Mid-South Viewpoint // Bott Radio Network

John 1:5 says, "the light shines in the darkness”. As a former addict and inmate, Danny discovered a fountain of forgiveness and grace in Jesus Christ. In a dark time in Johanna's life, she too discovered the light of Jesus in the sudden death of her child. Together, the Cosby's share the power of the Gospel working through Danny's music ministry, ministry inside prisons, and transforming lives in Uganda where they've recently returned.

We visit with members of the cast and crew of “Computer Christmas”, a youth musical drama at Fullview Missionary Baptist Church. This original stage drama and songs were written by a dear friend, Oretha Arnold, and is set for this Sunday December 21st at 1:00 pm. Join us with Sonia Watson, Arts & Drama Director, Mandrill Mc Laughlin, Media and Technical Director, and youth cast member, Gabrielle Lewis and hear their intention to celebrate Christ with you this Christmas!

Meet Dr. Dustin and Amy Sims with Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville Kentucky. Both, Dustin and Amy met at Clear Creek, graduated, and got married in the campus gazebo by one of their professors. They learned a lot about ministry and preparing for ministry while attending Clear Creek, but nothing could have prepared them for one particular encounter at a church they served. Hear that story and how this college has provided educational preparation for people called of God into Christian service, since 1926.

Dr. Beth Madison a Bonafide Soil Specialist and Professor at Union University. Dr. Madison is an engaging teacher, speaker, and writer. She offers a practical approach to connection with our Lord through the scientific discipline of studying soil. Dr. Madison dives deep into the Christian faith while giving us a new perspective on the majesty of God's creation.

Greg McCoy the President/Treasurer of Tennessee Baptist Children's Homes is one of the interviews we did while attending the TN Baptist Summit at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. Greg will discuss the incredible history of the children's homes, vital role of Christian foster parents, and houseparents' serving children in family-style homes across the state on three campuses.

It's our final stop in Branson for the Ozark Mountain Christmas Series with Show #5. Make plans to join us and guests, Michele Delcoure with details about the Christmas celebration at both Dolly Parton's Stampede and Titanic Museum Attraction. Also, Clay and Tina Cooper stop by from Clay Cooper's Country Express with their Christmas show line-up. They'll also share what the busy holidays are like being a family of entertainers while remembering the real reason we celebrate. This is the fifth and final show in this year's Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

Thanksgiving Day Special with award-winning guitarist, comedian, and longtime member of the Gaither Homecoming family, Kevin Williams. Kevin's 37-year career includes induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and playing guitar for many well-known artists. He's also founder of the charity, “Kevin's Kids,” committed to bringing joy, hope, and encouragement wherever he goes. Kevin is coming to Faith Baptist Church – Bartlett on December 5th for a Gaither Homecoming Christmas with Bill Gaither, The Gaither Vocal Band, Mark Lowry, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Hoppers, Chris Blue, Angie Primm, Lady Love Smith, Gene McDonald, Lynda Randle, Woody Wright, Matthew Holt, and Michael Shade Rowsey.

All aboard for Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson Series Show #4 on Wednesday with guests Ryan “Elvis” Pelton from Pepsi Legends Theatre to talk about his Elvis Gospel Music Tribute through the holidays, Elizabeth Hughes from the Branson Christmas Coalition with exciting details about this year's Christmas Tree Tour- scavenger hunt for fun prizes, and Pam Critchfield with Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe & Espresso on delicious holiday treats and their famous hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows.

Stephanie Edwards Executive Director at Jubilee Trading Co is our guest. Jubilee is unique, operating as a non-profit organization, partnering with artisans in Morocco, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic. This partnership helps create jobs and a means to provide for their families. She works to intentionally impact marginalized communities around the world. Jubilee Trading Company also has a retail store in Lawrenceburg, TN. You've got to hear her story!

