Pastor's Blog

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Miss Maxine Dupont remains in the hospital.  I will visit her this morning.  Prayerfully, they are soon going to find out what is causing her pain and problems.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

I think I am correct in saying that Myrtle Bowden will receive her second round of chemotherapy today.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Sibley Higgins did not have surgery on his hand yesterday but was discharged from the hospital.  They are going to keep doing wound care and hope that the hand will heal without the surgery.  Pray for this to happen as you pray for Sibley.

Got a very nice card from John Milton & Teresa yesterday.  Keep praying for John Milton as he continues to recover from his heart surgery.

It is always a good thing when the oncologist begins his talk with the words, “I have some good news!”  That was the case for dad yesterday.  The super aggressive cancer is contained to one area – praise the Lord.  The doctor has decided that chemo is not the best choice for dad at this point so he is going with a new treatment that is supposed to have less side effects.  He will combine this treatment with a pill.  He is still doing some studying while making sure the insurance will pay because this is something new.  So, my sister will call on Thursday to get the definitive word.

The doctor thinks he can get this cancer under control in three months and then possibly move to a radiation treatment.  Dad was somewhat confused by all of this as he only heard what he wanted to hear.  So, we are very grateful for the prayers offered thus far on dad’s behalf and ask that you keep praying.

Daphne & I had the chance to go visit my ninety four year old Uncle who is now under hospice care.  His first words to me were, “Teddy, I am not going to live much longer” but he is still doing good.  He is not as good as he was just a couple of months ago but has an excellent attitude.  Pray for my Uncle Herschel Martin.

Soy, Deidra and the girls got some excellent news yesterday.  I recently wrote that they had been approved for temporary residency in Guatemala and would be able to apply for permanent residency in three to five years.  Not so fast my friend!  Yesterday afternoon they were given permanent residency – hallelujah!

Jennifer Brinkman, who is over the angel tree at Friendship, sent me a message last week saying that “all of ‘my’ kids have been taken care of!”  What does that even mean?  She & Martin have liked fourteen kids.  Was the angel tree just a disguise to buy Christmas gifts for the Brinkman boys?  I have ordered an immediate investigation once Jason Husband returns to town!  He will be the lead investigator.  In the meanwhile, thank you very much to each person who helped by sponsoring a child.

Lisa has an out of town meeting with her company today and tomorrow.  I will be traveling with her because she does not want to stay in a hotel alone and I do not want her to do so.  Bro. Jerry will fill my place in the two services tomorrow.

Senior adults, please join us for the Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, 11/21, beginning at 10:00AM in our CAB.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.  Grumble or grateful?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

What a wonderful day we had in our services yesterday.  We had Bobby Henley, Dale Bosarge and me speaking/preaching.  Two of the three did an awesome job!  The attendance was really good and the spirit was even better.  We give God the glory!

Miss Maxine Dupont was doing better yesterday afternoon than she was on Saturday afternoon.  Prayerfully, the doctors are getting to the root of her problems.  Keep praying.

Sibley Higgins was involved in a work related accident last Wednesday where he received third degree burns to his hands and initially lost his sight.  All is good now with the exception of his right hand.  The plan is to do surgery on that hand today.  Pray that the doctors will find a hand that has already begun healing.  Sibley used to ride the bus to Friendship when he was a young boy.  Pray for Sibley.

Sherry Howell tells me that we now have all that we need food wise for the community senior adults Thanksgiving meal.  Thank you to each person who is helping.  Pastor Ragsdale and the folks at the Grand Bay Community Church are helping as are Pastor Williams and the folks at Bethlehem Baptist.  I am grateful.

Basketball practices begin this afternoon and will take place every day this week with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday.  Pray for this ministry.

There will be a community choir rehearsal this Thursday, 11/21, beginning at 6:30PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  A second rehearsal will take place on Sunday afternoon, 11/24, beginning at 4:30PM.  This is for the community Thanksgiving service which will take place on Sunday, 11/24, beginning at 6:00PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to show up in full force for this annual service.

Daphne & I will be driving to Decatur, Alabama and then back to Grand Bay today.  My dad will see the oncologist and is supposed to received the results of the PET scan done this past Friday.  Thank you to those who are praying for dad.

