Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when actor of the new hit Abel’s Field, Samuel Davis, drops by. Samuel Davis was born and raised in Clear Lake, Texas where he attended high school and participated in track and field, and football – both of which he dropped after auditioning for Julius Caesar. That school play tapped an interest he had in acting from a young age. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, Samuel earned roles in student films and commercials. In addition to Abel's Field, he has also had parts in feature-length films such as: A Close Divide and New Hope. A sixth-generation Texan who is fluent in Spanish, Samuel lives in Austin.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey shares the life of Christian Devotions Boot Camp graduate and author Betty Hassler.   Writer and communicator Dr. Betty Hassler has written two books and co-written nine Bible studies. She designed and edited Bible studies with such noted authors as Henry Blackaby, Joni Eareckson Tada, Lisa Whelchel, Gary and Barbara Rosberg, and James T Draper Jr. Betty published her first book, Living Between the Ditches: When God Makes No Sense, in 2009 and her second, When Christ Sets You Free, in 2011. She completed undergraduate studies at Baylor University and earned both a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the wife of Dr. Sim Hassler, a minister and life coach, mother of two grown sons, grandmother of two, and an active church member in Nashville, TN. She and her husband enjoy ministering to international students.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey shares the life of spirit-filled hostess Jennie Phillips, and Christian Devotions Boot Camp graduate and author Betty Hassler. Jennie Phillips hails from Monroe, Louisiana and has two children, Christopher Lance and Alicia Michelle. In the early 80s, she sought a serious relationship with the Lord and in 1988 the Holy Spirit filled her at a Frederick K. C. Price crusade in New Orleans, LA. In January of 2005, Jennie was led to move to Asheville, NC. “The crazy part about this,” she says, “I didn’t know anyone there, have a place to live, or a job to support me.” But God prepared her with these words, "I have gone before you and prepared the way." She came to a women's Bible study at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove and began volunteering shortly afterward. She now works part-time as a hostess at this special place. Discover more about the Billy Graham Cove at www.thecove.org.

Jennie Phillips hails from Monroe, Louisiana and has two children, Christopher Lance and Alicia Michelle. In the early 80s, she sought a serious relationship with the Lord and in 1988 the Holy Spirit filled her at a Frederick K. C. Price crusade in New Orleans, LA. In January of 2005, Jennie was led to move to Asheville, NC. “The crazy part about this,” she says, “I didn’t know anyone there, have a place to live, or a job to support me.” But God prepared her with these words, "I have gone before you and prepared the way." She came to a women's Bible study at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove and began volunteering shortly afterward. She now works part-time as a hostess at this special place. Discover more about the Billy Graham Cove at www.thecove.org. Writer and communicator Dr. Betty Hassler has written two books and co-written nine Bible studies. She designed and edited Bible studies with such noted authors as Henry Blackaby, Joni Eareckson Tada, Lisa Whelchel, Gary and Barbara Rosberg, and James T Draper Jr. Betty published her first book, Living Between the Ditches: When God Makes No Sense, in 2009 and her second, When Christ Sets You Free, in 2011. She completed undergraduate studies at Baylor University and earned both a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is the wife of Dr. Sim Hassler, a minister and life coach, mother of two grown sons, grandmother of two, and an active church member in Nashville, TN. She and her husband enjoy ministering to international students.

Jean Ann Williams lost her twenty-five year old son Joshua to suicide on March 16, 2004. The loss has been horrific, but God has been merciful. Jean learned through the grieving process God does not forsake his Children, even when they have the worst attitude possible and are in tremendous agony. Jean understands this is an important way we grow closer to Lord God: through not letting go of Him in our suffering. So profound was Jean Ann’s experience with a loving God, she decided to create a blog to share what God had done for her. She hoped to help other mothers who may be going through a journey of loss. In 2009, the Love Truth: Hope After Suicide site became a reality. Jean Ann is a multi-published author through periodicals and book anthologies. She began her career as a children’s writer, and more recently has published short stories and devotions for the adult audience. Jean Ann’s writing is featured in three anthologies: Love Is A Verb: 365 Daily Inspirations to Keep Love Alive by Gary Chapman; Celebrating Christmas with . . . Memories, Poetry, and Good Food by Editor Donna Clark Goodrich; Grandmother, Mother and Me: Memories, Poetry and Good Food by Editor Donna Clark Goodrich. Currently, she writes for the Open To Hope Foundation, Inspire A Fire, and The Nugget E-zine. Jean Ann lives with Jim her husband of forty-two years in a small valley of Southern Oregon. They maintain a small goat farm on what Jean Ann calls God’s Acre. She and Jim have a son and daughter remaining and between them have been blessed with thirteen grandchildren.