It's time for another trip to Branson on Wednesday for Show Three in our Ozark Mountain Christmas series with guests Angie Skillern from Truth Traveler, where Biblical history comes to life through an immersive experience of thrilling 5D time-travel journey, transporting you to pivotal moments from Eden to eternity, Valerie Coleman from College of the Ozarks, where delicious fruitcakes are made by students who are given the opportunity to receive a tuition-free education and debt-free, founded in 1906, and Madison Horner from Big Cedar Lodge, going all out for the holiday season with ice skating and tubing, over 4 million lights, all embracing the natural landscape of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Listen WED 11/19 3PM #AM640 #FM100.7 #MemphisRadio or stream live at https://bottradionetwork.com/audio-player/?stream_id=39#v #pastors #ozarkmountainchristmas #Branson #ChristmasInBranson #travel #ChristmasVacation This is the third of five shows in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

From the exhibition hall of the Tennessee Baptists' Annual Summit in Jackson, TN we'll meet John Robinson General Director for Linguæ Christi, a mission agency spreading the Gospel among the indigenous minority language groups of Europe. These groups include over 165 distinct languages and over 100 million people, from Portugal in the west to the eastern point of Siberia in the east. This is one show among several produced while attending the Tennessee Baptists' Annual Summit.

We're back in Branson for Show Two in our Ozark Mountain Christmas series with our guests Brad Thomas from Silver Dollar City, Kristy Adams from The Mansion Theatre, and Pam Critchfield and Monna Stafford with the latest from Back In Time Toys Too along with Branson Ticket & Travel. This is the second of five shows in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series.

Dr. Dan and Dee Henley, founders of the Right Relationship Conference: Hope for Memphis and Beyond are our guests. Dan and Dee both have a heart for healing relationships—helping families, churches, and communities find unity through God's love. They'll share details on this November 14th and 15th conference, how to register, and how to obtain one of scholarships being offered to attend.

It's the first in our Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson series with Aaron Hall, who portrays “King David” in Sight-Sound Theatre's David, Live On Stage, Emma Hamilton from Bigfoot Fun Park, voted Missouri's Best Mini Golf in the state, including exciting escape rooms, and Joey Davis from the Farmhouse Restaurant, a 50 year legacy serving the best food and biggest biscuits in Historic Downtown Branson. This is one of five in the Ozark Mountain Christmas series

On this edition of Sponsor Spotlight our guests include Leslie Sawyer from Silver Creek Senior Living Community, Rob Tragarz from Pro-Lift Garage Doors, and Genell Holloway from Larry E. Crum & Associates.

Luke Layton McLaurine, Jr. graduated from advanced bombardier training and was grouped with the pilot and copilot prior to the rest of the crew joining them. McLaurine had taken navigation and gunnery training including operation and repair of the turrets. The ball turret gunner was a highly technical duty plus it necessitated the gunner be small in stature. Luke tells the story of becoming a POW in Stalag 11 after their plane was shot down over Germany. He was taken by train to Frankfurt with his crew and four other captive Americans after bailing out of his Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber on 16 November 1944. He recalls the grueling marches he and other POWs were forced to do by their captors to avoid Russian and American soldiers. Luke, originally from Memphis, TN, ran his parents' bakery, McLaurine's Bakery, upon returning from the war.

Todd Nettleton, the Chief of Media Relations and host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio is our guest. For over 25 years, Todd has traveled the world meeting with persecuted Christians, telling their stories, and helping believers in free nations stand with them in prayer, advocacy, and action.

Erin Zimmerman, a gifted filmmaker and the director of the powerful documentary film series Oracles of God, produced by CBN Films. This series explores the divine origin, faithful preservation, and enduring authority of the Bible—from the ancient manuscripts to the modern translations we read today.

Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary is our guest. Dr. Spradlin talks about Mid-America's commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture, global evangelism, and equipping students to serve Christ in the local church and around the world. He shares the noticeable increase in online students at both Mid-America College and Seminary levels. He also provides details on their move to Arlington, Tennessee after the recent sale of the Appling and I-40 property.

