Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

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.

The worst financial crisis since 1948 continues impact Sri Lanka. Shyara Miles of Isaiah 613 International Ministry shares concerns of food, medicine, and gas shortages creating an extreme emergency for the entire island, including Footprints Children’s Home for Boys & Girls. A night of worship, prayer and raising funds for this desperate need for Sri Lanka is planned with three area churches, Eagle Heights, Dwelling Place International, and Brit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Congregation on Sunday September 18th at 6:00 pm. In addition to Shyara Miles testimony, Pastor Jake Claunch of Eagle Heights shares his thoughts for being involved as well.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to take a break to a relaxing getaway nestled in the Ozark Mountains where fall colors will be popping! Host Byron Tyler and co-host Lynn Berry from ExploreBranson.com take you on a vacation travel tour as they welcome Jody Madaras from the All Hands On Deck Show, Taylor Chamberlain with the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, and three-time Emmy Award-winning classical crossover, trio vocal group Marcus Collins, JC Fisher, and John Hagen, know as, “The Texas Tenors”. These are only a few attractions and entertainment waiting for you in Branson, MO.

An active shooter terrorized the city of Memphis while posting live to Facebook his violent and devious behavior that concluded with his arrest and four people dead on the streets at random locations. This vile action was in the aftermath of another heinous crime where a 34-year-old wife, mom of two, and kindergarten teacher was kidnapped and murdered. Where is peace for our city with so much pain, fear, and vulnerability? Pastor Tony Wade of Divine Life Church looks at these events in the city of Memphis through the Gospel lens and offers perspective that leads to certain peace amidst such tragedies.

Kim Kargbo was raised in Sierra Leone by missionary parents and has served as a missionary in various capacities during her adult life, Kim worked as a nurse caring for amputees following the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone. Kim discovered that the one billion people around the world living with disabilities make up the largest unreached people group for the Gospel. Since 2009 she founded and has directed Accessible Hope International, a ministry that facilitates Gospel-centered transformation for people with disabilities around the world by equipping the global Body of Christ to open wholistic doors of access.

Ron Wade, Executive Director of HopeWorks’ shares their mission is to guide Memphians in need of a second chance through essential education, counseling and career development programming to establish a relationship with God while building stability, confidence and a hope-filled future. HopeWorks provides adult education for people earning their high school equivalency diploma. A Personal and Career Development program for inmates that offers a fresh start once they’re out of prison. They also provide ESL and cultural assimilation support for immigrants and refugees.

Shelley Sumner is a wife, a mom of three active children, Director of Donor Relations & Special Events for Life Choices of Memphis, and is the manager for Batter’s Box Baseball, a business that she and husband Corey started. The oldest of four, growing up as an Air Force family, and living in different places abroad and stateside, Shelley explains she’s got her faults and hardships like we all do, but it’s her relationship with Christ that carries her through life.

Kathy Byrd of Crosslink Memphis, Inc. talks about their efforts equipping and empowering mission teams around the world to share the Gospel while suppling medicine and supplies to countries like Pakistan, China, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Argentina, EL Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Republic of Congo, Liberia, South Sudan, Kenya, Zambia, and across the United States.

The “LEMME KILL YOUR WEEDS” guy, Kenny Crenshaw owner of Herbi-Systems lawn care talks about his involvement in the Renewal and Remembrance event with the National Association of Landscape Professionals at Arlington National Cemetery and The Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. The event has been taking place in July each year for the past 26 years. This is Kenny’s 18th year to participate where he gave the Dedication of Work speech during opening ceremonies this year.

Remembering Pat, a tribute to the life of Pat McClerkin with guests Jonathan Jones, founder & President of Perfect Hope Ministries- Christian Discipleship Ministry, Dr. Ashley Ray, Senior Pastor at Ridgeway Baptist Church, U.S. Congressman David Kustoff, Karen McNeil, Board Member of LWF, Nate Kellum, Founder and Chief Counsel for CRE Law, and David Fowler, President of The Family Action Council of TN. Pat McClerkin was host of Friday Viewpoint heard on Bott Radio Network in Memphis where and hosted discussions on current events, issues, and interviews with local, state and national political leaders. Pat passed away in the early morning of Monday, August 1, 2022.