Jean Ann Williams lost her twenty-five year old son Joshua to suicide on March 16, 2004. The loss has been horrific, but God has been merciful. Jean learned through the grieving process God does not forsake his Children, even when they have the worst attitude possible and are in tremendous agony. Jean understands this is an important way we grow closer to Lord God: through not letting go of Him in our suffering. So profound was Jean Ann’s experience with a loving God, she decided to create a blog to share what God had done for her. She hoped to help other mothers who may be going through a journey of loss. In 2009, the Love Truth: Hope After Suicide site became a reality. Jean Ann is a multi-published author through periodicals and book anthologies. She began her career as a children’s writer, and more recently has published short stories and devotions for the adult audience. Jean Ann’s writing is featured in three anthologies: Love Is A Verb: 365 Daily Inspirations to Keep Love Alive by Gary Chapman; Celebrating Christmas with . . . Memories, Poetry, and Good Food by Editor Donna Clark Goodrich; Grandmother, Mother and Me: Memories, Poetry and Good Food by Editor Donna Clark Goodrich. Currently, she writes for the Open To Hope Foundation, Inspire A Fire, and The Nugget E-zine. Jean Ann lives with Jim her husband of forty-two years in a small valley of Southern Oregon. They maintain a small goat farm on what Jean Ann calls God’s Acre. She and Jim have a son and daughter remaining and between them have been blessed with thirteen grandchildren.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when upcoming Christian artist Zack Shelton joins the show. As a fan of Tabasco sauce and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio native Zack Shelton has been at the calling of music since a young age. He’s had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Josh Turner, Emerson Drive, and the Gaither Vocal Band. Having had his hands in production, artist management, and songwriting throughout much of his life, twenty-two-year-old Zack is no stranger to the music industry. In 2011, Zack hit the road with the new alternative country band, 64 to Grayson. In the summer of 2012, 64 to Grayson made their big debut as they headlined the “Kickstart Tour,” which visited more than sixty venues in thirteen states throughout the East Coast. Bringing a fresh, self-titled album released in September of 2012, 64 to Grayson is currently gearing up to hit the road full time this May after Zack graduates from Kentucky Christian University with a major in Bible and minor in worship. Discover more about the band at www.64tograyson.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when upcoming Christian artist Zack Shelton joins the show. As a fan of Tabasco sauce and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ohio native Zack Shelton has been at the calling of music since a young age. He’s had the opportunity to share the stage with artists such as Josh Turner, Emerson Drive, and the Gaither Vocal Band. Having had his hands in production, artist management, and songwriting throughout much of his life, twenty-two-year-old Zack is no stranger to the music industry. In 2011, Zack hit the road with the new alternative country band, 64 to Grayson. In the summer of 2012, 64 to Grayson made their big debut as they headlined the “Kickstart Tour,” which visited more than sixty venues in thirteen states throughout the East Coast. Bringing a fresh, self-titled album released in September of 2012, 64 to Grayson is currently gearing up to hit the road full time this May after Zack graduates from Kentucky Christian University with a major in Bible and minor in worship. Discover more about the band at www.64tograyson.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey talks missions and Bible studies. Mindy Ferguson is a national retreat and conference speaker who passionately encourages women to live for Christ. She is the president and founder of Fruitful Word Ministries and the author of three books, including Bible Reflections for Women, in the Hugs Series published by Simon & Schuster-Christian. Mindy is a frequent guest on radio programs and has contributed to national magazines such as Christianity Today's Kyria.com and P31 Woman magazine. Her writings have appeared in popular books such as Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler's Soul and the One Year Life Verse Devotional. Mindy is currently writing the Eyewitness Bible Study series, published by AMG Publishers. Her newest Bible study, Eyewitness to Majesty, is now available. Mindy finds great joy spending time with her husband of twenty-five years and their two adult children.  

