summit, as well as her time as an elementary teacher. She recalls Ezekiel Kelly, one of her students, being recruited by gangs while in the 2nd grade. Sadly, in September of 2022 as an adult, Ezekiel Kelly was accused in a shooting spree that put Memphis in an hours-long lockdown. He faces 28 charges, including three counts of first-degree murder. This horrific event is one of the many reasons that Arise2Read is motivated to fight the literacy battle.

For this National Day of Prayer, AM 640 gathered with community residents under the Freeman Park Pavilion in Bartlett, TN. The event was a wonderful time to see governmental leaders, pastors, and speakers lead the congregation in prayer for our state, county, city, military, first responders, businesses, schools, churches, and families. City Of Bartlett Mayor, David Parsons hosted the event with invited guest Tennessee Congressman David Kustoff, Cary Vaughn, CEO & President of Love Worth Finding Ministries, TN State Senator Paul Rose, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Bartlett Police Chief Jeff Cox, Bartlett Fire Chief Tommy Gately, Shirley Jackson with Bartlett City Schools, as well as area pastors.

Mrs. Joyce Rogers, now ninety years old and wife of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers shares how she first met Adrian in 4th grade, cherished her calling to be a pastor’s wife to him, and stood by him in ministry and family life together for 54 years of marriage. Known for his unique ability to simplify profound truth so that it can be applied to everyday life, Adrian Rogers was one of the most effective preachers, respected Bible teachers, and Christian leaders of our time. For over fifty years, through his evangelistic zeal and uncompromising commitment to the Word of God, he consistently presented the Good News of Jesus Christ with strong conviction, compassion, and integrity. Under his pastoral leadership, Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, grew from 9,000 members in 1972 to more than 29,000 at his retirement in 2005.

Today's special episode of Mid South Viewpoint we pull from our archives and highlight a few topics such as local leadership empowerment with Cameron Cobb & Marquino Douglas, the encouraging story of Michael Studdard distributing Bibles in Africa, and the importance of restoring joy in times of trials and difficulty with Melanie Redd. Listen in to get information on local meeting locations for this Thursday's National Day of Prayer where you can meet other believers to pray over our city and nation.

Steve Coplon from MissionfieldUSA.COM provides an update on their recent gospel excursion to the Pacific-Northwest.

Pastor John Bomar takes us down the trail of his life and ministry recalling God’s steadfast faithfulness throughout the years.

Abundant Hope International is an organization with a passion to help Holocaust Survivors, especially in Israel. The Holocaust was unprecedented genocide, total and systematic, perpetrated by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, with the aim of annihilating the Jewish people. The primary motivation was the Nazis' anti-Semitic racist ideology. Susan Heagy, President of AHI shares their work of visiting Holocaust Survivors to alleviate loneliness, evaluating and meeting their needs, renovating their homes, and counting them as friends.

Carl Carmody, CEO of Challenge Literature Fellowship and Editor of Challenge Newspaper travels to Memphis from Australia to tell their story. When Challenge newspaper started in 1978, they printed 5000 papers per month predominantly for Western Australia. The evangelistic newspaper gives readers the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ. Today, they produce the Challenge newspaper for 20 plus countries with approximately 4,000,000 papers. The newspaper is distributed into prison systems and is printed in Spanish.

Charles Billingsley has headlined more than 3,200 concerts, released 24 recordings as a solo artist, and seven #1 Inspirational radio hits. He’s performed thousands of shows from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. He’ll be coming to Mid-America Chapel on April 27th for a concert benefiting Mid-America Seminary & College. Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of MABTS joins us in the studio as we talk with Charles Billingsley.

Dr. Bartholomew Orr, pastor of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, Southaven, MS. gives details on the upcoming 2023 Contending for the Faith Conference at Brown Church April 18-20, 2023.

Dr. Terry Tieman, pastor of Grace Celebration Lutheran Church in Cordova, TN provides details on the 2023 Transforming Churches Network Discipleship Conference. This conference is designed for to come and learn how to start a disciple making movement in your church and community. Dr. Terry Tieman also discusses the roots of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, how the work to help churches become more effective in reaching their communities with the Gospel began, results of research on effective mission movements and pilot projects that helped to shape their program, as well as some of the more surprising things that were pulled out of that research.

Betty Jo Cline RN, BS, Pastor’s wife, and nurse discusses a unique conference on April 21 – 22, for health care workers and pastors to discover how to develop relationships and a cohesiveness when treating people with mental illnesses. Betty also describes how mental illness has impacted her family personally through the struggle of her sister’s battle of bipolar disorder.

Today, it’s the 5th Friday! Which means, SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT is on the air!!!! Learn more from two of our fine advertisers, Sam Mullins with Automatic, Heating, Plumbing, & Air and Rod Marter with Senior Helpers.

Ray Jarrett, Executive Director of Unite KC, a grassroots movement with a faith-based strategy committed to racial healing and reconciliation. Ray came to Memphis to attend an event featuring Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis, called, “One Race, One Blood”.