Donna Gaines, Dr. Cynthia Mitchell, and Ellen Olford provide details on the “She Loves Out Loud Global”, a gathering of women across six continents around the world to pray heart to heart and answer a call to serve Christ in their communities. The event is planned for November 5, 2022 at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. Donna Gaines is the wife of Dr. Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church and the author of four books, There’s Gotta Be More, Seated: Living from Our Position in Christ, Leaving Ordinary, Encounter God through Extraordinary Prayer and her fourth book, Choose Wisely, Live Fully. Dr. Cynthia Mitchell is an established presence in education that includes serving as adjunct professor at both Christian Brothers University and the University of Memphis. She currently serves in ministry at Christ Missionary Baptist Church and works with several local and national Faith Based initiatives. Ellen Olford is the wife of Dr. David Olford who serves as the Chairman of the Board and President of Olford Ministries International, Inc. She is Director of Women's and City Ministries at Central Church in Collierville, TN.

Heather McCaskill Executive Director of One-by-One Ministries shares how they seek to help women grow closer to the Lord through connecting expectant and new moms with caring mentors, that walks with them through the first three years of their newborn’s life.

Jan Hamilton, Program Director for Delta Fair & Music Festival provides details how you can enter competition for crafts, culinary and collectibles, Senior American Day festivities, livestock shows, attractions, entertainment, and theme days at the fair September 2-11.

Quinton Lytle, Director of Church, and Ministry Relations with Downline Ministries. Downline’s mission is to encourage a restoration of Biblical discipleship in and through the local church by equipping men and women to know God’s Word and make disciples. Downline has trained thousands of Christ-followers around the globe in biblical discipleship and provides the opportunity for discipleship training through their various live Institutes and Virtual platform.

Born and raised in South Sudan, Dr. Michael Yemba was sentenced to death for sharing the gospel in a Middle Eastern country. He was tortured and persecuted for hosting a house church and leading Muslims to faith in Jesus Christ. Through the ministry of Jesus is Lord Ministries, Dr. Yemba along with his wife Rose are engaged in global evangelism, church planting, pastors training, as well as peace and reconciliation efforts in war torn African countries, especially the Republic of South Sudan. Dr. Yemba wil be the quest speaker for the 2022 Overcoming Abuse Gods Way Banquet, Broken for Such a Time as This at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, TN Friday August 26th.

Lifeway conducted an unscientific Twitter poll asking, “Why do you think many churches aren’t as evangelistic as they once were?” Some of the replies were, “Christians have no sense of urgency to reach lost people”, “Many Christians and church members do not befriend and spend time with lost persons”, and “Many Christians and church members are lazy and apathetic”. Mike Young, pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Brownsville, TN and Evangelism Explosion International, Tennessee Representative discusses the importance and Biblical mandate to authentically Share the Christian faith, including details of an upcoming E.E. Share Your Faith Clinic.

Our 5th Friday Sponsor Spotlight with Allen Wright, owner of Pyramid Properties and Dr. Michael Spradlin, president of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary

Clay and Jackie Meadows refer to themselves as the “Country Boy and Peruvian Girl”. Together with their two children, a son, and a daughter, they’re doing life together, like families do. They’re a couple uniting personalities, backgrounds, and different cultures to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Together, Clay and Jackie are on a wonderful adventure of abiding in God’s word, His Love, His Hope, and a whole lot more.

Dr. Michael Spradlin President of Mid-America Seminary talks about the fifty-year history of the institution’s commitment to the local church by preparing students for Bible Preaching, Missions, Evangelism based on the teaching of God’s holy inerrant, Word. Dr. Spradlin also discusses new encroachments of neo-orthodoxy impacting the church today, transitioning as president after founder/president Dr. Gray Allison stepped down, caring for high rate of burnout among pastors, and God’s intention through the gospel.