I am going to go ahead and say that I do not think Alabama beats Auburn on 11/30 now that Tua is out.  I think it would have been a tough task with Tua but now it is not happening.  I could be wrong and I would be ok with that.  I do hope Tua makes a complete recovery and has a great pro career.

Speaking of pro football.  I am now in my third season of not watching the games.  I can honestly say that, for the most part, I have not missed it.  Will I ever watch it again?  Maybe.  Maybe not.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Maxine Dupont was admitted to the hospital yesterday.  Her blood pressure being too high is the problem this time.  Maxine really needs our prayers.

Do you believe in miracles?  Well, one happened yesterday in the life of Soy, Deidra and the girls.  They applied for their residency in Guatemala on October 7 and were approved yesterday, November 15.  You say, “so?”  That process normally takes at least six months and can extend out to even longer.  Their lawyer told them that he has ever seen anyone approved so quickly.  So, we say “to God be the glory!”  This is not dual citizenship but rather legal residency in Guatemala.  The beginning is temporary residency which will allow them to apply to become permanent residents in three to five years.  God is good!

Do you believe in miracles?  Bobby Henley’s video is four minutes in duration.  He tells me that he will then speak for five to six minutes.  That will take a miracle in, and of, itself!  LOL!  I am looking forward to hearing Bobby speak in our two morning services tomorrow.

Younger ladies of the Friendship family – we need five homemade cakes, five fruit salads and four sweet potato casseroles for the community senior adult Thanksgiving meal this Thursday, 11/21.  Thank you to those who have responded over the past couple of days – awesome!  Can we finish this thing out today?  Contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.

Congratulations to UMS, Mobile Christian and Resurrection for their play off victories last night.  Faith Academy saw their season end last night but they had a great season.  I can see UMS, Mobile Christian and Resurrection all winning their respective state championships.

Ok, I am going to say that Auburn beats Georgia today.  I think playing at home puts them over the top as the Tigers are a tough out when playing at home.

I was able to spend some time with Decker Terry yesterday.  You talk about a good and godly man – that is Decker.  He is so committed to spreading the Gospel through mission opportunities.  I am always encouraged after spending time with him.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  I hope all of those not traveling with girls softball will join us in church tomorrow!  Just saying!  LOL!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Do you remember that the Washington Nationals are the World Series champions?  Do you remember that our own Bobby Henley is their third base coach?  (Did you realize that Bobby is the main reason the Nationals won the WS?)  Well, Bobby will be speaking at Friendship this Sunday morning, 11/17, during both of our services.  Now, do not get too excited as I will still be preaching too.  Please pass the word to others about Bobby being with us.  He will show a four minute video and then share from his heart.  I have seen the video.  I have heard Bobby speak.  You do not want to miss this!

Lisa is busily cooking this morning.  This meal is for Sammy & Myrtle’s supper tonight.  I write that to simply remind you that there is a rotation for cooking meals for Sammy & Myrtle.  You can contact Daphne Hutto for the details on how to sign up.

Speaking of cooking, we are “close” to having all of the sweet potato casseroles, fruit salads, and cakes that we need for the community senior adult Thanksgiving meal.  Remember, this is for folks under the age of sixty five.  I do not want our older ladies (think Wendy Johnston) to do anything except be our guests that day.  Can you help?  Please contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com today.  Hey folks, I signed up for two sweet potato casseroles and if I can do it then. . . .   Here is looking at you Eddie Albritton!

Regular schedule on our campus this Sunday morning and evening.  Did I mention Bobby will be with us Sunday morning?

My dad will have a PET scan today.  We will meet with his oncologist on Monday for the results.  Prayers appreciated.

John Whalen flew to Michigan yesterday in order to be with his mom who has begun a series of forty two treatments for cancer.  Pray for John to have a great visit with his mom and family.

I am asking our choir members to join the community choir for the annual Thanksgiving service on Sunday, 11/24, at 6:00PM at the Grand Bay Church of God.  This choir will rehearse on Thursday, 11/21, at 6:30PM and then again on 11/24 at 4:30PM.  Both rehearsals will take place at the GBCOG.

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.  If you have not done so already, contact Sherry today!  Thank you!