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey talks missions and Bible studies. Drew McClary is passionate about transforming the lives of global youth through the hope of Christ. In the past three years while attending Cincinnati Christian University, Drew has been serving with YouthHOPE in Sub-Saharan Africa as an intern apprentice and team leader. Now Drew has committed to serving with YouthHOPE in a full-time capacity as he submits to the calling of Global Youth Ministry for his life. YouthHOPE’s mission is to be a change agent in the lives of young people around the world. Working in a diversity of countries and contexts, YouthHOPE is about creating long-term sustainable youth-focused programs. Through strategic partnerships with local churches and organizations, YouthHOPE desires to present the transformational message of Jesus in a relevant and holistic way.

Drew McClary is passionate about transforming the lives of global youth through the hope of Christ. In the past three years while attending Cincinnati Christian University, Drew has been serving with YouthHOPE in Sub-Saharan Africa as an intern apprentice and team leader. Now Drew has committed to serving with YouthHOPE in a full-time capacity as he submits to the calling of Global Youth Ministry for his life. YouthHOPE’s mission is to be a change agent in the lives of young people around the world. Working in a diversity of countries and contexts, YouthHOPE is about creating long-term sustainable youth-focused programs. Through strategic partnerships with local churches and organizations, YouthHOPE desires to present the transformational message of Jesus in a relevant and holistic way. Mindy Ferguson is a national retreat and conference speaker who passionately encourages women to live for Christ. She is the president and founder of Fruitful Word Ministries and the author of three books, including Bible Reflections for Women, in the Hugs Series published by Simon & Schuster-Christian. Mindy is a frequent guest on radio programs and has contributed to national magazines such as Christianity Today's Kyria.com and P31 Woman magazine. Her writings have appeared in popular books such as Chicken Soup for the Mother of Preschooler's Soul and the One Year Life Verse Devotional. Mindy is currently writing the Eyewitness Bible Study series, published by AMG Publishers. Her newest Bible study, Eyewitness to Majesty, is now available. Mindy finds great joy spending time with her husband of twenty-five years and their two adult children.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews Kendra Armstrong and Deborah Sprinkle. Originally from St. Louis, Debbie Sprinkle received her Bachelor Degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1971. She worked as a research chemist for many years at both St. Louis University Medical School and Washington University Medical School. In 1991, she and her family moved to Memphis, where Debbie completed her teaching certification at what was then called Memphis State. She taught chemistry for ten years at a private Catholic girls' school in Memphis before retiring. Kendra Armstrong is an attorney, writer, speaker, patriotic American, and proud mother with a passion for seeking and teaching God's perspective on political and social issues and using that knowledge to change her world for Christ. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College, her Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis, and her Juris Doctor from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. Common Sense and an Uncommon God, co-written by both these skilled ladies, is their first traditionally published work. Kendra and Debbie are currently writing a women's Bible study, An Ordinary Woman and an Extraordinary God.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews Jason Brannon of The Maze. Jason Brannon is the author of The Cage, Winds of Change, and The Maze. His work has been translated into German, optioned for film, and developed for a series of graphic novels. His short fiction has appeared in over one hundred magazines and various anthologies. He currently lives in Amory, MS. Discover more about Jason at www.jbrannon.net.

Jason Brannon is the author of The Cage, Winds of Change, and The Maze. His work has been translated into German, optioned for film, and developed for a series of graphic novels. His short fiction has appeared in over one hundred magazines and various anthologies. He currently lives in Amory, MS. Discover more about Jason at www.jbrannon.net. Originally from St. Louis, Debbie Sprinkle received her Bachelor Degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1971. She worked as a research chemist for many years at both St. Louis University Medical School and Washington University Medical School. In 1991, she and her family moved to Memphis, where Debbie completed her teaching certification at what was then called Memphis State. She taught chemistry for ten years at a private Catholic girls' school in Memphis before retiring. Kendra Armstrong is an attorney, writer, speaker, patriotic American, and proud mother with a passion for seeking and teaching God's perspective on political and social issues and using that knowledge to change her world for Christ. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College, her Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis, and her Juris Doctor from the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. Common Sense and an Uncommon God, co-written by both these skilled ladies, is their first traditionally published work. Kendra and Debbie are currently writing a women's Bible study, An Ordinary Woman and an Extraordinary God.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey interviews a gal who’s sold over a million books. Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: Focus on the Family, The Harvest Show, Moody's Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall's America. She is also a highly sought-after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But of all her roles, including serving beside her pastor husband, Joanna loves being a wife and mother most of all. Joanna’s latest book, At the Feet of Jesus, will be a focal point of this insightful interview. For more information about Joanna and her books, please visit www.joannaweaverbooks.com.