Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

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.

Ruth Abigail Smith, Executive Director and Co-founder of AngelStreet shares how moving to Memphis helped to combine her passion for youth ministry with her passion for music. AngelStreet was created to develop and mentor girls as creative leaders through music. They believe all young women in Memphis deserve access to the arts and creative leadership opportunities.

Our Memphis Bott Radio Network staff hosted an appreciation drop-in Christmas party at our office. We randomly pulled some clients and ministry partners away from the catering table into the studio for this candid unplanned radio show. This is the second of two shows that includes Sherry MacKay of Agape Child and Family Services and Morning Host on Hallelujah FM, Donna Roach from Hearthside Senior Living Community in Bartlett, TN, Shelley Sumner of Life Choices of Memphis, Mike and Denise Hamby of Hamby’s Auto Concierge, and Leah Morse of All Things New.

Our Memphis Bott Radio Network staff hosted an appreciation drop-in Christmas party at our office. We randomly pulled some clients and ministry partners away from the catering table into the studio for this candid unplanned radio show. This is one of two shows that includes David Jordan of Agape Child and Family Services, James Kirkwood of The Memphis Christian Pastors Network, and Bobby Lewis from Love Worth Finding Ministries.

Are our traditions and celebration at Christmas time a true reflection of the miracle of Christ birth? Pastor and Bible teacher Ronnie Stevens unpacks the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ according to what took place. From the virgin birth to the shepherds in the fields, and the visit by the long traveling Magi, we’ll look at these events and discuss how this miracle birth is relevant to us today.

Veteran missionary Durk Meijer drops by to discuss oral Bible translation projects that’s bringing resources to oral communities across the globe.

On this episode, another two highlights from previous Christmas seasons that includes the first from remote location at Happy Glaze Donuts in Germantown TN with owner Rachel Davis and her husband Ryan. We talked about a unique partnership with Andrew Banker and his wife Savannah who are owners of 901 Roasted. One of the goals through their partnership is to plant churches in Mexico. Our show concludes by discovering the meaning of Hanukkah and how it points to the Messiah, as the Light of the World. Chad Holland who was formerly the congregation leader at Brit Hadassah, a messianic Jewish congregation, shared with us about the holiday with customs and traditions associated with the Jewish faith.

On this episode, two highlights from previous Christmas seasons that includes Pastor Ricky Floyd of Pursuit of God Church and former death role inmate, Sheila Jefferson. Pastor Ricky shares the benefits of the church engaging those incarcerated at Christmas time by ministering to their children through Angel Tree Ministries. Shelia shares the feelings of being separated from your children while incarcerated. The show wraps up with Pastor Mike DeLisle of Evangel Church discussing where we find our satisfaction during the Christmas season. Together, Pastor Mike and Byron look at the celebration of Christmas traditions while keeping a balance of the reality of Christ coming to earth as it relates to us today.

Many are experiencing darkness, not light and joy, during the Christmas season. Your darkness may be debt, divorce, depression, death, singleness, loneliness, infertility, or addiction. Pastor Wil Franco shares a word of hope no matter how dark things are in your life this Christmas. Wil is the Senior Pastor at Highpoint Church in Memphis, TN. This message was the first in a series called, Rescue Mission. This show originally aired during the Christmas season of 2019.

Pastor Effort Alexander of Grace Thru Faith Church. Effort recalls growing up in South Central Mississippi during segregation and how God led him to volunteer to be the first black student in an all-white high school. As a member of the school’s track team, Effort remembers waiting on the bus during away track meets, while fellow team members ate lunch inside the restaurant. His lunch was brought to him on the bus. The youngest of sixteen children, Effort learned how not to hate from his parents who taught him to follow Christ.

Dr. Gerson Garros Associate Pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Cordova, TN shares his Brazilian heritage with plans to become an architect before following a call to study theology. Dr. Garros Pastored and was a Seminary Professor for 25 years before moving his family to the United States. He talks about what it’s like to be a church located in a multi-ethnic community and the importance of hearing people’s hurts to connect the Gospel to those needs. This has led the church to start a successful outreach through ESL. He also provides insight to building a church education program that’s designed to transform lives.

Mid-South View Point welcomes Dr. Charles Fowler, President of Carson-Newman University. Carson-Newman University was founded in 1851 for the purpose of providing a distinctively Christ-centered education in service to the Church and the marketplace. The University is in the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee, attracting around 3,000 students to their undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Dr. Fowler, a Mississippi native, was formerly senior pastor of Germantown Baptist Church for nine years. Prior to serving in that position, he was Senior Vice President of University Relations at Union University in Jackson., TN. Dr Fowler has also taught at Union University, Mississippi State University, and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. This episode was produced from the 2022 Summit: The Gathering of Tennessee Baptists at Bellevue Baptist Church.