Katrin Valencia of A Way-Out Ministries is joined by Hannah Fletcher of Eight Days of Hope. A Way-Out Ministries’ serves women looking to escape entrapment from human trafficking. Recently, they broke ground on a safe house building project. Eight Days of Hope, known for their disaster relief work is helping to build this new home with the help of volunteers from across the country.

The Mid-America Passion Play is March 30 – April 2, 2023, under the direction of Dr. James Whitmire. Dr. Whitmire shares details on this year’s production as well as reflects on 0ver forty years of bringing this dramatic presentation to stage.

Gayle Rogers Foster, daughter of the late Dr. Adrian Rogers talks about her love for sports, especially Atlanta Braves base, growing up in the home of Dr. Adrian and Joyce Rogers, , times she wished she wasn’t a pastor’s daughter, how her mom dealt with struggles and difficult times, her marriage to Mike Foster, mom of three boys, her father’s passing, remembering the life of Andy Horner, and her entrepreneurship interests. Gayle is the guest speaker at our first annual Bott Radio Network Pastors’ Wives Appreciation Luncheon, April 13, 2023.

Roger Lowther, founder, and director of Community Arts Tokyo, assisting church planting through the arts. Roger and his family have served in Japan with Mission to the World since 2005. He shares amazing stories of rebuilding lives and hope for Japanese families devastated by the tsunami and earthquake of 2011, the strongest earthquake in Japan’s recorded history. This month, March 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Roger shares about relief efforts and how music played an instrumental part in connecting to hopeless hearts. Roger was formerly organist at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN and was recently in Memphis speaking at First Evangelical Church.

Steve Coplon of MissionfieldUSA.com shares how the gospel revolutionized his life. We’ll discuss too, current gospel city excursions taking place in the Northeast and deep South, along with George Verwer’s life-long drive to engage the world with the Gospel. It all began when college student George Verwer and his two friends journeyed to Mexico to share Christ’s love in 1957, the response was overwhelming. These young men subsequently opened a Christian bookshop and launched Christian radio broadcasts there. As the friends expanded their reach to Europe, they proclaimed the great truth that God uses His people to reach the nations. Christians rose in response, and OM (Operation Mobilization) was born.

Today we’re going to open the audio vault archives and hear an interview that first aired in 2016 with Dr. Kevin Jackson of Grace Baptist Church in Grenada, MS. Dr. Jackson is still pastoring, preaching from God’s word, and equipping his people to do the work of the ministry in and around the greater Grenada community. The content for today’s show was aired on our weekly Pastors Forum program, that I also host each Sunday at 12:45 and 7:00 pm.

Hassan Saleem from Kids Across America shares about creating an environment for urban youth who come to camp like they may have never experienced, the importance and need for counselors, and the priority of presenting the gospel to each camper. Since the first camp in 1991, KAA builds Christian leaders by encouraging, equipping, and empowering urban youth and their mentors through camping and education.

Pastor Jim Fleming discusses his book, “Shepherdology 101: From Shepherdless Sheep to Flourishing Flocks”. Jim talks about 10. Jim talks about key points Jesus Christ, our model Shepherd, emphasized about shepherding people before He departed earth, understanding accountability and its function among leadership, and he looks at the staggering statics from Barna, reporting 42% of pastors considered leaving the ministry in 2022. Pastor Jim is currently the interim pastor at First Evangelical Church in Memphis, TN, serving with Interim Pastor Ministries.

Crickett Keeth and Christy Bicknell from First Evangelical Church Women’s Ministry discuss the make-up of a biblically based women’s outreach and reflect on Crickett’s tenure, as she passes the torch to Kristy to lead the way after 17 ½ years serving as the director. They talk about pitfalls to avoid, their primary goal, helping women stay scripturally intact through the seasons of life, and to live confidently in their identity with Christ. Crickett is also the author of Moody Press, Before the Throne- Finding Strength through Prayer in Difficult Times, an eight-week Bible Study. Additionally, she’s written, One Bended Knee, Praying Like Prophets, and Warriors & Kings.

Retired Methodist Pastor Bill Hart and Director of MissionfieldUSA.com Steve Coplon will help us look at the events unfolding on the Asbury Campus. Bill and Steve recently returned from Wilmore, Kentucky and share their experience. Pastor Bill Hart is an alumnus of Asbury Seminary and was a student in 1970, the last time a revival broke out on the campus at Asbury and sweep across America.

Pastor Hal Hall and his wife, Renee give eye-witness accounts of their time in Wilmore, Kentucky on the campus of Asbury Seminary where students and others across the country have gathered to pray and worship God around the clock since FEB 8, 2023. Pastor Hall is lead Pastor at Sandtown United Methodist Church, Philadelphia, MS, and alumni of Asbury Seminary.

A cafeteria style program!!! We’ve got info on local events, Diana Abbott joins us with listener responses and information on out Pastor’s Wives Appreciation Luncheon, Pastor Shun Abram of Binghampton Community Church and Director of Send Relief Memphis Ministry Center provides ministry updates, and Kathy Hunt, friend of the MId-America Passion Play shares details on this year’s event.

Troy Simmons, retired K-9 Officer with Shelby County Sherriff’s Dept shares his story of serving our community for 33 years. Troy talks about the special relationship between his K-9 officer partner on the job and at home with the family.