Jerry Angelo, the Founder, President, and CEO of Vanguard Marriage and Family Advocates, a ministry devoted to strengthening the biblical foundations of marriage, family, and prayer. Jerry will also discuss attending national events, from honoring Charlie Kirk's legacy, the upcoming National Association of Christian Lawmakers Annual Meeting, engaging leaders at the Museum of the Bible, and supporting pastors in St. Louis through Bott Radio Network's Pastor Appreciation Luncheon.

Meet Leslie Kuntzman, a loyal listener to Bott Radio Network. We'll discover Leslie's story of a grandmother's strong faith, marrying her high-school sweet-heart, the gift of children and grandchildren, finding the faithfulness of God; no matter times of waywardness or hardships, and how listening to Bott Rado Network has helped her grow as a disciple of Jesus. I think you'll really enjoy hearing this one!

Adam Moma, former Army Green Beret serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan shares his culture encounters in the Middle East especially after a fellow soldier confronted him on what following Christ really looks like. Adam discovered many misconceptions that Muslims have about Christianity that created a passion and concern to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus with them through building relationships. Adam says it's important to be real with Muslims when sharing the gospel and it must be based on a genuine love for them. This show originally aired in January of 2022.

Simon Davenport, lead pastor Faith Assembly Millington, tells is rescue story. Our lives before Christ can be entangled in many kinds of strongholds, addictions, and idol worship. Through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, Christ removed the curse of sin that each of us fall under to give us a new life. Simon shares his journey of becoming free from God's wrath, finding forgiveness of his sin, and the right to become a child of God,

Steve Coplon is our guest. Steve is a leader of evangelistic outreaches for the gospel in the US and around the world as well as former director of Life Choices of Memphis. Our conversation centers around a passage in scripture out of Colossians 2:1-8, where Paul instructs believers to be knit together by strong ties of love. He also tells us to have complete confidence that we understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ Himself. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and understanding. This message is so vital for us in today's world so that no one will deceive us with well-crafted arguments, our faith would be strong, and our lives built on him. Steve also explains some definitions that he believes the church often misuses when talking about the church, revival, and intercession.

Pastor Hal Hall founder of The Great Awakening Church & Network is an ordained elder of The Global Methodist Church. We'll discuss a little behind this newly created denomination having its roots in the traditional Wesleyan theology with a global missional focus. We'll also discuss our sanctification, as believers, to be conformed to Christ as we walk out our faith day to day. We'll walked through some scripture and talk about how it relates and prioritizes the way we view our relationship to God.

Justin Morris founder of TLB Ministries (Think & Live Biblically) is our guest. Justin talks about a season in his life where he felt “over-disqualified” to serve in ministry after leaving full-time vocational ministry. After twenty years of what he calls, “being on the shelf”, Justin sensed a redirection. God was leading him to pour his passion to think and live biblically into others. This ignited into a multi-faceted ministry of a podcast, directing the Fatherhood Program for Life Choices of Memphis, and developing a pre-marriage counseling initiative for couples before saying, “I DO”.

Brent Hackett was the Executive Director of the Canadian office of Our Daily Bread Ministries for more than 13 years and has worked in Christian publishing for more than 25 years. With previous experience in radio broadcasting, marketing and newspaper publishing, he not only has written for Our Daily Bread, but also Christian websites, newsletters, magazines, and recently published a 132-page book outlining the history and origins of his local Church congregation. Brent and his wife, Angie, have four children (three still on earth, one in Heaven) and three grandchildren. This interview was conducted at the 2020 National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, TN.

