Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! March 1 – Scotty & Tiffany Smiley 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews Army Ranger and author, Scotty Smiley and his wife Tiffany. Scotty Smiley, a ranger and combat-diver infantryman, was the Army’s first active-duty, blind officer. On April 6, 2005, he lost use of both eyes when a suicide car bomber blew himself up thirty meters in front of Scotty’s Stryker vehicle. Since that day, Scotty Smiley has surfed in Hawaii, skied in Vail, skydived, climbed Mount Rainier, completed a triathlon, and graduated from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business with his MBA. The Army Times named Scotty its Soldier of the Year in 2007 and in 2008 he won an ESPY as the world’s Best Outdoor Athlete. Scotty, a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, recently taught the core course in leadership at West Point and now commands the Warrior Transition Unit at West Point’s Keller Army Medical Center. Captain Smiley is the Army’s first blind company commander. Scotty and his wife Tiffany are both from Pasco, Washington where Scotty captained the Pasco High School Bulldogs to a Class 4A State Football Championship. Tiffany, who played college soccer at Whitworth, is a registered nurse. Scotty and Tiffany Smiley are the proud parents of Grady Douglas and Graham Elliott.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! February 22 – Simon Ponsonby 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews pastor and author, Simon Ponsonby. Simon Ponsonby is Pastor of Theology at St. Aldates Church in Oxford. He received his BA in Theology and M Litt from Trinity College in Bristol and was ordained in the Church of England. He previously served as Evangelical Pastorate Chaplain at Oxford University and has recently become the Dean of Studies for a new initiative, “European Church Planting Centre,” being established in Oxford. The author of four books, including The Pursuit of the Holy: A Divine Invitation, an active evangelist and preacher, Ponsonby is married to Tiffany and they have two sons.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! February 15 – Lanae’ Hale 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews singer and songwriter, Lanae’ Hale. Meet Lanae’ Hale and you’ll be captured by the vibrant young singer/songwriter whose textured, up-to-date songs, also carry wisdom, soul, and spirit well beyond her years. Lanae’ has been getting ready for this moment; practicing, singing, playing, and writing, since she was, well, in her words, “little bitty.” Raised by a musical family including a dad that led worship, she has always had a love for music. While Lanae’s brand of music is a bit more subtle than many, her messages are loud and clear. On first listen, what initially hits you is the versatility and range of her voice. She can be porcelain smooth, soft as a prayer and then grab you with a soulful jazz-tinged growl. She has the rare capacity of creating an infectious hook with a simple change of phrasing or by changing the course of a melody with a crisp, clear vocal punctuation mark. Her voice has such range that it’s easy to imagine her leading a sweet choir one moment or a soulful-warehouse jazz unit the next. In the song “Stay,” her call to “please stay,” builds from a sweet request to a daunting and desperate plea, with the capability to take you to your knees. She also has a gripping testimony through experiences with worldly pressures. Find out more about her music and ministry at www.lanaehale.com.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! February 8 – Kevin Weatherby 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews author and pastor, Kevin Weatherby. Kevin Weatherby is the pastor of the Pecos County Cowboy Church in Fort Stockton, Texas. He lives on his ranch near Coyanosa with his wife and three kids. Kevin has a website called Campfire Cowboy Ministries, which contains original devotionals for cowboys and cowgirls. His first book will be coming out in early spring of 2011. Feel free to stop in and visit him at www.campfirecowboyministries.com.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! February 1 – Jennifer Maggio 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews author and speaker, Jennifer Maggio. Jennifer Barnes Maggio is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on single parent issues. Her new book, Overwhelmed: The Life of a Single Mom, is selling-out in bookstores across the nation. Overwhelmed takes readers on a roller coaster of emotions as the author goes from a severely abused, homeless, pregnant teenager to successful executive in one of the nation's largest Fortune 500 companies. Overwhelmed is full of parenting advice, as well as financial and emotional stability tips. It is being heralded “....the real, raw version of the single parent journey.” Maggio has been featured on countless radio and television programs and is a regular in newspapers and magazines. She currently serves as columnist for Halo Magazine and Single Parents Town. Her witty, relaxed presentation leaves audiences both challenged and encouraged. She has been a featured guest at women's conferences, schools, colleges, and community events. For more information, visit http://www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.

Phil Vischer made his first animated film when he was nine-years-old. By the age of fourteen, he was convinced he would be a filmmaker when he grew up. After a brief stint at a Bible college, Phil struck out on his own, looking for a way to integrate his faith with his filmmaking. This quest led him to a tomato and a cucumber. The year was 1991, and Phil was a newly married 25-year-old with no financial backing and no idea how his vegetables would ever see the light of day. Today, almost 50 million VeggieTales videos have been purchased and Phil’s faith-filled stories can be found in one-third of all American homes with young children. Although Phil’s original company, Big Idea Productions, collapsed in bankruptcy in 2003, Phil continues his creative involvement with VeggieTales through its current owner. Phil is actively developing new ways to integrate faith and storytelling through his new creative shop, Jellyfish Labs (www.JellyfishLabs.com). Phil captured the breathtaking rise—and heartbreaking fall—of Big Idea Productions in the book Me, Myself & Bob, which was published by Thomas Nelson. He is also the author of the popular children’s books, Sidney and Norman and 47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea. Phil’s latest Jellyfish Labs project is JellyTelly—an interactive, online “mini-network” for children. This web-based platform is a natural starting point for a wide variety of original programming geared toward helping kids grow in their Christian faith. Phil lives with his wife Lisa (aka Junior Asparagus) and their three kids in Wheaton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.PhilVischer.com.

