NEW IBERIA, La. ---
Teche area fans of Vicky Branton’s column “Coffee Talk With God,” published since June 2017 on The Daily Iberian’s Friday faith page, will hear the author’s stories and favorite songs during her new two-hour talk music format radio program “Victory Songs and Stories.” The manifestation of three decades of hope comes to fruition this weekend with the launch of “The Mind of Christ in a Crisis,” the theme for the show from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on KANE Radio Sunday, May 3, encourages listeners not to give up.
Opportunity knocked with an unexpected fulfillment during the Stay-at-Home coronavirus quarantine.
“Friends and family haven’t always understood what I was trying to do, combining ministry with the arts, but they believed in me," Branton said. "Things happen, and not always as we expect, like all of us today. The new program is exactly what I’ve wanted for more than 20 years, 30 in concept. Now that others are hungry for encouraging words — hope to replace fear and anxiety —I can share my stories of personal victories.”
After the broadcast, “Victory Songs and Stories” will remain archived, on
KANE1240.com
, for anytime listening. Guests sharing insight and Bible stories will include local pastors, people from all walks of life and an occasional friend from other states.
“Sitting at home these past few weeks, alone, having met so many interesting people of faith during the past five years made me realize how many stories are waiting to be told,” Branton said. “All of us are vulnerable in times of crisis. We all need spiritual nutrition to keep our minds healthy and bodies fit for service.”
The two-hour gospel music and talk format premiered as “Easter Sunday Jubilee” on KANE Radio April 12. Enthusiasm about the show set the tone for theme stories and songs to bring inspiration and encouragement from Branton’s experience walking by faith for more than three decades. The show will broadcast weekly from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings following the live St. Peter Catholic Church Mass at 7:30 a.m.
May is Mental Health Month and Branton’s guests for “The Mind of Christ in a Crisis,” the first show May 3, will talk about issues facing many in the workplace and at home during the pandemic.
Former New Iberia Parish School Special Education school psychologist Jeremy Babb joins the conversation talking about the challenges facing youth during this time.
District 2 City Councilman Marlon Lewis will share encouraging ideas and Cynthia Elmer, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention advocate and organizer, will share her thoughts on the simple things everyone can do to make it through tough times.
Songs to encourage, inspire and lift hopes will be featured along with stories of faith in action. While researching her favorite songs for this week’s show, Branton discovered some surprise national recording artist guests — their stories and songs will be featured as well.
“There is a lot of anxiety, depression, doubts, fears and anger due to the economic and physical repercussions of this virus,” Branton said. “Faith, hope and love are the gifts of charity that will see us through. Sharing my experience, strength and hope helps me press on, too.”
Each week a new theme will build around guests and stories including a variety of song styles. Listeners and fans of Branton’s “Coffee Talk With God” column are encouraged to share their stories and song requests at
[email protected]
or on Facebook.
Following the nation’s 9/11 tragedy in 2001, Vicky Branton’s new reality was, “I’ve got to be about My Father’s business.” She formed a 501c3 nonprofit arts and entertainment organization to promote Judeo-Christian family values. After a five-year IRS probationary period, years of small projects and a move to New Iberia, a period of dormancy lapsed the organization until 2019 when Branton’s “PAVY” documentary took home two Live Oak Awards at the second annual Iberia Film Festival.
The coronavirus isolation brought new inspiration and rebirth for the ministry founded by Branton. Education Value Entertainment Inc. is the organization underwriting the new show, “Victory Songs and Stories” on KANE Radio. Listeners are asked to help fund the program by commercial time or tax deductible donations of any amount.
For more information, please contact
Carol Grant at (337) 322-1664
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