Dr. Georgia Pointer from Moriah House and Elizabeth Lunyou Bardhan with LOAM Ministries. Georgia and Elizabeth became friends while in seminary at MABTS. Elizabeth and her family are living in Busan, South Korea where her husband, Santosh, works at Kyungsung University as International Chaplain and Professor of World Religions and Ethics, while pastoring to the city's expat community. Originally from Odisha, India, Santosh and Elizabeth founded LOAM Ministries, to spread the Gospel to this neglected and unreached East India community through village ministry, church planting, schools, orphanages, evangelism, pastoral, and lay leader Bible training.

Dr. La Tonya Mouzon, Executive Director of ARISE2Read. ARISE2Read, a nonprofit organization focused on foundational literacy and Bible literacy through school-day programs and after-school Bible clubs. In Shelby County, 67% of children living in poverty are not reading at grade level. Dr. Mouzon shares how her team of over 800 volunteers is committed to helping third grade students reach this critical milestone of reading proficiency for a brighter academic future and life trajectory aimed toward Christ.

Al Nucciarone is the senior pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church in Israel. He is also the Middle East representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Pastor Al reflects on his first visit to Israel in 1978, how he's seen, Romans 8:28, God working all things for good in his life, leading a church where believers come from many nations and cultures, after tragic events like the murderous bus attacks in Ramot how he shepherds people through grief, as well as his call to preach Christ to both Jews and Arabs.

Did you know nearly 47% of families with children in Shelby County are fatherless? On today's Mid-South View Point #radioshow, Hassan Salem, a Memphis native raised in the Westwood community and visionary founder of Memphis Fathers Love Ministry is our guest. Drawing from firsthand experience of the challenges facing fatherless youth, Hassan launched the ministry to instill character, confidence, and courage in the lives of these young people.

Steve Winstead, Lead Pastor of the International Evangelical Church (IEC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a diverse congregation representing over 60 nationalities. Before moving to Ethiopia, Steve led more than 70 international mission trips through Downline Ministries and Harvest Church, with a strong focus on discipleship and equipping the global church. Today, he continues that passion by shepherding a vibrant church community engaged in outreach, missions, and ministry to both Ethiopians and expatriates—including vital work with orphans and vulnerable youth. Steve and his wife Margaret have four sons, and their family serves together in the heart of East Africa, living out their calling to make disciples of all nations.

On this episode of Sponsor Spotlight we welcome Cathy Waterbury from Confidential Care Mobile Ministry and Sam Mullins from Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, & Electric. We're very proud of our advertising sponsors and want you to get to know them a little better.

Pastor Steven Khoury, Christian Palestinian Arab and author of “In the Backyard of Jesus”, "Diplomatic Christianity" shares the work of Holy Land Missions as a second-generation believer in Yeshua, Jesus Christ the Messiah. Pastor Steven discusses challenges living in Israel as a Christian Arab, obstacles he faces doing ministry in Arab controlled areas of Israel, how he seeks to present Christ to Orthodox Jews, and daily persecuted by the other two dominating religions of the land. Steven pastors both First Baptist Church in Bethlehem and Calvary Church in Jerusalem. He is also the featured speaker at our 2025 Bott Radio Network Pastors Appreciation Luncheon.

Dr. Jim Whitmire gives us a first-hand look after directing The Poughkeepsie Passion Play in, Poughkeepsie, NY. The Poughkeepsie Passion Play was a joint effort of two churches coming together, Living Water Church in New York and Crossroads Baptist Church here in Memphis. Learn about this powerful event and how God moved through it in extraordinary ways.

Paul Berkes, Clinical Director at A Hope and A Future, Inc. Since 2012, A Hope and A Future, Inc., has been the beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling to fit into their community. They specialize in providing emotional healing and life skills training in a supportive environment. Paul is also an accomplished musician, song writer, and worship leader. He brought his guitar into the studio and plays a song for us during the interview.

We're back at Coffee Central to meet up with Tiffany Evans from The Outpouring Church to discuss the “Love Poured Out” Adoption Ministry. This ministry seeks to come alongside Christian families with a heart for adoption—families willing to open their homes and lives to children in need of a forever family. Tiffany also shares her family's adoption journey and the emotional valleys that journey can take.