January 18 – Edwin Leap 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews author and doctor, Edwin Leap. Edwin has been married to his wife, the beautiful Jan, since 1990. They were college sweethearts at Marshall University and now enjoy four beautiful, brilliant children. They are a home-school family and love every minute with their kids. Edwin is a practicing emergency physician, working in a medium-sized hospital in western South Carolina. He has been in practice for 17 years since he finished his emergency medicine residency at Methodist Hospital of Indiana in 1993. In addition to being a husband, father, and physician, Edwin is an author. He writes twice each month for the Greenville News, Gannett Newspaper, and once each month for Emergency Medicine News, a publication of Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins. His columns appear once or twice each month in The Baptist Courier, our South Carolina Southern Baptist newspaper. He has also authored three books, Cats Don’t Hike, Working Knights, and The Practice Test, which is to release this month. Discover more about Edwin at his blog www.edwinleap.com.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! January 11 – Brennan Dean 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews the founder of Great Homeschool Conventions, Brennan Dean. Brennan Dean was born in Dover, Ohio and grew up as a “preacher’s kid.” He worked in the Christian music business for over a decade as both a manager and a promoter, but now is “off the road,” working as a business manager for a large car dealership. Brennan and wife Mary Jo live in Cincinnati, Ohio. They home educate their three children, and also own Great Homeschool Conventions, Inc. Brennan is the promoter and producer of regional homeschooling conventions through his company in Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania. You’ll find more information at www.GreatHomeschoolConventions.com.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! January 4 – Erinn Venerable 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews the founder of www.KEBNradio.com, Erinn Venerable. Born and raised in Southern California, Erinn Davenport Venerable is truly the epitome of a Renaissance woman. An entrepreneur to the core, she is the owner of Erinn’s Creations, Inc. which houses KEBN Online Radio Network, Unlimited Outreach Christian Programming, Treat Yourself Travel Agency, and Oak Tree Tours. She is also the founder of Renewing Your Spirit Wellness and ‘R’ Girls Social Network (a 501c3) which uses media, travel, events, and print to bring a message of spiritual, financial, emotional, and physical wellness to men and women of all backgrounds. In 2008, Erinn sold nearly all of her belongings, packed up her children and moved to Texas in search of a better quality of life. She was determined that she would work a regular 9 to 5 in a quest to have “normalcy,” but God revealed His plan to her by force. In 2009, Erinn lost her job as a highly regarded C-Level Executive Assistant to the CEO of a large healthcare company. Through prayer, meditation, and simple obedience, it was revealed to her what she was to do. Erinn turned to her passion of writing. As time went on, she enrolled in broadcasting school and being the businesswoman that she is, started her own show on her own Online Radio Network. “The financial blessing that this venture has brought on has given me the opportunity to expand my company and live my dream.” Erinn’s journey has sometimes been rocky and at times she’s needed to rest, but the path is still clear and she continues to tread forward. You can follow Erinn, sign up for the Renewing Your Spirit e-zine, and get event information at RenewingYourSpirit.net.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! December 28 – Denise Loock & Jason Keller 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews author Denise Loock. Denise Loock is a former English teacher and freelance writer. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications. Her collection of devotions in her new book, Open Your Hymnal: Devotions That Harmonize Scripture With Song, was released by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in 2010. Denise now works full-time at home as a mother and wife. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband, her two teens, her 88-year-old mother, and two cats. Find out more about Denise and her ministry at www.digdeeperdevotions.com.Jason was born in Milwaukee Wisconsin and now resides in St. Johns, Michigan with his beautiful wife, Tammy and three kids, Hannah (13), Drew (8), and Robby (5). His first job entails trying to be the best husband and father that he can be, along with being a man of integrity. His second job is being an investigator for an insurance company, where he identifies potential fraud in a claim. Identifying lies and deceit is a challenge but fun. His greatest joy in this is to be able to say, “No, you’re not getting away with this,” in a world which doesn't want to stand up for what is right.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! December 23 – Christmas Edition, Best of 2010 5:30 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey speaks to friends of the ministry, including recording artist Lanae Hale as she brings us her Christmas song, Starving Artist Christmas. Also joining us will be Ann Tatlock, Andrea Merrell, and the co-founders of Christian Devotions Ministries, Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles. You won’t want to miss the “Best-Of” edition, as you will hear great clips from throughout the year with folks like Brad Stine, Jerry Jenkins, Vonda Skelton, Vince Nauss, and boxing friends, Chris Byrd and Robert Guerrero. Tune in to this very special Christmas edition at a slightly different time and date, Thursday at 5:30 EST!