After you get Turkey Stuffed!!! Join Byron Tyler and co-host Lynn Berry from Branson Lakes Area Chamber with the last in our series, Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson. We’ll visit with Jerry Presley from Jerry Presley's God and Country Theaters Elvis Live. As second cousin to the late Elvis Presley, Jerry has been performing for over 50 years. Jerry reads a letter from Elvis and shares some memories too. Plan your Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson by visiting www.explorebranson.com

Our Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson series continues with episode four. Co-host Lynn Berry from Branson Lakes Area Chamber joins Byron Tyler as together they welcome, Jae McFerron from The Shepherd of the Hills, Valerie Coleman with The College of the Ozarks, Steve Hartley from Dick’s 5 & 10, and Chris Myer with Lights of Joy. Plan your Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson by visiting www.explorebranson.com

At one time in his life Senior Chaplain Bill Potter was the most unlikely candidate to lead a successful prison ministry. Bill was on the run from God, moving halfway across the country to avoid working in the prison system. He felt he wasn’t good enough to serve inmates and described himself as “a rickety older meat cutter” that worked for A&P food stores for 17 ½ years. At 40 years old, Bill had a clear encounter with Jesus Christ at the Episcopal Church he was attending that was the beginning to his call to serve in the prison system. The Other Side of the Fence, bringing hope to the Lost, is the title of Senior Chaplain Bill Potter’s book, available on Amazon.

How about another Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson experience? Here’s episode 003 with cohost Lynn Berry from Branson Lakes Area Chamber as we welcome, Pam Critchfield from the Grand Village Shops, Jason Hughes from the Hughes Brothers Theatre, and Shelia Baeten takes us on an adventure with Pink Jeeps Tours.

On this second episode of Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson we’ll visit with Clay and Tina Cooper. Together, Clay and Tina own and manage the Clay Cooper Theatre where they perform song and dance routines with Clay Cooper’s Country Express, including a stage full of musicians, dancers, and comedic acts. Originally from Texas, Clay came to Branson at 16 years of age to perform with a kid’s band known as the Texas Goldminors. He addition to performing and operating a theatre, Clay is an elected City of Branson Alderman. This Mid-South View Point series is produced from our Bott Radio Network studios in Branson, Missouri. The programs are specifically designed to help you discover and a vacation travel destination to Branson with your family during the holidays.

It's an Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson with this first in a series of Mid-South View Point radio shows from our Bott Radio Network studios in Branson, Missouri. This series is designed to help you discover and a vacation travel destination to Branson with your family during the holidays. On this episode we’ll talk with Lisa Rau from Silver Dollar City, Derek Zoo from Dolly Parton's Stampede, Monna Stafford about the Branson Christmas Coalition, and Doug Brewin from Legends in Concert Branson, Alan Jackson.

Retired, USMC First Lieutenant Patrick Cleburne McClary, III. Patrick “Clebe” McClary served as a platoon leader in the First Reconnaissance Battalion during Vietnam. After his unit was attacked by the Viet Cong, Clebe was seriously wounded, losing his left arm and left eye, yet he continued to lead his men. For his heroism and service, First Lieutenant Patrick Cleburne McClary received The Silver Star, The Bronze Star, Three Purple Hearts, The George Washington Medal of Freedom, and The American Legion Award to name a few.

Guest host Amy Speropoulos talks with Lionel Cable Head of School at New Hope Christian Academy to discuss Education Savings Accounts and an upcoming event for families and school leaders in Shelby County to learn more about ESA’s. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, in his first State of the State address before a joint session of the 111th Tennessee General Assembly on March 4, 2019, said, “Low-income students deserve the same opportunity as every other kid in this state, and we will need a bold plan that will help level the playing field.” The Chancery Count of Davidson County lifted the injunction on the Education Savings Account on July 13, 2022.

Recently I heard a song by hymnologist, Keith & Kristyn Gettys. Keith has been on Mid-South View Point previously discussing their love for the hymns and how the lyrics written centuries ago provide a path to worshipping God that should be engaged today. Be Thou My Vision, When I survey the Wondrous Cross and Come, Thou Almighty King are the three songs that we’ll discover their deep meaning and history featuring voice over artist, Larry Nobles and music arrangements by the Getty’s. OAD-011122

Emmitt McKenzie and fiancé Belen Bermudez. We’ll discuss their journey in discovering the power of the Gospel, a romance moving towards marriage, and the release of Emmitt’s new book "LIFE: It's Not Supposed to Be Like This" launching on Amazon. A Native American, Emmitt was born from teenage parents in poverty and a life surrounded by violence, alcoholism, and abuse. He sought acceptance in gang life and drugs that eventually led to suicide attempts and prison. The life of his grandma pointed Emmitt to the love of God, but he wasn’t ready until a breaking point revolutionized Emmitt’s life.