We're back at Coffee Central to meet up with Dena Nance of the Woman's Exchange Memphis. Since 1885, The Woman's Exchange of Memphis has been a cornerstone of empowerment, creativity, and community impact. At the heart of this mission is a simple but powerful belief: that everyone deserves the opportunity to earn a decent living through their craft.

It's Fair Time with Jan Hamilton from Delta Fair & Music Festival. We'll discuss all things, Delta Fair & Music Festival, Aug 29 - Sep 7, 2025, at the Agri-center. Jan tells us what's new this year at the fair along with details on theme days, exciting rides, fair foods, livestock shows, competitions, rodeo, petting zoo, Rastelli Circus, and Mad Chad The Chainsaw Juggler, along with more fair family fun!

We're back at Coffee Central in Southaven and welcome Coffee Central Shop owner, Tina Tatum and Trisha Henderson from Sista2Sista to talk about a collaboration to help women escaping addiction and sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is the 2nd fastest‑growing crime in Tennessee, with Shelby County among the 4 highest counties for reporting cases. Sista2Sista is safe haven for women breaking free from addiction and prostitution.

Janet Napper, founder of Overcoming Abuse God's Way along with Dr. Tim Allen, pastor of First Christian Church in Crockett, Texas and former President of Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards are our guests. Pastor Tim is the featured speaker at this year's OAGW banquet August 21 at Bellevue Baptist Church. OAGW helps men, women, and children suffering from childhood abuse live victoriously through Christ.

On this edition of Mid-South View Point radio show we're at Coffee Central in Southaven, MS and welcome Jenna Kern from the DeSoto County Dream Center. The Dream Center is more than just a local nonprofit—it's a hub of hope, support, and transformation for individuals and families in DeSoto County. With a mission rooted in giving a 'hand-up' rather than a hand-out, the Dream Center offers holistic programs that address poverty, build character, and help communities thrive.

Shelley Sumner, CEO of Life Choices of Memphis and co-host of Life Talk TN is the guest host for Byron Tyler on this edition of Mid-South View Point. Shelley's guest is her mom, Becky Deaux. The discussion revolves around God's faithfulness throughout their generations, their salvation experience with Christ, Jimmy's heart-attack, wedding and engagement plans, a high-school graduation, and Becky's diagnosis of cancer. The trials were tough and challenging but the Sumner family lean on God and learned that He was their refuge. Becky talks about the grandchildren and their annual summer date for Grandma's Bible Camp where they learn Bible stories, discover ways to serve others, field trips, crafts, and sing songs to help remember the Bible themes and verses.

This show comes from Coffee Central in Southaven, MS where we gathered and produced five separate shows with area non-profits. This is the first in our series with Coffee Central, owner, Tina Tatum along with Pam Pegram to discuss the Gather women's ministry and the 2025 Gather Women's Conference August 22 - 23, at the Landers Center. Ladies across Desoto County & beyond gather because they are passionate about their relationship with Jesus and are passionate about their relationship with one another. They believe that women are uniquely gifted with a heart of passion and compassion to make a difference in the home, church and community and want to help facilitate that calling by offering opportunities for women to grow in intimacy with Jesus and one another.

Dennis Rutledge and Tim Schlum from Calvary Rescue Mission are our guests. Calvary Rescue Mission first opened its doors on April 1, 1967, founded by Milton Hatcher. Milton, a former barber and recovering alcoholic, used a repurposed hearse to pick up men in need. The mission serves homeless men through Christian-based shelter, meals, clothing, and nightly chapel services.