More than 17,000 people were killed and tens of thousands injured when earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, Hurricane Ian is reported as the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and who can forget Hurricane Katrina in 2005? Dr. Joe Carson, Central Outreach Director at The Life Church is our guest offering details for the free 2-day disaster response roundtable for churches, FEB 21-22.

Bishop Vincent Mathews, Jr., Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Church and President of the Church of God In Christ World Missions, overseeing the growth of the work of God in 112 countries worldwide, shares his family’s story of living in South Africa, as missionaries. When the Matthews family arrived, some ten years after “Apartheid”, there were still residual effects that created problems in the townships, even in all black townships. Bishop Matthews also recalls growing up in Michigan where he had a negative racial encounter that caused him to hate white people and follow the writings of Malcom X. It was through Vincent’s fathers’ example, a Ford factory worker, who was a Christ follower sharing the gospel with all races of people and inviting white people into their home. This display of genuine love for people caused Vincent to examine the course of destruction his life was heading. Bishop Matthews is bringing Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis to his church, March 12th to present biblical truth and scientific proof that God created only one race.

We discuss the tragic death of Tyre Nichols on January 7, 2023, after the brutal beating by five Memphis Police Officers. Our guests are Pastor James Kirkwood, retired Colonel with Memphis Police Department, and President of the Memphis Christian Pastors Network, David Jordan of Agape Child and Family Services, and Pastor Dan Henley of the Journey Church.

Cheyenne Dailey, Ringmaster with UniverSoul Circus is originally from Trinidad and is the circus’ first female ringmaster. Cheyenne got her start back home as a limbo fire dancer. She provides details, history, and stories about the circus entertainers who perform under the BIG TENT. UniverSoul Circus was founded in 1993 by Baltimore native and Atlanta resident Cedric Walker, a concert promoter who wanted to showcase multicultural talent. Performers in the circus are from various parts of the world including, Mongolia, Brazil, South Africa, and Caribbean Islands. Many of the performers come from multi-generational families of circus entertainers. These performers have developed their skills from a very early age, and some worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey prior to its closure in 2017.

Ephie Johnson, president and CEO of the Neighborhood Christian Center stops by to talk about Faith & Family Night at the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors Sunday Feb 5th at FedEx Forum. Ephie will be leading a diverse collective of musicians that she’s organized as Bluff City Praise. The postgame event includes a faith-based Q&A with Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia. Ephie’s mom, Dr. JoeAnn Ballard and her dad, Monroe, co-founded the Neighborhood Christian Center in 1978, as they worked as schoolteachers observing the poverty conditions facing many of the students entering their classrooms. The Neighborhood Christian Center’s services include tutoring, college assistance, adult education, job training, legal and financial counseling, clothing closets and food distribution.

Rachel Kendall discusses her newly released book, “Abide, side by side- Learning to draw closer to Jesus together in a world that’s wandering away.” Rachel shares how looking for our worth in the things of the world, rather than in Jesus, will eventually crumble leaving us empty and despairing. Her book is designed as a discipleship tool, where girls and women of all ages can meet and answer questions the book offers in order to build one another’s faith in Christ. There is also a video series that accompanies the book to be used in a class setting.

Pastor Ricky Floyd of the Pursuit of God Transformation Center stops by reflecting on recent birthday turning 56, how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and ministry has impacted his life, the honor of the “Pastor Ricky Floyd Avenue” dedication, impact of cocaine in the black community, and the church’s role dealing with Memphis Crime. Pastor Ricky also shares a new business the church has initiated, Regroup Upscale Thrift Boutique to address poverty concerns in the Frayer community of our city.

Denise Turner, Kallie Guinter, and Zeek Turner bring us up to date on the Unknown Child Foundation, raising funds for a memorial in remembrance of the 1.5 million children who perished in the Holocaust. We’ll provide details on the NEVER FORGET Banquet that includes a Silent Auction with many great prizes like Memphis Grizzlies donation of a basketball signed by the team. One of few remaining Holocaust survivors Jack Cohen to share his story and Captain Roy Cash, nephew of Johnny Cash, performing his song made famous by Johnny (I still miss someone) as well as new lyrics written by Generation SC sponsor for the banquet.

Dr. Mitchel Godat from The Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a free, two-day dental clinic for under-served and under-insured people living in Memphis provides details for this year’s event January 20th & 21st, 2023 at Bellevue Baptist Church.

Ryan Abone, Young Adults Director of Mission Church in Memphis, TN discusses navigating our faith, as followers of Jesus Christ, in a post-Christian culture. Ryan also shares his thoughts on how to present the Gospel in a culturally relevant manner without compromising truth.

Joe Urcavich, Senior Executive with Align Advisor, a retired pastor, and former chaplain for the Green Bay Packers, offers insight from his depth of experience with high profile and high-pressure situations, among leadership in the church and corporate world. Joe illustrates why authenticity is key to becoming a truly effective leader. Unresolved negative issues from the past may be driving many in leadership to prove their self-worth. Breaking these subconscious barriers can free the leader to becoming the best version of themselves, while maximizing their potential to lead.