Dr. Scott Morris CEO & Founder of Church Health discusses the release of his latest book, Care: How People of Faith Can Respond to Our Broken Health System. Since 1987, Dr. Morris and supporting medical staff and volunteers has made Church Health the largest faith-based, privately funded health clinic in the country. Church Health has served the uninsured and underinsured, growing steadily toward an annual budget of $20 million. In the most recent fiscal year, Church Health had over 61,300 patient encounters.

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt talks about her journey to becoming an author after changing a college major from music due to a frigid experience stranded by a blizzard. With over five million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela is the best-selling author of more than 150 works from non-fiction books to novels. Angela is the special guest speaker for the Mid-America Passion Play Auction Gala to help support the 2023 Mid-America Passion Play. Her books are very diverse and include such books as Uncharted, A Time to Mend, The Novelist, The Truth Teller, The Awakening and The Debt.

Did you know? On average, 85 minors are trafficked in Tennessee every month. Restore Corps is working incredibly hard to impact human trafficking in our community and across the state. Rachel Haaga and Rashidah Gardner of Restore Corps discuss their efforts to impact human trafficking by empowering survivors, equipping communities, and seeking justice through systemic change. Restore Corps has combined decades of serving a combination of survivors of human trafficking, children in child welfare and foster care, probation and parole, veteran services and more.

Pastor Jeff Patrick of Memphis Union Mission explains this idea to ride his bicycle 60 miles to commemorate several milestones in his life. On Saturday October 15, 2022, Jeff will be celebrating is role as pastor at the Memphis Union Mission for 20 years, trusting Christ 40 years ago, and losing nearly 60 lbs. in the past 6 months. Jeff plans to ride his bike 60 miles and is asking listeners to donate $1.00 per for each mile that he rides donated to the Memphis Union Mission. Money raised will all benefit the work to help complete their new worship center and adding more (much needed) dorms. www.memphisunionmission.org / hit the Donate tab, then type in (or choose) the amount you wish to give and then select “GO JEFF 60” under the Project Designation.

Pastor Reginald Taylor of The Rock Church provides exciting news about the celebration of 12 years of Mission & Ministry of the Grand Opening & Dedication of their new sanctuary, biggest surprise since the church start, and keeping the church on mission.

Scott Benjamin lead pastor at theRefuge Church in Lakeland, TN shares the sudden death of Geri, college sweetheart and wife of almost 25 years, his battle with kidney disease and search for a donor, and finding Carol, a beautiful God send that started a new love and life with a blended family.

5th Friday Sponsor Spotlight welcomes Brock Patterson from ATC Fitness and Donna Roach and Judy Hall from Hearthside Senior Living to learn more about the way they serve our community. 5th Friday Sponsor Spotlight airs during a month where the extra Friday is added to feature the advertisers on Bott Radio Network Memphis affiliate.

Well-known marriage counselor and director of marriage seminars, Dr. Gary Chapman talks about having a healthy marriage. His book, the 5 Love Languages® has sold over twenty million copies and has been on the New York Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007. Dr. Chapman is coming Germantown Baptist Church November 5th for his 5 Love Languages marriage conference.

The Nappers, Kenneth and Janet discuss their ministry partnership in Overcoming Abuse God’s Way, Kenneth’s health obstacles, and a trip planned to share the Gospel and encourage the church in South Africa.

Life has a way of bringing unexpected "storms." In his new book, “Standing Strong in the Storm” Pastor Greg Davis talks about storms that his family has encountered in life. After eight years of struggling with infertility, a son was born who would need a series of open-heart surgeries, wife Nancy almost died of an auto-immune disease, adopted daughter from China diagnosed with brain cancer, and Greg faces a near-fatal heart attack and diagnosed with two brain aneurysms. Greg shares how God's plan is not for us to grow through storms we experience for the purpose of encouraging other facing similar storms.

How do you navigate life when tough times overwhelm your life? Melvin Watkins, Senior Pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church- Westwood discusses how we can’t escape tough times in life but should walk through these times to draw closer to Christ finding His grace, peace, and faithfulness.