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! December 21 – Austin Carty & Craig von Buseck 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when host Scott McCausey interviews Austin Carty & Craig von Buseck. Austin Carty was born and raised in High Point, North Carolina. At twenty-one, he left school to self-publish his first novel. In 2009, after a prolonged hiatus, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. in English Literature from High Point University. In 2006 Austin appeared on CBS’s Survivor. He has since become a highly sought-after inspirational speaker and travels the country addressing audiences both young and old, Christian and secular. Audiences find his irreverent spin on reverent topics to be both insightful and refreshing. Austin’s new book, High Points and Lows: Life, Faith, and Figuring It All Out, was released by Penguin Plume in late January of 2010. Discover more about Austin at www.austincarty.com. Craig von Buseck is Ministries Director for CBN.com. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and an MA in Religious Journalism from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also writes the ChurchWatch Blog, which is updated weekly. Craig is the author of NetCasters:Using the Internet to Make Fishers of Men, by Broadman and Holman Publishers and Seven Keys to Hearing God's Voice from Hensley Publishers. Craig has also written a chapter on prophetic evangelism for God's Supernatural Power in You by Destiny Image Publishers. Craig is an ordained minister and has extensive ministry and speaking experience. He travels often to minister and speak at professional events. He represents CBN on the Internet Evangelism Network executive board.

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! September 21 – Andrew Peterson 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when host Scott McCausey interviews author and musician, Andrew Peterson. Frederick Buechner said, “The story of one of us is the story of us all.” Perhaps this explains why we are drawn to great storytellers, why we yearn for connection with those whose own stories seep with imagination. Singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson fits inside both of those categories. And the most recent chapter for this prolific storyteller includes a stunning new album, Counting Stars. When not pouring imagery into his songs, Peterson focuses on another kind of writing. In March of 2008, Waterbrook Press published the author’s first fantasy novel, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, followed by the Christy award winning sequel North or be Eaten. Garrison Keillor’s News from Lake Wobegon and The Chronicles of Narnia, along with bedtime tales Peterson spun for his daughter Skye and two sons, Aedan and Jesse, inspired these books. In 2007, a richly illustrated children’s book, The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats (Thomas Nelson), became a visual companion to Peterson’s song of the same name. In addition, he’s been lending his diverse talents to the VeggieTales establishment, co-writing three children’s songs with solo artist and friend, Randall Goodgame. Christian Devotions Radio is a live call-in show. Call-in Number: (347) 884-9367

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! December 7 – Patty Mason & Marlayne Giron 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when host Scott McCausey interviews Patty Mason & Marlayne Giron. Patty Mason is an award-winning author, speaker, Bible teacher, and the founder of Liberty in Christ Ministries. For over 12 years Patty has been helping women find freedom for their souls through an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Her ministry began in her local church in Dayton, Ohio as she began speaking publicly about the love and healing found only through Jesus. You can discover more about her book and her ministry at www.libertyinchrist.com. Marlayne Giron is a Messianic Jew who found Christ as her Messiah at the age of 17 while watching Franco Zefferelli’s Jesus of Nazareth on television in 1977. After coming to faith, she began to read the Old Testament for the first time and was amazed to discover that believing in Jesus was a very Jewish thing to do and not a betrayal of her Jewish religion as she had been taught by her parents and the rabbis in her synagogues. Marlayne Giron is a full-time career secretary, wife, and mother who likes to read, cook, entertain, draw, ice-skate, and scrapbook. You can find more about her book and her ministry at www.thevictorbook.com. Christian Devotions Radio is a live call-in show. Call-in Number: (347) 884-9367

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! November 30 – Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero & wife Casey 6:00 p.m. EST Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when host Scott McCausey interviews Robert Guerrero. Robert Guerrero is a professional American boxer. He is the former IBF Super Featherweight champion and a former two-time IBF featherweight champion of the world. Nicknamed The Ghost, Guerrero's record is: 28 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 2 no-contest, with 18 of his wins coming by way of knockout. Robert chose to vacate the Super Featherweight Title when it was discovered that his wife Casey needed a bone marrow transplant to save her life from a battle with Leukemia. After a successful surgery and six months of healing, Casey was declared cancer-free and Robert re-entered the ring. With no medical insurance, Casey’s bills soared to over 1 million dollars, but Robert still feels blessed by God. “I have Casey and she’s the most amazing person. She’s cancer-free now. That’s more important to me than any fight, any title. We have a chance to grow old together and raise our children and live our lives.” On November 6th, Robert defeated Vicente Escobedo to claim the WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Title. Christian Devotions Radio is a live call-in show. Call-in Number: (347) 884-9367