Legendary entertainer, Pat Boone continues sharing his 70-year journey in music, television, and movies on this second half of our interview. Pat Boone was ninety years old when the interview was conducted over a Zoom call. Host, Byron Tyler normally records up to thirty minutes in order to produce the Mid-South View Point show. However, on the afternoon that Byron and Pat did the interview, Pat from his home in Beverly Hills, California, the conversation quickly turned into two hours. Pat Boone is the #10 all-time top recording artist. Pat was married to Shirley (Foley) Boone (daughter of Country star ‘Red' Foley) for over 65 years before her passing. Pat Boone made his first appearance nationally on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” (in which he became the original American Idol, selected week after week by the viewers), and later appeared on “The Arthur Godfrey Show.” Those appearances would introduce his talent to record producer Randy Wood of Dot Records who thought Pat Boone could sing rock ‘n roll. He became the youngest person in history to have his own weekly musical variety show (ABC), at times the number one show in television featuring many first time-on-TV artists like Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King' Cole. Elvis Presley once opened for Pat Boone at a big disc jockey “sock hop” in Cleveland in 1956. “I had to follow him,” recollects Pat. “Thank God I had 3 million-selling hit records already and I was the star that night. But I never wanted to follow Elvis again!” Pat Boone is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. This is the second half of a two-part interview with Pat Boone.

Legendary entertainer, Pat Boone shares his 70-year journey in music, television, and movies. He has sold nearly 50 million records and had 38 Top 40 hits. Pat was Elvis Presley's main competition back in the 1950's too. Today at ninety, Pat Boone is the #10 all-time top recording artist. He is host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, “The Pat Boone Hour” on SiriusXM's ‘50s Gold channel 72, and “The Pat Boone Show,” which features contemporary gospel music on many local stations across America. Pat was married to Shirley (Foley) Boone (daughter of Country star ‘Red' Foley) for over 65 years before her passing. Pat Boone's made his first appearance nationally on “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” (in which he became the original American Idol, selected week after week by the viewers), and later appeared on “The Arthur Godfrey Show.” Those appearances would introduce his talent to record producer Randy Wood of Dot Records who thought Pat Boone could sing rock ‘n roll. He became the youngest person in history to have his own weekly musical variety show (ABC), at times the number one show in television featuring many first time-on-TV artists like Sammy Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King' Cole. Elvis Presley once opened for Pat Boone at a big disc jockey “sock hop” in Cleveland in 1956. “I had to follow him,” recollects Pat. “Thank God I had 3 million-selling hit records already and I was the star that night. But I never wanted to follow Elvis again!” Pat Boone is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

James Brodnax, Program Director of LifeWise Academy for Shelby County is joined by Tara Crawford and Cedric Taylor to share how two small pilot programs serving just nine students has now grown into seven programs reaching over 200 students. Lifewise brings Bible-based, character-building education to public school students during the school day—completely legally, off-campus, and with parent permission. LifeWise has also launched a county-wide initiative to bring these programs to every municipality across Memphis and Shelby County.

Dr. Dan Henley of Church Developers Network and Pastor Michael & Stephanie Wilkerson of Engage Church Memphis provide details into the Common Ground Conference set for July 29th. This one-day event is designed to deepen your understanding of the lived realities of poverty. Overall poverty in the city of Memphis nearly doubles the national average. Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) is a simulation that help participants connect with the realities of poverty from real life families in our city.

Marla Brown from Mid-South Genesis CDC and the ACTS Career Center—ministries of Brown Missionary Baptist Church is a dedicated leader and advocate for economic empowerment, community development, and second chances. This show dives into how these organizations are creating opportunities, supporting job seekers, and transforming lives across the Mid-South. Having managed over $20 million in federal, state, and local funding as former Senior Director of Seedco's Mid-South Regional Office, Marla shares how this experience has helped shape her approach to community development. Additionally, Marla describes some of the services offered at the ACTS Career Center and how does ACTS Career Center collaborates with local employers to connect job seekers with opportunities.

Andy Price, Headmaster- Desoto Christian Academy discusses how his 18-year pastoral background influences his leadership at DCA, what exactly is a "biblical worldview", some of the biggest challenges facing Christian schools, and equipping students to navigate a world increasingly distant from biblical truth.