I am in hopes that maybe one of our thirteen readers will know of a house for rent in Grand Bay.  If you do, please contact me via e-mail at pastor@friendshipfamily.net.  (Why are you assuming that Lisa is showing me the door?  LOL!)

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Keep praying for Maxine Dupont, Myrtle Bowden & John Milton Ladnier.

Jonny & Stephanie Gaston’s infant son, Gavin, remains in the hospital but is making progress.  Keep praying!

Gloria Whitmore shared in our morning service yesterday that Sierra Edwards is having several health issues.  She is presently staying with Jerry & Gloria while she deals with these matters so pray for Sierra.

Good day in our services yesterday.  We had a really good attendance in our evening service.

Still need folks to cook for the community senior adults Thanksgiving meal.  Contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com.

Sweet Tea will close their doors this week as they are going out of business.  Am I surprised?  Nope!  If you are going to have a business called “Sweet Tea” and do not even have any tea for sale then what do you expect?  It is a bit like having a store called Kentucky Fried Chicken and not having any chicken for sale.  If Bibbi would have only consulted with me beforehand.

Personally, I am enjoying these cooler temperatures.  The forecast calls for it to stay on the cooler side for the immediate future.  I like it!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Happy sixty third wedding anniversary to my parents!  This is definitely not the best of times for them but I am thankful they get to mark another anniversary.

Regular schedule on our campus this morning and evening.  I pray that the members of the Friendship family will be faithful to attend.  (We will have the heat on!)

The Friendship family is hospital free at the moment and for that we are most grateful.  No updates on those for whom we have been praying.  Just keep praying.

I am happy to tell you that Keith & Aninha Barrett are proud grandparents again as they welcomed another granddaughter into this world on Monday morning.  Congratulations!

Jonny & Stephanie Gaston’s newborn son, Gavin, is making progress daily.  He has been moved from the NICU to another unit.  Praise the Lord!

I am writing this entry just before midnight on Tuesday.  They are projecting we will see a consistent low of twenty nine degrees for about five hours beginning at 2:00AM.  The temperatures have been cool but the wind has been the major factor in this Arctic blast.  The wind chill has made the “feels like” temperature a bit on the cool side.  (And our Yankee readers think they are the only ones who have to deal with bitterly cold temperatures!)

Lisa landed safe and sound in Gulfport just after 10:00PM.  We were home around 11:15PM.  She had a good trip but she is one tired lady.

This blog prides itself on being a source of pertinent information.  It is not an advertisement mechanism.  However, folks tend to think it is so let me appease a couple of folks.  (LOL)  We need younger folks to cook for the senior adult Thanksgiving meal.  Contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com to sign up.

We need seventeen more sponsors for the angel tree.  You can buy the gifts or just give one hundred and fifty dollars and have them bought for you.  Jennifer Brinkman is the point person for this ministry.  She will have flyers available this Sunday.  (You did not hear this from me but rumor has it that Jennifer is buying personal Christmas while shopping for the angel tree thinking Martin will never figure it out.  Is that sly or what?)

Greer’s has two liter Sprites for ninety nine cents each plus ten percent plus tax.  (Taking this advertising thing to a whole new level)  Just saying!

Wow, what a game between South and Auburn last night.  Great crowd and great finish!  Nice win for Auburn and a tough loss for South.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.  Stay warm!

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

The church office is open today from 8:00AM until noon and then 1:00PM until 4:30PM.  Ditto for tomorrow and Thursday.

Thank you to those who contacted Sherry Howell about helping with the cooking for the Thanksgiving meal for the senior adults of our community.  I do not know the numbers but I do know that we need more folks, age sixty four and under, to step up and help with this most worthwhile cause.  Call the church office or, better yet, contact Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com.  We need you to do that either today, tomorrow or Thursday, please.  The sooner, the better.

Miss Maxine Dupont was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  They will decide tomorrow the next step in her journey as far as the medical folks are concerned.  Pray for Miss Maxine.

Cecil sent me a message saying that Myrtle had a good night Sunday and a good morning yesterday.  Praise the Lord.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

Keep praying for Sarah Thornton as continues to recover from her knee replacement surgery.  Do the same for John Milton.

You can stop praying for Eddie Albritton’s recovery as I watched him at the Alabama game this past Saturday.  He was jumping up and down like an eight year old girl at a Front Street Boys concert!

At 1:00AM today it was seventy degrees here.  Four hours later it is forty six degrees.  It is to supposed to top forty seven degrees all day and then drop to twenty nine degrees tonight – hallelujah!  If only it would last for a few days but it will not.

Lisa is set to arrive home tonight.  That is a good news, bad news scenario.  Good news is she will be home.  Bad news is that I will have to clean the house.  Anyone have a bulldozer I can borrow for a couple of hours late this afternoon?

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Happy eighth birthday to our granddaughter, Lizzi!  Lizzi was born on 11/11/11.  I hope her day is awesome!  Lisa is there to help her celebrate and I think they have been celebrating all weekend!  We love you Lizzi!

Thank you veterans!  The service yesterday afternoon was good.  Thank you to each person who attended.  Thank you to Pastor Terry Ragsdale for planning/coordinating all of it.  Thank you veterans.

The church office is closed today in observance of Veterans Day.  However, I will be working and available today should a need arise.  I will be in and out of the office as I will be doing hospital visits and have an appointment out of the office as well.  The office will be open as regular for the remainder of the week.

Miss Maxine Dupont remains hospitalized.  They will be making some decisions this week regarding her care from this point forward.  Keep praying for Miss Maxine.

Cecil told me yesterday that Myrtle has hit a few bumps along the way in her treatment so just keep praying.  Remember, if you want to help by providing a meal for Sammy & Myrtle then contact Daphne Hutto and she can tell you how that works.

Speaking of cooking, we need our folks, sixty four years of age and under, to step up to the plate in a big way regarding the community Thanksgiving meal for senior adults.  We need people to cook turkeys (turkeys provided), sweet potato casseroles, cakes and to make fruit salads.  You can call the church office or you can send an e-mail to Sherry at s.howell0530@gmail.com. Folks, this really needs to done over the next three days, please.

We are on a regular schedule this Wednesday morning and evening.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

Good morning from Grand Bay!  I had a fairly long day yesterday but arrived home safe and sound last night.  I am grateful to the Lord for traveling mercies as the roadways were pretty packed.  The line of cars getting off at Exit #37 on I-65 was crazy long!  You would think it is a holiday weekend!

Miss Maxine Dupont has been diagnosed with arachnoiditis.  From WebMD – “Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surrounds and protects the nerves of the spinal cord.”  Not sure the exact plan of action but do ask that you pray for Maxine.

John Milton continues to recover from his heart surgery.  He is doing well.  Keep praying.

Myrtle is in the beginning stages of her chemo treatments.  Keep praying for her too.  There is a list online where you can sign up to provide a meal for Sammy & Myrtle on a specific date.  You can ask Daphne Hutto for the details.

Regular schedule on our campus tomorrow morning and evening.  Finance Committee meets at 5:00PM.

Special community Veteran’s Day service in the Grand Bay Community Church parking lot tomorrow beginning at 3:00PM.  I hope you will attend this special service.

Well, our family received the news that we were basically expecting regarding dad’s health.  It was not good.  Dad now has “diffuse large B-cell lymphoma” which is totally different from the lymphoma he has had for years.  The oncologist called it a “beast” and a “killer.”  Says it is super aggressive.  Dad had a PET scan in June and this cancer was not present.  The oncologist says dad has less than six months to live if this cancer is not treated.  It is a curable cancer but it will take a strong effort on dad’s part and on the part of the oncologist.  I believe it will take fervent prayer on behalf of the church.

So, a PET scan will be done next Friday, 11/15, and then dad will meet with the oncologist on Monday, 11/18.  At this point, dad is ready to take the treatments.  However, his final decision will most likely be made once he meets with the doctor on 11/18 and learns the results of the scan.  Home health care begins this Monday at dad’s request which is amazing in, and of, itself.  Thank you to those who have been so kind as to contact me to offer your prayers and support.  I am grateful.

Congratulations to Faith, Mobile Christian & UMS for their playoff wins last night.  Coach Collier and the Bobcats lost a heart breaker in double overtime.  They had a great season and Coach Collier does a great job of preparing his team for life.

Lord willing, I will be traveling to Tuscaloosa early this morning for the football game and then will be back for all four services tomorrow.

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.